BREEAM, a widely acknowledged sustainability assessment approach for buildings, aims to evaluate and improve a construction project’s environmental performance, aligning with the three pillars of sustainability: environment, society, and economy. This methodology strives to facilitate sustainable development by minimising environmental impact while meeting present needs without compromising resources for future generations.
As per the Brundtland Commission, sustainable development entails meeting current needs while safeguarding resources for future generations. Mateus and Bragança’s perspective aligns with this, defining sustainable development as a balanced compromise between environmental, social, and economic pillars, seeking greater compatibility among them.
The discourse on sustainable growth involves strategies developed across various temporal and spatial scales, integrating current practices and future projections. Sustainability assessment tools, such as BREEAM assessments, play a vital role in harmonising these dimensions. They contribute to the equilibrium between environmental, social, and economic aspects while adapting to technological advancements and diverse applications, thereby promoting practicality and resilience in construction projects.
BREEAM Assessments serve as a significant tool in this realm, addressing the complex interplay between environmental impact, societal needs, and economic viability within the construction industry. By evaluating and improving these dimensions, BREEAM facilitates the pursuit of sustainable development goals while adapting to evolving technologies and diverse applications, fostering a more resilient and environmentally conscious built environment.
Enhance Buildings’ Operational Performance:
Optimising the operational performance of buildings involves improving their efficiency and functionality in day-to-day operations. This encompasses implementing strategies and technologies to enhance energy usage, streamline maintenance processes, and ensure optimal resource utilisation. By integrating smart systems, energy-efficient designs, and sustainable practices, buildings can significantly reduce operational costs, minimise environmental impact, and create more comfortable and productive spaces for occupants. Implementing measures such as advanced monitoring systems, renewable energy integration, and sustainable material choices further contribute to maximising buildings’ operational performance, aligning with evolving industry standards for sustainability and efficiency.
Minimise Environmental Impact:
Reducing the ecological footprint entails mitigating the adverse effects that buildings have on the environment. This involves employing sustainable design practices, optimising energy and water usage, minimising waste generation, and utilising eco-friendly materials. By adopting renewable energy sources, implementing efficient waste management systems, and promoting biodiversity, buildings can significantly decrease their environmental impact. Additionally, prioritising green spaces, implementing low-impact construction techniques, and adhering to stringent environmental standards contribute to creating structures that harmonise with and minimise their effect on the surrounding ecosystem.
Measure Buildings’ Effect On The Environment:
Assessing the environmental footprint of buildings involves evaluating their impact on the surrounding ecosystem. This encompasses quantifying and analysing factors such as energy consumption, water usage, waste generation, and emissions. Through comprehensive assessments and data analysis, the environmental effects of buildings are measured, allowing for a better understanding of their sustainability performance. By employing specialised tools and methodologies like BREEAM Assessments, LEED certification, or life cycle assessments, the ecological impact of structures can be accurately gauged. These assessments aid in identifying areas for improvement and implementing strategies to minimise buildings’ negative effects on the environment.
Pollution:
The focus of this category lies in assessing measures taken to prevent and address pollution within development projects. Its primary goal is to limit the adverse effects of construction on local ecosystems and neighbouring communities. To achieve this, projects are encouraged to implement strategies aimed at diminishing a built environment’s influence on different forms of pollution, encompassing air polution, light, and noise pollution. By devising and employing innovative solutions, such as using sustainable materials, incorporating noise-reduction measures, and controlling emissions, projects can effectively mitigate their impact on the environment and enhance the well-being of surrounding communities.
Waste:
The Waste category within BREEAM certification aims to address the issue of excessive landfill waste by emphasising sustainable waste management strategies. It places a strong emphasis on reducing, reusing, and recycling materials to minimise the volume of waste sent to landfills. By promoting practices that prioritise waste reduction at the source, encourage material reuse, and facilitate efficient recycling processes, BREEAM encourages construction projects to adopt environmentally responsible approaches. Implementing these measures not only diverts waste from landfills but also promotes resource conservation, fostering a more sustainable and circular approach to waste management within the built environment.
Health And Wellbeing:
BREEAM’s Health and Wellbeing category extends beyond environmental considerations, prioritising how a building’s design influences occupants’ health and comfort. It underscores the importance of creating spaces that prioritise the well-being, safety, and overall experience of those utilising or visiting the structure. Projects are prompted to incorporate measures that enhance indoor air quality, optimise natural light, and create ergonomic and comfortable spaces. Additionally, considerations for mental well-being, such as promoting access to nature and providing spaces for relaxation, contribute to fostering a healthy and supportive environment for occupants, aligning with BREEAM’s holistic approach to sustainable building design.
BREEAM assessments stand as a crucial tool in promoting sustainability in the construction industry. Understanding its components, challenges, benefits, and future trends is pivotal in fostering a more sustainable built environment for generations to come.