Why BREAAM Assessment Matters To Modern Developments?

To guarantee that projects fulfil sustainability objectives and maintain their peak performance throughout time, BREEAM is employed to define and assess the environmental performance of buildings. A BREEAM assessment evaluates a building’s specification, layout, construction, and operation using recognised performance metrics that are compared to predetermined benchmarks. From energy to ecological, a wide range of categories and objectives are represented by the measures utilized.

The most important elements are highlighted in each category, such as lower carbon emissions, low-impact design, climate change adaptability, environmental value, and biodiversity preservation. Reduced life cycle costs and gains in asset value, improved user experience and health, corporate image and CSR requirements, and risk reduction are all made achievable by including sustainability metrics as early in a project as possible utilising the BREEAM assessment UK methodology.

Why Employ Methods for Environmental Assessment?

The greatest urbanisation wave in the history of humanity is currently occurring on a global scale. Did you realise that, until 2060, Japan’s floor space will be expanded annually, and Paris’s every five days? Buildings are a key contribution to global warming, accounting for almost 40% of worldwide greenhouse gas emissions. To reach the emissions reduction targets established by the Paris Agreement by 2030, there must be a substantial rise in the rate of energy-efficient upgrades of existing buildings as well as the production and acquisition of renewable energy.

Although it would be troublesome, assuming we make a move now, we have opportunity and energy to achieve the Feasible Improvement Objectives and stick to the European Green Arrangement’s guide. The objective of ecological assessment strategies like BREEAM is to decrease the negative natural impacts of structures during the beginning stages of improvement and plan, development, and building life. As well as evaluating a structure’s manageability, BREEAM likewise thinks about the natural, social, and monetary advantages it offers to everybody in question in its life cycle.

How is BREEAM Implemented?

BREEAM assessments consider a variety of factors to establish eligibility for accreditation, and they are widely regarded as the highest standard for sustainable development and raising environmental awareness. After evaluating sustainability for some goals, BREEAM incentivises behaviour if it results in positive social, economic, or ecological effects.

What are the Requirements?

The following are among the categories and criteria that BREEAM assessors consider:

• Environmental
• Waste, Pollution, and Energy Management
• Water usage
• Well-being and Health
• Effectiveness
• Resources
• Transport

BREEAM assessors will assign building “credits,” or points, on each of the subsequent categories relying on the previously listed criteria. These points are then multiplied by an ecological weighting factor. A building is assigned a BREEAM rating when the total score is calculated by summing the results for each category.

The two stages of BREEAM certification along with evaluation are as follows:

• An evaluation is conducted after the design phase (in the course of which a provisional certificate is issued)
• An evaluation at the post-construction phase. A final certificate and consequent rating are awarded at this latter stage.

What makes BREEAM Crucial?

With up to 70% of local authorities in UK cities demanding a BREEAM accreditation, BREEAM is growing more and more significant for a variety of factors that impact the building and development of buildings. This implies that developers and property holders can be prohibited from completing building projects if BREEAM criteria are not followed:

• All public projects must now go through an environmental evaluation as part of the government’s construction strategy in order to receive an Excellent BREEAM rating.
• Every year, there is a growing need for environmentally friendly structures. Consequently, ensuring that a building or development has a high BREEAM rating may enhance the value and appeal of a commercial property.
• Because it is desirable to buy houses that satisfy BREEAM criteria, BREEAM can assist in accelerating sales.
• It is capable of helping landlords save money on renovations since BREEAM assessments take into account things like energy-efficient lighting, water-efficient components, and highly effective heating systems that cut operating costs for properties.
• Developers may be impacted financially by BREEAM ratings if a building fails to meet the BREEAM standards set by the local planning authority. It can indicate that the developer or contract is not abiding by the terms of the agreement which might end up in a costly legal battle.

Final Words

The effects of BREEAM’s actions on the environment over time make it significant as well. Enhancing the ecosystem for local species, reducing building waste, as well as figuring out ways to lower CO2 emissions have all benefited from increased attention being paid to planning ideas.