BREEAM

Definition

BREEAM, or Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method, is a widely recognized sustainability assessment method for master planning projects, infrastructure, and buildings. It promotes the design and construction of sustainable buildings by evaluating their environmental performance across various categories, including energy use, health and wellbeing, and pollution. BREEAM aims to minimize the environmental impact of developments while enhancing their social and economic value.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. BREEAM was first launched in the UK in 1990 and has since become an international benchmark for sustainable building practices.
2. Projects can achieve different ratings under BREEAM, including Pass, Good, Very Good, Excellent, and Outstanding, based on their overall environmental performance.
3. BREEAM assesses multiple criteria such as energy efficiency, water usage, indoor environmental quality, and materials used in construction.
4. The BREEAM assessment process involves third-party certification to ensure transparency and credibility in the evaluation of a building's sustainability.
5. Using BREEAM can lead to lower operating costs, improved occupant satisfaction, and increased asset value for buildings.

Review Questions

• How does BREEAM influence the design process of buildings to promote sustainability?
  • BREEAM influences the design process by setting specific criteria that buildings must meet to achieve certification. These criteria encourage architects and builders to consider energy efficiency, resource conservation, and occupant health during the design phase. By integrating BREEAM standards into the planning stages, projects are more likely to incorporate sustainable practices that minimize environmental impact and promote long-term sustainability.
• Evaluate the differences between BREEAM and other certification systems like LEED in terms of their assessment criteria and global reach.
  • BREEAM and LEED have similar goals of promoting sustainable building practices but differ in their assessment criteria and global applicability. BREEAM originated in the UK and emphasizes regional factors specific to British standards, while LEED is more focused on North American practices. Both systems assess energy efficiency and environmental impact but may prioritize different aspects; for example, BREEAM includes social sustainability components more extensively than LEED. This means that while both systems offer valuable frameworks for sustainability assessment, their focus areas may vary based on local context.
• Analyze the potential long-term benefits of adopting BREEAM standards for a new commercial building project.
  • Adopting BREEAM standards for a new commercial building project can yield significant long-term benefits. These include reduced operational costs due to improved energy efficiency and resource management, which can lead to substantial savings over time. Additionally, buildings certified under BREEAM often attract higher occupancy rates because tenants increasingly prefer spaces that promote health and wellbeing. Furthermore, the market value of a BREEAM-certified building typically increases due to its perceived sustainability credentials. Overall, integrating BREEAM into a project not only enhances its environmental profile but also contributes positively to its economic viability.

Related terms

LEED: LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is a green building certification program that recognizes best-in-class building strategies and practices in the United States.

Sustainable Design: Sustainable design refers to the philosophy of designing physical objects, the built environment, and services to comply with the principles of social, economic, and ecological sustainability.

Green Building: Green building is a construction practice that involves creating structures that are environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout their lifecycle.