Few people really understand what BREEAM actually means and the difference it can make to a new building. BREEAM stands for Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Methodology and it sets the standard for best practice in sustainable building design, construction and operation.
BREEAM is now the most comprehensive and widely recognised measure of a building’s environmental performance in terms of its carbon footprint and environmental impact. So if you’re planning a commercial project, there’s a high chance it will be required to achieve BREEAM certification.
BREEAM is becoming standard for non-domestic public sector buildings and is increasingly required for privately developed commercial projects as well. You need to find out as early as possible whether a BREEAM assessment is required so you can find consultants to guide your build towards compliance. If your property doesn’t achieve the standard required, this can hold up a sale or prevent sign off.
The assessment system evaluates the building’s specification, design, construction and use across a broad range of categories related to energy and water use, pollution, materials, waste, ecology and management processes. It also considers the internal environment in terms of the health and well-being of people using the building as well as the transport methods that people can use to reach the building.
BREEAM assessors look carefully at each of the nine categories and give each one a score. These scores are then weighted depending on which categories are deemed to be the most important and an overall figure, between one and 100, is produced so the system is transparent and easy to understand. Once the overall score for the building is known this is translated into a rating on a scale of:
What can we do to help?
MacConvilles can work closely with your team to make sure BREEAM compliance is a top priority at every stage. No last minute delays, reduce the risk of unexpected costs. We will assess your situation and enable you to achieve a specific BREEAM rating in the most cost-effective way. Whether you are seeking compliance with regulations or aspire to the highest standards of sustainability, MacConvilles can provide the solution
Get in touch with MacConvilles now. Contact Ben Coombs at ben.coombs@macconvilles.unitedus.site or call 01273 692611
