BREEAM

Definition

BREEAM, which stands for Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method, is a sustainability assessment method for master planning projects, infrastructure, and buildings. It encourages designers, clients, and others to think about sustainability throughout the life cycle of a building, from its planning and design to construction and operation. BREEAM assesses the environmental performance of buildings and is used globally to promote best practices in sustainable design.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. BREEAM was first launched in the UK in 1990 and has since become one of the leading sustainability assessment methods worldwide.
2. The assessment evaluates various categories such as energy use, health and well-being, pollution, transport, materials, waste, and ecology to provide a comprehensive view of a building's environmental performance.
3. BREEAM uses a star rating system, where buildings can achieve ratings ranging from Pass to Outstanding based on their performance against sustainability benchmarks.
4. One of BREEAM's key goals is to encourage continual improvement in environmental standards across the construction industry.
5. BREEAM certifications can lead to financial benefits for building owners, including lower operational costs and improved asset value due to increased demand for sustainably designed buildings.

Review Questions

• How does BREEAM contribute to promoting sustainability in building design and construction?
  • BREEAM promotes sustainability by providing a framework for assessing the environmental performance of buildings at every stage of their life cycle. By evaluating aspects such as energy efficiency, material usage, and site ecology, it encourages architects and builders to implement sustainable practices. This not only improves individual building performance but also fosters a culture of environmental responsibility within the construction industry.
• Discuss how BREEAM compares with other green building certification programs like LEED in terms of evaluation criteria and global impact.
  • BREEAM and LEED both aim to promote sustainable building practices but differ in their evaluation criteria and approaches. BREEAM places a strong emphasis on local context and regional priorities, while LEED provides a more standardized set of criteria applicable globally. Both certifications have significant global impacts; however, BREEAM originated in the UK while LEED has broader adoption in North America. These differences reflect varying regional priorities and approaches to sustainability.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of adopting BREEAM certification for the construction industry and urban development.
  • Adopting BREEAM certification has profound long-term implications for the construction industry and urban development by setting higher standards for environmental performance. It encourages innovation in design and construction methods that prioritize sustainability. As more cities incorporate BREEAM into planning regulations, this trend could lead to widespread adoption of sustainable practices, significantly reducing carbon footprints and improving urban living conditions. Ultimately, BREEAM can transform how communities approach building development by integrating sustainability into their core values.

Related terms

LEED: Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is another widely recognized green building certification program that evaluates buildings for their energy efficiency, environmental impact, and sustainable design practices.

Green Building: A green building is designed and constructed with the intention of minimizing its impact on the environment and promoting sustainability, focusing on energy efficiency, water conservation, and use of sustainable materials.

Sustainable Architecture: Sustainable architecture refers to an approach to design that seeks to minimize the negative environmental impact of buildings through thoughtful design choices and the use of sustainable materials and technologies.