BREEAM green building certification
What is BREEAM?
BREEAM or Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method is a sustainability assessment method used to evaluate and certify the environmental performance of buildings. It measures factors such as energy and water use, materials, and waste management, among others, and provides a rating based on the building's overall sustainability. Originally founded in the UK, BREEAM has an international coverage today with more than 535.000 certifications worldwide and country-specific versions.
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UK-based certification
Originally founded in the UK, BREEAM has an international coverage today with more than 85 countries where the certification has been issued.
Worldwide coverage
Over 535.000 buildings including offices, retail, education, healthcare, industrial, and residential buildings have been certified in more than 85 countries worldwide.
Country-specific versions
BREEAM has country-specific versions tailored to local building regulations, standards, and environmental considerations, like BREEAM USA or BREEAM CHINA.
Evaluation criteria
BREEAM looks at several aspects when certifying a building as green, including:
- Management and maintenance - quality control by the building project teams and training for building users.
- Health and wellbeing - the working environment and indoor air quality, as well as thermal, acoustic and visual comfort.
- Energy use and efficiency - building energy consumption and the use of power from renewable sources.
- Transport and accessibility - building accessibility and the availability of sustainable transport options.
- Water use and management – the building’s water consumption and water saving technologies.
- Material use and waste management – the integration of recycled or renewable materials and disposal of construction waste.
- Land use and ecology – the building’s impact on the local ecosystem and the green spaces provided by the project.
- Pollution – limiting or preventing night time light and general noise pollution generated by the building.
The BREEAM assessment process analyses building design and construction, producing a score for each aspect listed above. That score determines the level of certification, ranging from Pass to Outstanding.
How to achieve BREEAM
To achieve a BREEAM for a building, the following steps are required:
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Select a BREEAM scheme appropriate to your building type and project stage.
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Appoint a licensed BREEAM assessor to guide you through the certification process.
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Register your project with the BREEAM certification body and submit the necessary documentation.
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Carry out a BREEAM assessment to determine the building's environmental performance and identify areas for improvement.
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Implement the necessary measures to improve the building's sustainability performance.
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Submit evidence to demonstrate that the building meets the required sustainability criteria.
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Receive a BREEAM rating and certification for your building.
The specific steps and requirements may vary depending on the building type, location, and BREEAM scheme chosen. It is recommended to consult with a licensed BREEAM assessor to guide you through the certification process.
BREEAM certified projects
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Location > Brussels, Belgium
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Tarkett Product > DESSO Grain
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Surface > 20.000 m²
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Certification achieved > BREEAM Excellent