European Built Environment Industry

European Built Environment – BREEAM Offices

 

            Apart from the growing demands of stakeholders for more functional and more effective physical infrastructures, the built environment industry is confronted with various challenges including complying with sustainable construction regulations and policies. The built environment refers to a man-made surrounding that purports human activities, by which in this sense, the necessity for quality and sustainable built environment is critical. One of the ways that the UK construction industry could secure the sustainability of the infrastructures is through adhering to the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) or the voluntary measurement rating for ‘green buildings’ established in the UK. According to (2005), green buildings refers to the practice of increasing the efficiency through effective use of energy, water and materials along with reducing building impacts to human health and the environment. As such, as a built environment professional, it is my duty to provide clients with options, alternatives and solutions regarding built environment-related problems including environmental design issues. In our case, the medium-sized IT firm aspires for relocating in the Guildford area in the long-term. There are two options regarding the relocation sites: first is a three-storey 1908s office block and second, a three-storey 2006 completed office block, with similar floor areas. However, the firm is seriously considering the first option. In this paper, the comparisons of the two office blocks will be discussed and at the latter part of the document will provide advices to the client which office block could effectively reduce operating costs and improve Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Likewise, the dynamics and importance of BREEAM and the environmental performance of built environments will be also addressed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Building Research Establishment

           

• We provide a complete range of consultancy, testing and commissioned research services covering all aspects of the built environment, and associated industries

• We make significant contributions to the developments of national and international standards and codes for construction and fire safety

• We manage , one of the world's biggest online construction bookstores

• Through our sister company BRE Global we can provide an independent third party approvals body offering certification of fire, security and sustainability products and services.  This includes certification to UK, European and international standards, as well as CE marking.

• We provide a complete events management service for both  events and to other organisations, with on-site facilities for small groups through to a fully-serviced 190-seat lecture theatre.

 

BREEAM Buildings can be used to assess the environmental performance of any type of building (new and existing).  BREEAM Offices is the world's most widely used means of reviewing and improving the environmental performance of office buildings.

BREEAM Offices assessments can be carried out on both new and existing office buildings - non occupied or occupied, as follows:

• New build or refurbishment: design and procurement

• Existing office (occupied): management and operation

To see what issues are covered two pre-assessment estimators are available one for design stage assessments and another for management and operation.

The Code for Sustainable Homes

On the 27 February 2008 the Government confirmed that from 1 May 2008 it would be mandatory for all new homes to have a rating against the Code. Please note that the new regulations for providing for mandatory ratings does not apply to properties (individual or as part of an ongoing development) where the initial notice, full plans or Building Notice have been received by the relevant Local Authority Building Control body prior to 1^st May 2008

For information on how this might effect you please visit the Communities and Local Government website (CLG) where you will find some frequently asked questions and a copy of the CLG's news release.

For further information on how to download and complete a copy of the Nil rated certificate please click here.

In April 2007 the Code for Sustainable Homes replaced Ecohomes for the assessment of new housing in England. The Code is an environmental assessment method for new homes based upon BRE’s Ecohomes and contains mandatory performance levels in 7 key areas. 

The Code aims to protect the environment by providing guidance on the construction of high performance homes built with sustainability in mind.

BRE and CLG have worked closely together to ensure that the Code meets the latest regulatory requirements and addresses issues that emerged from an earlier industry wide consultation.

The Scope of the Code

Many house builders who currently use Ecohomes will find the credit system of the Code familiar. Users will notice that there are new mandatory minimum levels of performance that have been introduced across 7 key issues:

• Energy efficiency /CO₂

• Water efficiency

• Surface water management

• Site Waste Management

• Household Waste Management

• Use of Materials

• Lifetime homes (applies to Code Level 6 only)

 

The Code Scoring System

The Code has a scoring system of six levels. The different levels are made up by achieving both the appropriate mandatory minimum standards together with a proportion of the ‘flexible’ standards. 

Further information regarding the Code including a copy of the Code for Sustainable Homes: Setting the standard for sustainability in new homes can be downloaded from the CLG website.

Compliance with the Code

Code assessments are carried out in two phases:

• An initial assessment and interim certification is carried out at the design stage

• Final assessment and certification is carried out after construction see below:

Design Stage Review
Based on design drawings, specifications and commitments
Results in interim certificate of compliance

Post Construction Review
Based on the design stage review
Confirmation of compliance including site records and visual inspection.

 

 

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