BREEAM is one of the world’s most comprehensive and respected sets of standards for assessing the environmental performance of buildings. It covers all stages of a building’s life-cycle, from conception and design, through construction, use and demolition. BREEAM is used in over 70 countries worldwide, with more than 1.5 million registered assessments to date.
BREEAM provides a framework for assessing the environmental performance of buildings against a set of standards. The assessment process is rigorous and independent, with assessors working to strict guidelines. BREEAM certified buildings are some of the most sustainable and environmentally friendly in the world.
So, why is BREEAM so important in construction?
There are a number of reasons. First, BREEAM certified buildings are more energy efficient and have lower carbon emissions than traditional buildings. This is good for the environment and helps to combat climate change. Second, BREEAM certified buildings are healthier places to work and live in, with better indoor air quality and natural light levels. This helps to improve occupant health and wellbeing. Finally, BREEAM certified buildings are typically more valuable than non-certified buildings, with higher rental values and resale prices.
BREEAM is the most commonly used environmental assessment method in the world, with more than 400 qualifying authorities. It assesses a development’s procurement, design, construction, and operation against a series of performance criteria using BREEAM New Construction, BREEAM In-Use, or BREEAM Refurbishment & Fit Out.
If, therefore, you’re looking to build a sustainable and environmentally friendly building, BREEAM is the way to go.
BREEAM has been shown to deliver significant environmental benefits including:
- Reduced carbon emissions
- Improved energy efficiency
- Reduced water consumption
- Improved indoor air quality
- Enhanced natural light levels
- Improved acoustic comfort levels.Â
These benefits have been proven through independent research and studies conducted by leading organisations such as the BRE (Building Research Establishment) in the UK. In addition, BREEAM certified buildings have been shown to have higher rental values and resale prices than non-certified buildings.
Why should you use a BREEAM AP?
A BREEAM AP is someone who holds a BREEAM Accredited Professional qualification and an understanding of sustainability and environmental design, as well as a high level of competence in the BREEAM assessment procedure.
BREEAM assessors, such as those at SRE Ltd, are trained to work with clients and design teams on environmental sustainability, environment design, and environmental assessment issues. They assist the construction and design team in determining appropriate solutions for scheme compliance, target setting, and performance monitoring.
Trying to build a major project these days without a BREEAM AP is not recommended as the likelihood is that you will not get planning permission without first demonstrating that the project is environmentally friendly and sustainable in the long term.
Whatever your next construction project, from multi-million-pound infrastructure projects to an extension on a house, using the BREEAM framework and employing a BREEAM AP is simply good commercial sense. Find out more at SRE.
