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BREEAM Standards for Sustainable Construction

BREEAM Standards for Sustainable Construction

BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) is one of the most established and widely used green building certification systems in the world. Developed by the Building Research Establishment (BRE) in the UK, BREEAM offers a comprehensive framework for evaluating and certifying the sustainability performance of buildings, from their design and construction to their operation and performance over time. With its global reach, BREEAM sets a benchmark for sustainable building practices, helping developers, architects, and contractors create energy-efficient, environmentally responsible, and healthy spaces.

BREEAM certification encourages the integration of sustainability principles into the entire life cycle of a building, providing a roadmap for reducing energy consumption, water usage, carbon emissions, and resource depletion. By adhering to BREEAM standards, buildings not only reduce their environmental impact but also benefit from improved operational efficiency, cost savings, and occupant health.

Key Features of BREEAM Standards

BREEAM provides a rigorous, comprehensive approach to assessing a building’s environmental performance across a wide range of categories. The certification process is based on a point-based system where buildings are awarded credits for meeting specific criteria in each category. The total points achieved determine the level of certification, ranging from Pass to Outstanding.

BREEAM standards are flexible and applicable to various building types, including offices, retail spaces, residential buildings, educational facilities, healthcare buildings, and more. The framework is continually updated to reflect the latest sustainability innovations, scientific research, and evolving industry standards.

BREEAM Categories for Sustainable Construction

  1. Energy

    • This category focuses on reducing energy consumption and improving the energy efficiency of the building. BREEAM promotes the use of renewable energy, energy-efficient building systems, and low-carbon technologies to reduce the building's operational energy demands.

    Key Elements:

    • Use of renewable energy sources (solar, wind, geothermal)
    • Integration of energy-efficient systems, such as HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning)
    • Building energy performance improvement through optimized insulation and window performance
    • Energy monitoring and control systems to track and optimize energy use

    Impact: Lower energy costs, reduced carbon emissions, and compliance with sustainability goals.

  2. Water

    • The water category promotes water efficiency through the reduction of water consumption, wastewater management, and the adoption of water-saving technologies such as low-flow faucets, rainwater harvesting, and efficient irrigation systems.

    Key Elements:

    • Water-saving fixtures and appliances (low-flow toilets, faucets, showerheads)
    • Rainwater harvesting and use of recycled water for irrigation and cooling systems
    • Water metering to monitor usage and identify areas for improvement

    Impact: Reduced water bills, conservation of water resources, and minimal environmental impact.

  3. Materials

    • The materials category promotes the use of sustainable construction materials, such as recycled, low-impact, and locally sourced products. It encourages efficient material use, minimizing construction waste, and reducing the building's life cycle impact.

    Key Elements:

    • Sustainable sourcing of materials (FSC-certified wood, recycled steel, and concrete)
    • Minimizing waste through recycling and reusing construction materials
    • Use of low-impact materials, such as non-toxic finishes and low-VOC (volatile organic compound) paints

    Impact: Reduction in the environmental impact of construction materials, lower material costs, and support for local economies.

  4. Waste

    • This category addresses how a building minimizes construction and operational waste. It encourages strategies like reducing waste sent to landfill, recycling, and composting to achieve a more sustainable, circular approach to building waste.

    Key Elements:

    • Waste segregation and management during construction and operation
    • Use of recycled and reusable materials in building design
    • Operational waste management plans, focusing on recycling and reusing resources

    Impact: Significant reductions in landfill waste and lower construction costs due to material reuse and recycling.

  5. Health and Well-being

    • BREEAM emphasizes creating healthy environments for building occupants by promoting good indoor air quality, natural lighting, thermal comfort, and access to green spaces.

    Key Elements:

    • Natural ventilation and air filtration systems to ensure high indoor air quality
    • Daylighting strategies to maximize natural light in indoor spaces
    • Acoustic comfort by reducing noise pollution within and outside the building

    Impact: Improved occupant comfort, productivity, and health, leading to higher tenant satisfaction.

  6. Pollution

    • This category focuses on minimizing the building's impact on the environment, especially concerning air and water pollution, noise pollution, and the release of harmful chemicals into the environment.

    Key Elements:

    • Low-emission technologies to reduce air pollution and improve air quality
    • Use of cool roofing materials and green infrastructure to reduce the urban heat island effect
    • Minimization of construction pollution, such as dust, runoff, and noise

    Impact: Reduced environmental pollution and a more sustainable construction process.

  7. Transport

    • The transport category evaluates a building's accessibility to public transportation, promoting the use of sustainable transport such as bicycles and electric vehicles.

    Key Elements:

    • Proximity to public transport networks
    • Electric vehicle charging stations and bike storage facilities
    • Carpooling and shuttle services to reduce car dependence

    Impact: Reduced carbon emissions from transportation and increased accessibility for occupants.

  8. Land Use and Ecology

    • BREEAM encourages sustainable land development practices, which include the preservation of biodiversity, ecosystem restoration, and minimizing land degradation.

    Key Elements:

    • Protection of existing ecosystems, including green roofs and wildlife habitats
    • Native plantings and local flora to encourage biodiversity
    • Sustainable land management during construction and operation

    Impact: Preservation of local ecosystems and enhancement of biodiversity on the property.

  9. Innovation

    • This category rewards buildings for incorporating innovative, high-performance features or sustainability practices that go beyond the standard BREEAM criteria.

    Key Elements:

    • Implementation of cutting-edge green technologies or methods that improve environmental performance
    • Use of advanced building systems for energy efficiency or smart building solutions

    Impact: Recognition for pioneering sustainable practices that lead to a more efficient and resilient building design.

BREEAM Certification Levels

Buildings can achieve different levels of BREEAM certification based on the number of points they earn across the various categories. The certification levels are:

Q&A: Common Questions About BREEAM Certification

Q1: Why should a developer or building owner pursue BREEAM certification?
A1: BREEAM certification provides numerous benefits, including reduced operating costs, improved environmental performance, increased marketability, and higher tenant satisfaction. Additionally, BREEAM-certified buildings often enjoy higher asset values, eligibility for government incentives, and contribute to meeting global sustainability goals.

Q2: What is the cost of achieving BREEAM certification?
A2: The cost of BREEAM certification varies depending on the size and complexity of the building. Generally, the costs include registration, assessment, and certification fees, along with potential costs for additional design or construction measures to meet BREEAM standards. However, the long-term savings on energy bills, water usage, and waste management can offset these costs.

Q3: Can BREEAM be applied to existing buildings?
A3: Yes, BREEAM can be applied to both new and existing buildings. BREEAM In-Use is a certification specifically designed for existing buildings, allowing owners and managers to assess and improve their building's sustainability performance.

Q4: How long does it take to achieve BREEAM certification?
A4: The certification process typically takes several months, depending on the complexity of the building and the stage of construction. It involves documentation, assessments, and verification by a licensed BREEAM assessor. The process includes periodic reviews during the design, construction, and post-construction phases.

Conclusion

BREEAM standards for sustainable construction provide a robust, comprehensive framework for designing, building, and managing green buildings. By focusing on key sustainability areas such as energy efficiency, water conservation, material selection, and indoor environmental quality, BREEAM helps building owners and developers create spaces that are both environmentally responsible and economically viable. Achieving BREEAM certification not only promotes sustainable building practices but also increases the market appeal and value of a property, making it a smart choice for forward-thinking developers and building managers.

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