BREEAM Certification for Buildings – Everything You Need to Know

BREEAM certification is a globally recognized standard for assessing buildings in terms of their ecological sustainability and development. Learn how to obtain this prestigious document and what benefits it brings to properties.

Table of contents

1. What is BREEAM certification?
2. BREEAM certification guidelines
3. BREEAM certification process
4. Benefits of having BREEAM certification
5. Electric underfloor heating in BREEAM-certified buildings

What is BREEAM certification?

BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) is one of the oldest and most renowned standards for assessing buildings in terms of their ecological sustainability and development. Introduced by BRE (Building Research Establishment) in 1990, BREEAM certification has become a key tool in evaluating the impact of buildings on the environment. The growing popularity of this certification is a response to the global pursuit of more sustainable development and the reduction of the negative impact of construction on our planet.

BREEAM certification guidelines

BREEAM certification is primarily associated with ecological standards in the design, construction, and operation of buildings. However, the assessment encompasses much more than just an analysis of ecological solutions and energy efficiency. What other aspects are considered in the assessment process?

BREEAM certification – requirements:

• Management: the assessment includes the effectiveness of project management, including environmental management.
• Health and well-being: analysis of the building's impact on the health and comfort of users, covering aspects such as air quality, access to natural light, and acoustics.
• Energy: a key area of assessment, where the energy efficiency of the building, the use of renewable energy sources, and energy management systems are analyzed.
• Transport: assessment of access to public transport, cycling infrastructure, and pedestrian amenities.
• Water: checking water management efficiency, including reducing water consumption and rainwater harvesting systems.
• Materials: analysis of the selection of building materials in terms of their environmental impact, durability, and life cycle.
• Waste: efficiency of waste management during the construction and operation of the building.
• Ecology: assessment of the building's impact on local biodiversity and measures taken to protect and support it.
• Pollution: monitoring emissions of pollutants into the air, water, and soil.

BREEAM certification process

BREEAM certification consists of several stages.

• Preparation: at this stage, investors and designers prepare documentation and plan actions to meet BREEAM guidelines. It is important to consider the certification requirements from the very beginning of the project.
• Preliminary assessment: conducted by a licensed BREEAM assessor, aims to check the project's compliance with requirements and identify areas for improvement.
• Project implementation: during the project implementation, planned solutions are put into action. Regular audits and inspections allow for ongoing monitoring of progress and necessary adjustments. Programs assessing light intensity, noise, and energy consumption in the building are used for analysis, comparing this data with BREEAM guidelines. Based on the results, the consultant provides guidelines to the designers. The building receives the consultant's approval if it meets the requirements at a specified level. What types of structures can receive a BREEAM certificate? Both new and existing buildings can obtain certification.
• Final assessment: after construction is completed, a BREEAM representative conducts a final assessment, verifying compliance with certification requirements. Based on the collected data and documentation, the appropriate level of certification is awarded.
• Certification levels:
  • less than 30% – the building does not meet the criteria and thus does not receive a BREEAM certificate,
  • 30-44% – pass assessment, which is the minimum level of criteria fulfillment,
  • 34-54% – certificate with a good rating,
  • 55-69% – certification with a very good rating,
  • 70-84% – certificate with an excellent rating,
  • above 85% – certificate with an outstanding rating.
• Awarding the certificate: After a positive final assessment, the building receives a BREEAM certificate, which confirms its sustainable character and compliance with stringent guidelines.

Benefits of having BREEAM certification

Having BREEAM certification brings many benefits:

• Increased property value – buildings with BREEAM certification are perceived as more valuable and attractive to investors and tenants;
• Operational savings – energy efficiency and resource management lead to lower operating costs of the building;
• Better quality of life – increased comfort and health of building users due to appropriate indoor conditions;
• Environmental responsibility – having BREEAM certification demonstrates commitment to environmental protection and sustainable development;
• Reputation and image – companies and investors owning buildings with BREEAM certification gain a positive image and reputation in the market.

Electric underfloor heating in BREEAM-certified buildings

BREEAM building certification is not only prestigious but also brings concrete benefits for investors, users, and the environment. Investing in the sustainable development of buildings is a step into the future that brings tangible economic and ecological benefits.

We particularly emphasize the aspect of high energy efficiency in investments with BREEAM certification. In such buildings, electric underfloor heating in the form of films and heating mats supported by intelligent TERMOFOL thermostats will work perfectly.

Thanks to good thermal insulation, certified buildings will retain heat generated by the heated floor for longer. Additionally, it will distribute evenly throughout the room. We will avoid the "heat islands" effect, which are areas such as the immediate surroundings of convection heaters where heat accumulates at the expense of the rest of the room. Intelligent thermostats equipped with temperature sensors will control the operation of heating films and ensure minimal energy consumption.

We encourage you to contact the specialists at TERMOFOL to choose the best solution for BREEAM-certified buildings.