BREEAM® certification, an acronym for Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Methodology, is an international method developed by the UK’s BRE Global organisation that makes it possible to measure the level of environmental sustainability in buildings.
BREEAM References .pdf BREEAM® assesses and certifies the environmental impact of different categories:
- Management.
- Health and Well-Being.
- Energy
- Transport
- Materials
- Waste
- Land use and ecology.
- Pollution
- Innovation
It covers urban planning up to new and existing buildings in order to achieve an overall rating of: Pass, Good, Very Good, Excellent and Outstanding.
Its assessment method depends on the systems and criteria analysed, according to the different types of building, their location and use, in order to optimise performance assessment.
This certification analyses various sustainability requirements for the different stages of construction, from the design to the execution of the works and subsequent maintenance.
Types of BREEAM® certification
- BREEAM® urban planning
Aimed at improving the sustainability of urban projects. - BREEAM® residential
Applicable to single-family homes and apartment blocks. - BREEAM® commercial
Aimed at offices, commercial premises and light industry. - BREEAM® bespoke
Enables the assessment of buildings of any type that do not fall into the two previous categories. - BREEAM® in-use
A major opportunity to address the environmental impact of existing buildings and improve the way in which they are managed.
Benefits and advantages
BREEAM References
Economic impact. If energy is optimised as soon as construction begins on a building, there may be a 70% reduction in energy consumption, a 40% drop in water use and a decrease in maintenance costs.
BREEAM® helps to reduce CO2 emissions and its methodology has a direct impact on the useful life of buildings.
It extends the range of sustainable buildings that have a direct impact on the health and well-being of workers. This certification also strengthens brand image.
It promotes environmentally-friendly and sustainable construction.
BREEAM® guarantees that a building will boast the best environmental solutions and standards.
A means of inspiration to seek innovative solutions that minimise environmental impact.
