All about BREEAM certification
Among all eco-friendly construction certifications, BREEAM stands out as the Gold standard and is highly respected for being very comprehensive.
Created in 1990 in the United Kingdom, the BREEAM certification (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) is international and is now used in 89 countries worldwide to promote sustainable real estate projects. It is applicable to a wide range of buildings, whether residential, commercial, industrial, educational, or healthcare.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?
The certification evaluates the environmental performance of a building taking into account many criteria, such as energy performance, water management, greenhouse gas emissions, indoor air quality, use of sustainable materials in construction, and waste management. The landscape and green spaces around a building, the use of innovative processes, and transportation are also factors taken into consideration.
These performance indicators allow for a precise measurement of the sustainability of a construction project and its impact on the environment.
To obtain BREEAM certification, an audit by experts will assess the new building by measuring ten factors, including:
Energy: Lighting systems, heating, ventilation, electrical appliances, and IT equipment will be analyzed to assess the building's energy consumption. Potential sources for improving energy efficiency may also be identified through consumption data.
Water: Plumbing systems, rainwater harvesting devices, and wastewater management will be used to evaluate water use in the building.
Construction materials: The sources of materials used and their lifespan, as well as construction waste management and recycling. Their reuse establishes the building's sustainability.
Greenhouse gas emissions: Or the management of building pollution sources. Examination of emissions related to building activities, occupant travel, and energy consumption are considered.
Occupant health and well-being: Outdoor and indoor air quality are analyzed through ventilation systems, products used in construction and furnishing, as well as indoor air quality monitoring measures. The importance of acoustic insulation to reduce external noise and respect the comfort of residents is noted.
The landscape and ecosystem around the building: this evaluates the ecological impacts of the site on its environment. Green space management, biodiversity, waste recycling, and climate change adaptation measures are taken into account here.
Another criterion for eco-responsible and certified housing is access to sustainable transport around the site.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR ME?
By promoting the design and construction of buildings that are more respectful of the planet, BREEAM certification helps reduce the ecological footprint of real estate projects by offering solutions to reduce energy consumption. These measures not only have a positive impact on the environment but also significantly reduce the energy bills of the inhabitants of these homes.
By considering factors such as indoor air quality, green spaces, or natural light, certified buildings offer a more pleasant and healthier environment, influencing the well-being of their occupants who then benefit from high-quality housing. These homes will enjoy better financial valuation, being more attractive on the market for both sale and rental in the short and medium term.
In addition, BREEAM certification complies with local and national environmental regulations in force, promoting a long-term vision for tenants and sustainable real estate investment for owners.
It guarantees the commitment of real estate developers to environmental protection, as well as compliance with international environmental performance standards. More than 600,000 buildings (residential, commercial, industrial, educational, or healthcare) have been certified in over 89 countries with an expected annual growth of around 15%.