What is BREEAM?
BREEAM is the world’s most established method of assessing, rating, and certifying the sustainability of buildings. It’s primary goal is to reduce the negative environmental effects of construction and development by encouraging the adoption of sustainable solutions.
Now that BREEAM is a requirement for public sector projects and is fast becoming a demand of financially and environmentally conscious consumers our BREEAM Assessors have put together their Top 10 Tips so you can ensure your assessment run smoothly.
Our Top 10 Tips
1. Start early
Get an AP on your team from the outset!
A BREEAM AP positively contributes to project designs. 3 easy credits are available for engaging an assessor at the outset so make sure you don’t miss out. With these 3 credits could you will be a third of the way to getting a BREEAM pass rating.
Intergrated early on in the design stage are other ‘easy win’ credits. Missing out on these early credits may mean you need to invest in expensive ‘bolt ons’ later on. And these may not offer real improvement to the sustainability of your development. Contact an assessor as soon you think a project may happen- its all in the planning!
2. Choose your assessor wisely
Check what your money pays for. It is important to know what you are getting for your money.
Many BREEAM assessors quote their fees based on the project. So whether you appoint an assessor early in the design stage or late in the construction phase the fee you pay may be the same.
However not all assessors provide the same level of service. Here at MacConvilles our fees are transparent. Check what your quote includes to ensure you avoid any nasty fee surprises.
3. Use your assessor
BREEAM assessments can only be carried out by a licensed BREEAM Assessor. A good assessor will work with your design team and be on hand to help you with any problems. They will keep you up to date with how your assessment is progressing but it is important that you keep your assessor in the loop too. Keeping them up to date as to how your project is developing will help them pick up on potential issues before they turn into major issues. This could save you time, money and your rating.
4 & 5. Understanding and commitment
Get the right team behind your project.
It is essential that your full project team are behind the assessment process for it to run smoothly. At MacConvilles we provide bespoke workshops for your project team on the process and requirements for your assessment. We find this brings about a greater understanding, engagement and commitment of your team in delivering a positive assessment outcome.
6. Carry out vital assessments before starting work on site
Carry out an ecology and flood risk assessment before starting any work on site and devise a compliant drainage plan . Don’t at your own peril.
7. Carry out your SBEM calculations at your earliest opportunity
Buildings designed to minimise operational energy demand, consumption and CO2 emissions are recognised in the BREEAM assessment.
The SBEM calculation can contribute a large number of credits to your total score and should be completed as soon as possible so any shortfalls that may occur can be recouped elsewhere.
8. Don’t let design impacts effect your BREEAM rating
Designs change and evolve as projects develop. Inform your BREEAM assessor before initiating changes so you cant check what impact they could have on your final rating.
9. Be clear when sending evidence
Ensure your evidence is clearly and timely presented with an explanatory cover note. Information management can either ensure the success or failure of a project. At MacConvilles we recommend that evidence is always provided in an electronic format. Our use of cloud based project sharing programmes means your information is centrally curated, accessible, current and comprehensive. All information and evidence submissions are reviewed, tracked and monitored by an Assessor and any queries or requests for clarification being dealt with promptly. So you can be confident of gaining the credits your project deserve with all this information at our fingertips.
10. Ask
If confused or unsure ask advice. Your assessor is there to help you. With our experience and resources a clear and comprehensive answer won’t be far away.
Would you like to know more?
Contact our BREEAM assessors for a free initial consultation.
Email or call us on 01273 692611 today.
BREEAM is a registered trademark of BRE (the Building Research Establishment Ltd. Community Trade Mark E5778551). BREEAM marks, logos and symbols are the Copyright of BRE and are reproduced by permission.
