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BREEAM Certification: Evaluation Categories

BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) is a widely recognized and respected sustainability assessment method for buildings. It evaluates various aspects of a building’s environmental performance and provides a comprehensive certification based on its sustainability credentials.

When undergoing BREEAM certification, buildings are assessed across several categories, each focusing on different aspects of sustainable development. These categories include:

1. Management

This category evaluates the building’s management processes and strategies related to sustainability. It assesses the building’s commitment to sustainable practices, including the establishment of environmental policies, energy and water management plans, waste management strategies, and stakeholder engagement.

2. Health and Wellbeing

This category assesses the building’s impact on the health and wellbeing of its occupants. It considers factors such as indoor air quality, thermal comfort, acoustic performance, access to daylight, and the promotion of physical activity and mental wellbeing.

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3. Energy

The energy category evaluates the building’s energy efficiency and its use of renewable energy sources. It assesses the building’s energy consumption, energy-saving measures, renewable energy generation, and the overall carbon emissions associated with its energy use.

4. Transport

This category focuses on the building’s accessibility and its promotion of sustainable transportation options. It assesses the availability of public transportation, cycling facilities, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and measures to reduce the reliance on private vehicles.

5. Water

The water category evaluates the building’s water consumption, efficiency, and management practices. It assesses the building’s water-saving measures, rainwater harvesting systems, water leak detection, and the overall impact on local water resources.

6. Materials

This category assesses the building’s use of sustainable and responsibly sourced materials. It evaluates the environmental impact of construction materials, their life cycle assessment, waste reduction strategies, and the promotion of circular economy principles.

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7. Waste

The waste category evaluates the building’s waste management practices and strategies. It assesses the building’s waste reduction measures, recycling facilities, waste segregation systems, and the overall diversion of waste from landfill.

8. Land Use and Ecology

This category assesses the building’s impact on the surrounding environment and biodiversity. It evaluates the building’s ecological value, protection of habitats, promotion of biodiversity, and measures to minimize the ecological footprint.

9. Pollution

The pollution category evaluates the building’s impact on air and water pollution. It assesses the building’s measures to reduce air and water pollution, control of emissions, and the use of sustainable drainage systems to prevent water pollution.

By evaluating buildings across these categories, BREEAM certification provides a holistic assessment of a building’s sustainability performance and encourages the adoption of sustainable practices in the construction and operation of buildings.

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