BREEAM Site visits - Revision history

Designing Buildings at 07:30, 11 January 2021

2021-01-11T07:30:00Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:30, 11 January 2021
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	--[[User:Multiple_Author_Article\|Multiple Author Article]] 16:28, 19 Apr 2018 (BST)		--[[User:Multiple_Author_Article\|Multiple Author Article]] 16:28, 19 Apr 2018 (BST)

−	[[Category:BREEAM]]	+	[[Category:DCN_Commentary]] [[Category:DCN_Guidance]] [[Category:BREEAM]]

79.67.174.182 at 09:45, 9 August 2019

2019-08-09T09:45:10Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:45, 9 August 2019
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	\|}		\|}

−	You can see that assessors suggest 3 visits on average is optimal but 40% do less than this. Several said the optimal number was project specific:	+	You can see that assessors suggest three visits on average is optimal but 40% do less than this. Several said the optimal number was project specific:

	* Depends on project		* Depends on project
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	There are clearly some barriers to carrying out several site visits and some assessors consider a single visit at the end has benefits		There are clearly some barriers to carrying out several site visits and some assessors consider a single visit at the end has benefits

−	* How does the cost cover 3 or more site visits? My clients cannot afford that many site visits.	+	* How does the cost cover three or more site visits? My clients cannot afford that many site visits.
	* For BREEAM there isn't a lot you cannot see at the end. Solenoid valves and insulation is about it - so how useful is an intermediate visit?		* For BREEAM there isn't a lot you cannot see at the end. Solenoid valves and insulation is about it - so how useful is an intermediate visit?

	=== Barriers ===		=== Barriers ===

−	We asked assessors what ~~was~~ the main barriers preventing site visits taking place~~, these were the~~ results;	+	We asked assessors what were the main barriers preventing site visits taking place? The results were as follows:

	{\|		{\|
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	* Sometimes our sites are in other countries		* Sometimes our sites are in other countries
−	* Location of site, can be 4 /5 hours away ~~&~~ not accessible via train	+	* Location of site, can be four/five hours away and not accessible via train
	* 'Frequent' site visits limit an assessor to where geographically assessments can be undertaken as travel time and costs will increase fees		* 'Frequent' site visits limit an assessor to where geographically assessments can be undertaken as travel time and costs will increase fees
	* Distance problem? Team up with a local Assessor		* Distance problem? Team up with a local Assessor
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	* Be careful not to overwhelm with paperwork		* Be careful not to overwhelm with paperwork
	* Realistically, more paper work could mean more unread paperwork. I think it is crucial to name the people that are responsible at all levels for BREEAM implementation.		* Realistically, more paper work could mean more unread paperwork. I think it is crucial to name the people that are responsible at all levels for BREEAM implementation.
−	* You need to ~~ABSOLUTELY MINIMISE AT ALL COSTS~~ the paperwork you give to ~~Site Staff~~. When you first meet them, find out what they already do in their own site checking procedures and take natural advantage of what evidence they gather on a regular basis – such as asking for an occasional email from them with relevant progress photographs OR simply ask to be included on their site progress reporting emails. For them an email is easy but a form to fill is GOING to be avoided.	+	* You need to absolutely minimise at all costs the paperwork you give to site staff. When you first meet them, find out what they already do in their own site checking procedures and take natural advantage of what evidence they gather on a regular basis – such as asking for an occasional email from them with relevant progress photographs OR simply ask to be included on their site progress reporting emails. For them an email is easy but a form to fill is GOING to be avoided.

	=== Actively Engage ===		=== Actively Engage ===

80.229.136.60 at 08:23, 9 August 2019

2019-08-09T08:23:05Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:23, 9 August 2019
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	=== Barriers ===		=== Barriers ===
		+
		+	We asked assessors what was the main barriers preventing site visits taking place, these were the results;
		+
		+	{\|
		+	\| Summary of barriers
		+	\|
		+
		+	\|-
		+	\| Access
		+	\| 2
		+	\|-
		+	\| Cost
		+	\| 24
		+	\|-
		+	\| Time
		+	\| 9
		+	\|-
		+	\| Distance
		+	\| 6
		+	\|-
		+	\| Other
		+	\| 1
		+	\|}
		+
		+	Looking at the results, around 57% of assessors listed cost as the main barrier which restricts the number of site visits for a project. Time, distance and access are also factors which affect/prevent a higher number of site visits taking place.

