BREEAM

Definition

BREEAM, which stands for Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method, is a leading sustainability assessment method for master planning projects, infrastructure, and buildings. It measures and reflects the sustainability performance of a project, promoting resource efficiency while reducing environmental impact. This certification is recognized globally and helps to support and incentivize the adoption of sustainable design practices in the construction industry.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. BREEAM was first launched in the UK in 1990 and has since evolved to assess a variety of building types and locations around the world.
2. The assessment covers multiple sustainability categories, including energy, water use, indoor environmental quality, pollution, and innovation.
3. BREEAM ratings range from Pass to Outstanding, allowing projects to showcase their commitment to sustainable practices at different levels.
4. This certification encourages collaboration among project teams by integrating sustainability into the design process from the start.
5. BREEAM can contribute to lowering operational costs for buildings by promoting energy-efficient solutions and practices.

Review Questions

• How does BREEAM influence the design process in construction projects?
  • BREEAM influences the design process by encouraging project teams to integrate sustainability considerations from the beginning. It fosters collaboration among architects, engineers, and contractors to address energy efficiency, water conservation, and overall environmental impact. By providing clear guidelines and categories for assessment, BREEAM helps teams make informed decisions that lead to more sustainable outcomes throughout the project lifecycle.
• What are some key categories assessed by BREEAM that reflect a building's sustainability performance?
  • BREEAM assesses several key categories to evaluate a building's sustainability performance. These include energy usage, water conservation, indoor environmental quality, pollution prevention, materials used, waste management, and innovation. Each category has specific criteria that projects must meet to achieve certain ratings. This comprehensive approach ensures that various aspects of sustainability are considered during the design and construction phases.
• Evaluate how BREEAM's global recognition affects its adoption across different countries and cultures in construction practices.
  • BREEAM's global recognition significantly impacts its adoption as it serves as a benchmark for sustainability in construction across diverse countries and cultures. As an established standard, it encourages local industries to adopt similar practices aligned with international expectations for sustainability. Moreover, its adaptability allows it to be tailored to meet specific regional environmental concerns and regulatory requirements, thus fostering a culture of eco-friendly design worldwide. This widespread influence also supports international collaboration on sustainability goals.

Related terms

LEED: LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, a green building certification program that recognizes best-in-class building strategies and practices.

Sustainable Architecture: Sustainable architecture refers to a design philosophy that seeks to minimize the negative environmental impact of buildings through efficient use of materials, energy, and development space.

Energy Efficiency: Energy efficiency is the goal of reducing the amount of energy required to provide products and services, which plays a key role in sustainable building practices.