How BREEAM Contribute to Sustainable Architecture?

Sustainability has grown more important in architecture business as governance, social, and environmental concerns become more vital to organisational decision-making and there is a greater understanding of buildings’ effect on the carbon footprint. BREEAM is a sustainability assessment technique that is turning into a better and more broadly used assessment technique in building initiatives. BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment approach) is a broadly recognized method for assessing, grading, and verifying a building’s sustainability in terms of the surrounding wellbeing, society, and financial system. Certification may take place at any stage of a development initiative, ranging from layout and building to operation and renovation, and the BREEAM assessment UK standards which are used for the assessment vary depending on the form of the development. So, whether you’re a property owner or builder trying to improve your building’s sustainability.

What Is BREEAM Certification, And How Does It Operate?

BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) is a widely accepted ecological evaluation and rating system for structures. It tries to enhance building sustainability & ecological efficiency by comparing them to performance standards. Certification is obtained by evaluating a building’s layout, construction, and operation against certain performance standards and then ranking it depending on how well it performs. The examination is divided into several categories, including energy usage, water quality, substances, waste, pollution, transportation, and health and well-being. The process of assessment starts during the design stage when the building’s architects and developers collaborate with a BREEAM assessor to analyse the building’s environmental performance and discover areas for growth.

The assessor follows up with on-site inspections throughout the construction process to guarantee that the structure meets the BREEAM standards. When the building is finished, the assessor does a final examination and establishes its BREEAM grade. Buildings can receive grades of Pass, Good, Very Good, Excellent, or Outstanding based on how well they perform.

Pros And Cons Of BREEAM

Many in the building sector support the adoption of BREEAM. Buildings designed to obtain a high BREEAM rating are believed to offer a variety of benefits for those who live and work in them, such as increased comfort and efficiency, but data also suggests that these types of structures are more appealing to investors, purchasers, along tenants. Some have challenged the adoption of BREEAM, claiming that building to the specified criteria could end up resulting in greater overall capital expenditures. BREEAM evaluations have also been criticised for being too difficult to carry out. As a result, it is common for developers to hire BREEAM advisers to help with design and oversee BREEAM adherence.

How Is BREEAM Calculated?

To acquire BREEAM certification, your building project needs to pass through a complex evaluation process which involves several categories, each of which has its own set of criteria. 

What Are The BREEAM Credits?

A BREEAM assessment awards points to your construction project. The points in question are referred to as BREEAM credits. Building projects receive credits depending on how well they comply with or exceed the set standards. To obtain a particular BREEAM rating (see below), your building project has to accumulate a certain amount of credits. 

Is BREEAM A Legal Requirement?

With an increasing desire to emphasise sustainability in construction, you might be wondering if BREEAM is required for new buildings. Nevertheless, BREEAM is not a legal obligation; it is a completely voluntary accreditation.  

What Are The Advantages Of BREEAM Certification?

Building owners as well as developers can profit from getting BREEAM certification in numerous ways:

• Improved energy efficiency: accreditation compels buildings to fulfil certain energy efficiency requirements that will serve to minimise energy usage and costs.
• Greater marketability and value: accreditation is generally recognised as a symbol of quality in the development business, making a building more appealing to potential tenants, buyers, and investors.
• Better occupant physical and mental well-being: assessments take into account the health and well-being of building inhabitants that can result in better indoor air quality, natural lighting, & outdoor space access.
• Reduced environmental impact: Certification demands buildings to satisfy specific requirements in areas like water efficiency, materials, waste, pollution, & transportation that may contribute to reducing the impact they have on the environment.

In addition to these advantages, certification can assist building developers and their owners with meeting regulatory standards, obtaining funds and grants, and improving their reputation. Overall, BREEAM certification is an effective instrument for enhancing building sustainability & environmental sustainability, with numerous advantages for building owners & designers.

Final Words

BREEAM certification is a well-known and acknowledged approach for building developers and property owners to show their dedication to sustainability and environmental sustainability. If you want to certify your facility, there are many evaluation systems available for new, existing, and residential structures.