Why BREEAM Is Important for the Built Environment?

Why BREEAM Is Important for the Built Environment?
6 min read
18 November 2022

Refurbishment and new development projects may both be evaluated using BREEAM since it is a leading approach for ensuring that buildings meet sustainability standards in construction, operation, and design. The Building Research Establishment (BRE) introduced it in 1990 to evaluate new workplaces, but it has since found extensive use. Its current emphasis on sustainable design has led to a much more environmentally friendly built environment across the United Kingdom and Europe, with initiatives being carried out in countries like Norway, Sweden, Spain, and the Netherlands. Breeam assessment UK measures the problems and handles those, and gives solutions.

How BREEM is Important For the Built Environment

Environmental assessment techniques, such as BREEAM, are used to lessen a building's negative effects on the natural world over its whole life cycle, from the planning and design phases to the building's construction and use.

BREEAM evaluates not just the sustainability of a building but also the economic, environmental, and social advantages it provides to the individuals involved in the structure's life cycle.

The Why and What of BREEAM 

The purpose of BREEAM is to evaluate the long-term viability of a construction project, assign a grade to it, and then provide suggestions for how it might be made more sustainable. Our clientele relies on it to verify that their facilities meet all requirements for environmentally friendly building practices. The certification offers a flexible evaluation methodology that can be used for a large variety of projects, from existing buildings to rehabilitation and refurbishment projects to brand-new construction. More than a third of builders are aiming for BREEAM accreditation, so you know it's a big deal in the construction world. And its fame keeps expanding.

Breem Has Become an Essential Part:

  • Up to 70% of local authorities in cities throughout the UK now need a BREEAM certification, which may have a significant impact on construction projects and developments. Consequently, developers and property owners may be prevented from carrying out construction improvements if they are not BREEAM compliant.
  • Environmental evaluation is now mandatory for all government projects as part of the government's Construction Strategy, with an Excellent BREEAM certification being the goal.
  • Sustainable construction is becoming more in demand every year. As a result, a commercial property's desirability and value may be increased by ensuring that the building or development has a high BREEAM rating.
  • Properties that have been certified as BREEAM "excellent" are more likely to sell quickly.
  • Part of a BREEAM evaluation includes features like effective heating systems, low water consumption components, and energy-efficient lighting, all of which may contribute to cheaper renovation expenditures for landlords. This, in turn, reduces property operating expenses.
  • If a building does not meet the BREEAM standards set by the local planning authority, the developer may incur financial losses. Possible contract violation on the part of the developer or contractor (which could lead to an expensive legal case)
  • It's good for society. In a poll conducted by the UK Green Building Council, over 71 per cent of respondents said that including BREEAM evaluations in their building development had a positive impact on society. Having BREEAM accreditation for both the firm and the building was cited as a major motivating factor.

Better For The Environment

As we share a single Earth, it's vital that we keep doing well to keep it in good shape for future generations. By prioritising efficient energy solutions, decreasing operational pollution, and using eco-friendly building supplies, BREEAM standards help to reduce harmful carbon emissions. Water efficiency and waste minimisation are two further areas where BREEAM may be of assistance.

Bream Plays a Vital Role:

  • To get a high BREEAM rating, you may have to spend more money upfront on higher-quality equipment or materials, but you'll end up saving money over the long run because of the improved life cycle value of the space.
  • Nearly half (43%) of those polled indicated they had experienced a noticeable drop in operating expenses as a result of implementing BREEAM, which implies they may expect a greater return on investment.
  • When BREEAM was included at a later stage of the project or when the firm had minimal expertise with BREEAM, additional expenditures were typically incurred. These costs are not directly related to the grade you are seeking to attain. If you are unfamiliar with BREEAM, you may wish to consult with professionals.

Improved Occupant Wellbeing

More natural light, higher air quality, and fewer disruptions to daily operations are just a few ways in which sustainable solutions may boost tenant happiness. Moreover, half (59%) of those who took part in a BREEAM survey cited "increased occupant satisfaction" as a positive outcome of undergoing a BREEAM evaluation.

Your focus should be on enhancing the comfort and satisfaction of all of your building's inhabitants, whether they are permanent residents, temporary renters, regular clients, or casual visitors.

Better Industry Reputation

By using BREEAM, your business may improve its sustainability practices and gain a competitive edge. Over fifty per cent of businesses that employ BREEAM evaluations do so because it helps them with their corporate social responsibility initiatives. Consumers are 80% more inclined to purchase from ecologically responsible firms, and 75% of job candidates would take an employer's commitment to sustainability into account when making a decision.

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