2.1.3. Certification Ratings

BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) is one of the worldʼs earliest and most widely used green building assessment systems, established in the UK by the Building Research Establishment (BRE).

BREEAM is a prominent certification system for sustainable building practices, originating in the UK. It evaluates the environmental performance of buildings, ensuring they meet specific sustainability standards. Being one of the earliest systems, it has paved the way for many other green building certifications worldwide. The BRE, the organization behind BREEAM, played a crucial role in developing methods for assessing environmental impacts in building design.

Think of BREEAM as a report card for buildings. Just as students are graded on their academic performance, buildings are assessed on how well they perform environmentally. A building that scores high on its BREEAM assessment is like a straight-A student, demonstrating exceptional commitment to sustainability.

Key Features

• Assessment Scope: New buildings, refurbishments, and in-use operations for various building types, including commercial, residential, and institutional.
• Credit Categories: Management, health and wellbeing, energy, transport, water, materials, waste, land use and ecology, pollution, and innovation.

BREEAM has a broad assessment scope that covers new constructions, renovations, and even buildings that are already in use, which means it can apply to many types of buildings such as homes, offices, schools, and hospitals. The evaluation is based on credit categories that reflect different aspects of sustainability, including how well a building manages resources and supports occupant health. Understanding these areas helps stakeholders identify where improvements can be made to create more sustainable environments.

Imagine preparing a meal. You have to gather all the ingredients (like energy, water, and materials) and use them wisely (like managing waste during cooking). BREEAM is like a checklist that ensures each ingredient is used properly to cook a healthy and delicious dish, which in this case, is a sustainable building.

Certification Ratings:

• Pass
• Good
• Very Good
• Excellent
• Outstanding

BREEAM uses a rating system to classify how sustainable a building is. The ratings range from 'Pass,' which indicates basic compliance with sustainability measures, to 'Outstanding,' which signifies exceptional performance. This tiered approach helps stakeholders understand the level of sustainability achieved and encourages high standards in design and operation.

Consider BREEAM ratings like skill levels in a sport. Just as an athlete progresses from beginner to expert, a building is rated from Pass to Outstanding, reflecting its mastery in sustainability practices. The higher the level, the more competitive advantage the building has in the market.

Process: Third-party assessment based on documented evidence, site inspection, and post-occupancy reviews.

The BREEAM certification process involves a thorough evaluation by external assessors who check the building against the established standards. This includes reviewing documentation, conducting site inspections, and observing the building’s performance after occupants move in. Such a comprehensive process ensures that all claims about sustainability are verified and that buildings actually function as intended.

Think of the BREEAM process like a doctor conducting a health check-up. Just as a doctor needs to check various health indicators to assess a patient's well-being, BREEAM assesses multiple aspects of a building to ensure it meets health and environmental standards.

Benefits:

• Improved environmental performance and occupant satisfaction
• Reduced environmental footprint
• Enhanced legal and regulatory compliance
• Market differentiation and investor confidence

Buildings that achieve BREEAM certification enjoy numerous benefits. These include a positive impact on the environment, greater satisfaction among occupants, and improved compliance with regulations. Additionally, certified buildings often stand out in the marketplace, attracting investors and tenants who prioritize sustainability.

Imagine a well-reviewed restaurant that is known for its excellent service and healthy menu. Just like customers are drawn to that restaurant, investors and clients are attracted to BREEAM-certified buildings because they demonstrate a commitment to quality and sustainability, making them a preferred choice.

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