In this post I will discuss the most important features of the British certification system BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method For Buildings), which is currently configured as one of the most important standards along with the LEED system.
The Breeam certification constitutes a procedure for performance evaluation environmental and building certification systems more widespread at the national and international.
The evaluation of buildings with this system is carried out through a criteria of credits that are divided into nine groups different, so that those measures that improve the well-being of the occupants and those who contribute to the protection of the environment environment . This system is also voluntary and was Created in the year 1990 in the United Kingdom.
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This system aims to implement the following objectives to improve the sustainability of the buildings that are intended to be built:
As a remarkable point of this system to mention that improves the flexibility and useful life of buildings, and increases its functionality and the value of the built property under these parameters , this revaluation may assume about 10% above the value of other homes similar, but of standard construction. Employ a simple and transparent valuation procedure, which is based on actual tests and verifications.
First we must recognize the 10 measures evaluated by BREEAM® that contribute to reducing the famous CO2 emissions caused by buildings and construction.
This system is based on a set of procedures intended to assess the levels sustainability of a building , during the phases of project, as well as execution and maintenance both in urban developments such as new buildings construction, although there are also some systems for evaluate buildings already built in use. Parameters sustainability assessed are those established in the following groups:
The process is started by registering the building through a recognized adviser or professional independent accredited to proceed to carry out the evaluation procedures. Once registered, the assessment process of all required requirements adding the score awarded in each of the categories indicated above to obtain the qualification definitive, and the rest is considered a weighting through a environmental factor.
Finally, a score for innovation is added to get the final ranking. Bliss classification is divided into Approved, Good, Very Good, Excellent and Exceptional , and is accompanied by a number stars from one to five.
We have spoken in some articles about certain cases of improvement of sustainable buildings and in many cases the need improvement or achieving high energy efficiency goes through consider design parameters and environmental quality that are assessed against these certification standards both LEED and BREEAM.
At first it seems logical to think that the current model of building that is limited to comply with current regulations current and intends to implement standard qualities without other additional objective in sustainability aspects considered should evolve towards this design concept due to the advantages which means not only from an environmental point of view but also also because they do not involve an excessive extra cost, reduce energy consumption and improve the quality of life of its users.
In addition, it is convenient to assess that the certificate energy currently in force that allows estimating consumption primary and final energy as well as CO2 emissions from a building.
But in a society like ours, moreover, it is done necessary to consider other parameters such as insulation noise, the proper use and management of water, the quality of life of the users, the consumption of energy that supposes the use of electrical appliances, the use of certain materials aggressive for the environment or that require a lot of energy in its manufacture and/or transport, the proper management of waste generated during the construction process of the buildings, etc…
They should be considered in a global context as they they are also generating energy consumption and CO2 emissions, thus advocating for such quality standards especially in developments of buildings for residential, tertiary and industry.
More information on the official BREEAM page where we can download a manual for technicians and know more from HERE. Wanted for Projects carried out with BREEAM certification in Spain... HERE.
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Article prepared by José Luis Morote Salmeron (Technical Architect – Manager Energy) Access to its website HERE, in collaboration with Home Repair Care .
