Achieving BREEAM USA Certification: Steps and Key Assessment Categories

Sustainable building practices are becoming increasingly critical as the world grapples with climate change and resource depletion. BREEAM USA certification offers a robust framework for assessing, rating, and improving the environmental performance of buildings in the United States.

This certification is not just about meeting regulatory requirements; it provides a comprehensive approach to sustainability that can enhance property value, reduce operational costs, and improve occupant satisfaction.

BREEAM Certification Process

Embarking on the journey to achieve BREEAM USA certification begins with a clear understanding of the project’s goals and the specific sustainability outcomes desired. The process starts with a pre-assessment, where project teams evaluate the potential performance of the building against BREEAM criteria. This initial step helps identify areas of strength and opportunities for improvement, setting the stage for a more focused and effective certification effort.

Once the pre-assessment is complete, the project team collaborates with a licensed BREEAM Assessor. This professional plays a pivotal role in guiding the project through the certification process, ensuring that all necessary documentation and evidence are collected and submitted. The assessor’s expertise is invaluable in navigating the complexities of BREEAM requirements, providing insights and recommendations that can significantly enhance the project’s sustainability performance.

The next phase involves a detailed assessment, where the building’s design, construction, and operational practices are thoroughly evaluated. This comprehensive review covers various aspects of sustainability, from energy efficiency and water management to materials selection and waste reduction. Each category is meticulously examined, with points awarded based on the building’s performance. The cumulative score determines the certification level, ranging from Pass to Outstanding.

Throughout the assessment, continuous communication between the project team and the BREEAM Assessor is crucial. Regular updates and feedback sessions help ensure that the project remains on track and that any issues are promptly addressed. This collaborative approach fosters a deeper understanding of sustainability principles and encourages the adoption of best practices.

Key Assessment Categories

BREEAM USA certification evaluates buildings across a range of categories, each focusing on different aspects of sustainability. These categories collectively ensure a holistic approach to environmental performance, addressing everything from energy use to occupant wellbeing.

Energy

Energy efficiency is a cornerstone of sustainable building practices. BREEAM USA places significant emphasis on reducing energy consumption and promoting the use of renewable energy sources. Buildings are assessed on their ability to minimize energy use through efficient design, advanced technologies, and effective management practices. This includes evaluating the building’s insulation, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, as well as the integration of renewable energy systems like solar panels or wind turbines. By optimizing energy performance, buildings can significantly reduce their carbon footprint and operational costs, contributing to a more sustainable future.

Health and Wellbeing

The health and wellbeing of occupants are paramount in sustainable building design. BREEAM USA assesses factors that influence indoor environmental quality, such as air quality, lighting, acoustics, and thermal comfort. Buildings are evaluated on their ability to provide a healthy and comfortable environment for occupants, which can enhance productivity and overall satisfaction. This includes the use of low-emission materials, effective ventilation systems, and access to natural light. By prioritizing health and wellbeing, buildings can create spaces that support the physical and mental health of their occupants, leading to improved quality of life and increased occupant retention.

Innovation

Innovation in sustainable building practices is encouraged and rewarded under BREEAM USA. This category recognizes projects that go beyond standard practices and introduce new, creative solutions to environmental challenges. Buildings are assessed on their ability to implement innovative technologies, processes, or designs that enhance sustainability performance. This could include the use of cutting-edge materials, advanced energy systems, or novel approaches to waste management. By fostering innovation, BREEAM USA aims to drive continuous improvement in the field of sustainable building, encouraging projects to push the boundaries of what is possible and set new benchmarks for environmental performance.

Land Use

The land use category focuses on the impact of a building on its surrounding environment. BREEAM USA assesses how well a project integrates with its site, considering factors such as biodiversity, green space, and the preservation of natural habitats. Buildings are evaluated on their ability to minimize disruption to the local ecosystem and enhance the natural environment. This includes the use of sustainable landscaping practices, the protection of existing vegetation, and the creation of new green spaces. By promoting responsible land use, BREEAM USA encourages projects to contribute positively to their local environment, supporting biodiversity and creating healthier, more sustainable communities.

Materials

The selection and use of materials play a crucial role in the sustainability of a building. BREEAM USA evaluates the environmental impact of materials used in construction, considering factors such as sourcing, durability, and recyclability. Buildings are assessed on their ability to use materials that have a lower environmental footprint, such as those that are locally sourced, sustainably harvested, or contain recycled content. This includes evaluating the life cycle impacts of materials, from extraction and production to disposal. By prioritizing sustainable materials, buildings can reduce their environmental impact, support local economies, and promote the use of renewable resources.

Management

Effective management practices are essential for achieving and maintaining high levels of sustainability performance. BREEAM USA assesses the processes and procedures in place to ensure that sustainability goals are met throughout the lifecycle of a building. This includes evaluating the project’s planning, design, construction, and operational phases. Buildings are assessed on their ability to implement robust management systems, such as environmental management plans, quality control procedures, and stakeholder engagement strategies. By fostering strong management practices, BREEAM USA helps ensure that sustainability is integrated into every aspect of a project, leading to more consistent and reliable outcomes.

Pollution

Minimizing pollution is a key aspect of sustainable building design. BREEAM USA evaluates the measures in place to reduce pollution from a building, including air, water, and noise pollution. Buildings are assessed on their ability to implement strategies that mitigate the release of harmful substances into the environment. This includes the use of low-emission materials, effective waste management practices, and the implementation of noise reduction measures. By addressing pollution, BREEAM USA helps protect the health of both the environment and the building’s occupants, contributing to cleaner, healthier communities.

Transport

The transport category focuses on the accessibility and sustainability of transportation options associated with a building. BREEAM USA assesses the measures in place to promote sustainable transport, such as the availability of public transportation, cycling facilities, and electric vehicle charging stations. Buildings are evaluated on their ability to reduce reliance on private cars and encourage the use of more sustainable modes of transport. This includes the provision of safe and convenient pedestrian pathways, secure bicycle storage, and incentives for carpooling. By promoting sustainable transport, BREEAM USA helps reduce the environmental impact of commuting and supports healthier, more active lifestyles.

Waste

Effective waste management is a critical component of sustainable building practices. BREEAM USA evaluates the strategies in place to minimize waste generation and promote recycling and reuse. Buildings are assessed on their ability to implement comprehensive waste management plans, including the segregation of waste streams, the provision of recycling facilities, and the use of construction materials with recycled content. This includes evaluating the building’s ability to reduce waste during both the construction and operational phases. By prioritizing waste reduction and recycling, BREEAM USA helps conserve resources, reduce landfill use, and promote a circular economy.

Water

Water efficiency is a vital aspect of sustainable building design. BREEAM USA assesses the measures in place to reduce water consumption and promote the use of alternative water sources. Buildings are evaluated on their ability to implement water-saving technologies, such as low-flow fixtures, rainwater harvesting systems, and greywater recycling. This includes evaluating the building’s ability to manage water use effectively, both indoors and outdoors. By prioritizing water efficiency, BREEAM USA helps conserve this precious resource, reduce utility costs, and support the long-term sustainability of the built environment.