A short guide to BREEAM green building certification

1 Mar

Introduction to BREEAM

BREEAM is a UK-based metric system that measures the sustainability of any type of building. It is a globally recognized standard used during all stages of a building, from evaluation of building specifications and design to construction and operational use.

It is one of the most rigorous and comprehensive assessments available, using quantitative standards that are independently assessed rather than relying on self-reported data. The focus here clearly is primarily on environmental health, although some consideration is taken for human health concerns as well within the standard.

For more on healthy building certifications in particular, see here.

Categories in BREEAM

BREEAM covers management, health and wellbeing, energy, transport, water, materials, land use and ecology, pollution, and innovation categories.

Each category ties back to the big picture of sustainability, establishing ways to reduce carbon emissions, low-impact design, adapt to climate change, and protect biodiversity and ecological value. This comprehensive approach addresses a wide range of sustainability factors.

Benefits of BREEAM

One of the most significant benefits of integrating BREEAM early into a project is that it can reduce life cycle costs and increase asset values while enhancing the user experience, health, and well-being of occupants.

This is especially important in workplaces where BREEAM recognizes the importance of creating a workspace that fosters the well-being of employees (the human health factor).

Health and wellbeing in BREEAM

This is assessed through the health and well-being category by focusing on indoor air quality, natural light, acoustics, and access to outdoor spaces.

By prioritizing occupant and health benefits, BREEAM-certified offices allow for a more productive and healthier work environment and potentially lower absenteeism. Employers find that such attractive offices start to bring in and retain top talent.

Sustainable building practices in BREEAM

Furthermore, BREEAM encourages sustainable building practices that reduce a building's environmental impact through strategies such as using sustainable materials and conscious construction techniques.

Organizations that prove their commitment to sustainability tend to attract more eco-conscious consumers and partners, which is an added benefit.

Certification levels in BREEAM

BREEAM certification levels are “Pass,” “Good,” “Very Good,” and “Excellent.” There are a range of scoring options that BREEAM offers, so this certification is for everyone.

They include New Construction, In-Use, Refurbishment & Fit-Out, Communities, and Infrastructure. Registration fees go from $1,200-$1,500, depending on what project the owner undertakes.

To be certified, fees range from $1,200-$11,000, depending on the project and how many commercial buildings are being certified.

Comparing BREEAM with the US Green Building Council LEED certified buildings system

BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) and USGBC LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) are two of the most prominent green building standards used globally to assess and certify the sustainability and environmental performance of buildings.

So how does a real estate project team choose between the two while balancing the three levers of planetary health, human health and commercial value?

Here, we'll compare and contrast these two standards, highlighting both their similarities and main differences:

Similarities between US Green Building Council LEED certified buildings and a BREEAM green building:

Sustainability Assessment: Both BREEAM and LEED are voluntary certification systems that evaluate the environmental and sustainability performance of buildings, covering various aspects such as energy efficiency, water use, materials, and indoor environmental quality.
Global Applicability: While LEED is more commonly used in the United States, both standards have expanded their reach internationally. BREEAM is widely used in the UK and Europe, while LEED projects can be found in over 170 countries.
Comprehensive Approach: Both standards take a holistic approach, considering a wide range of factors, including site selection, energy efficiency, water conservation, materials selection, indoor air quality, and innovation.
Third-Party Certification: Both BREEAM and LEED require third-party assessors to verify compliance and issue certifications. This ensures objectivity and credibility.
Tiers of Certification: Both standards offer multiple levels of certification based on the number of points or credits achieved. For BREEAM, this includes Pass, Good, Very Good, Excellent, and Outstanding. LEED offers Certified, Silver, Gold, and Platinum levels.

