BREEAM

Definition

BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) is a sustainability assessment method for master planning projects, infrastructure, and buildings. It encourages designers, clients, and contractors to consider sustainability in a holistic way, addressing the environmental impacts of a project across its entire lifecycle. BREEAM is one of the most widely recognized and used green building standards globally, often compared to LEED certification due to its comprehensive approach to promoting sustainable practices in construction and design.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. BREEAM was first launched in 1990 and has since evolved into a robust framework that assesses environmental performance across various categories, including energy use, health and well-being, and materials.
2. Buildings certified under BREEAM can achieve ratings from Pass to Outstanding, allowing projects to be recognized for their levels of sustainability and performance.
3. BREEAM encourages the use of sustainable materials, renewable energy sources, and efficient water management systems within buildings to minimize environmental impact.
4. The certification process involves third-party assessment by qualified assessors who evaluate compliance with BREEAM standards during different phases of a project.
5. Internationally recognized, BREEAM has been adopted in many countries outside the UK, adapting its guidelines to fit local contexts while maintaining a focus on sustainability.

Review Questions

• How does BREEAM promote sustainable practices in building design and construction compared to other green building standards?
  • BREEAM promotes sustainable practices by providing a comprehensive framework that covers various aspects of environmental performance throughout a building's lifecycle. It encourages stakeholders to integrate sustainability into the early stages of design and construction, addressing factors such as energy efficiency, material usage, and indoor environmental quality. Compared to other standards like LEED, BREEAM emphasizes a more holistic assessment of sustainability practices tailored to local conditions.
• Discuss the significance of third-party assessment in the BREEAM certification process and how it ensures credibility.
  • Third-party assessment is crucial in the BREEAM certification process as it adds an element of impartiality and credibility to the evaluation. Qualified assessors independently verify that projects meet the established BREEAM standards before granting certification. This ensures that claims made by developers about sustainability features are substantiated and provides confidence to clients and stakeholders regarding the environmental performance of certified buildings.
• Evaluate the impact of BREEAM on global green building practices and how it has influenced policies in different regions.
  • BREEAM has significantly impacted global green building practices by setting high standards for sustainability that have influenced policies in various regions. Its established criteria have encouraged governments and organizations worldwide to adopt more rigorous environmental regulations for construction projects. Additionally, by promoting sustainable development principles, BREEAM has spurred innovation in design and construction methods, leading to broader adoption of green technologies and practices across different sectors.

Related terms

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

Sustainable Development: Sustainable development is a holistic approach to growth that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, closely aligned with the goals of both BREEAM and LEED.

Green Building: Green building refers to the practice of creating structures that are environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout a building's lifecycle, which BREEAM and other certification systems promote.