BREEAM Case Study - British Red Cross - BREEAM Very Good
[edit] Project information
- Client: British Red Cross
- Design Team: Sursham Tompkins, Tompkins Robinson Surveyors,
- Main Contractor: Borras Construction
- Sustainability Consultant: Encon Associates
- Project Title: British Red Cross Resource Centre, Chelmsford
- Value: £1.25m
- Services Provided by Encon Associates: BREEAM Assessment 2011 New Construction Offices
- Rating: Very good
- Stage: Design stage
[edit] Design stage assessment
The design stage assessment, also called the interim stage, provides evidence of the building’s performance at the design stage of the buildings life cycle. Assessment and certification ideally occurs prior to the beginning of operations on site. The certified BREEAM rating at this stage is labelled as ‘interim’ because it does not represent the building’s final, new construction BREEAM performance.
To be able to complete an assessment at this stage the design must be advanced to a point that the relevant design information is available to enable the BREEAM Assessor to evaluate and verify the building’s performance against the criteria defined in this scheme document. The interim design stage assessment will therefore be completed and certified at the scheme design or detailed design stages.
Having worked closely with the design team throughout this project, the target of BREEAM Very Good for design stage is now complete, achieving it's required Very Good comfortably.
The ground floor includes a reception, training room, staff office and breakout room with a large open plan office, meeting room and hot desk area on the first floor. Externally, a new pedestrian walkway from the main road to the building was created along with a car park and new boundary walls.
[edit] Project management
With over 10 years of experience working in BREEAM and sustainable construction, Encon Associates implement the use of IES TaP into all schemes appointed for BREEAM assessment. This is an award winning software that allows Encon to easily manage the process and ensure transparency and personnel allocation to all credits targeted. Managing the project via IES TaP BREEAM software, has allowed all parties involved to have a live update on progress at all stages of the project.
For more info on IES TaP for BREEAM, click here: IES TaP for BREEAM Website
For more info on BREEAM Assessors Encon Associates, click here: Encon Associates Website
Featured articles and news
Scottish parents prioritise construction and apprenticeships
CIOB data released for Scottish Apprenticeship Week shows construction as top potential career path.
From a Green to a White Paper and the proposal of a General Safety Requirement for construction products.
Creativity, conservation and craft at Barley Studio. Book review.
The challenge as PFI agreements come to an end
How construction deals with inherited assets built under long-term contracts.
Skills plan for engineering and building services
Comprehensive industry report highlights persistent skills challenges across the sector.
Choosing the right design team for a D&B Contract
An architect explains the nature and needs of working within this common procurement route.
Statement from the Interim Chief Construction Advisor
Thouria Istephan; Architect and inquiry panel member outlines ongoing work, priorities and next steps.
The 2025 draft NPPF in brief with indicative responses
Local verses National and suitable verses sustainable: Consultation open for just over one week.
Increased vigilance on VAT Domestic Reverse Charge
HMRC bearing down with increasing force on construction consultant says.
Call for greater recognition of professional standards
Chartered bodies representing more than 1.5 million individuals have written to the UK Government.
Cutting carbon, cost and risk in estate management
Lessons from Cardiff Met’s “Halve the Half” initiative.
Inspiring the next generation to fulfil an electrified future
Technical Manager at ECA on the importance of engagement between industry and education.
Repairing historic stone and slate roofs
The need for a code of practice and technical advice note.
Environmental compliance; a checklist for 2026
Legislative changes, policy shifts, phased rollouts, and compliance updates to be aware of.




