Differences:

Origin and Region: BREEAM originated in the United Kingdom and is more prevalent in Europe, while LEED was developed in the United States and is primarily used in North America, although it has a global presence.
Categories and Credits: While both standards cover similar aspects of sustainability, their categories and credit systems differ. BREEAM typically assesses buildings based on the categories of Management, Health and Wellbeing, Energy, Transport, Water, Materials, Waste, and Land Use and Ecology. LEED, on the other hand, has its own set of (not entirely dissimilar) categories such as Location and Transportation, Sustainable Sites, Water Efficiency, Energy and Atmosphere, Materials and Resources, Indoor Environmental Quality, and Innovation.
Weighting of Categories: The relative importance of categories and credits varies between BREEAM and LEED. Each standard places subtly different emphasis on certain aspects, reflecting regional priorities and concerns. That said, we can also say that the two are broadly similar in their value system, representing the established canon of green building concepts in use today.
Project Adaptation: LEED has developed specific adaptations for different projects, such as LEED for Homes, LEED for Schools, and LEED for Healthcare. BREEAM also has variations for specific building types, but they are generally less diverse than LEED's adaptations.
Documentation and Process: BREEAM and LEED have different documentation requirements and assessment processes. The documentation process for LEED tends to be more prescriptive and standardized, while BREEAM arguably in our opinion as BREEAM APs allows for slightly more flexibility and project-specific solutions.
Global Recognition: LEED has a higher level of global recognition and is often preferred for multinational corporations. BREEAM, while gaining international popularity, may not be as familiar to stakeholders outside of Europe, nonetheless it should not be ignored and seems to be gaining in popularity every year!

In summary, both BREEAM and LEED are robust green building standards that share common goals of promoting sustainability and environmental responsibility in the built environment.

However, they differ in their origins, regional adaptations, assessment criteria, and documentation processes, reflecting their respective focuses and the regions where they are most widely used.

Ultimately, the choice between the two standards may depend on project location, stakeholder preferences, and specific sustainability goals.

What is the BREEAM Communities sustainability framework for masterplanned developments?

https://bregroup.com/products/breeam/breeam-technical-standards/breeam-communties/

BREEAM Communities is a sustainability framework developed by the Building Research Establishment (BRE) in the United Kingdom designed to assess the sustainability and environmental performance of large-scale development projects at the community level.

BREEAM Communities is intended to guide and evaluate the sustainability of entire neighborhoods, districts, or master-planned communities, rather than individual buildings.

What are the key concepts and details of BREEAM Communities?

Target Audience: BREEAM Communities is primarily aimed at various stakeholders involved in the planning and development of large-scale community projects, including:

Developers: Those responsible for designing and constructing the community.
Local Authorities: Government bodies and municipalities overseeing planning and development.
Planners and Architects: Professionals involved in the design and layout of the community.
Investors: Organizations or individuals financing the development.
Community Stakeholders: Residents, local businesses, and other community members.

Key Concepts and Components:

Sustainability Framework: BREEAM Communities provides a comprehensive framework for assessing the sustainability of a community. It covers a wide range of environmental, social, and economic factors, allowing for a holistic evaluation.
Master Planning Stage: The assessment process begins at the master planning stage, enabling developers and planners to integrate sustainability considerations from the project's inception. This early involvement helps identify opportunities for sustainable design and planning.
Community Engagement: BREEAM Communities emphasizes community engagement and encourages developers to involve local residents and stakeholders in the decision-making process. It assesses the extent to which the community's needs and aspirations are considered.
Sustainability Categories: BREEAM Communities assesses sustainability across various categories, including:
- Governance and Management: Evaluates the governance structure, sustainability policies, and management practices in place.
- Social and Economic Wellbeing: Considers social inclusion, job creation, and economic benefits to the community.
- Resources and Energy: Addresses resource-efficient design, energy efficiency, and renewable energy use.
- Transport and Movement: Focuses on transportation options, connectivity, and accessibility.
- Land Use and Ecology: Assesses the impact on local ecosystems, green spaces, and biodiversity.
- Water Management: Evaluates water conservation, drainage, and flood risk mitigation.
- Pollution: Addresses pollution prevention and air quality management.
Flexible Scoring System: BREEAM Communities uses a scoring system, where credits are awarded for meeting sustainability criteria in each category. Projects can achieve different certification levels, including Pass, Good, Very Good, Excellent, and Outstanding, based on their total score.
Continuous Improvement: The framework encourages continuous improvement and provides opportunities for developers to enhance sustainability throughout the project's lifecycle.
Certification: Once the assessment is completed and the project meets the required criteria, it can receive BREEAM Communities certification, demonstrating its commitment to sustainability and responsible community development.

