BREEAM Consultant: Assessment and Reports

BREEAM, which stands for Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method, is an environmental assessment method for buildings that is widely used in development. BREEAM sets the standard for best practice in sustainable design and operation.

BREEAM assesses various aspects of a building’s environmental impact, such as energy usage, water consumption, waste management, and materials selection. By assessing these factors, BREEAM consultants help project teams identify opportunities for improvement and develop strategies to enhance a building’s environmental performance.

As a result of this, developments in the future and even existing buildings will become more environmentally friendly and will deliver cost savings through green solutions.

BREEAM uses a certification system that assesses the environmental performance of the development in regard to overall sustainability. A BREEAM assessment and certification can be undertaken at any stage of a development’s lifecycle. This typically begins at the design stage through to construction and then to the post construction phase and future refurbishment.

The certification of a development project is then carried out by a professional BREEAM assessor. The assessor will gather a range of evidence at each stage and compile it into a report and send it to the building research establishment (BRE). Following this process, a rating will be given to a project which will be a rating that is a reflection of the building’s sustainability. An assessment will consider a variety of factors, including:

• Energy and water use
• Management processes
• Internal environment
• Pollution
• Transport
• Ecology
• Waste
• Materials

A BREEAM rating can range from pass, good, very good and excellent. Depending on the rating given, a number of methods and suggestions to be carried out to improve the rating of a development will be provided by the assessor.

A BREEAM consultant is responsible for providing expert guidance and support to project teams. This is typically done throughout the design and construction process to achieve environmental performance goals. Some of the key tasks of and responsibilities of a BREEAM consultant include:

Assessments and Evaluations: BREEAM consultants conduct comprehensive assessments and evaluations of building projects to determine their environmental performance.

Sustainable Design Strategies: BREEAM consultants collaborate with architects, engineers, and designers to develop sustainable building designs that align with project goals.

Regulatory Compliance: BREEAM consultants have a deep understanding of environmental regulations and standards. They assist project teams in navigating complex regulatory frameworks and ensure compliance with local, national, and international environmental requirements.

Certification Process: BREEAM certification is a recognised measure of a building’s environmental performance. Sustainability consultants guide project teams through the certification process, helping them prepare necessary documentation, complete assessments, and meet certification criteria.

Obtaining a BREEAM rating through an assessment can be a major factor when attempting to obtain planning permission with your local planning authority. You must ensure that you are taking the correct measures to meet the requirements in order to receive an ‘excellent’ rating.

One of the first steps in this process is to book an experienced BREEAM consultant. They will provide the necessary advice to meet these requirements and any guidance on methods to increase a development’s rating.

Our team of BREEAM assessors have helped numerous clients over the years with various building types. BREEAM is something that we are qualified and experienced in, and we can offer advice on your building project. We are determined to offer you the support you need both pre and post development.

Our Ecology Director, Olivia Collington, holds a Natural England license. Feel free to contact us using the details below if you would like to find out more about the services we provide and our wide ranging case studies.