BREEAM
BREEAM, which stands for Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method, is an internationally recognized sustainability assessment and certification scheme for buildings. It was developed by the Building Research Establishment (BRE), a research and consulting organization based in the United Kingdom.
BREEAM provides a framework for evaluating and measuring the environmental performance of buildings across various categories, including energy efficiency, water usage, materials and waste, indoor environmental quality, pollution, and management processes. It assesses both the design and construction stages of a building, as well as its ongoing operation and maintenance.
The BREEAM assessment process involves a comprehensive evaluation of the building's performance against a set of predefined criteria and benchmarks. These criteria are categorized into credits, and the building earns points for meeting specific requirements within each credit. The total number of points achieved determines the final BREEAM rating, which ranges from "Pass" to "Outstanding."
BREEAM certification offers several benefits:
Sustainability Performance: BREEAM certification demonstrates a building's commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. It assesses various aspects of a building's performance and encourages the adoption of sustainable practices, resulting in reduced environmental impacts.
Market Advantage: BREEAM-certified buildings often enjoy a market advantage due to their recognized sustainability credentials. They appeal to environmentally conscious tenants, investors, and users who prioritize sustainable buildings and may be more willing to occupy or invest in them.
Operational Efficiency: BREEAM encourages the implementation of energy-efficient systems, water conservation measures, and sustainable management practices. This leads to reduced operational costs, lower resource consumption, and improved long-term efficiency of the building.
Health and Well-being: BREEAM considers indoor environmental quality factors such as air quality, lighting, and thermal comfort. By promoting a healthier and more comfortable indoor environment, certified buildings contribute to the well-being and productivity of occupants.
Regulatory Compliance: BREEAM certification can help buildings meet or exceed local, regional, or national regulatory requirements related to sustainability and environmental performance.
BREEAM certifications are available for various building types, including commercial, residential, retail, and industrial properties. The scheme has also expanded to cover other areas such as infrastructure and communities.
In summary, BREEAM is a leading sustainability assessment and certification scheme for buildings. It evaluates a building's environmental performance, encourages sustainable practices, and provides recognized credentials in the market. BREEAM-certified buildings demonstrate a commitment to sustainability, resource efficiency, and occupant well-being.