	Typical Barriers to site visits:		Typical Barriers to site visits:

80.229.136.60 at 08:14, 26 July 2019

2019-07-26T08:14:29Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:14, 26 July 2019
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−	The following is a write up of the BREEAM Assessors online workshop in ~~June 2016~~ regarding many different aspects of site visits	+	The following is a write up of the BREEAM Assessors online workshop in July 2019 regarding many different aspects of site visits

	* All bulleted text are assessor comments		* All bulleted text are assessor comments
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	=== Frequency ===		=== Frequency ===

−	BRE set no minimum for the number of site visits but the Operations manual does state ‘good practice suggests that between 2 and 3 site visits is appropriate as a minimum’. We asked assessors how many they do typically and then asked how many would be best to maximise sustainability on the project. These were the results (68 assessors):	+	BRE set no minimum for the number of site visits but the Operations manual does state ‘good practice suggests that between 2 and 3 site visits is appropriate as a minimum’. We asked assessors how many they do typically and then asked how many would be best to maximise sustainability on the project. These were the results (44 assessors):

	{\|		{\|
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	\|-		\|-
	\| 1		\| 1
−	\| 13	+	\| 6
−	\| 3	+	\| 4
	\|-		\|-
	\| 2		\| 2
−	\| 17	+	\| 12
−	\| 13	+	\| 8
	\|-		\|-
	\| 3		\| 3
−	\| 16	+	\| 12
−	\| 31	+	\| 12
	\|-		\|-
	\| 4		\| 4
−	\| 22	+	\| 4
−	\| 21	+	\| 7
		+	\|-
		+	\| 4+
		+	\| 10
		+	\| 13
	\|-		\|-
	\| Average		\| Average
−	~~\| 2.7~~
	\| 3		\| 3
		+	\| 3.39
	\|}		\|}

−	You can see that assessors suggest 3 visits on average is optimal but 44% do less than this. Several said the optimal number was project specific:	+	You can see that assessors suggest 3 visits on average is optimal but 40% do less than this. Several said the optimal number was project specific:

	* Depends on project		* Depends on project
−	* ~~Larger projects need more but small simple buildings are not complicated and do not need multiple visits.~~	+	* The answer to this is dependent on the length of the construction
−	* It ~~is however, very site specific. I wouldn't bother with more than 3 for a simple office building for instance. I have~~ a project ~~with a mosque and 4 school buildings, which will vastly increase~~ the ~~site~~ visits~~/costs~~	+	* It depends on (a) project complexity (b) project location (c) time availability due to workloads
		+	* It all depends on the size of the project, when visits take place.

	There are clearly some barriers to carrying out several site visits and some assessors consider a single visit at the end has benefits		There are clearly some barriers to carrying out several site visits and some assessors consider a single visit at the end has benefits
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	* Workload		* Workload
	* Contractor cooperation		* Contractor cooperation
		+	* Access arrangements
	* Time		* Time
	* Not knowing when site will be ready		* Not knowing when site will be ready
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	* Clients are against it because of costs		* Clients are against it because of costs
	* If a client is against it then surely those are the sites that DEFINITELY need visits - and more of them?		* If a client is against it then surely those are the sites that DEFINITELY need visits - and more of them?
		+	* Optional fees can be charged for additional visits
		+	* Well trained junior consultants (at a lower cost) are often used on less complex projects
		+	* Being AP as well as Assessor helps as you can combine site visits to help with costs.

	= Tips – what makes a difference? =		= Tips – what makes a difference? =
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	* Ensure that your regular Site Report or Job Report goes under the nose of the Client or Client's Representative AND the Project Manager AND the Site Foreman AND the Contractor’s Project Manager - as demonstration of your value and as a snapshot of what has been independently witnessed on site and as a key indication of both ‘warnings’ and what is needed in order to comply.		* Ensure that your regular Site Report or Job Report goes under the nose of the Client or Client's Representative AND the Project Manager AND the Site Foreman AND the Contractor’s Project Manager - as demonstration of your value and as a snapshot of what has been independently witnessed on site and as a key indication of both ‘warnings’ and what is needed in order to comply.
	* One problem: we need to be considered as partners, not as inspectors when visiting the site. It helps.		* One problem: we need to be considered as partners, not as inspectors when visiting the site. It helps.
		+	* Feedback to client immediately after site visit is key too and then you can write up the report in the meantime.

	=== Educate where you can ===		=== Educate where you can ===
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	* MEP engineers can have access to even more areas than assessors - they might have permission to go to areas of site where assessors might not have		* MEP engineers can have access to even more areas than assessors - they might have permission to go to areas of site where assessors might not have
	* MEP engineers do site visits and can take photos for us assessors		* MEP engineers do site visits and can take photos for us assessors
		+	* Make sure there will be access to all areas in advance
		+	* Phone the site manager - they don't always respond to an email
		+	* Ensure person showing around the site actually knows the site well for example location of site water meters etc.

