Sustainable Construction Practices

Amidst the growing awareness of the importance of solving various environmental concerns, adopting sustainable construction practices has become increasingly vital in today's world. The Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method or BREEAM provides a framework for assessing the environmental performance of buildings. However, to maximise its benefits, it is crucial to customise BREEAM strategies according to the specific needs of different building types.

Standard BREEAM Schemes in the UK

BREEAM offers a range of schemes tailored to different types of buildings, ensuring that sustainability assessments are relevant and specific.

Non-domestic

1. BREEAM New Construction
   BREEAM New Construction is designed for new builds and major refurbishments. It covers various building types, including offices, retail units, and industrial facilities. This scheme assesses the building's design and construction phases, focusing on sustainability aspects such as energy efficiency, water usage, and use of sustainable materials.
2. BREEAM New Construction (Other/Bespoke)
   For buildings that do not fit into standard categories, the BREEAM New Construction (Other/Bespoke) scheme offers a flexible approach. This scheme allows for customisation to address the unique aspects of specialised buildings, such as research facilities or historic structures.
3. UK Refurbishment and Fit-out
   This scheme is intended for the refurbishment and fit-out of existing buildings. It addresses the sustainability challenges associated with upgrading older structures, ensuring that improvements contribute to the overall environmental performance.
4. BREEAM Infrastructure
   BREEAM Infrastructure focuses on the sustainability of large-scale infrastructure projects such as transport networks and utilities. This scheme evaluates the environmental, social, and economic impacts of infrastructure development, promoting holistic sustainability practices.

Domestic

1. Home Quality Mark (HQM)
   HQM is a scheme designed for new homes, assessing aspects such as energy efficiency, comfort, and health. It aims to provide homeowners with clear and reliable information about the sustainability and quality of their residential properties.
2. BREEAM Domestic Refurbishment
   Similar to the UK Refurbishment and Fit-out scheme for non-domestic buildings, BREEAM Domestic Refurbishment is tailored for residential properties. It ensures that refurbishment projects improve the environmental performance of existing homes, contributing to overall sustainability goals.

Factors Influencing BREEAM Strategy Customisation

Customising BREEAM strategies involves considering various factors to ensure that the sustainability goals are appropriately met and sustainable construction practices are implemented for each building type. These factors include:

1. Building function and purpose
   The function and purpose of a building significantly influence its sustainability requirements. For example, an office building has different energy and water usage patterns compared to a residential property. Customising BREEAM strategies to match the specific needs of the building type is essential for achieving optimal sustainability outcomes.
2. Occupancy patterns
   Understanding how a building is used and occupied is crucial for effective BREEAM customisation. For example, a hospital operates 24/7 and has different energy and waste management needs compared to a school with standard operating hours. Tailoring strategies to occupancy patterns ensures that sustainability measures are relevant and practical.
3. Regional considerations
   Regional factors, such as climate, local regulations, and available resources, play a vital role in customising BREEAM strategies. Buildings in different regions face unique sustainability challenges and opportunities, making it necessary to adapt strategies to local conditions.
4. Project budget and constraints
   Budget constraints and financial considerations influence the extent to which BREEAM strategies can be customised. As you know, it is important to balance sustainability goals with project budgets. This is to ensure that cost-effective measures are implemented without compromising on environmental performance.

Customisation Process

Creating customised BREEAM strategies is a multi-step process that ensures sustainability measures are effectively tailored to the unique requirements of each project. This process encompasses pre-assessment, development, and post-assessment stages, each critical in shaping and refining the sustainability approach to maximise environmental performance.

Pre-Assessment Phase

1. Initial consultation with stakeholders
   The customisation process begins with consultations with stakeholders, including architects, engineers, and clients. This stage involves understanding the project's specific goals and priorities, setting the foundation for tailored sustainability strategies.
2. Identifying specific goals and priorities
   During the pre-assessment phase, it is essential to identify the key sustainability goals and priorities for the project. This might include targets for energy efficiency, water conservation, or waste reduction, depending on the building type and stakeholder objectives.

Development Phase Design Stage

1. Tailoring strategies for each BREEAM category
   In the development phase, strategies are tailored for each BREEAM category, such as energy, water, materials, and health. Customisation involves selecting the most relevant criteria and adapting them to the specific needs of the building.
2. Incorporating relevant regional standards and regulations
   Ensuring compliance with regional standards and regulations is crucial during the development phase. Customising BREEAM strategies to ensure compliance with local laws and guidelines enhances the sustainability and feasibility of the project.

Post-Assessment Construction Review

1. Evaluating the effectiveness of customised strategies
   Once the construction is complete, it is important to evaluate the effectiveness of the customised BREEAM strategies. This involves reviewing the building's performance against the set sustainability goals.
2. Documenting lessons learned for future projects
   Documenting the lessons learned from the project provides valuable insights for future customisations. It helps refine the BREEAM strategy customisation process, ensuring continuous improvement and better sustainability outcomes for subsequent projects. A POE (Post Occupancy Evaluation) would be a good example of how lessons are learned from a completed project.

Best Practices for Customisation

Implementing best practices enhances the effectiveness of BREEAM strategy customisation, ensuring that sustainability goals are met efficiently. Consider the following pointers.

1. Collaboration with project teams
   Effective collaboration with project teams, including architects, engineers, and sustainability consultants, is essential for successful BREEAM customisation. A collaborative approach helps ensure that all aspects of the project are carefully considered, resulting in more comprehensive and practical sustainability strategies.
2. Flexibility in BREEAM implementation
   Flexibility is key to successful BREEAM implementation. Being open to adapting strategies as the project progresses allows for better alignment with changing conditions and stakeholder needs, ensuring that sustainability goals are achieved.
3. Integration with local sustainability initiatives
   Integrating sustainable construction practices and tailored BREEAM strategies with similar initiatives by the local community enhances the overall impact of the project. Meeting community goals and leveraging local resources can lead to more effective and contextually relevant sustainability outcomes.

Choose the Right BREEAM Strategy

Customising BREEAM strategies for different building types is essential for achieving optimal sustainability outcomes. By considering factors such as building function, occupancy patterns, regional considerations, and budget constraints and following a structured customisation process, it is possible to develop tailored sustainability strategies that meet the specific needs of each project. As sustainable construction continues to evolve, customising BREEAM strategies can aid in creating environmentally responsible and resilient buildings.

At Encon Associates, we offer expert support and guidance in designing and implementing tailored sustainable construction strategies to help you meet sustainability goals and achieve your target BREEAM ratings. Our team will collaborate closely with you through every stage of the project, ensuring that it meets the highest environmental standards. Get in touch today!