BREEAM Consulting

BREEAM Assessment and Consultancy Services involves directing and assisting project teams during the design, construction, and management stages of building certification, ensuring adherence to environmentally friendly building practices.

The Building Research Establishment (BRE) Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) is a globally recognized framework used to validate the sustainability of buildings by evaluating different facets of a building’s environmental influence and functionality.

BREEAM Rating System

BREEAM provides various certification tiers, where each tier corresponds to a specific point range: Pass, Good, Very Good, Excellent, and Outstanding. The project’s achieved level is determined by the total points earned by meeting established sustainability criteria.

BREEAM Assessment Process

BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) evaluates the sustainability performance of buildings and infrastructure. Here’s a simplified breakdown of the process:

  1. Registration: The project is registered with a licensed BREEAM Assessor.
  2. Pre-Assessment: Initial planning identifies potential scores and sets a roadmap for certification.
  3. Design Stage: Sustainability measures are integrated into the project design, focusing on energy, water, materials, waste, and ecology.
  4. Post-Construction: The assessor verifies compliance through site inspections and documentation review.
  5. Scoring & Certification: The project is rated from Pass to Outstanding based on performance across BREEAM categories.
  6. Ongoing Management (Optional): BREEAM In-Use ensures operational efficiency aligns with design intentions.

 

BREEAM Standarts

The BREEAM family of schemes provides a consistent and comparable framework for assessing and verifying sustainability across all stages of the built environment’s life cycle. It includes six technical standards tailored to the various phases of a building or project’s life cycle.

  • BREEAM Communities
    Provides a framework for new communities and large-scale developments to integrate sustainability at the planning stage. It considers social, economic, and environmental factors to create more livable spaces.
  • BREEAM New Construction
    Assesses sustainability criteria for the design, construction, and performance of new buildings. It focuses on energy efficiency, water usage, material selection, and minimizing environmental impacts.
  • BREEAM Refurbishment and Fit-Out
    Applies sustainability standards to the refurbishment and interior fit-out of existing buildings. Aims to reduce environmental impacts and improve energy performance during renovation projects.
  • BREEAM In-Use
    Evaluates the operational performance of existing buildings and provides a framework for sustainable improvements. It offers opportunities for data validation and benchmarking for building owners and managers.
  • BREEAM Infrastructure (formerly CEEQUAL)
    Assesses sustainability performance for infrastructure projects such as bridges, roads, railways, and other systems. The standard focuses on optimizing environmental, social, and economic impacts of infrastructure developments.
  • BREEAM International
    Offers a flexible assessment system that can be adapted to different countries’ local requirements. It promotes sustainability in multinational projects on a global scale.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

How does a BREEAM assessor ensure compliance with BREEAM standards?

A BREEAM assessor verifies adherence to BREEAM standards by providing expert guidance, working closely with the project team, and carefully reviewing documentation to verify the incorporation of necessary measures required for obtaining BREEAM certification.

What are common challenges faced in the BREEAM certification process?

Typical difficulties encountered during the BREEAM certification process include meeting specific requirements, efficiently coordinating with project participants, and ensuring thorough record-keeping. Involving a BREEAM assessor can help address these challenges and guide the project toward achieving accreditation successfully.

How does a BREEAM Assessor handle documentation for BREEAM certification?

A BREEAM Assessor manages documentation by collecting and organizing necessary data to ensure its alignment with BREEAM standards. Additionally, they assist in submitting the documentation for assessment by the Building Research Establishment (BRE).

What Does a BREEAM Consultant Do?

Evaluation of the Project: BREEAM assessment firms conduct a comprehensive assessment of the project before initiating the journey toward sustainable building certification. This involves determining the appropriate BREEAM rating level suitable for the project.

Certification Strategy Development: These firms assist in creating a customized BREEAM certification strategy for the project, ensuring compliance with BREEAM standards throughout the design and construction phases.

Input in the Design Process: BREEAM assessment firms play a crucial role in guiding the project’s design towards sustainable building principles. This includes considerations such as energy efficiency, reduction of water usage, use of sustainable materials, and improvement of indoor environmental quality.

Management of Documentation and Application: These firms are responsible for gathering all necessary documentation for BREEAM certification and overseeing the application process.

Coordination and Collaborative Efforts: They ensure effective communication and collaboration among building owners, architects, builders, and other key stakeholders, ensuring adherence to BREEAM requirements throughout the project.

Educational Role and Stakeholder Engagement: BREEAM assessment firms also take on the responsibility of educating the project team about sustainable building practices and the intricacies of the certification process, thereby increasing awareness and understanding among all involved stakeholders.

Can a BREEAM consultant assist with energy modeling and simulation?

