BREEAM Explained • Marble & Granite Designs Ltd

BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) is one of the world’s leading sustainability assessment methods for master planning projects, infrastructure, and buildings. Developed by the Building Research Establishment (BRE) in the United Kingdom in 1990, It’s become a widely recognised and influential tool for assessing the environmental performance of buildings. It sets the standard for best practices in sustainable building design, construction, and operation, aiming to mitigate the environmental impacts of buildings while enhancing occupant well-being.

Purpose and Importance of BREEAM

The primary purpose of BREEAM is to promote sustainability in the built environment by encouraging the design, construction, and operation of buildings that are energy-efficient, environmentally responsible, and conducive to health and well-being. Its importance can be understood through several key objectives:

Environmental Protection: It encourages the use of sustainable practices that reduce carbon emissions, energy use, water consumption, and waste production. This helps to protect the environment by lowering the ecological footprint of buildings.
Health and Well-being: The assessment criteria include considerations for indoor air quality, lighting, acoustics, and access to natural light, all of which contribute to healthier, more comfortable living and working environments.
Economic Benefits: Buildings that achieve BREEAM certification often have lower operating expenses due to energy efficiency and resource management. Additionally, they tend to attract higher property values and rental yields, making them more economically viable.
Market Differentiation: It provides a competitive edge in the real estate market, as it signals a commitment to sustainability and quality. It can also be a deciding factor for tenants and buyers who prioritise green buildings.
Regulatory Compliance: It helps developers and building owners meet or exceed regulatory requirements for sustainability, typically making it easier to obtain planning permissions and other necessary approvals.

BREEAM Assessment Categories

BREEAM assesses the environmental performance of buildings across a range of categories, each contributing to an overall score. The main categories include:

Energy: This category assesses energy use and carbon emissions, encouraging buildings to adopt energy-efficient systems and renewable energy sources.
Water: Evaluates water use and conservation strategies, such as low-flow fixtures, rainwater harvesting, and greywater recycling.
Materials: The assessment considers the sourcing, durability, and environmental impact of construction materials. It promotes the use of sustainable, low-impact materials and encourages responsible sourcing.
Waste: This category looks at waste management practices, both during construction and throughout the building’s lifecycle. It promotes recycling, reuse, and the reduction of construction waste.
Health and Well-being: Assesses indoor environmental quality, including factors such as natural light, ventilation, thermal comfort, and indoor air quality, all of which contribute to occupant well-being.
Pollution: This category focuses on minimising the building’s impact on the local environment, including reducing emissions to air, water, and land, and managing noise pollution.
Transport: Considers the building’s location and access to public transport, as well as provisions for cycling and low-emission vehicles, to reduce the environmental impact of commuting.
Land Use and Ecology: This category assesses the impact of the building on the local ecosystem and promotes the enhancement of biodiversity and green spaces.
Management: The management category evaluates the sustainability practices employed during the construction and operation of the building, including the use of environmental management systems.
Innovation: BREEAM rewards buildings that incorporate innovative solutions that exceed standard practice in any of the other categories.

BREEAM Ratings

BREEAM uses a points-based system to assess the performance of buildings in each category. The total points determine the overall rating, which is awarded on a scale ranging from Pass to Outstanding:

Pass: 30% and above
Good: 45% and above
Very Good: 55% and above
Excellent: 70% and above
Outstanding: 85% and above

These ratings provide a clear indication of a building’s sustainability performance, with higher ratings reflecting more significant environmental and social benefits.

Process of Achieving BREEAM Certification

The process of obtaining BREEAM certification involves several key steps:

Pre-Assessment: Before the formal assessment, a pre-assessment is often conducted to identify areas where the project can achieve higher scores and to develop a strategy for meeting the criteria.
Design Stage Assessment: During the design phase, the building’s plans are reviewed against BREEAM criteria. Points are awarded based on the anticipated performance of the building. This stage typically results in a provisional certification.
Post-Construction Assessment: After the building is completed, a final assessment is carried out to verify that the design specifications were met. The building’s actual performance is evaluated, and the final rating is awarded.
Certification: Once the assessment is complete, BREEAM certification is issued, which can be used to promote the building’s sustainability credentials.
Re-Assessment: For operational buildings, ‘BREEAM In-Use’ provides ongoing assessment and certification, allowing building owners to continuously improve their sustainability performance.

Applications of BREEAM

BREEAM certification is applicable to a wide range of building types and development projects, including:

Commercial Buildings: Offices, retail spaces, and industrial facilities.
Residential Buildings: Multi-family housing developments, single-family homes, and flat complexes.
Public Buildings: Schools, hospitals, and government buildings.
Infrastructure Projects: Roads, bridges, and utilities.
Refurbishments and Fit-Outs: BREEAM can also be applied to the renovation and fit-out of existing buildings, helping to improve their sustainability.

Advantages of BREEAM

Environmental Impact: BREEAM-certified buildings contribute to reduced environmental impact through energy efficiency, water conservation, and waste reduction.
Economic Benefits: Lower operating expenses, higher property values, and increased marketability are common economic advantages of BREEAM certification.
Health and Well-being: It prioritises occupant health, leading to more comfortable, productive environments.
Regulatory and Planning Benefits: BREEAM can simplify the planning process and ensure compliance with environmental regulations.

Limitations and Considerations

While BREEAM offers numerous benefits, there are some challenges and limitations:

Cost: Achieving BREEAM certification can be costly, particularly for smaller projects, due to the need for specialised consultants and potentially higher construction costs.
Complexity: The certification process can be complex, requiring detailed documentation and coordination across multiple disciplines.
Geographic Variability: While it’s widely recognised, it is more commonly used in Europe, particularly in the UK. Other regions may favour different sustainability standards.

Conclusion

BREEAM is a powerful tool for promoting sustainability in the built environment. By providing a clear and comprehensive framework for assessing the environmental performance of buildings, it helps developers, architects, and building owners create spaces that are not only environmentally responsible but also economically viable and conducive to occupant well-being. As sustainability becomes increasingly important in the construction and real estate sectors, BREEAM’s influence is likely to continue growing, making it a critical standard for the future of building design and operation.