Everything you need to know about BREEAM

Since it was established in 1990, The Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) has become the world-leading method of assessing, rating and certifying a building’s sustainability.

And it’s not just a planning requirement. It’s a vital tool in helping building owners achieve net-zero targets and cover Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) when planning new builds or major refurbishment projects.

The benefits of BREEAM certification

As the world’s leading sustainability assessment method, BREEAM recognises and reflects the value in high performing assets across a building’s lifecycle, from new builds and refurbishments to buildings currently in use.

And a BREEAM certification allows building owners to mitigate risk by demonstrating sustainability performance during:

• Planning
• Design
• Construction
• Operation
• Refurbishment

It also helps building owners reduce running and maintenance costs and maximise market value returns for the lifecycle of the building. But not only that, it also attracts and retains tenants as a BREEAM-rated development is what is known as a “certified sustainable environment”.

But what do we mean by ‘Sustainability’ when it comes to buildings?

What sustainability in buildings means

The BREEAM assessment covers several sections that are beyond what most people think of when talking about ‘green’ buildings, namely energy efficiency and green roofs.

It also covers:

• Health & Wellbeing
• Transport
• Materials (including lifecycle costs and impacts)
• Land Use and Ecology

Among others.

This means that not only will the result be better from a utility cost and green initiative point of view. But it also contributes to the occupants’ health & wellbeing without unnecessarily harming the natural environment around them.

In short, this means these developments help protect natural resources and enhance the lives of those who work and live in them – making them a pretty attractive investment.

How Inteb can help you

As a building owner, it’s essential your properties are BREEAM-certified either during construction or while in use. But keeping track of the latest regulations and best practices can be a real headache and take up a lot of time.

That’s where Inteb can help.

Our accredited BREEAM assessors use their experience in a range of sustainable and assessment methodologies to support you, so you can focus on your business while protecting your building value and reputation.

We also help owners, managers and investors assess their buildings using the NABERS UK standard which focuses solely on energy performance, and can tell you areas where you can:

• Prioritise by cost/carbon savings
• Make savings and improvements
• Gain a good return on investment

And for real estate investors and managers, we can support you in gaining and maintaining your BREEAM and GRESB ‘Green Building’ certification.

Whether it’s a new build or currently in use, Inteb can get involved at any stage of a building’s life cycle.

Make sure your building is BREEAM certified

Let’s get the conversation started – call us now on 0151 601 3476