BREEAM Certification

BREEAM stands for Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method. The method was originally introduced by a British research body and was set up as a cost-effective means for creating sustainable value for (logistics) real estate development. It helps investors, developers, architects, construction teams and users to use natural resources more efficiently. The standards that BREEAM sets entail increased costs: costs must be seen within the context of the total value. BREEAM measures the extent to which a project outperforms the legal minimum.

For VGP’s newly constructed buildings we require a minimum BREEAM score of Very Good, whilst a higher score can be applied for certification in agreement with the client

 

A sustainable development is in fact cost-saving, as it ensures lower operating costs and a healthier work climate. An increased investment in sustainability moreover pays back for itself thanks to a reduction of energy costs, water consumption, less maintenance and more productivity.

 

In the BREEAM assessment process, the acquisition, design, construction and operation of a development are compared against the objectives which are based on performance benchmarks. BREEAM measures sustainable value in a series of categories:

  1. Management
  2. Health
  3. Energy
  4. Transport
  5. Water
  6. Materials
  7. Waste
  8. Land use/ecology
  9. Pollution

 

Each of these BREEAM categories is geared to the most influential factors in order to:

  • Reduce emissions of harmful substances;
  • Enhance the sustainability and resilience of the design,
  • Adapt to climate change,
  • Boost ecological value,
  • Protect  biodiversity.

 

During the assessment process, each category is subdivided into different components that encourage the use of new standards, goals and objectives. Credits can be earned for achieving the goal in each category.  The credits are turned into percentages. The final total of percentages determines the BREEAM rating. The assessments are carried out by an independent assessor. They assess the measures and developments and determine the final certification on the basis of the number of credits earned. A scale that ranges from Pass, Good, Very Good, Excellent and Outstanding or a system from 1 to 5 stars is used.