BREEAM

Definition

BREEAM, which stands for Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method, is a leading sustainability assessment method for master planning projects, infrastructure, and buildings. It evaluates the environmental performance of a building through its design, construction, and operational phases, promoting the use of sustainable practices in the built environment. By addressing areas such as energy efficiency, water usage, indoor environmental quality, and the use of materials, BREEAM helps reduce the overall impact on the environment and encourages sustainable design and construction.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. BREEAM was first launched in the UK in 1990 and has since become an internationally recognized standard for assessing sustainable building performance.
2. The BREEAM rating system offers different certification levels, including Pass, Good, Very Good, Excellent, and Outstanding, based on a building's score across various sustainability criteria.
3. BREEAM assesses multiple categories such as energy, health and well-being, materials, waste management, and pollution, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of a building's environmental performance.
4. The framework encourages collaboration among architects, engineers, contractors, and clients to achieve optimal sustainable outcomes during the design and construction phases.
5. BREEAM-certified buildings often experience lower operating costs, improved asset value, and increased occupant satisfaction due to their focus on sustainability and quality.

Review Questions

• How does BREEAM influence the decision-making process in sustainable design and construction?
  • BREEAM influences decision-making by providing a structured framework that guides architects, developers, and builders to consider sustainability from the outset. By incorporating BREEAM's assessment criteria into their projects, stakeholders can identify areas for improvement in energy efficiency, material selection, and overall environmental impact. This structured approach ensures that sustainability is not an afterthought but an integral part of the design process.
• Compare BREEAM with other sustainability assessment methods like LEED in terms of their objectives and impact on the construction industry.
  • Both BREEAM and LEED aim to promote sustainable building practices but differ in their approach and application. BREEAM originated in the UK and emphasizes regional factors specific to the local context of projects. In contrast, LEED has a broader international focus with a more standardized approach. Both systems encourage innovation in sustainable design but vary in how they address certain criteria; for example, BREEAM may place greater emphasis on energy performance while LEED may focus more on indoor environmental quality.
• Evaluate how the adoption of BREEAM can drive change in construction practices at both local and global levels.
  • The adoption of BREEAM can drive significant change in construction practices by setting a benchmark for environmental performance that encourages innovation and sustainability. Locally, it fosters a culture of accountability among builders and developers to prioritize eco-friendly materials and efficient energy usage. Globally, as more countries adopt BREEAM or similar frameworks, it creates a unified standard that elevates global awareness regarding sustainable building practices. This collective movement can lead to widespread shifts in industry norms and regulations aimed at reducing carbon footprints across nations.

Related terms

LEED: Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is a green building certification program that recognizes best-in-class building strategies and practices.

Sustainability: Sustainability refers to the practice of meeting current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, often involving environmentally responsible and resource-efficient practices.

Green Building: Green building involves designing, constructing, and operating buildings in a way that minimizes environmental impact and promotes resource efficiency throughout the building's lifecycle.