In summary, BREEAM Communities is a comprehensive sustainability framework aimed at guiding and evaluating the sustainability of large-scale community development projects.

It emphasizes early involvement, community engagement, and a holistic assessment of environmental, social, and economic factors to create sustainable and thriving communities.

BREEAM for New Construction

https://bregroup.com/products/breeam/breeam-technical-standards/breeam-new-construction/

BREEAM New Construction is designed to promote sustainable building practices, reduce the environmental impact of new developments, and improve the overall quality of constructed environments.

Here are its key objectives, certification categories, and key principles:

Objectives:

Promote Sustainable Building: BREEAM New Construction aims to encourage sustainable construction practices and raise awareness about environmental and sustainability issues within the construction industry.
Reduce Environmental Impact: It seeks to minimize the environmental impact of new buildings by assessing and improving their energy efficiency, resource use, and overall sustainability.
Improve Building Performance: BREEAM New Construction encourages the design and construction of buildings that perform efficiently, provide a healthy indoor environment, and meet user needs effectively.
Enhance Quality of Life: The standard strives to create buildings that are comfortable, safe, and healthy for occupants while promoting social well-being and inclusivity.

Certification Categories:

BREEAM New Construction assesses sustainability across sustainable buildings in a range of categories, each addressing specific aspects of building performance. The categories typically include:

Management: Evaluation of the project's sustainability management, policies, and procedures.
Health and Wellbeing: Focus on indoor air quality, thermal comfort, and factors that contribute to occupant well-being.
Energy: Assessment of energy efficiency, renewable energy use, and carbon emissions reduction.
Transport: Consideration of transportation options, connectivity, and sustainable travel alternatives.
Water: Evaluation of water efficiency, water conservation measures, and sustainable water management.
Materials: Examination of responsible sourcing, life cycle impacts, and sustainable material choices.
Waste: Assessment of waste reduction, recycling practices, and waste management strategies.
Land Use and Ecology: Consideration of site selection, ecological impacts, and measures to protect local biodiversity.
Pollution: Focus on pollution prevention, air quality, and measures to reduce environmental pollution.
Innovation: Recognition of innovative strategies and practices that go beyond standard sustainability requirements.

Key Principles:

BREEAM New Construction is built upon several key principles that guide its assessment process:

Holistic Approach: BREEAM considers a wide range of environmental, social, and economic factors, promoting a holistic approach to sustainability in building design and construction.
Performance-Based: The standard assesses actual performance rather than just design intentions, ensuring that buildings meet their sustainability goals in practice.
Flexibility: BREEAM allows for flexibility in meeting sustainability criteria, allowing projects to adapt to their unique circumstances and context.
Continuous Improvement: The standard encourages ongoing sustainability improvements throughout the building's lifecycle, from design and construction to operation and maintenance.
Third-Party Assessment: BREEAM assessments are carried out by trained and accredited assessors, ensuring objectivity and reliability in the certification process.
Certification Levels: Projects can achieve different levels of BREEAM certification, including Pass, Good, Very Good, Excellent, and Outstanding, based on their total score in the assessment.

In summary, BREEAM New Construction is a widely recognized sustainability standard that promotes sustainable building practices, reduces environmental impact, and improves the overall quality of newly constructed buildings.

It assesses sustainability across multiple categories in green, adheres to key principles, and encourages a performance-based approach to sustainability in the construction industry.

BREEAM for Refurbishment and Fit-out

https://bregroup.com/products/breeam/breeam-technical-standards/breeam-refurbishment-and-fit-out/

The BREEAM Refurbishment and Fit-out sustainability standard is a specific assessment method within the BREEAM framework, designed to evaluate and certify the sustainability and environmental performance of existing buildings undergoing refurbishment or fit-out projects.

It focuses on improving the sustainability of the building's interior and systems while considering the environmental and social impacts of the renovation.

