It sets the standards for best practice in sustainable development and demonstrates a level of achievement. It has become the defacto measure of a building’s environmental performance. Created by BRE (Building Research Establishment) BREEAM is a tried and tested system both in terms of its robust technical standards and its commercial delivery, (especially the independence of its licensing, quality assurance and certification process).
Management: This part of the assessment looks at management structures that achieve maximum benefits and minimum environmental impacts through the correct construction and commissioning of the building. Health and well-being: The aim is to ensure that practical steps are taken to minimise the negative effects of a building on the occupants and those of its neighbours in terms of their health and well being. This aspect includes workplace conditions (e.g. daylight, noise and views out) and control of hazardous substances. Energy: There is wide consensus amongst environmentalists that greenhouse gas emission is the most important impact. The energy used in buildings is probably the most important environmental impact and is scored accordingly. This section rewards those who have taken steps in terms of the building fabric and systems, and in planning for future monitoring of energy use. Transport : The Carbon Dioxide emissions associated with transporting people to the building can be of the same magnitude as those emitted in running it. It is therefore important to consider the location of the building and transportation impacts in any assessment. Water : Consumption of water has risen 70% over last 30 years. Credits are awarded for metering, leak prevention and low consumption fittings. Materials : The materials in a building represent a significant part of the impact of the construction process, with an estimated 10% of UK’s energy use annually associated with their production, together with a range of land use, bio-diversity and pollution issues. The largest benefits can be achieved by specification at the design stage. Waste : reduction of site waste being sent to landfill and recycling is rewarded together with use of recycled aggregates and provision of recycling facilities fir building occupants. Land Use and Ecology: With growing concern about the use of land in the United Kingdom, there is strong preference for the re-use of land. Ecology is related to the land use issues and directly affects the variety of species on the site. The aim is to minimise the impact of development on the natural life on the site, and ideally to enhance biodiversity. Pollution: The final section relates to a range of pollutants which are produced by or for buildings. The main issues are the ozone depleting and global warming chemicals, with NOx and water courses also covered.
1. Design Stage The issues assessed here are expected to result in a credible and comparative assessment of the building’s potential environmental impacts in operation. It covers those issues that are of relevance during the design and construction process such as issues of specification and process. An interim Certificate is issued by BRE 2. Post Construction review This assessment covers the same issues as the Design stage assessment but the audit is conducted against the as built facility to prove that the design intent has actually been carried out . All projects registered with BRE after 31/7/2008 will be required to have both a Design and a Post Construction Review assessment before a full Certificate will be issued . BREEAM certification is carried out by BRE. The certificate is issued on the basis of a report prepared by a Licensed assessor. Assessment organisations are licensed by BRE to carry out formal assessment reviews, prepare assessment reports and offer related consultancy services under the BREEAM label. Stringent quality management procedures have been adopted to ensure a consistent approach and level of service.