BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) is the leading international methodology and certification system for assessing the environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance of buildings. As one of the first and most widely used systems of its kind in the world, BREEAM aims to promote a more sustainable approach to the construction and operation of buildings by setting standards for best practice in environmental design and management.
Key aspects of BREEAM assessment:
- Management: assesses how well building management processes are designed and implemented with sustainability in mind.
- Health and Wellbeing: Focuses on aspects that affect the wellbeing and health of building occupants, including indoor environmental quality, lighting and acoustics.
- Energy: Assesses the energy efficiency of the building, the use of renewable energy sources and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
- Transport: Examines the availability of public transport, facilities for cyclists and other factors that reduce the impact of the building on the need for private car transport.
- Water: Evaluates strategies to reduce water consumption and effectively manage water resources.
- Materials: Focuses on the selection of building materials with respect to their life cycle, recyclability, and environmental impact.
- Waste: Evaluates strategies to minimize waste during the construction and operation of a building.
- Land use and ecology: Examines the impact of the building on local ecosystems and biodiversity and efforts to protect or enhance them.
- Pollution: Evaluates measures to reduce air, water and soil pollution from the building.
BREEAM significance:
BREEAM certification is valued worldwide as a mark of a building's excellent environmental, social and governance performance. It helps developers, property owners and building managers to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and improve the market value of properties, reduce operating costs and increase the wellbeing and productivity of building occupants.
