Understanding BREEAM
As industries continue to expand and evolve, the need for sustainable practices in the construction sector becomes more pressing. The Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method, better known as BREEAM, has emerged as a pioneering force in promoting sustainability within the industrial building industry. This article explores the significance of BREEAM and role in driving sustainable construction practices, mitigating environmental impacts, and fostering a greener future for industrial buildings.
What is BREEAM?
BREEAM is a comprehensive and widely recognised environmental assessment method developed by the Building Research Establishment (BRE) in the United Kingdom. Introduced in 1990, BREEAM has since become a benchmark for evaluating the sustainability performance of buildings across various sectors, including residential, commercial, and industrial.
What is the goal of BREEAM?
The primary goal of BREEAM is to encourage the integration of sustainable design, construction, and operational practices. The method assesses various environmental factors, such as energy efficiency, water usage, materials sourcing, waste management, indoor environmental quality, and ecological impact.
Applying BREEAM principles to industrial buildings:
Within the industrial building industry context, BREEAM transforms conventional construction practices towards a more sustainable trajectory. It emphasises several fundamental principles:
Energy Efficiency: Industrial buildings are often characterised by high energy consumption due to their size and the nature of the operations they house. BREEAM encourages developers to adopt energy-efficient measures, including advanced insulation, energy-saving lighting systems, and renewable energy sources such as solar panels and wind turbines. These practices reduce the environmental impact and lead to substantial cost savings over the building's lifetime.
Water Management: Efficient water management is another critical aspect of BREEAM's assessment. The method promotes using water-efficient fixtures, rainwater harvesting systems, and recycling processes to reduce water consumption and minimise strain on local water resources.
Materials and Waste: Industrial building projects can generate significant construction waste. BREEAM advocates using sustainable materials, such as recycled content and responsibly sourced resources. Additionally, it encourages waste reduction strategies, reuse, and recycling, thus minimising the overall ecological footprint.
Environmental Impact: Industrial buildings often encroach on natural habitats and can affect local ecosystems. BREEAM evaluates the potential environmental impact of the construction site, encouraging developers to implement measures that protect and enhance the local biodiversity.
Indoor Environmental Quality: Workers' health and well-being are paramount in industrial settings. BREEAM promotes creating a healthy indoor environment, considering indoor air quality, natural daylight, and acoustics to ensure optimal conditions for occupants.
Benefits of BREEAM in the industrial building industry
The integration of BREEAM principles in the industrial building industry yields numerous benefits:
Enhanced Reputation: Industrial developers who achieve high BREEAM ratings gain a competitive advantage and enhanced reputation in the market. Clients, investors, and tenants increasingly prioritise sustainability, making BREEAM certification an attractive selling point.
Cost Savings: Sustainable practices promoted by BREEAM lead to long-term cost savings through reduced energy consumption, lower operating costs, and optimised resource usage.
Regulatory Compliance: As governments worldwide implement stricter environmental regulations, BREEAM helps industrial buildings stay ahead of compliance requirements, avoiding potential penalties and legal challenges.
Employee Satisfaction: A sustainable and healthy work environment fosters employee satisfaction, productivity, and well-being. Workers are likelier to be engaged and loyal to companies prioritising their health and the environment.
Climate Change Mitigation: BREEAM-certified industrial buildings contribute to global efforts in combating climate change by lowering greenhouse gas emissions and minimising environmental impact.
Applying BREEAM principles to office buildings:
In the context of office buildings, BREEAM continues to be a leading force in advancing sustainability and promoting environmentally responsible practices. Since its inception, BREEAM has become an indispensable tool for evaluating the environmental performance of office spaces, driving positive change in the design, construction, and operation of these structures.
Energy Efficiency
Energy consumption is a significant concern in office buildings, which often operate around the clock. BREEAM encourages developers to adopt energy-efficient technologies, such as LED lighting, intelligent HVAC systems, and energy management controls, to reduce electricity usage and carbon emissions. Integrating renewable energy sources, such as solar panels and geothermal systems, is also incentivised to move towards net-zero energy consumption.
Water management
Water scarcity is a growing global challenge, making efficient water management crucial in office buildings. BREEAM promotes the installation of water-efficient fixtures, rainwater harvesting systems, and greywater recycling to minimise water wastage and alleviate strain on local water resources.
Materials and Waste:
Sustainable material choices and waste reduction strategies are vital components of BREEAM's assessment for office buildings. By prioritising recycled, low-impact, and locally sourced materials, developers can reduce the environmental impact associated with construction. Waste management plans, including recycling and reuse programs, also help limit landfill contributions.
Indoor environment quality.
The health and well-being of office workers significantly impact productivity and job satisfaction. BREEAM emphasises indoor environmental quality by evaluating air quality, thermal comfort, daylight access, and noise reduction. Optimising these elements fosters a healthier and more productive work environment.
Transportation and connectivity
Office locations and transportation options are pivotal in sustainable development. BREEAM encourages selecting sites with access to public transportation, cycling infrastructure, and amenities, reducing the need for car commuting and supporting employee well-being.
Sustainable innovation.
As sustainability technology advances, BREEAM rewards innovative solutions in office buildings. Integrating intelligent building technologies, green roofs, and sustainable urban drainage systems (SuDS) are among the innovative practices recognised and encouraged by the method.
BREEAM's role in the industrial building industry drives sustainability and reshapes the sector towards a greener future. By evaluating various environmental factors and encouraging the adoption of sustainable practices, BREEAM empowers developers to construct industrial buildings that are energy-efficient, environmentally friendly, and conducive to the well-being of their occupants. As the world embraces sustainable development as a necessity, BREEAM remains a powerful tool in shaping a more sustainable and resilient industrial building industry.