Certainly! A BREEAM consultant can assist with energy modeling and simulation, evaluating the project’s energy efficiency to identify opportunities for improving performance and earning BREEAM credits.

How does a BREEAM consultant work with architects and engineers?

A BREEAM consultant collaborates with architects and engineers to integrate environmentally friendly practices into the project. They pinpoint chances to earn BREEAM credits and guarantee that the project’s design and construction adhere to BREEAM standards.

What is the role of the BREEAM consultant in the design and construction process?

The BREEAM consultant plays a crucial role in guaranteeing that the project meets all BREEAM standards. They work closely with the project team to integrate sustainable methods into the design and construction phases and provide guidance on obtaining BREEAM credits.

What qualifications should a BREEAM consultant have?

A BREEAM consultant needs a strong background in sustainable design and construction, familiarity with the BREEAM certification procedure, and knowledge of the particular BREEAM scheme being employed. Possessing a BREEAM Assessor certification is also beneficial.

How do I choose a BREEAM consultant for my project?

When choosing a BREEAM consultant, it’s important to evaluate their expertise, credentials, and past performance in BREEAM initiatives. ERKE is a consultant with a proven track record of effectively managing eco-friendly construction projects and possesses extensive knowledge of the particular BREEAM scheme under consideration.

What is a BREEAM Assessor?

A BREEAM Assessor is a certified professional who has successfully completed an examination showcasing their understanding of BREEAM criteria and approaches.

How can BREEAM Consulting Benefit My Project?

BREEAM consulting supports projects in improving their environmental performance, optimizing the efficient use of resources, and enhancing overall sustainability. Achieving BREEAM certification indicates a commitment to environmentally friendly practices, which can lead to potential reductions in life-cycle costs and increased asset value. Moreover, it is appealing to stakeholders, tenants, and customers who appreciate environmentally responsible construction approaches.

How Does a Building Qualify for BREEAM Certification?

In order to attain BREEAM certification, a building needs to fulfill fundamental requirements and earn a specified number of points by implementing sustainable measures. Points are granted based on the building’s performance in areas such as energy efficiency, reduction in water usage, and improvement of indoor environments.

How long does it take to become BREEAM certified?

The time needed to attain BREEAM certification depends on factors such as project size, intricacy, and the targeted certification level. This period can range from a few months to several years. Generally, the evaluation process, comprising pre-assessment, collecting evidence, and the final appraisal, usually takes a few months.

How much does BREEAM certification cost?

The expense associated with securing BREEAM certification depends on various factors, including the project’s size, location, and the desired certification level. Costs encompass registration and assessment fees, as well as the expenses related to adopting and practicing environmentally sustainable measures.

Can existing buildings become BREEAM certified?

Current structures have the opportunity to acquire BREEAM certification by adhering to the criteria outlined in the BREEAM In-Use initiative. This initiative evaluates the continuous performance of the building and promotes sustainable practices in its day-to-day operations and maintenance.

What are BREEAM credits and how are they earned?

In the BREEAM framework, credits are granted for incorporating eco-friendly practices across different domains, including energy preservation, water efficiency, and improvement of indoor environmental conditions. These credits are earned by meeting the specified criteria established within the BREEAM guidelines.

 

Who Provides BREEAM Consulting Services?

BREEAM consulting services are provided by expert firms specializing in sustainable building practices and certification processes. BREEAM, a leading sustainability certification program, encourages eco-friendly building design and operational practices.

As an experienced green building consultant firm, we have completed over 150 Green Building and LEED Consulting processes. These consulting firms deliver crucial support and knowledge necessary for designing and certifying sustainable building projects, working closely with building owners, architects, and construction teams.

Who Provides BREEAM Consulting Services?
 
Consulting firms with expertise in sustainable construction practices and certification procedures offer BREEAM consulting services. BREEAM, a prominent sustainability certification initiative, promotes environmentally conscious building design and operational approaches.

Having extensive experience as a consultancy specialized in green building, we have successfully concluded more than 150 Green Building and LEED Consulting projects. These consulting entities provide essential assistance and expertise required for the planning and certification of sustainable building initiatives, collaborating closely with building proprietors, architects, and construction teams.

What Does a BREEAM Consultant Do?
 
A BREEAM  consultant specializes in sustainable building design and construction. Their primary role involves guiding projects through the BREEAM certification process, which assesses a building’s environmental performance. Consultants work closely with architects, engineers, and contractors to integrate eco-friendly practices, energy efficiency, and environmental responsibility into the project. They evaluate designs, materials, and construction methods to ensure compliance with BREEAM standards, aiming to achieve high sustainability ratings. Additionally, BREEAM consultants offer advice on renewable energy, water conservation, and waste management, helping clients meet environmental targets and create buildings that prioritize ecological responsibility.