Understanding the Role of an International BREEAM Assessor:
Driving Global Sustainability Standard
Sustainability in construction is no longer just a trend, it's a necessity. As the world faces growing environmental challenges, ensuring that buildings and infrastructure projects meet high environmental performance standards has become increasingly important. This is where the role of an International BREEAM Assessor comes into play.
An International BREEAM Assessor is a key figure in certifying the sustainability of buildings and infrastructure projects across more than 160 countries worldwide. BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) is a leading environmental rating system that helps promote sustainable design, construction, and operation of buildings. An assessor's role is to evaluate projects and ensure that they adhere to BREEAM's rigorous sustainability standards.
Key Responsibilities of an International BREEAM Assessor
As an International BREEAM Assessor, the primary responsibility is to evaluate the sustainability of a project and determine if it meets BREEAM's standards.
Key responsibilities include:
Assessment:
Conducting thorough evaluations of the project, examining various factors such as energy efficiency, waste management, water use, and environmental impact.
Evidence Collection:
Part of the assessment involves gathering and verifying key documentation and data to support the sustainability claims of the project.
Reporting:
Preparing detailed reports, summarising the sustainability performance of the project and how it aligns with BREEAM's criteria.
Certification Submission:
Submitting the assessment to BRE Global for quality assurance and final certification.
Note: While assessors evaluate and report on sustainability performance, they do not provide design advice. For guidance on improving sustainability practices and achieving higher BREEAM ratings, engaging a BREEAM Accredited Professional (AP) is recommended.
Benefits of BREEAM Certification
Achieving a BREEAM certification brings numerous benefits to a project, both environmentally and economically:
Global Recognition:
BREEAM is internationally recognised, offering projects an edge in the global market. The certification enhances a project's reputation by signalling a commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.
Achieving Sustainability Goals:
For companies aiming to meet their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) objectives, BREEAM provides a clear framework to follow.
Performance Improvement:
By identifying areas of improvement, an assessor can help a project enhance its environmental performance, often leading to cost savings in energy consumption, waste management, and more.
Financial Improvement:
BREEAM certification can significantly enhance a property's financial standing. Research indicates that BREEAM-certified buildings often command higher sale prices and rental premiums compared to non-certified counterparts. For instance, prime Central London offices with a BREEAM Excellent rating have been shown to achieve a 10.5% sales price premium over equivalent unrated buildings.
The BREEAM Certification Process
To achieve BREEAM certification, there are several steps that take place:
Initial Consultation:
The process starts with understanding the project scope and the sustainability goals of the client.
Assessment Planning:
A tailored assessment plan is created based on the project's specific needs.
On-Site Evaluation:
As part of the assessment, site visits are conducted to evaluate the building or infrastructure.
Verification:
All data and documentation must meet BREEAM's standards to ensure the project's eligibility for certification.
Certification:
If the project meets the required criteria, the appropriate BREEAM rating is awarded.
Types of Buildings That Can Be Assessed with BREEAM
The BREEAM International New Construction Version 6 provides a comprehensive framework for assessing a wide range of building types.
Some of the sectors and building types that can be evaluated include:
Residential:
Single dwellings, multiple dwellings, and residential care homes.
Commercial:
Offices (including those with research and development areas), industrial units, and retail establishments (e.g., shopping centres, restaurants, and cafes).
Educational Institutions:
Schools, universities, and other higher education facilities.
Hotels and Residential Institutions:
Hotels, hostels, and training centres.
Non-Standard Building Types:
This includes a variety of specialised buildings, such as hospitals, prisons, libraries, museums, theatres, and transport hubs.
Additionally, mixed-use developments - those that consist of multiple building types or functions - require individual assessments for each distinct functional use within the development.
Why Choose an International BREEAM Assessor?
International BREEAM Assessors play an essential role in shaping the future of sustainable development globally. Their expertise ensures that buildings are designed and constructed to meet stringent sustainability criteria, contributing to the global efforts to combat climate change and reduce environmental impact.
