Main author
Multiple Author ArticleBREEAM Responsible Sourcing of Materials
Contents |
[edit] Aim and benefits
To recognise and encourage the specification and procurement of responsibly sourced materials for key building elements.
[edit] Value to Client
This is a great marketing tool for the client, a very apparent and easy method to demonstrate green credentials.
It can also help the client’s brand management, to avoid scandals, as credible and comparable schemes to evaluate the responsibly sourced products are used. Responsible sourcing of materials takes into consideration risks to the environment, socio-ecomic impact of any product or material specified. The client can be assured that the building being created does not have a negative impact elsewhere or is harming the planet, which is a long term benefit. ‘Green’ material information is widely available now, and the client can reuse a developed portfolio of these responsibly-sourced materials as a palette for future projects
[edit] When to consider
The requirement to responsibly source materials where practicable can be written into the tender documents and the design team should be encouraged to specify manufacturers that operate environmental management systems.
Once the design has been fixed, a breakdown of the materials within each element can be prepared along with details of any specified manufacturers/suppliers and their EMS/COC certification. By inputting the information within the calculator tool at an early stage based on the known specified products, it is possible to see which materials will therefore need to be responsibly sourced to gain the targeted credits or advise if alternative products should be specified with higher levels of responsible sourcing. The contractor will then be able to include any responsible sourcing requirements within their subcontract and purchase orders.
[edit] Step by step guidance
There are two routes to demonstrating compliance. Either of the routes can be used or a combination may be followed:
- Route 1 is intended for use in the majority of situations where detailed information on quantities is not available.
- Route 2 is for situations where a more detailed analysis is possible due to the availability of detailed information on material quantities
- Route 3 (a combination of routes 1 and 2) is intended for situations where details on materials quantities is only available for some of the materials.
to be completed......
[edit] Questions to ask while seeking compliance
Awaiting content
[edit] Tools and resources
https://kb.breeam.com/section/new-construction/uk/2014-uk/materials-breeam_uk_nc_2014/mat03/
[edit] Tips and best practice
'Building services’ refers to the equipment and distribution systems specified for providing heating, power, ventilation, lighting, air-conditioning and domestic water services in a building. As a minimum, this location/use category should include the equipment and controls specified for the building services.
Please refer to GN24 for guidance on assessing building services.
[edit] Typical evidence
[edit] Design Stage
- Drawings/specification and/or schedule confirming the construction of each element and either information on the actual responsible sourcing certification or confirmation of the aspired responsible sourcing level where products are yet to be specified.
- Mat03 calculator tool.
- Copies of any EMS/COC certification should be provided.
- Where the constructions are not yet defined, i.e. very early design stages, then a letter of intent or contract clause should be used to set out the % of RSM points the contractor is required to achieve.
[edit] Post Construction Stage
- As built drawings/specification and/or schedule confirming the construction of each element, the product specified, manufacturer/supplier and any EMS/COC.
- Mat03 calculator tool.
- Copies of any EMS/COC certification should be provided.
- Proof of purchase in the form of purchase orders/delivery tickets or invoices.
<Jane Morning>
[edit] Applicable Schemes
The guidelines collated in this ISD aim to support sustainable best practice in the topic described. This issue may apply in multiple BREEAM schemes covering different stages in the life of a building, different building types and different year versions. Some content may be generic but scheme nuances should also be taken into account. Refer to the comments below and related articles to this one to understand these nuances. See this document for further guidelines.
- UK New Construction 2014
BRE Global does not endorse any of the content posted and use of the content will not guarantee the meeting of certification criteria.
--Multiple Author Article 22:07, 21 Apr 2018 (BST)
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- A traceability framework for the construction supply chain.
- Action programme for responsible and ethical sourcing.
- BES 6001 Responsible sourcing of construction products.
- BREEAM.
- BREEAM Life cycle impacts (ac)
- BREEAM Material efficiency (ac)
- BREEAM recognised responsible sourcing certification schemes.
- BREEAM Responsible Sourcing of Materials.
- Broken chain.
- Building Back Better: Circularity and BREEAM.
- Comprehensive route.
- Delivering sustainable buildings: Savings and payback FB 63.
- Green Seal.
- Material procurement.
- Point of supply.
- Product manufacturers must regain confidence.
- Reused construction products.
- Responsible sourcing of construction products.
- Sustainable materials.
Featured articles and news
ECA, JIB and JTL back Fabian Society call to invest in skills for a stronger built environment workforce.
Women's Contributions to the Built Environment.
Calls for the delayed Circular Economy Strategy
Over 50 leading businesses, trade associations and professional bodies, including CIAT, and UKGBC sign open letter.
The future workforce: culture change and skill
Under the spotlight at UK Construction Week London.
A landmark moment for postmodern heritage.
A safe energy transition – ECA launches a new Charter
Practical policy actions to speed up low carbon adoption while maintaining installation safety and competency.
Frank Duffy: Researcher and Practitioner
Reflections on achievements and relevance to the wider research and practice communities.
The 2026 Compliance Landscape: Fire doors
Why 'Business as Usual' is a Liability.
Cutting construction carbon footprint by caring for soil
Is construction neglecting one of the planet’s most powerful carbon stores and one of our greatest natural climate allies.
ARCHITECTURE: How's it progressing?
Archiblogger posing questions of a historical and contextual nature.
The roofscape of Hampstead Garden Suburb
Residents, architects and roofers need to understand detailing.
Homes, landlords. tenants and the new housing standards
What will it all mean?
The Architectural Technology podcast: Where it's AT
Catch-up on the latest episodes.
Edmundson Apprentice of the Year award 2026
Entries now open for this Electrical Contractors' Association award.
Traditional blue-grey slate from one of the oldest and largest UK slate quarries down in Cornwall.
There are plenty of sources with the potential to be redeveloped.
Change of use legislation breaths new life into buildings
A run down on Class MA of the General Permitted Development Order.
Solar generation in the historic environment
Success requires understanding each site in detail.
























Comments