Blog | BREEAM Assessments

What is BREEAM?

BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) is used to determine best practice sustainable building design, construction, and operation. Today, this methodology is applied in over 70 countries across the world. This number is expected to further increase in a bid to tackle climate change.



This guide explores what this assessment is, what it measures, and why it is beneficial to conduct these assessments for your building project. 

What is BREEAM?

With buildings currently responsible for 40% of the UK's total carbon emissions and the UK government committed to meeting net zero carbon targets by 2050, increasing pressure is being placed on the construction industry to make a change.

 

It was first launched in 1990 by the Building Research Establishment and is now the leading method used to assess the overall sustainability of a building. It measures the performance of new developments and can also be used to evaluate existing buildings (eg for refurbishments and renovations). This process begins at the design stage of a project and continues through to the construction and operational phases.


It is an effective way of certifying a building’s performance by evaluating how sustainable the building is as well as how comfortable an environment it is for occupants. These certified ratings can also make buildings more attractive to future investors. 

What is measured?

This methodology assesses the sustainability of a building across a variety of performance benchmarks. Efficiency is evaluated across a range of categories including:

  • Energy
  • Water
  • Health and wellbeing
  • Land use
  • Transport
  • Pollution
  • Materials
  • Ecology
  • Waste
  • Management

Each of these categories carry different weightings dependent on their importance. Scores are provided in relation to the criteria for each of these areas, with a building’s overall rating evaluated at the end. The assessor will also offer suggestions on how to improve a building’s rating. Ratings range between:

Rating Score
Unclassified <30%
Pass >30%
Good >45%
Very Good >55%
Excellent >70%
Outstanding >85%

What are the benefits?

1. Cost-Effective

Though there are initial costs involved in implementing energy efficient measures within a building and conducting this assessment, these are offset by the large savings that are made over time.


Features such as energy efficient heating systems and efficient lighting can considerably reduce a building’s running costs. In addition, by installing some of these measures some businesses may be eligible for government subsidies to help with costs. With energy costs currently soaring, now more than ever is the time to think about adopting energy efficient measures within your building.


Moreover, certified rated buildings offer enhanced marketability compared to non-certified properties. 

2. Improve health and wellbeing of occupants

Opting for more energy efficient measures can create a more comfortable environment for a building’s occupants, making it more attractive for companies to locate to. 

3. Meet regulations

These assessments can help achieve compliance with government regulations. The UK Government’s Construction Strategy requires all public projects to carry out an environmental assessment. Undergoing a BREEAM assessment helps meet these regulations. 

4. Positive image

This certified rating demonstrates a sustainable approach in construction, which can generate positive publicity for the design team and developers. 

Summary

BREEAM determines how sustainable a building is, giving it a rating and offering ways to improve this. Undergoing these assessments can improve the marketability of a building, ensure compliance with building regulations, and can result in positive publicity for a building’s developer.


DARe-me Consulting Engineers are highly experienced in conducting BREEAM assessments within a range of industries including industrial, commercial, education, fit outs and refurbishments, and more. If you are interested in finding out more for your building project, contact a member of our team today.

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