BREEAM Assessment Criteria

If one is in the industry of green building, one might probably be wondering how one can get the BREEAM certification for the project. BREEAM, or the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method, is a certification scheme which sets benchmark levels for building performance. This scheme is independently operated by a trust that is separate from the government or industry, ensuring its impartiality. Moreover, it gives weighting to various sustainability issues and combines them into one single score. Ideally, one will aim to maximise the score to demonstrate one's expertise to potential clients.

The BREEAM assessment system is the most popular environmental assessment method. Its objective is to evaluate the sustainability of a building, which is achieved by focusing on several factors, such as energy efficiency, water use, and ecology. For example, BEC Consultants recently produced a BREEAM ecology report for the Midlands Prison in Portlaoise, Ireland. The report included a botanical survey, incidental fauna recording, and kick-sampling of a stream nearby. The report also recommended actions that fulfil BREEAM criteria.

Having a BREEAM assessment can be advantageous for architects, builders, and developers. The assessment can give the design team a preliminary idea of sustainability. This can then be translated into a cost plan. If a building is certified with the BREEAM assessment, it is likely to earn higher rent, resulting in higher tenant satisfaction. Once the pre-assessment has been completed, a BREEAM assessor will evaluate the building after construction and make a final decision.

BREEAM is an internationally recognised environmental assessment method. It involves the involvement of all stakeholders and sets benchmark standards for sustainable buildings. Using BREEAM as a guide, enables designers to assess their projects against recognized benchmarks and encourages continuous improvement. The BREEAM Assessment Criteria for sustainability consultants are detailed and comprehensive and are widely used in the construction industry. In addition to the design and construction phases, the BREEAM also evaluates management, indoor spaces, and water use.

The BREEAM Assessment Criteria are used in new build and refurbishment projects. Some Local Planning Authorities even require BREEAM assessments. However, many clients choose to use BREEAM assessments to raise rental/sale value, lower running costs, enhance CSR, and improve tenant retention. Furthermore, BREEAM assessments can also lead to fewer void periods. These benefits make them a worthwhile investment.

The BREEAM Assessment Criteria are a set of standards that a project must comply with. The 2011 BREEAM Standard is over 400 pages and has a variety of assessment issues that are evaluated. Each issue has its target, aim, benchmarks, and minimum thresholds, and credits are awarded for meeting these targets. The total number of BREEAM credits earned and their weighting determine the final performance rating. The BREEAM system allows projects to hand-pick issues they are most interested in.

The BREEAM scheme awards buildings 'credits' for their performance against 47 BREEAM assessment issues. Each assessment issue addresses a particular impact on the environment and is assigned a BREEAM 'weighting factor'. A building earns credits if it meets certain levels in each issue, resulting in a BREEAM rating. Here is an example of a project that has been certified BREEAM.

Using BREEAM as a standard can reduce costs and improve the environment. It can also increase the attractiveness of a building by promoting a healthier workplace. Clients may also mandate the use of BREEAM. The UK Government's Construction Strategy requires environmental assessment on public projects. Buildings should aim for an Excellent rating in BREEAM. This is the highest level of BREEAM. The BREEAM standard is the most comprehensive, widely used environmental assessment methodology.

BREEAM is the most popular sustainability rating system for buildings. It incorporates a process that involves active participation from all parties involved in the project. It provides an opportunity for the design team to critically evaluate its environmental credentials and performance against internationally recognized benchmarks. BREEAM also provides a pre-approval version for planning processes. It is also a great resource for architects, designers, and contractors.