In a world increasingly aware of the importance of protecting the environment and promoting inner well-being, the construction of sustainable buildings has become a priority. A key tool is certification BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method), recognised for its An all-encompassing and rigorous approach to assessing and classifying buildings. In this article, we'll explore what BREEAM certification actually involves and how it can make a difference in your projects.
What is Certification BREEAM?
The BREEAM certification evaluates the environmental performance of buildings in different categories: health and wellbeing, energy, transport, water, resources, resilience, land use and ecology, pollution and innovation. Developed by the Building Research Establishment (BRE) in the UK in 1990, it is the first certificate of sustainable construction in the world. BREEAM is globally recognised, with a presence on 3 continents, used in over 90 countries, with more than 591,000 buildings certified. In Spain, there are 2,359 buildings, both undergoing certification and already certified projects (1,639).
Source: https://breeam.es/
The main objective of BREEAM certification is to promote sustainable construction practices, encouraging reduction of environmental impact and the creation of healthier spaces for people. By assessing multiple aspects of a building's lifecycle, BREEAM provides an objective and verifiable measure of its environmental performance.
What is BREEAM Spain?
BREEAM Spain (BREEAM ES) is an adaptation of the BREEAM method. This is conform to national and regional laws and regulations, to ensure its applicability and relevance in our context.
Source: https://breeam.es/
What are the benefits of certification BREEAM?
The BREEAM evaluation and certification method presents many benefits, which can be classified as:
• Health The majority of the time is spent inside buildings. A building with BREEAM certification takes into account the Air quality, lighting levels and noise. This results in more comfortable and healthier spaces.
• Savings: A BREEAM certified building represents a reduction in energy consumption, water consumption and reduction in operating and maintenance costs. You can also increase the value of properties.
• PlanetBREEAM certification promotes strategies to reduce energy consumption and minimise CO2 emissions, not only during the construction but also in the use y end of life.
Kategora Investments' BREEAM NEW CONSTRUCTION certification in-progress project rendering.
Project Editors: AIC EQUIP
How does BREEAM certification classify a project?
Para obtener una certificación BREEAM, el edificio debe cumplir con un minimum points. As more points are accumulated, the certification level increases.
The BREEAM certification level is determined by the score achieved across different categories and is divided into Pass, Good, Very Good, Excellent, and Outstanding. The aim is foster continuous improvement y to reward buildings that achieve a high level of sustainability.
Also, it is important to note that the requirements and scoring criteria vary depending on the BREEAM version and type of assessment used. Each version has its own set of criteria and scoring thresholds to determine certification levels.
Source: https://breeam.es/
BREEAM certification levels are based on a cumulative score across different assessment categories. As a building achieves more points, it reaches higher levels of certification. These levels reflect the degree of sustainability and environmental performance of the assessed building.
What are BREEAM schemes?
BREEAM offers different types of schemes, each tailored to the building's use and different stages of a building's lifecycle.
• BREEAM New Constructionis designed to assess and certify new buildings or major refurbishments throughout the construction process. From design through to completion of construction.
• BREEAM In Usefocuses on the assessment and improvement of the environmental performance of existing buildings in use. It evaluates aspects related to building management, energy consumption, water use, indoor air quality, and other aspects related to the operation and maintenance of the building. It provides owners and occupants with a roadmap for improving the building's sustainability and efficiency.
• BREEAM HousingIt focuses on the assessment of residential homes. In other words, it is designed to provide a way to measure and improve the environmental performance of households, considering aspects such as energy efficiency, responsible water use, waste management, indoor environmental quality, and the selection of sustainable materials.
• BREEAM UrbanismIt is applied to large-scale development projects, such as housing estates and residential areas. Therefore, it evaluates and promotes sustainability and quality of life in community development, considering aspects such as land use, transport, infrastructure, public spaces, waste management, and other community sustainability criteria.
• BREEAM assessmentis applicable to a project that cannot be evaluated through the previously mentioned schemes.
Source: https://breeam.es/
How to obtain BREEAM certification?
At Espacios Evalore, we're here to be your ally every step of the way towards certifying your sustainable project. Together, we can make a difference! Contact us now and discover how to transform your project into an example of sustainability and environmental respect.
Camila Harguindeguy
Civil Engineer and Sustainability Consultant, Espacios Evalore SLP
