BREEAM: What It Is and Why It Matters for Modern Construction?

Sustainable design and environmentally responsible construction practices have gained a significant momentum over the past few decades. Among various standards and assessment methods available, BREEAM stands out as one of the most influential. But what exactly is BREEAM and why is it important for modern construction and development projects? Let’s explore.

The Key Concept of BREEAM

BREEAM acronyms for Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method. It is an internationally acknowledged method for evaluating sustainability in master planning projects, infrastructure and buildings. Established in 1990 by the Building Research Establishment (BRE) in the United Kingdom, it was the first of its kind and remains as one of the most widely used certification systems worldwide. BREEAM provides a framework for measuring the sustainability performance of new as well as the existing structures. This covers various aspects such as energy use, environmental impact along with the occupant well-being.

As of recent years, over 600,000 buildings have been certified under BREEAM, with more than 2.3 million registered for assessment across 80 countries. This widespread adoption highlights the global reach and influence of BREEAM in promoting sustainable building practices.

The Working of BREEAM

BREEAM functions as an independent certification system that evaluates a building’s environmental performance during its design, construction as well as the operational phases. Projects are assessed by licensed BREEAM assessors who review the design documents, building materials along with the management practices to ensure the compliance with the standards.

The assessment process begins when a project team registers for a BREEAM certification and continues through a series of evaluations. These evaluations measures the sustainability performance against the predefined benchmarks. Integrating advanced technologies like 6D BIM Services can further enhance the project management and help teams to meet the BREEAM requirements efficiently by providing a comprehensive data for the life cycle analysis.

The BREEAM Criteria

BREEAM evaluates the buildings based on a comprehensive set of criterias. Each criterion contributes points which are known as credits. These credits collectively determine the building’s final score. Key assessment categories include:

1. Energy – Examining energy efficiency, incorporating renewable energy sources, and lowering the greenhouse gas emissions. For example, BREEAM-certified buildings can achieve energy savings of up to 30% compared to the standard buildings.
2. Water – Assessing water efficiency measures and technologies that reduce water consumption thereby leading to a potential water use reduction of up to 50% in some certified projects.
3. Materials – Focusing on the use of sustainable and responsibly sourced materials. Some reports have shown that BREEAM encourages the use of materials with low embodied carbon ultimately promoting a circular economy.
4. Waste – Fostering waste minimization and promoting recycling throughout the construction as well as the operational phases.  
5. Health and Well-being – Examining factors that contribute to the comfort, health along with the productivity of the occupants such as air quality, lighting and thermal comfort.
6. Transport – Assessing the building’s connectivity to public transport networks and facilities that promote sustainable transportation.
7. Pollution – Reducing pollution levels, particularly those related to air and water contamination.
8. Land Use and Ecology – Promoting biodiversity and optimizing the use of land resources. The BREEAM encourages projects to improve ecological value which can lead to a 10% or more increase in the local biodiversity.
9. Management – Evaluating effective project management practices that support sustainability goals.

Each criterion has a weighting based on its environmental impact which directly contributes to the overall score.

The BREEAM Rating Scale

The total score obtained by the building after the assessment is used to determine its BREEAM rating. The BREEAM rating scale is as follows:

• Outstanding (≥ 85%)
• Excellent (≥ 70%)
• Very Good (≥ 55%)
• Good (≥ 45%)
• Pass (≥ 30%)
• Unclassified (< 30%)

This scale provides a clear and transparent system that helps stakeholders understand a building’s sustainability level at a glance.

The Importance of BREEAM

BREEAM plays a critical role in promoting the sustainable development and has several key benefits:

1. Environmental Impact Reduction: The BREEAM-certified buildings are designed to minimize their environmental footprint which helps to conserve the resources and reduce the pollution.
2. Enhanced Market Value: Properties that achieve a higher BREEAM ratings often have higher market value and greater appeal to the potential buyers or tenants who prioritizes sustainability the most. A study by Knight Frank found that BREEAM-certified office spaces command 19% higher rents than non-certified spaces.
3. Operational Cost Savings: Implementing BREEAM standards often results in the improved energy and water efficiency, which leads to a significant cost savings over a building’s lifecycle.
4. Regulatory Compliance: Many governments and local authorities integrate BREEAM standards into their planning and building regulations thereby ensuring that the projects meet the specific sustainability requirements.
5. Health and Well-being of Occupants: By prioritizing factors such as natural lighting, indoor air quality and noise control, BREEAM-certified buildings contributes to a better health and increased productivity of their occupants. A BREEAM study found that the offices certified under its standards saw a 10% increase in the productivity.
6. Social Responsibility: Adopting BREEAM demonstrates a commitment to the corporate social responsibility (CSR) and showcases a developer’s dedication to sustainable practices.

BREEAM: The Essential Guide to Sustainable Building Certification

BREEAM is more than just a certification system; it’s a comprehensive approach to a responsible and sustainable building. By adopting BREEAM standards, the developers, architects and the property owners can ensure that their projects not only meet but exceeds the environmental, economic as well as the social expectations.

Integrating BIM Services with BREEAM ensures a seamless process from the design through construction to operation, with a focus on optimizing the environmental performance of the building while streamlining collaboration and minimizing costs.