Today, I will be discussing the BREEAM Assessment Criteria, which outlines key
categories and credit points used to evaluate the sustainability and environmental
impact of building developments. Let’s explore the ten core areas assessed by
BREEAM:
1. Ecology
Ecology focuses on enhancing the ecological value of the development site through
conservation efforts. This category evaluates how a project contributes to
biodiversity and integrates natural landscapes within the site.
2. Pollution
Pollution assessment addresses the measures taken to limit air and water pollution
during the project. This includes strategies to reduce emissions, manage
wastewater, and mitigate any potential harm to the local environment.
3. Waste
Waste management is a significant issue in construction. This criterion emphasizes
efficient resource use and minimizing construction waste. Developers must
demonstrate how they reduce waste throughout the project lifecycle, ensuring
sustainable use of materials.
4. Energy
Energy management assesses the operational energy consumption of the
development. This category examines how projects optimize energy use, adopt
renewable energy sources, and improve building efficiency to reduce their carbon
footprint.
5. Management
Management covers site management practices, policy adherence, procurement,
and commissioning processes. It evaluates how well the project is planned and
executed, ensuring sustainable practices are followed from start to finish.
6. Water Consumption
This criterion looks at how water use is managed for maximum efficiency. Projects
are assessed on their ability to minimize water consumption through technologies
like rainwater harvesting and efficient plumbing systems.
7. Health and Wellbeing
Health and wellbeing focus on ensuring the protection of future inhabitants from
indoor and outdoor issues such as noise, air quality, and light pollution. This
category is particularly important for creating healthy living and working
environments.
8. Resources
Resources evaluation considers the environmental impact of building materials over
their entire lifecycle. The goal is to select materials that have low embodied energy
and are sustainably sourced.
9. Resilience
Resilience is a relatively new section that assesses how the development mitigates
climate change risks. Projects are examined on their ability to adapt to and prepare
for potential climate-related challenges, such as flooding or extreme temperatures.
10. Transport
Transport focuses on managing carbon emissions from transportation and the
impact of the site’s location. This includes how well the development supports
sustainable transport options, such as access to public transport, bike facilities, and
pedestrian-friendly pathways.
Each of these ten criteria is carefully scored, contributing to the overall BREEAM
rating of a building. This comprehensive assessment ensures that developments
meet high standards of environmental, social, and economic sustainability.
Good [morning/afternoon], everyone.
Today, I will be presenting an overview of several BREEAM-certified buildings,
focusing on their project phases, types, ratings, locations, and developers.
Let's begin with Project Phase 6.1: Development Planning – Communities.
2020 Park (Figure 5)
Location: Stavanger, Norway
Client/Developer: 2020park AS
Ratings: 93% – Outstanding
Stage: Final
The 2020 Park is an exceptional community project located in Stavanger, Norway,
with a BREEAM rating of 93%, classified as Outstanding. This development
highlights the integration of sustainable practices into community design, setting a
high standard in Norway's urban planning.
Boorley Green Phase 1 (Table 1.0, Figure 6)
Location: Hampshire, United Kingdom
Client/Developer: Linden, Borvis, and Bloor Homes Development
Consortium
Ratings: 76.1% – Excellent
Stage: Final
Located in Hampshire, UK, Boorley Green Phase 1 has achieved a commendable
rating of 76.1%, deemed Excellent. This demonstrates the project's commitment to
sustainability in residential development and its positive impact on the surrounding
environment.
Al Zahia Masterplan (Table 2.0, Figure 7)
Location: Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
Client/Developer: Sharjah Holdings, in partnership with MAF and the
Sharjah Government
Ratings: 63.9% – Very Good
Stage: Final
The Al Zahia Masterplan, located in Sharjah, UAE, achieved a rating of 63.9%,
classified as Very Good. This reflects the efforts made to incorporate sustainable
principles into large-scale urban planning while addressing local environmental
challenges.
Now, let's move to Project Phase 6.2: New Construction.
Exchange Square (Table 4.0, Figure 8)
Location: London, United Kingdom
Client/Developer: M3 Consulting PLC
Ratings: 90.2% – Outstanding
Stage: Interim
Exchange Square is a high-performing office development located in London, UK,
with an impressive rating of 90.2%. This project has achieved an Outstanding
BREEAM rating in its interim stage, emphasizing its leading role in sustainable office
construction.
Beddington Lane Units 1 & 2 (Table 5.0, Figure 9)
Location: Croydon, United Kingdom
Client/Developer: Aberdeen Standards Development
Ratings: 73.5% – Excellent
Stage: Final
This industrial project, located in Croydon, UK, has secured a rating of 73.5%,
categorized as Excellent. Beddington Lane Units 1 & 2 are an example of how
industrial buildings can adopt sustainable construction practices while maintaining
operational efficiency.
5G Innovation Center (Table 6.0, Figure 10)
Location: Guildford, United Kingdom
Client/Developer: Gilbert Ash
Ratings: 60.56% – Very Good
Stage: Final
Finally, the 5G Innovation Center, an education-focused building located in
Guildford, UK, achieved a BREEAM rating of 60.56%, classified as Very Good. This
project emphasizes the importance of sustainability in educational infrastructure,
supporting technological advancements while prioritizing environmental impact.