	=== Site visits are a good way to get robust evidence ===		=== Site visits are a good way to get robust evidence ===
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	* If complying with the BREEAM issues can bring something more exciting than the usual building works, the contractor seems sometimes likely to go far for it. We have to communicate well about the environmental benefits for all		* If complying with the BREEAM issues can bring something more exciting than the usual building works, the contractor seems sometimes likely to go far for it. We have to communicate well about the environmental benefits for all
	* Agree, I often wish I had time (money!) to put something together at the end with their certificate - like well done, you've saved the equivalent of driving round the world 5 times in CO2 and enough water to fill, something to at least put some (light hearted) realism in to what that certificate means..		* Agree, I often wish I had time (money!) to put something together at the end with their certificate - like well done, you've saved the equivalent of driving round the world 5 times in CO2 and enough water to fill, something to at least put some (light hearted) realism in to what that certificate means..
−	* Brilliant idea! That would make it such a tangible benefit.	+	* Brilliant idea! That would make it such a tangible benefit

	=== Share best practice ===		=== Share best practice ===
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	* I think it’s really important that the lists are specific to the job and not generic, extracting relevant information from the design and using this information in the checklists is essential		* I think it’s really important that the lists are specific to the job and not generic, extracting relevant information from the design and using this information in the checklists is essential
−	* ~~I agree~~	+	* Prepare before hand - ensure you know what site relevant credits have been targeted and prepare the site manager for what you will be looking for.
	* Any half decent assessor should have their own checklist / Site inspection report		* Any half decent assessor should have their own checklist / Site inspection report
	* General checklists adds to the "BREEAM is only a tick box" effect		* General checklists adds to the "BREEAM is only a tick box" effect
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	* Any checklist should indicate what is mandatory to photograph		* Any checklist should indicate what is mandatory to photograph
	* Things we expect to see on site (in line with design stage evidence)... i.e. labelled refuse store AND things the site manager should be doing i.e. monitoring site water and recording this data and displaying these on site, it’s important to get all relevant PCR items down in one list and given to the appropriate people i.e. those who are responsible for doing it		* Things we expect to see on site (in line with design stage evidence)... i.e. labelled refuse store AND things the site manager should be doing i.e. monitoring site water and recording this data and displaying these on site, it’s important to get all relevant PCR items down in one list and given to the appropriate people i.e. those who are responsible for doing it
		+	* Take a template of the report - credits targeted and any specifics of what we are looking for. Then always take lots of general photos in case you have missed something off

	=== Checklist Tips ===		=== Checklist Tips ===
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	* I think a checklist is great and instead of being seen a 'box ticking' exercise it can be seen as a schedule for the contractor to use to ensure the final visit is well timed		* I think a checklist is great and instead of being seen a 'box ticking' exercise it can be seen as a schedule for the contractor to use to ensure the final visit is well timed
	* If the contractor participates in creating the list he will be more willing to follow the items.		* If the contractor participates in creating the list he will be more willing to follow the items.
		+	* Key is knowing your project thoroughly before you visit the site, and writing up the report as soon as possible so you haven't missed anything

	=== Checklist support ===		=== Checklist support ===
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	* Pencil		* Pencil
	* Person with keys to access all areas		* Person with keys to access all areas
		+	* Software for taking notes (Evernote, Microsoft one, Dalux Field)
	* Site plans		* Site plans
	* Torch		* Torch
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	BRE Global does not endorse any of the content posted and use of the content will not [https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Guarantee guarantee] the meeting of certification criteria.		BRE Global does not endorse any of the content posted and use of the content will not [https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Guarantee guarantee] the meeting of certification criteria.

−	--[[User:~~Multiple Author Article~~\|Multiple Author Article]] 16:28, 19 Apr 2018 (BST)	+	--[[User:Multiple_Author_Article\|Multiple Author Article]] 16:28, 19 Apr 2018 (BST)

	[[Category:BREEAM]]		[[Category:BREEAM]]

Multiple Author Article at 15:28, 19 April 2018

2018-04-19T15:28:12Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:28, 19 April 2018
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	BRE Global does not endorse any of the content posted and use of the content will not [https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Guarantee guarantee] the meeting of certification criteria.		BRE Global does not endorse any of the content posted and use of the content will not [https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Guarantee guarantee] the meeting of certification criteria.

