How to get your BREEAM assessment off to the best start

Our Top Tips to help you get your BREEAM project off to the best start…

1. Involve a BREEAM Assessor as early as possible

Getting an assessor involved from pre-planning stage will make the whole assessment much simpler to achieve, and credits more cost-effective to achieve.

2. Conduct an early ecology assessment

This is an important stage to ensure you do not unnecessarily lose credits.

3. Start SBEM or SAP calculations early

Predicting carbon emissions early on can save you money. SBEM (or SAP for domestic refurbishments) can also contribute to a large number of credits and early calculations determine whether you have a shortfall of credits to be made up elsewhere.

4. Vital drainage assessment before starting on site

Surface water, flood risk assessment and compliant drainage plan should be in place before starting work on site.

5. Engage the whole design team

Whether architect, engineer or landscape architect, all members of the design team are likely to be able to achieve credits from design.

6. Clearly identify evidence

When sending evidence, indicate what it is and which credit it supports (we can guide you), for example, Trumpton Fire Station: Man 01 – sustainable procurement.

7. Don’t let the credits slip past you

There are credits to be found throughout. If you are having difficulty with any credits, there are a host of workable solutions that we can help you with – as well as some mandatory ones to secure early on.

8. Know how design changes impact on BREEAM

Let’s face it, designs do change. Simply inform your BREEAM Assessor before the changes are made permanent so we can advise if it adversely affects your credits.

9. Stay on top of changing requirements

Make sure you know how any changes impact your assessment, as some assessments require longer-term monitoring. Your Assessor will be aware of all the latest enhancements.

10. Identify minimum standards

Recognise where your least-effort credits lie. A BREEAM assessment spreadsheet is a great tool for this, rather than wading through the Manual.