Mistakes to avoid when applying for BREEAM building certification

The Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Methodology, commonly known as BREEAM, is the UK’s most widely-used tool for assessing the sustainability performance of built assets throughout the design and construction phases. However, this comprehensive framework can be difficult to navigate, and many construction professionals fall into common traps that can significantly delay the certification process, or even prevent them from achieving their desired level of BREEAM building certification altogether. 

Encon Associates has helped hundreds of projects achieve BREEAM excellence, and as a result, we have observed the same mistakes being made over and over again. To ensure your construction meets all the necessary BREEAM certification requirements, consider following our useful advice and guidance below.

5 common BREEAM building certification pitfalls

1) Failure to incorporate BREEAM into the design stages

One of the most common mistakes that construction professionals make is not incorporating BREEAM measures within the initial project planning and design stages. Considering BREEAM early on in the process allows architects, designers, and project managers to explore innovative solutions that will enhance the overall sustainability performance of the building, and ensures that no ‘easy win’ credits are overlooked. If those ‘easy win’ credits must be added on later in the process, this may lead to costly changes or retrofits that could affect your project being delivered on time and to budget.

2) Not engaging the BREEAM assessor early enough

Although there is no time restriction for appointing a BREEAM assessor, it’s crucial to involve them as early as possible. As Encon Associates’ BREEAM assessor remarks, “The biggest mistake clients make when applying for BREEAM certification is appointing the BREEAM assessor too late. Many BREEAM credits from version 2018 onwards rely on RIBA-critical credits. If you are past the relevant RIBA stage, the credits are lost forever.” A BREEAM assessor’s industry knowledge and expertise can help you achieve the benchmarks for all ten categories, maximising your overall BREEAM rating.

3) Insufficient communication with team members

Many professionals are involved in construction projects - from architects and engineers to contractors and sustainability consultants. Failing to communicate with all key stakeholders could make all the difference between achieving the BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating, or missing the pass mark altogether. For example, an architect may incorporate energy-efficient elements such as high-performance insulation or smart HVAC technologies within their designs; but if the contractor doesn’t execute this accordingly, your project could fail to meet its desired BREEAM rating. Therefore, it’s vitally important to ensure that all stakeholders understand their responsibilities and communicate clearly throughout the BREEAM building certification process. 

4) Incomplete or inaccurate documentation

Another common mistake when applying for BREEAM assessments is submitting insufficient documentation. To award a BREEAM credit, your assessor must submit evidence which clearly demonstrates that each benchmark has been met. If your documentation is incomplete or inaccurate, this can make it difficult to demonstrate compliance with all the relevant BREEAM criteria and sub criteria required for the credit. We highly recommend maintaining a checklist of the documentation required and conducting a thorough review before each submission, to ensure that all evidence is complete and clearly labelled.

5) Late submission of evidence or documentation

Even if your evidence is clear and accurate, submitting the required documentation after deadlines have passed can significantly delay the certification process, and could negatively impact your final BREEAM score. As some credits are RIBA dependent, you should not underestimate the time and resources required to document the full process. To avoid potential delays, make sure you establish a clear timeline of what evidence is required by which date, and set reminders to check with key stakeholders that all submission dates are likely to be upheld.

Navigate the complexities of BREEAM with Encon Associates

Achieving your desired BREEAM building certification rating can be extremely complex and time-consuming; but Encon Associates is here to make the process as straightforward as possible. As your licenced BREEAM assessor and BREEAM AP, we will work closely with you throughout every stage of your project, from the initial pre-assessment through to post-construction; helping you to avoid common mistakes that could hinder the progress of your build. Contact us today to begin your BREEAM building certification journey and discover how we can drive your project towards environmental excellence.