In a world increasingly aware of the importance of protecting the environment and promoting inner wellbeing, the construction of sustainable buildings has become a priority. A key tool is certification BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method), recognised for its comprehensive and rigorous approach to evaluating and classifying buildings. In this article, we will explore exactly what BREEAM certification involves and how it can make a difference to your projects.
What is Certification BREEAM?
The BREEAM certification assesses the environmental performance of buildings into different categories: health and wellbeing, energy, transport, water, resources, resilience, land use and ecology, pollution, and innovation. Developed by the Building Research Establishment (BRE) in the UK in 1990, it is the first sustainable construction certificate in the world. BREEAM is globally recognised, with a presence on 3 continents, used in over 90 countries, with more than 591 thousand certified buildings. In Spain it has 2,359 buildings both in the certification process and already certified projects (1,639).
Source: https://breeam.es/
The main objective of the BREEAM certification is to promote sustainable construction practices, encouraging reduction of environmental impact and the creation of healthier spaces for people. By evaluating multiple aspects of a building's life cycle, BREEAM provides an objective and verifiable measure of its environmental performance.
What is BREEAM Spain?
BREEAM Spain (BREEAM ES) is an adaptation of the BREEAM method. This complies with national and regional laws and regulations, to ensure its applicability and relevance in our context.
Source: https://breeam.es/
What are the benefits of certifying BREEAM?
The BREEAM assessment and certification method offers many benefits, which can be classified into:
• Cheers Most of our time is spent inside buildings. A building with BREEAM certification takes into account the air quality, lighting and noise levels. This results in more comfortable and healthier spaces.
• SavingsA BREEAM-certified building represents a reduction in energy consumption, water consumption and a reduction in operating and maintenance expenses. You can also increase the value of the property.
• PlanetBREEAM certification promotes strategies to reduce energy consumption and minimise CO2 emissions, not only during the construction but also in the use y the end of life.
Rendering of a project currently undergoing BREEAM NEW CONSTRUCTION certification by Kategora Investments.
Project authors: AIC EQUIP
How does the BREEAM certification classify a project?
To obtain a BREEAM certification, the building must comply with a minimum number of points. As more points are accumulated, the certification level increases.
The BREEAM certification level is determined based on the score obtained in the different categories and is divided into Pass, Good, Very Good, Excellent and Outstanding. The objective is encourage continuous improvement y reward buildings that achieve a high level of sustainability.
Also, it is important to bear in mind that requirements and scoring criteria vary according to the version and type of BREEAM version used. Each version has its own set of criteria and score thresholds for determining certification levels.
Source: https://breeam.es/
BREEAM certification levels are based on a cumulative score across different assessment categories. As a building earns more points, it achieves higher certification levels. These levels reflect the degree of sustainability and environmental performance of the assessed building.
What are the BREEAM schemes?
BREEAM offers different types of schemes, each tailored to the building's use and different stages of a building's life cycle.
• BREEAM New Constructionis designed to assess and certify new buildings or major refurbishments throughout the entire construction process, from design to construction completion.
• BREEAM In-UseIt focuses on the assessment and improvement of the environmental performance of existing buildings in use. It evaluates aspects related to building management, energy consumption, water use, indoor air quality, and other aspects related to building operation and maintenance. It provides owners and occupants with a roadmap to improve the building's sustainability and efficiency.
• BREEAM Domesticit focuses on the assessment of residential dwellings. That is, it is designed to provide a way to measure and improve the environmental performance of homes, considering aspects such as energy efficiency, responsible water use, waste management, indoor environmental quality, and the selection of sustainable materials.
• BREEAM Communitiesit is applied to large-scale development projects, such as housing developments and residential areas. Therefore, it evaluates and promotes sustainability and quality of life in community development, considering aspects such as land use, transport, infrastructure, public spaces, waste management and other criteria related to community sustainability.
• BREEAM Tailoredit applies to a project that cannot be evaluated through the aforementioned schemes.
Source: https://breeam.es/
How to obtain BREEAM certification
At Espacios Evalore, we are here to be your partner every step of the way towards the certification of your sustainable project. Together we can make a difference! Contact us now and discover how to transform your project into an example of sustainability and respect for the environment.
Camila Harguindeguy
Civil Engineer and Sustainability Consultant, Espacios Evalore SLP