−	--[[User:~~BREEAM_Professionals_Workshop~~\|~~BREEAM Professionals Workshop~~]] 14:12, ~~20 Feb~~ 2018 (BST)	+	--[[User:Multiple Author Article\|Multiple Author Article]] 16:28, 19 Apr 2018 (BST)

	[[Category:BREEAM]]		[[Category:BREEAM]]

BREEAM Professionals Workshop at 14:13, 20 February 2018

2018-02-20T14:13:27Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:13, 20 February 2018
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	* Guidance in the BREEAM manual re: what needs to be witnessed/ photographed at each site visit - this would be particularly useful for those newly qualified under NC 2014 as little guidance is given.		* Guidance in the BREEAM manual re: what needs to be witnessed/ photographed at each site visit - this would be particularly useful for those newly qualified under NC 2014 as little guidance is given.

−	=== Site visit kit list ===	+	= Site visit kit list =

	* Archisnapper (software)		* Archisnapper (software)
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	BRE Global does not endorse any of the content posted and use of the content will not [https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Guarantee guarantee] the meeting of certification criteria.		BRE Global does not endorse any of the content posted and use of the content will not [https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Guarantee guarantee] the meeting of certification criteria.

−	--[[User:~~BREEAM Professionals Workshop~~\|BREEAM Professionals Workshop]] 14:12, 20 Feb 2018 (BST)	+	--[[User:BREEAM_Professionals_Workshop\|BREEAM Professionals Workshop]] 14:12, 20 Feb 2018 (BST)

	[[Category:BREEAM]]		[[Category:BREEAM]]

BREEAM Professionals Workshop at 14:12, 20 February 2018

2018-02-20T14:12:24Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:12, 20 February 2018
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	* Torch		* Torch
	* Voice recorder		* Voice recorder
		+
		+	-----
		+	BRE Global does not endorse any of the content posted and use of the content will not [https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Guarantee guarantee] the meeting of certification criteria.
		+
		+	--[[User:BREEAM Professionals Workshop\|BREEAM Professionals Workshop]] 14:12, 20 Feb 2018 (BST)

	[[Category:BREEAM]]		[[Category:BREEAM]]

BREEAM Professionals Workshop at 14:11, 20 February 2018

2018-02-20T14:11:10Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:11, 20 February 2018
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−	~~BREEAM Site Visits~~
−
	The following is a write up of the BREEAM Assessors online workshop in June 2016 regarding many different aspects of site visits		The following is a write up of the BREEAM Assessors online workshop in June 2016 regarding many different aspects of site visits

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	* Sometimes our sites are in other countries		* Sometimes our sites are in other countries
	* Location of site, can be 4 /5 hours away & not accessible via train		* Location of site, can be 4 /5 hours away & not accessible via train
−	* 'Frequent' site visits limit an assessor to where geographically assessments can be undertaken as travel time and costs will increase fees!	+	* 'Frequent' site visits limit an assessor to where geographically assessments can be undertaken as travel time and costs will increase fees
	* Distance problem? Team up with a local Assessor		* Distance problem? Team up with a local Assessor

BREEAM Professionals Workshop at 14:09, 20 February 2018

2018-02-20T14:09:47Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:09, 20 February 2018
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	=== Frequency ===		=== Frequency ===

−	BRE set no minimum for the number of site visits but ~~9.3.1 of~~ the Operations manual does state ‘good practice suggests that between 2 and 3 site visits is appropriate as a minimum’. We asked assessors how many they do typically and then asked how many would be best to maximise sustainability on the project. These were the results (68 assessors):	+	BRE set no minimum for the number of site visits but the Operations manual does state ‘good practice suggests that between 2 and 3 site visits is appropriate as a minimum’. We asked assessors how many they do typically and then asked how many would be best to maximise sustainability on the project. These were the results (68 assessors):

	{\|		{\|

BREEAM Professionals Workshop at 14:07, 20 February 2018

2018-02-20T14:07:20Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:07, 20 February 2018
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	{\|		{\|
−	~~\|width="33%"~~\| No of site visits	+	\| No of site visits
−	~~\|width="33%"~~\| What assessors currently do	+	\| What assessors currently do
−	~~\|width="33%"~~\| What assessors think is optimal	+	\| What assessors think is optimal
	\|-		\|-
	\| 1		\| 1
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	* If a client is against it then surely those are the sites that DEFINITELY need visits - and more of them?		* If a client is against it then surely those are the sites that DEFINITELY need visits - and more of them?

−	= ~~TIPS~~ – what makes a difference? =	+	= Tips – what makes a difference? =

	=== Get the client’s support ===		=== Get the client’s support ===
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	* Guidance in the BREEAM manual re: what needs to be witnessed/ photographed at each site visit - this would be particularly useful for those newly qualified under NC 2014 as little guidance is given.		* Guidance in the BREEAM manual re: what needs to be witnessed/ photographed at each site visit - this would be particularly useful for those newly qualified under NC 2014 as little guidance is given.
−
−

	=== Site visit kit list ===		=== Site visit kit list ===