BREEAM Material efficiency
Contents |
[edit] Aim and benefits
To recognise and encourage measures to optimise material efficiency in order to minimise environmental impact of material use and waste.
[edit] When to consider
At the preparation and Brief Stage, RIBA Stage 1. The credit requires decisions and actions taken at this stage to be documented for evidence. An updated or revised document should then be recorded at each key stage.
[edit] Step by step guidance
Identify opportunities to optimise the use of materials in the building design, procurement, construction, maintenance and end of life. Investigate and implement appropriate measures in line with these.
This needs to be carried out at each of the following RIBA Stages:
· Stage 1 - Preparation and Brief
· Stage 2 – Concept Design
· Stage 3 – Developed Design
· Stage 4 – Technical Design
· Stage 5 – Construction
Opportunities could include using fewer materials, reusing demolition or strip out materials and using materials with a higher recycled content. They could also include utilising off site prefabrication.
[edit] Questions to ask while seeking compliance
Has this been started at RIBA Stage 1? Whilst this may not be in the same format as later stages there does need to be something recorded on materials considerations at this stage otherwise the credit shall not be achievable.
[edit] Tools and resources
WRAP Designing out Waste: A design team guide for Buildings
BS 8895 Designing for material efficiency in building projects
[edit] Tips and best practice
Awaiting content
[edit] Typical evidence
Usually a table of considerations made at each stage, perhaps against work packages, combined with a brief report from the relevant responsible party to describe the work undertaken in this area during each stage. Provide meeting minutes, drawings, specifications etc. if referenced to show how the work has influenced the designs.
[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.
- List applicable schemes here
BRE Global does not endorse any of the content posted and use of the content will not guarantee the meeting of certification criteria.
Featured articles and news
C20 Society; Buildings at Risk List 2025
10 more buildings published with updates on the past decade of buildings featured.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme and certifications consultation
Summary of government consultation, closing 11 June 2025.
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.
Barratt Lo-E passivhaus standard homes planned enmasse
With an initial 728 Lo-E homes across two sites and many more planned for the future.
Government urged to uphold Warm Homes commitment
ECA and industry bodies write to Government concerning its 13.2 billion Warm Homes manifesto commitment.
From project managers to rising stars, sustainability pioneers and more.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.
The emancipation of women in art.
Call for independent National Grenfell oversight mechanism
MHCLG share findings of Building Safety Inquiry in letter to Secretary of State and Minister for Building Safety.
The Architectural Technology Awards
AT Awards now open for this the sixth decade of CIAT.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson awards
Deadline for submissions Friday 30 May 2025.
The benefits of precast, off-site foundation systems
Top ten benefits of this notable innovation.
Encouraging individuals to take action saving water at home, work, and in their communities.
Takes a community to support mental health and wellbeing
The why of becoming a Mental Health Instructor explained.
Mental health awareness week 13-18 May
The theme is communities, they can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and a sense purpose.
Mental health support on the rise but workers still struggling
CIOB Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025 shows.
Design and construction material libraries
Material, sample, product or detail libraries a key component of any architectural design practice.