What is BREEAM?
BREEAM stands for Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method.
It is a widely recognized and widely used environmental assessment method and certification scheme for buildings. BREEAM provides a framework for assessing the environmental performance and sustainability of new and existing buildings across various categories, such as energy usage, water efficiency, waste management, materials selection, and ecological impact.
BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method)
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Management | Covers policies, organizational structure, and management processes. |
| Health and Wellbeing | Addresses indoor air quality, thermal comfort, and natural light. |
| Energy | Evaluates energy efficiency and renewable energy use. |
| Transport | Assesses accessibility, transportation planning, and vehicle emissions. |
| Water | Measures water consumption, wastewater treatment, and rainwater harvesting. |
| Materials | Evaluates material sourcing, waste management, and resource efficiency. |
| Land Use and Ecology | Addresses site selection, biodiversity, and pollution prevention. |
| Pollution | Assesses air, water, and noise pollution. |
| Innovation | Recognizes innovative approaches and technologies. |
Note: The specific criteria and weighting within each category may vary depending on the BREEAM scheme being used (e.g., New Construction, Refurbishment, Homes).
The BREEAM assessment process evaluates a building's design, construction, and operation against a set of performance criteria. These criteria cover a range of environmental and sustainability factors, including energy efficiency, water conservation, indoor environmental quality, pollution prevention, and ecological impact. The assessment takes into account factors such as the building's location, materials used, energy systems, water management, and waste management practices.
The BREEAM certification is awarded at different levels, ranging from "Pass" to "Outstanding," based on the total score achieved in the assessment. It provides a recognized measure of a building's environmental performance and allows for comparison and benchmarking against other buildings.
BREEAM is commonly used in the United Kingdom and has gained international recognition and adoption in many other countries as well. It is often used by developers, architects, and building owners to demonstrate their commitment to sustainable design and construction practices and to enhance the environmental performance of their buildings.
KPI for BREEAM Assessment
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for BREEAM assessments can vary depending on the specific project and its objectives. However,
Here are some common KPIs that are often considered in BREEAM assessments:
1. Energy Efficiency
KPIs in this category may include metrics such as energy consumption (kWh), energy performance rating (e.g., Energy Performance Certificate rating), and reduction targets for greenhouse gas emissions.
2. Water Efficiency
KPIs related to water usage and conservation can include metrics like water consumption (m³), water recycling or rainwater harvesting percentages, and water efficiency targets.
3. Materials and Waste
KPIs in this category can include metrics such as the percentage of construction waste diverted from landfill, use of recycled or sustainable materials, and waste reduction targets.
4. Indoor Environmental Quality
KPIs for indoor environment quality may include metrics such as air quality measurements (e.g., CO2 levels), natural daylighting levels, acoustic performance, and occupant satisfaction surveys.
5. Ecological Impact
KPIs related to ecological impact can include metrics such as biodiversity value, ecological enhancements (e.g., green roofs or bird boxes), and measures to protect or enhance natural habitats.
6. Transport and Accessibility
KPIs in this category can include metrics such as provision for sustainable transportation (e.g., bicycle storage, electric vehicle charging), proximity to public transport, and accessibility for people with disabilities.
7. Management and Innovation
KPIs related to management and innovation can include metrics such as the implementation of a sustainable building management plan, sustainability training for staff, and innovation credits achieved through unique sustainability initiatives.
These are just some examples of KPIs that can be used to measure and track the performance of a building against BREEAM criteria. The specific KPIs chosen will depend on the project goals, local regulations, and the specific BREEAM scheme being applied.