The Benefits of BREEAM: What can you save with a BREEAM Assessment?

Did you know that the operation of buildings account for 26% of the overall global energy-related emissions? Increasing the sustainability and environmental performance of buildings is an important consideration for today’s built environment, and more and more construction companies are now seeking to achieve the BREEAM excellent rating for their projects. 

According to one of our BREEAM specialists, “although BREEAM may require a slight increase in the initial construction costs, its long-term benefits for users, clients, and the environment make its implementation a valuable investment.”

So, what are the specific benefits of BREEAM for developers and project managers? We explore the specific savings that can be gained with a BREEAM assessment below.

Energy 

Measuring the energy efficiency of a building is one of the core criteria for BREEAM assessments. The higher the building’s BREEAM rating, the more energy efficient it can be. To achieve a high score in this category, you must demonstrate that you have implemented clear measures to reduce your building’s overall energy consumption. For example, this could be attained through the use of energy-efficient design, efficient heating and cooling systems, or renewable energy generation measures.

The loss of energy through inadequate building design is not only harmful to our environment; it’s also extremely expensive. With a BREEAM excellent rating, you can guarantee that your building is retaining energy and ensure that your clients do not need to spend thousands on their utility bills. 

Discover more about energy efficiency in BREEAM via our blog post dedicated to this topic.

Resources

Another clear benefit of BREEAM-certified buildings is the conservation of natural resources. BREEAM requires buildings to use materials and resources in an environmentally responsible way, and focuses on incorporating stringent waste reduction strategies wherever possible. Choosing sustainable materials such as recycled steel and low-carbon concrete, and implementing waste management plans with recycling and reuse programmes at the forefront, can reduce the environmental impact associated with construction.

By encouraging a more efficient use of resources, BREEAM excellent rated buildings can also help you save a significant amount of money throughout the construction process. You will benefit from lower material costs and reduced waste management expenses, allowing you to focus on delivering your project on time and to budget.

Carbon emissions

Buildings are a key contributor to the rise of greenhouse gas emissions such as methane, which can have a detrimental effect on both environmental and human health. BREEAM excellent rated buildings will have lower carbon footprints and produce fewer harmful emissions. According to BRE, offices certified under BREEAM can save an average of 24% in carbon emissions compared to non-certified buildings, while educational facilities can expect to receive savings of around 19%.

By promoting sustainable design, utilising eco-friendly materials, and integrating renewable energy sources, you can substantially reduce the amount of carbon emissions your building will generate throughout its entire life cycle. This ensures compliance with environmental regulations such as BREEAM, and allows you to position yourself as a leader in sustainable development.

Money

The benefits of BREEAM extend far beyond its environmental impact. By promoting energy efficiency, water conservation, and waste reduction, BREEAM excellent buildings are also much cheaper to operate. In fact, research suggests that upgrading a semi-detached home to the BREEAM excellent standard can lead to savings of almost 50% on energy bills, which is a huge advantage for homeowners and tenants in today’s shaky economic climate.

BREEAM can also enhance the market appeal of your building. BREEAM is a desirable benchmark in measuring environmental excellence, making your building much more attractive to potential tenants, buyers, or investors. Your building will likely be valued at a much higher price, making BREEAM certification an extremely cost-effective and intelligent choice.

Achieve BREEAM excellence with Encon Associates

It’s clear to see that BREEAM offers a whole host of benefits to modern developers, enabling them to improve their building’s sustainability rating and enhance its market value. Whether you're starting a new project or wish to enhance an existing building structure, being assessed under BREEAM can help you create a lasting positive impact on both the environment and your clients.

Encon Associates is passionate about helping developers achieve the maximum sustainability performance possible through our comprehensive suite of BREEAM assessment guides and services. With a proven track record in never missing a BREEAM targeted rating, our qualified BREEAM assessors can guide your project towards environmental excellence. 

Get in touch with us today to discuss your project requirements and begin your journey towards achieving BREEAM certification.