Description
BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) is the UK’s primary sustainability certification system for buildings, offering structured assessments across various categories and lifecycle stages to promote sustainable construction, energy efficiency, and environmental responsibility.
Key Points:
- Scoring & Assessment Types: BREEAM scores range from Pass to Outstanding, based on credits earned across categories like energy, health & well-being, and materials; different schemes exist for new builds, refurbishments, and operational buildings.
- Impact & Application: BREEAM is often a planning requirement, influencing design choices and promoting low-carbon, resource-efficient construction; it is adaptable to both UK and international projects.
- Ongoing Developments: The method evolves to address climate adaptation, life-cycle carbon, pollution control, and innovation, encouraging early assessor involvement and whole-life performance monitoring.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the BREEAM Framework: Learn how BREEAM works, including its scoring system, category weightings, and how different assessments (e.g., design stage, post-occupancy) apply across building types and stages.
- Apply Sustainability Measures: Explore practical strategies for achieving credits, such as energy-efficient design, responsible material sourcing, indoor air quality controls, and sustainable transport solutions.
- Engage in the Certification Process: Gain awareness of the assessor’s role, submission timelines, and evidence requirements, and understand how early engagement maximises a project’s sustainability rating.
