Are you a property owner, whether for commercial or residential use? If you're so worried about environmental impact how to find ways to make it more sustainable y energy efficient, you are in the right place. In this article, we are going to explore a highly effective solution to achieve these goals: the Certification BREEAM In-Use. Discover how obtaining this certification can help you transform your building to be more environmentally friendly and, in turn, increase its value.
What is BREEAM?
BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Methodology) is a globally recognised method for assess and certify environmental performance of buildings across different categories, including: health and wellbeing, energy, transport, water, resources, resilience, land use and ecology, pollution, and innovation.
There are different types of schemes, each of which is adapted to the use of the building and different stages of a building's life cycle. BREEAM In-Use is one of them.
Source: https://breeam.es/
What does BREEAM In-Use involve?
In short, BREEAM In-Use focuses on the operation and management of existing buildings or spaces, offering a comprehensive tool to measure and improve their environmental performance.
The implementation of BREEAM In-Use involves following several steps: registration in the programme, assessment of the building's current situation, identification of areas for improvement, implementation of corrective actions, and obtaining the final certification.
To obtain the certification, it is necessary have the backing of sustainability professionals and experts to carry out a comprehensive assessment, propose improvement actions and obtain the expected results. At Espacios Evalore, we have a team of consultants committed to helping you improve and maximise the potential of your building. Furthermore, it is important to maintain a commitment to the continuous improvement and take concrete actions tooptimise the sustainable performance of the building.
Source: https://breeam.es/
What options are there in BREEAM In-Use?
The BREEAM In-Use scheme can be assessed and certified separately:
- Part 1 Certificate: The Building. It takes into account the performance of an existing building, based on the inherent characteristics of its physical structure, construction and installations.
- Part 2 Certificate: Management. It qualitatively evaluates the management policies, procedures and practices related to the operation, functioning and maintenance of an existing building. It includes the consumption of key resources such as energy, water and other consumables, as well as the environmental impacts related to carbon emissions and waste.
There is the option to evaluate each of the parts independently or jointly: Part 1 Certification, Part 2 Certification, or Certification of both Parts (Part 1 and Part 2) simultaneously.
How does the BREEAM certification work?
The BREEAM certification uses a points-based approach to evaluate and classify buildings, allowing all stakeholders to compare building performance. Each category has a series of specific criteria and objectives that must be met to obtain points. As points are accumulated, a building can achieve different certification levels: Pass, Good, Very Good, Excellent and Outstanding.
Source: https://breeam.es/
The buildings with higher ratings are not only more sustainable, but they also offer economic and social benefits, such as reduced operating costs, greater occupant satisfaction and a better quality of life.
What are the benefits of the BREEAM In-Use certification?
The BREEAM In-Use certification offers a wide range of benefits for sustainable construction projects. Here are some of the main benefits of obtaining this certification:
• Lower running costs: BREEAM In-Use promotes the building efficiency. Using monitoring, evaluation and setting behavioural targets assessed against baseline levels.
• Added value and differentiation: BREEAM In-Use awards recognition and prestige for properties. Obtaining this certification demonstrates a commitment to sustainability and differentiation from the competition. Buyers, investors and occupants increasingly value sustainable buildings, which can translate into greater demand and a higher market value for your project.
• Health and wellbeing: BREEAM In-Use cares about the indoor environmental quality of buildings. Therefore, the evaluation criteria include aspects such as indoor air quality, natural lighting, temperature control, acoustic comfort and the availability of outdoor spaces. BREEAM certification makes it possible to manage healthier and more comfortable spaces for the people who occupy them, which can have a positive impact on their well-being and productivity.
• Environmental sustainability: BREEAM In-Use promotes sustainable building practices, resulting in a reduction of the environmental impact of buildings. One of the basic principles it adopts is the circular economy.
Photograph of a BREEAM In-Use certified project. Hotel Silken Puerta Madrid
One of 9 hotels of PYGMALION CAPITAL BREEAM In-Use certificates in Spain
What is the BREEAM In-Use certification process??
It is important to bear in mind that the BREEAM In-Use certification is not a static process, but rather focuses on continuous improvement of a building's sustainable performance over time. Once the certification has been obtained, it is necessary to maintain compliance with the requirements and carry out periodic assessments to maintain and improve the level of sustainability. It is also necessary to carry out a recertification every 3 years (every 36 months from the date of issue of the certificate).
The time it takes to achieve BREEAM In-Use certification can vary depending on several factors, such as the size and complexity of the building, the availability of data, as well as how quickly the necessary improvements are implemented. However, generally speaking, the certification process usually takes between 6 and 12 months.
BREEAM certification is not a permanent certification. The initial certification has a limited validity and, in some cases, may require periodic renewal or reassessment to maintain its validity.
¿How much does the BREEAM In-Use certification cost?
It is important to bear in mind that the BREEAM In-Use certification is offered exclusively for existing buildings, whether commercial or residential. Additionally, the certification process requires an assessor to carry out the initial registration. At Espacios Evalore, we will provide you with advice throughout the entire certification process for your project, offering you personalised solutions and effective strategies. You can check the BREEAM In-Use certification fees here.
In summary, the BREEAM In-Use certification provides benefits that go beyond simple accreditation. It promotes environmental sustainability, improves energy performance, ensures healthy spaces, offers competitive advantages in the market, and enables long-term savings. Achieving BREEAM In-Use certification is an important step towards building a more sustainable and resilient future. At Espacios Evalore, we are committed to helping our clients improve their projects and contribute to caring for the planet. Would you like to know how we can help you? Contact us today.
Camila Harguindeguy
Civil Engineer and Sustainability Consultant, Espacios Evalore SLP
