• Understanding BREEAM
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Understanding BREEAM

Increasingly, construction professionals are being asked to take on board the concepts of sustainable development. Buildings are required to show lower levels of environmental impact, while still performing the required functions the occupants have come to expect. In recent years, this has not just become a common planning requirement, but many clients are now specifying such conditions in their design briefs. BREEAM (the BRE Environmental Assessment Method) is the most frequently used tool to assess these requirements.

BREEAM measures all areas of sustainability, social, economic and environmental, of the building design and the construction processes. It recognises a better quality environment for staff and visitors and provides independent verification of performance against sustainability targets.

The building's performance is expressed as a BREEAM rating of PASS, GOOD, VERY GOOD, EXCELLENT or OUTSTANDING. The performance is assessed by a BREEAM Assessor qualified in the appropriate building type. The role of the assessor is to audit the design, procurement and construction of the building. Assessors will often advise on the effects of design or construction practice decisions but the assessor is not responsible for achieving the required BREEAM rating.

Achieving high ratings requires considerable effort and careful thought from clients, designers and contractors. It requires a level of understanding of the principles and requirements of BREEAM. This course is designed to provide a basic level of understanding to help clients, designers and contractors achieve the required BREEAM ratings for their buildings.

The course is designed for construction professionals involved in the design and construction of new buildings and major refurbishments. This includes: architects, designers, developers, contractors, and project managers.
 
No prior knowledge of sustainability is required, but an understanding of the construction process is beneficial.

Delegates will learn about:
 

• Threats to our Environment
• Sustainable Development
• The BREEAM Process
• The Building Regulations & BREEAM
• BREEAM Versions
• BREEAM Sections 
  -  Management
  -  Health and Well Being
  -  Energy
  -  Transport
  -  Water 
  -  Materials
  -  Waste
  -  Land use and Ecology
  -  Pollution
• Practical session
• How you can achieve a better rating
  
  Registration starts at 09.00, the course starts at 09.30 and finishes at 16.30

Delegates will gain: 

• a basic understanding of sustainability and environmental assessment
• an appreciation of the process involved in BREEAM Assessment and the important roles of designers, contractors and project managers
• an understanding of how to improve the BREEAM rating of a building
• an awareness of other sources of information for further study.

Delegates will be given copies of the slides as well as handouts related to the course content.

The Lecturers.

James Parker
James joined BSRIA in 2002 with a background in materials engineering to work on projects in low energy technologies and water systems. He continues this work while developing forensic investigations into pipework and plant failures. He is a licensed BREAAM assessor.

Colin Pearson
Colin joined BSRIA in 1995 having worked in building services since 1975. His work at BSRIA covers thermography, electric power, project feedback, acoustics and environmental assessment. Colin is a licensed BREEAM assessor and a member of the UK Thermography Association (UKTA)..