BREEAM, a globally recognized standard for sustainable built environments, assesses buildings across nine core environmental categories. These categories provide a comprehensive framework for evaluating and improving the environmental performance of a building throughout its lifecycle.
Understanding BREEAM's Comprehensive Approach
BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) is a leading sustainability assessment method for masterplanning projects, infrastructure, and buildings. It sets the standard for best practice in sustainable design and is used to assess, rate, and certify the sustainability of buildings. The "BREEAM In-Use Standard," for example, specifically evaluates existing non-domestic building types by scrutinizing their performance against a defined set of environmental criteria.
The Nine Environmental Categories of BREEAM
The nine environmental categories are meticulously designed to cover all significant areas of environmental impact and human well-being within a building's operation. By addressing each of these areas, BREEAM encourages a holistic approach to sustainable building management and development.
Here's a breakdown of the categories:
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Energy | Assesses energy consumption, efficiency, carbon emissions, and the use of renewable energy sources. This aims to reduce the building's operational carbon footprint. |
| 2. Water | Focuses on water consumption, leakage detection, and the implementation of water-efficient fittings and systems to conserve this vital resource. |
| 3. Transport | Evaluates the building's proximity to public transport, facilities for cyclists, and incentives for sustainable travel, reducing reliance on private vehicles. |
| 4. Management | Covers environmental management policies, commissioning, building user guides, and overall operational efficiency to ensure sustainable practices are maintained. |
| 5. Waste | Addresses waste reduction, effective waste management practices, and the recycling infrastructure within the building's operations and maintenance. |
| 6. Pollution | Examines measures to minimize light, noise, and water pollution, as well as the responsible management of refrigerants and other potential pollutants. |
| 7. Health & Well-Being | Prioritizes occupant comfort and health through considerations like indoor air quality, thermal comfort, lighting, and access to natural light. |
| 8. Land Use & Ecology | Assesses the ecological value of the site, protection of biodiversity, and responsible land use to minimize environmental impact. |
| 9. Materials | Evaluates the environmental impact of construction materials, focusing on aspects like responsible sourcing, recycled content, and durability. |
Each category contains a range of issues, each with its own aims, criteria, and guidance. Buildings are awarded credits based on their performance against these criteria, ultimately contributing to their overall BREEAM rating.
For more detailed information on BREEAM and its assessment standards, you can visit the official BREEAM website.
