BREEAM Rating System Assessment: Guide to Sustainable Building in the UAE
In an increasingly sustainable world, the built environment is critical. Buildings use a lot of energy and resources, and their effect on the environment is evident. This is where BREEAM certification comes in. This globally recognized standard contributes to the creation of sustainable buildings that are not only better for the environment, but also healthier and less expensive to operate.
This detailed guide dives into the benefits of BREEAM certification, the evaluation method, and how it is influencing the future of sustainable development in the UAE and beyond.
What is BREEAM Certification?
The Origin and History of BREEAM
The BREEAM Rating System categories?
BREEAM assesses buildings across ten diverse categories to ensure a holistic approach to sustainability.
- Energy
The first step in reducing a building’s environmental effect is to improve its energy efficiency. This category assesses energy efficiency, emphasizing energy-efficient systems and renewable energy sources. Consider a residential complex in Dubai powered by solar panels and using smart building management technologies to control energy use. This not only cuts carbon emissions, but it also lowers utility bills for residents. - Water
Given the UAE’s arid climate, water conservation is critical. This category focuses on lowering water usage and increasing water efficiency in the building. For example, a BREEAM-certified building may include low-flow fixtures, greywater recycling systems for irrigation, and rainwater collection to limit its dependency on municipal water supplies. - Health and Wellbeing
This category emphasizes the health, comfort, and well-being of building occupants. Consider a workplace with sufficient natural light, good ventilation, and acoustic design to reduce noise distractions. Such an environment can boost staff productivity, lower stress levels, and increase overall satisfaction. - Materials
The environmental impact of construction materials is evaluated throughout their full life cycle, from extraction to disposal. This category promotes the use of materials that are environmentally sourced, durable, and recyclable. For example, a project could use locally produced lumber with FSC certification and recycled content in its building materials, reducing its environmental impact and helping local businesses. - Management
Effective management systems are essential for minimizing a building’s environmental impact. This category evaluates the use of sustainable methods throughout construction and operation. A construction site seeking for BREEAM certification may prioritize waste segregation, recycling, and responsible disposal, thereby minimizing landfill trash and boosting the circular economy. - Land Use and Ecology
Another important part of BREEAM is to protect and enhance the biodiversity of the site. This category analyzes how development affects existing natural habitats and promotes sustainable land use and landscaping methods. To promote biodiversity and reduce stormwater runoff, a project may include green roofs, native plant species, and permeable paving. - Transport
This category promotes sustainable transportation solutions while reducing the environmental effect of transportation-related activities. A building near public transportation that includes facilities for bicycles and pedestrians, like as bike racks and showers, might encourage tenants to use more sustainable modes of transportation, lowering traffic congestion and air pollution. - Waste
This category focuses on reducing trash output during both building and operation. It promotes material reuse and recycling while also assessing waste management solutions to reduce landfill use and promote circular economy concepts. - Pollution
This area tackles the building’s impact on local pollution levels, such as noise, light, air, and water pollution. It stimulates steps to reduce pollution in the surrounding area and protect water and air quality. - Innovation
This category honors new techniques and technology that advance the field of sustainable building design and operation. It recognizes excellent performance and innovative solutions that are not covered in other categories, fostering continual improvement and the implementation of cutting-edge sustainable practices.
Who needs a BREEAM certificate?
Developers, architects, contractors, and other professionals utilize BREEAM to evaluate the sustainability of their projects and demonstrate their commitment to sustainable development. Local governments and other public sector organizations utilize it to establish green construction requirements as well.
BREEAM In-Use: BREEAM Rating System for Existing Building
BREEAM In-Use provides a unique opportunity for building owners, asset managers, and tenants in the UAE to assess and improve the sustainability of their assets, regardless of age or condition. It’s a versatile and low-cost way to significantly reduce your building’s environmental imprint.
BREEAM Rating Levels
It is vital to examine the BREEAM certificate and certification mark because these are the only credible means to confirm a BREEAM grade. The certified rating shows a project’s performance as measured against the BREEAM standards. BREEAM uses a rating system to evaluate building sustainability performance. The ratings range from “Pass” to “Outstanding,” with higher scores suggesting better sustainability.
Pass: Minimum level of compliance with BREEAM requirements.
Good: Demonstrates a good level of sustainability performance.
Very Good: Indicates a high level of sustainability achievement.
Excellent: Represents best practice in sustainable building.
Outstanding: Recognizes exceptional leadership in sustainability.
BREEAM assesses and certifies buildings sustainability performance through a rating system. Achieving a high BREEAM grade is a well-known badge of excellence, indicating a dedication to producing environmentally responsible and sustainable buildings. This rating system encourages developers, designers, and building managers to consider sustainability in their projects while also providing a clear and recognized measure of a building’s environmental performance, resulting in continual improvement and innovation in the built environment.
BREEAM Standards
The BREEAM Standards are a comprehensive guide for improving the environmental performance of buildings. They include various separate standards tailored to different stages and types of construction, such as new constructions, in-use buildings, and refurbishments.
New Constructions: These criteria establish a foundation for creating high-performing, long-lasting assets. They promote financial success while having a beneficial environmental and social impact, and they are flexible to the asset’s location for international use.
In-Use Buildings: The BREEAM In-Use standards enable property investors, owners, managers, and occupants to make long-term improvements in operational performance. This allows for benchmarking, assurance, and validation of operational asset data.
Refurbishments: The BREEAM criteria for refurbishment seek to improve the performance of existing buildings while lowering operating costs and improving environmental performance.
How can MIR Green Buildings help with BREEAM Certification?
At MIR Green Buildings, we’re passionate about sustainable construction and are proud to be a driving force behind BREEAM certified projects in the UAE. We offer a comprehensive suite of services to guide you through every step of the BREEAM certification process, from the initial planning stages to post-construction review.
BREEAM certification is a powerful tool for driving sustainable building practices. By embracing BREEAM, building owners, developers, and designers can create buildings that are not only environmentally responsible but also provide healthier, more efficient, and valuable spaces for occupants. As the UAE continues its journey towards a more sustainable future, BREEAM is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the built environment and creating a better world for generations to come.