Understanding BREEAM: A Comprehensive Guide to Environmental Assessment

Introduction to BREEAM

BREEAM, the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method, is a leading framework for assessing and certifying the environmental performance of buildings. Established in the UK in 1990, BREEAM sets high standards for sustainable design, construction, and operation, providing a robust measure of a building's environmental impact. It is one of several assessment tools that enable businesses to gauge their sustainability efforts effectively.

How BREEAM Operates

BREEAM assessments cover a variety of building types, including offices, retail spaces, educational institutions, and healthcare facilities. Additionally, it offers custom schemes for unique projects. The assessment process ensures that all stakeholders, including clients, project teams, and facility managers, adhere to best environmental practices. Moreover, achieving a high BREEAM rating can serve as a marketing advantage, attracting potential tenants.

BREEAM Scoring System

The BREEAM rating system evaluates projects based on nine weighted criteria. Each criterion must meet a minimum standard to contribute to the overall score. The final rating, which can range from Unclassified to Outstanding, reflects the project's adherence to these standards.

The Nine BREEAM Criteria

Energy
Land Use and Ecology
Water
Health and Wellbeing
Pollution
Transport
Materials
Waste
Management
Steps to Achieve BREEAM Certification

The certification process involves five key stages:

Pre-Assessment
This initial stage identifies the potential BREEAM rating for the project and highlights areas for improvement. A BREEAM assessor is appointed to conduct the pre-assessment.

Design Stage Assessment
The assessor conducts workshops with the project team to ensure compliance with BREEAM criteria during the design phase. An interim certificate is issued upon completion of this stage.

Construction Stage Assessment
Evidence is gathered to confirm the implementation of the design plan. After construction, the assessor compiles and submits the final assessment to the Building Research Establishment (BRE).

Third-Party Assessment
The BRE conducts a quality control review of the final assessment to ensure accuracy and compliance.

Certification
Upon passing the quality control review, the BRE issues an official BREEAM certificate. The project is also listed on BRE’s GreenBookLive database.

The Importance of ESG and BREEAM

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria are becoming increasingly significant for tenants, landlords, and stakeholders globally. This shift reflects a growing commitment to sustainability across various sectors. Given that the building and construction industry accounts for 36% of global energy consumption and 40% of CO2 emissions, sustainable commercial fit-outs are crucial for any comprehensive sustainability strategy.

Financial Benefits of BREEAM Certification

Emphasising environmental considerations not only benefits the planet but also offers substantial financial advantages. These include increased asset and property values, higher occupancy rates, enhanced talent attraction and retention, and reduced construction and operating costs.

In summary, BREEAM provides a rigorous and respected method for assessing the environmental performance of buildings. By following its comprehensive certification process, projects can achieve significant sustainability goals, aligning with global ESG criteria and reaping both environmental and financial rewards.

Best
Amanda Wright