BREEAM and its Significance in Sustainable Building Management

BREEAM: The Smart Solution for a Sustainable Future

BREEAM is one of the world’s leading sustainability assessment methods for planning projects, infrastructure and buildings. It provides a guideline that helps designers, developers and building managers achieve a high environmental performance standard. With sustainability being at the forefront of all construction in the modern world, BREEAM is the most comprehensive guide to follow when planning any future project. It helps to ensure that buildings reduce waste and pollution, save energy, and improve air quality – all of which align with the United Nations’ sustainability goals.

 

We are now an official participant of the United Nations Global Compact, you can read more about this here: FläktGroup becomes a participant of the United Nations Global Compact | FläktGroup

 

75% of buildings across Europe are energy inefficient and new builds that are already being built today will need sustainable refurbishment to meet our net zero targets. New buildings are a critical focus, but BREEAM also applies to refurbishments. There is a vast number of existing buildings across Europe and the UK, which are listed buildings with historical and architectural significance that need refurbishment. BREEAM caters to this, allowing for sustainable renovations while at the same time maintaining their heritage value. There is so much that BREEAM’s certification covers including materials, water, energy, and the overall management process.

Who Benefits?

 

BREEAM certification benefits the building users by providing a healthier, more comfortable indoor environment, which enhances productivity and well-being. Additionally, certified buildings are more attractive to investors and occupants due to their increased market value and operational cost savings.

Some countries are putting in place legislation that will prevent building owners renting their properties out if the building does not meet the minimum energy performance as laid out in the EPBD. So, for those looking to rent, a BREEAM certification will prove vital to make sure your building meets the correct criteria.

 

 

BREEAM criteria and compliance

 

To achieve BREEAM certification, projects are assessed on several key criteria:

 

• Energy Efficiency: Reducing carbon emissions through low-impact design and energy-efficient systems
• Land Use and Ecology: Protecting biodiversity and enhancing ecological value
• Water Management: Efficient water uses and conservation strategies
• Health and Wellbeing: Ensuring optimal indoor environmental quality
• Pollution Control: Minimising emissions and environmental impact
• Transport and Mobility: Supporting sustainable transport options such as cycling facilities and public transport access
• Material Selection: Using responsibly sourced and low-impact materials
• Waste Management: Encouraging recycling and reducing construction waste
• Building Management: Ensuring the long-term sustainability of operations

 

 

How to Obtain BREEAM Certification

 

BREEAM assessments are conducted by independent, licensed assessors who evaluate projects based on the outlined criteria above. Each of the criteria is scored and then multiplied by a weighting to determine the final certification level. The assessment is done in two stages. Firstly, there is the design stage assessment, which can result in an interim certificate for the project. Then secondly, a post-construction assessment which should result in a final certification being issued with the appropriate rating as shown above.

 

Those interested in pursuing BREEAM certification should visit their official website to locate registered assessors and access appropriate materials to ensure your project meets the required standards: BREEAM | Sustainable Building Certification

Then be sure to come back to us for all the products you need for a complete solution that will meet the standards of BREEAM.

 

 

The Value of a BREEAM Certification

 

BREEAM contributes significantly to sustainability by ensuring that buildings are designed, constructed and managed with long-term environmental, social and economic benefits in mind. Sustainable buildings provide:

• Reduced Resource Consumption: Lower energy and water usage compared to standard buildings
• Long-term Cost Efficiency: Lifecycle cost considerations ensure economic sustainability
• Healthier Work Environments: Improved indoor air quality and lighting enhance the productivity of occupants
• Sustainable Transport Integration: Facilities for cycling, public transport access and reduced reliance on cars.

 

 

Challenges of BREEAM

 

While BREEAM offers a structured approach to sustainability, it does come with challenges. The certification process can be quite complex and may very well lead to higher upfront costs for projects. However, the initial costs will be offset by long-term operational savings and increased building value, making it worthy of investment. 

 

The ultimate challenge with BREEAM is that it is a voluntary scheme, so the impact is only as powerful as individual stakeholders and tenants putting pressure on building owners, developers and government.

 

Here at FläktGroup we have ready-made solutions that are tailor made for sustainable operation to fit any requirements for new builds. We also provide retrofit solutions too that will help any existing build to be more sustainably efficient. There is a proactive culture here about making positive change, driven by value and performance rather than short-term cost control.

 

Sustainable living starts with FläktGroup. You can visit our sustainability page to learn more about how we establish ourselves as industry leaders in the HVAC industry. Click the button below:

Sustainability at FläktGroup