Building Research Establishment’s Environmental Assessment Method

Sustainable construction is becoming increasingly important and a BREEAM assessment is recognised as the measure of best practice in environmental design and management.

BREEAM (Buildings) assesses the environmental performance of any type of building (new and existing). Standard BREEAM versions exist for common building types and less common building types are assessed against tailored criteria under BREEAM Bespoke.

BREEAM assessments are routinely required for publicly funded developments and will assist in obtaining planning consent for any development. Many government departments, including regional development associations, the Housing Corporation and English Partnerships, now expect a minimum Very Good rating for all new buildings. The Welsh Assembly insists on Excellent.

Issues assessed by BREEAM (Buildings) fall into eight categories:

management: overall policy, commissioning site management and procedural issues
energy use: operational energy and carbon dioxide (CO₂) issues
health and well-being: indoor and external issues affecting health and well-being
pollution: air and water pollution issues
transport: transport-related CO₂ and location-related factors
land use & ecology: ecological value conservation and enhancement of the site
material & waste: environmental implication of, including life-cycle impact
water: consumption and water efficiency

Credits are awarded in each of these areas according to performance. A set of environmental weightings enables the credits to be added together to produce a single overall score. The building is rated on a scale of: PASS (25%), GOOD (40-55%), VERY GOOD (55 –70%), EXCELLENT (70%) or OUTSTANDING (85%) and a certificate awarded to the development.

Clients and designers are encouraged to consider these issues at the earliest opportunity to maximise their chances of achieving an excellent or outstanding BREEAM rating. In general, the earlier a BREEAM assessment is undertaken then the easier and more cost effective it is to achieve a higher rating.

Green Consultancy Services

Our BREEAM assessments are carried out by trained professionals under license to the BRE (Building Research Establishment), operating under a strict quality assurance procedure and audited by the BRE. Our services include:

Design discussion and pre-assessment
To ensure a building is capable of performing well before committing to an assessment, we offer a low cost no obligation pre-assessment review.

Full design stage assessment of development
Interim BREEAM Certificate: our experienced assessors will guide the design team through the process, ensuring that the correct information is submitted to the BRE and advising on cost effective means of achieving the best rating possible.

Post-construction assessment
Final BREEAM Certificate (NOW MANDATORY): carried out on completion of a development – a reassessment of the design stage assessment carried out after the completion of the development. The assessment verifies that the features specified at the design stage assessment have been implemented.

The Green Consultancy offers:

Professional and timely packages to suit client needs
Pre-assessment checklist advice
Detailed guidance for achieving a cost effective specific rating or credit
Information sourcing to maximise BREEAM rating
Detailed design advice
Bespoke level of service to match level of certificate
Competitive costing

We also provide related services such as:

Design Advice (potentially part or fully funded by the Carbon Trust)
SAP and SBEM assessments for Part L compliance
Feasibility studies for renewable and low carbon technologies for use on sites where a low carbon energy mix is required
Detailed design of sustainable renewable energy solutions.

For your no obligation quote, or to discuss your requirements, please contact Michael Webb or phone him on 08450 176299.