BREEAM (BRE Environment Assessment Model)

Key points:

  • BREEAM is the world’s leading sustainability assessment method for master-planning projects, infrastructure and buildings. It recognises and reflects the value in higher performing assets across the built environment lifecycle, from new construction to in-use and refurbishment.
  • BREEAM is a third party certification of the assessment of an asset’s environmental, social and economic sustainability performance, using standards developed by BRE.
  • BREEAM rated developments are more sustainable environments that enhance the well-being of the people who live and work in them, help protect natural resources and make for more attractive property investments.
  • The award of a BREEAM rating to a completed building does not imply the building is managed well, or would achieve the same rating for when In-Use.

 

BREEAM’s Aims.  BREEAM aims fall into three areas of Encourage, Empower, and to Build Confidence and Value.

 

Encourage: Through continuous performance improvement and innovation by setting and assessing against a broad range of scientifically rigorous requirements that go beyond current regulations and practice.

Empower: Those who own, commission, deliver, manage or use buildings, infrastructure or communities to achieve their sustainability aspirations.

Build Confidence and Value: By providing independent certification that demonstrates the wider benefits to individuals, business, society and the environment.

To date, 563,444 BREEAM certificates have been issued with 2,267,498 buildings registered in and across 77 different countries.

 

BREEAM In-Use and BREAM In-Use International.  West London Energy Assessors is able to undertake third party assessments of non-domestic BREEAM In-Use assessments.

 

BREEAM In-Use assessments examine three distinct areas of a building’s operation:

 

Asset Performance: the performance of the asset in the built form, construction, fixtures, fittings, and installed services;

Building Management: the management of the asset; and

Occupier Management: the management of the building users and services.

 

The BREEAM In-Use assessment covers and examines the following specific areas:

Management;

Health and Wellbeing;

Energy;

Transport;

Water;

Materials;

Waste;

Land Use and Ecology; and

Pollution,

 

completion of the assessment and certification process resulting in the building being rated in any one of the following categories:

Outstanding;

Excellent;

Very good;

Good;

Pass;

Acceptable; and

Unclassified.

Further details of how BREEAM In-Use can benefit your organisation and demonstration its Corporate Social Responsibility credentials can be gained by contacting West London Energy Assessors.