BREEAM In-Use International 2015
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
The BREEAM In-Use International scheme is a performance based assessment method and certification scheme for existing non-domestic buildings.
The primary aim of BREEAM In-Use is to mitigate the operational impacts of existing assets on the environment in a robust and cost effective manner. The scheme provides a holistic approach which enables assets to be assessed and benchmarked across a large range of environmental issues (management, health and wellbeing, energy, transport, water, materials, waste, land use and ecology, and pollution).
The BREEAM In-Use assessment process is broken down into three Parts:
- Part 1 – Asset Performance: the performance of the asset’s built form, construction, fixtures, fittings and installed services
- Part 2 – Building Management: the management of the asset
- Part 3 – Occupier Management: the management of building users and services
[edit] Online System
BREEAM In-Use International uses an online system that enables users to register buildings, assess them and, through a licensed BREEAM In-Use assessor, certify the assessments of building performance. A dynamic scoring platform and reporting section allows the user to track and improve the performance of their building or a whole portfolio of buildings.
[edit] Certification
The final outcome of a BREEAM In-Use assessment is a certified BREEAM In-Use rating for the Part against which an assessment is undertaken. It enables the performance of the asset to be benchmarked but most importantly, the knowledge obtained from such a comprehensive assessment allows the asset’s performance to be optimised through informed management decisions. By enabling on-going assessments, BREEAM In-Use encourages continual improvement.
[edit] Ratings
| Assessment score (%) | Assessment rating | Star rating |
| < 10 | Unclassified | - |
| ≥ 10 to <25 | Acceptable | * |
| ≥ 25 to <40 | Pass | * * |
| ≥ 40 to <55 | Good | * * * |
| ≥ 55 to <70 | Very Good | * * * * |
| ≥ 70 to <85 | Excellent | * * * * * |
| ≥85 | Outstanding | * * * * * * |
[edit] Environmental Categories
| Management | To encourage the adoption of sustainable management practices related to operational activities to ensure that robust sustainability objectives are set, monitored and regularly updated |
| Health & Wellbeing | To manage, monitor and increase the comfort and health and safety of asset occupants, visitors and other users within the asset. |
| Energy | To manage and monitor energy consumption and to encourage the use of equipment that supports the sustainable use and management of energy in the asset. |
| Transport | To recognise the implementation of policies that record the impacts related to transport, the proximity of local amenities and improve the ability of stakeholders to utilise alternative means of transportation. |
| Water | To manage and monitor water consumption in the operation of the asset and its site to encourage sustainable water consumption. |
| Materials | To manage and monitor the environmental impact of procurement as well as recognising the risks to the asset and its occupiers associated with security, fire and other naturally occurring events. |
| Waste | To encourage and recognise the implementation of policies and systems that reduce waste production and improve levels of segregation and recycling. |
| Land Use & Ecology | To manage and monitor the impact that activities undertaken on the asset’s site have on the local environment and encourage sustainable land use, habitat protection and creation. |
| Pollution | To prevent, manage, monitor and control pollution associated with the assets location and operation. |
[edit] Where is it being used?
The BREEAM In-Use standard is applied internationally and certified buildings can be found in over 30 countries. A common set of questions allows the user to compare assets with each other no matter where they are located. In countries where we are affiliated with an International Partner, a locally adapted version of BREEAM In-Use is available.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles
Check out some of the best features and news from Designing Buildings as well as key stories from around the web.
Passive fire protection webinar
MEP services penetration seals.
Where its at podcast (and video) - The role of the Architectural Technologist as an Expert Witness.
More than 200 remarkable buildings added to SAVE’s Buildings at Risk register.
Government scraps pre-application consultation for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects.
Historic England and infrastructure
New projects offer opportunities for the historic environment and local communities.
Construction Management, 2 July
Construction deaths halve in two years.
Green Book changes to drive investment in all parts of UK.
Minimum energy efficiency standards (MEES)
CIAT briefing on response to consultations for privately rented non-domestic properties.
Connect, collaborate, shape the future
Registration now live for UK Construction Week Birmingham.
CIOB announces Saul Humphrey FCIOB as new President for 26/27 term.
A quick, simple, and zero-bills solution to prevent overheating.
The adaptive reuse of large industrial structures.
Promoting the circular economy by extending the life of buildings.