Here's an overview of BREEAM Refurbishment and Fit-out and how it differs from other BREEAM certification options like BREEAM Community and BREEAM New Construction:

BREEAM Refurbishment and Fit-out:

Scope: BREEAM Refurbishment and Fit-out specifically targets existing buildings that are undergoing renovation or fit-out projects. It assesses the sustainability of interior modifications, systems upgrades, and changes made during refurbishment.
Objective: The primary objective of BREEAM Refurbishment and Fit-out is to ensure that the renovation or fit-out of an existing building results in improved sustainability and reduced environmental impact. It promotes sustainable practices during the refurbishment process.
Categories: Like other BREEAM assessments, BREEAM Refurbishment and Fit-out evaluates sustainability across various categories, including Management, Health and Wellbeing, Energy, Transport, Water, Materials, and Pollution. However, the criteria within these categories are tailored to the context of refurbishment and fit-out projects.
Assessment Approach: The assessment process takes into account the existing building's condition and performance before refurbishment, considering the potential challenges and opportunities for sustainability improvements during the renovation.
Flexibility: BREEAM Refurbishment and Fit-out allows for flexibility in adapting sustainability measures to the specific requirements and constraints of each renovation project.
Certification Levels: Similar to other BREEAM schemes, projects undergoing refurbishment and fit-out can achieve different levels of certification, including Pass, Good, Very Good, Excellent, and Outstanding.

Differences from Other BREEAM Certification Options:

BREEAM New Construction: BREEAM New Construction primarily focuses on newly constructed buildings and evaluates sustainability throughout the design and construction process. It includes assessments of building design, site selection, and construction practices. In contrast, BREEAM Refurbishment and Fit-out assesses existing buildings undergoing renovation or fit-out activities, with a focus on improving sustainability during these processes.
BREEAM Community: BREEAM Community assesses the sustainability of entire neighborhoods, districts, or master-planned communities rather than individual buildings. It considers a broader range of factors, including transportation, infrastructure, and community amenities, to create sustainable communities. BREEAM Refurbishment and Fit-out, on the other hand, is specifically tailored to assess the sustainability of existing building refurbishments and fit-outs.
Scope: BREEAM Refurbishment and Fit-out has a narrower scope than BREEAM Community and BREEAM New Construction. While the latter two assess the sustainability of entire projects or communities, BREEAM Refurbishment and Fit-out focuses solely on the sustainability of the renovation and fit-out process within existing buildings.

In summary, BREEAM Refurbishment and Fit-out is a specialized assessment method within the BREEAM framework that evaluates the sustainability of refurbishment and fit-out projects in existing buildings. It differs from other BREEAM certification options in terms of its scope, objectives, and tailored criteria for assessing the sustainability of renovation activities.

Finally, the BREEAM In-use green building standard

https://bregroup.com/products/breeam/breeam-technical-standards/breeam-in-use/

The BREEAM In-Use sustainability standard is a specific assessment method within the BREEAM framework designed to evaluate and certify the ongoing sustainability and environmental performance of existing buildings that are already in use.

Unlike other BREEAM certification options, BREEAM In-Use focuses on assessing and improving the sustainability of operational and management practices within existing buildings.

Here's an overview of BREEAM In-Use and how it differs from other BREEAM certification options such as BREEAM Community, BREEAM for New Construction, and BREEAM Refurbishment and Fit-out:

Scope: BREEAM In-Use is specifically tailored to assess the environmental and sustainability performance of existing buildings that are already operational. It evaluates how well a building is managed and maintained in terms of sustainability and environmental impact.
Objective: The primary objective of BREEAM In-Use is to identify areas where sustainability improvements can be made within the operational phase of existing buildings. It aims to help building owners and managers enhance the sustainability of their assets over time.
Assessment Categories: BREEAM In-Use assesses sustainability across three main categories:
- Asset Performance: Focuses on the physical attributes of the building, such as energy and water consumption, carbon emissions, and waste generation.
- Building Management: Evaluates the management and maintenance practices, including the implementation of sustainable policies, health and well-being of occupants, and building management systems.
- Occupier Management: Assesses occupant engagement in sustainability practices, including waste reduction, transportation options, and communication of sustainability policies.
Assessment Process: BREEAM In-Use involves a detailed assessment of building operations, energy and water consumption data, waste management practices, and occupant engagement. The assessment is based on actual building performance data and on-site inspections.
Certification Levels: BREEAM In-Use offers different levels of certification, including Pass, Good, Very Good, Excellent, and Outstanding, based on the building's overall sustainability performance.