How the BREEAM framework contributes to sustainability objectives
Ensuring design, construction and refurbishments are delivered through cutting-edge sustainable building consultancy is a core feature of the projects we undertake. Utilising BREEAM standards as part of design and building consultancy ensures accessing a tangible framework with solid measurable outcomes. BREEAM is a valuable tool that measures buildings’ environmental impact, effectiveness, and performance.
BREEAM as a sustainability methodology
Whilst in recent years the world has given increased focus to sustainable buildings and considerations around the environment and net zero targets, BREEAM is not new. The credible framework used to assess and certify buildings in respect of their sustainability was first published in 1990. BREEAM stands for Building Research Establishment and Environmental Assessment Method and is the world leading methodology used to assess sustainability in design, construction, new developments, and refurbishments and is the leading market recognition of buildings with a low environmental impact. To date, BREEAM has been used to certify over 590,000 assessments of buildings and has been applied in over 85 countries.
Utilising BREEAM at project inception
Accessing the BREEAM framework at the start of a project can reduce life cycle costs because it aids the evaluation of design, procurement, construction, and the ultimate operation of any project against sustainability targets. Using performance benchmarks, BREEAM can be used to understand sustainability values across a breadth of areas such as land use and energy consumption to provide a holistic approach to integrate sustainable targets within initial design.
The standard aims to negate the impact of construction development on the environment by cost-effectively adopting sustainable solutions. Applying the methodology in sustainable engineering consultancy provides a framework to set targets that can be measured against industry best practice benchmarks. It is a value-led approach that enables buildings to continuously improve their efficiencies. The assessment utilises scientifically based sustainability metrics and evaluates the following areas:
- Management
- Health &Well-being
- Energy
- Transport
- Water
- Materials
- Waste
- Land use & Ecology
- Pollution
Given the comprehensive and universally recognised scope of BREEAM certification, the value of using it to support sustainable building consultancy is evident.
Cudd Bentley’s sustainability strategy
As a professional building consultancy service, we have key sustainability strategies and objectives that run through all our work. Underpinning any consultancy we deliver, is the creation of high-quality spaces where people can live, work, and thrive. Ensuring positive health and well-being is always central to our work and people are at the heart of every project we undertake.
Cudd Bentley understands the importance for developments to positively impact local communities and the environment, and we offer a range of BREEAM related services compliant with the in-house BREEAM assessments tailored to the individual projects BREEAM credit strategy. These additional sustainability reports include but are not limited to thermal comfort reports; passive design analyses; daylighting calculations; Life Cycle Cost analyses and building Life Cycle Assessments. These services aim to support clients in demonstrating progress towards environmental objectives and minimising the environmental impact of the built environment.
Positive project outcomes
Utilising the BREEAM framework is not new to the Cudd Bentley team. We have been delivering expert sustainable development consultancy for many years, with our engineers utilising BREEAM and other methodologies. As awareness has grown in the market of the benefits of a sustainable construction approach, we continue to employ multiple sustainable strategies to develop and improve our practice as technology and materials evolve. Our team has a range of experience from varied engineering, environmental and social science backgrounds as well as licensed BREEAM Assessors and Accredited Professionals in house to go beyond just meeting scores and numbers and leave a lasting positive impact on the wider built environment. We keep all stakeholders in projects front and centre and use an approach that not only applies methodologies such as BREEAM, but also delivers positive financial outcomes for all invested in the project.