BREEAM Recycled aggregates
Contents |
[edit] Aim and benefits
The aim of this credit is to recognise and encourage the use of recycled and secondary aggregates, thereby reducing the demand for virgin material and optimising material efficiency in construction.
The aim of the credit in pre-2018 schemes, however, is NOT to reduce embodied carbon/life cycle impacts.
[edit] When to consider
This first needs considering during your pre-assessment (typically during Concept Design), and needs working into specifications during detailed and technical design. A careful eye is required during procurement, as this is a common VE item for contractors to offer.
[edit] Step by step guidance
The below guidance is meant to represent best practice in BREEAM, and in reality includes the job of a BREEAM AP. Please note, it's relatively unrealistic to expect that you can monitor every step in the below process - do your best.
[edit] Concept Design
During pre-assessment and in post pre-assessment guidance, let structural and civil engineers clearly know you're targeting the credit. Ideally it should be mentioned in their stage 2 report, but that will unlikely provide the level of detail needed for BREEAM evidence.
Try to make sure at this point the engineers understand the calculation. Provide further supporting documents as required.
If this is a D&B project, make sure your pre-assessment and report clearly show that this credit is targeted, and if it is, who is responsible for achieving it. If appropriate, prepare a document for inclusion in the Employer's Requirements outlining the responsibilities of the contractor.
[edit] Detailed Design
Make sure that outline specifications include a requirement to use recycled aggregates as per the BREEAM criteria. Ask engineers for a copy of calculations/specifications (probably towards the end of this stage really) of how compliance is being met.
[edit] Technical Design
Make sure that any more detailed specialist sub contractor specifications include requirements.
If this is a D&B project, make sure commercial teams are aware of which packages this requirement is needed for. If possible, include the requirement in a sustainability prelims document to be included in sub contractor tenders.
If you're lucky enough to have package managers, make sure the relevant package managers are clear of the requirement for their package. If not, make sure the design manager knows these requirements.
Keep an eye on technical submissions from sub contractors to make sure recycled aggregates have been specified, where possible.
[edit] Construction
Request delivery notes for aggregates on site. Request details of concrete mixes where necessary alongside delivery notes.
You can take photos of concrete during construction site inspections, however, in reality all it will show is that concrete has been installed and not that there is any recycled content (although recycled aggregates can look different, dependent on source, it's not robust.)
Ask contractor's structural/civil engineers for final quantities as delivered of virgin/recycled aggregates used to confirm that compliance has been met on site. If you had very thorough design stage evidence, you may just be able to ask for confirmation that aggregates were installed as per the design stage specification, plus some delivery notes to make sure the wool isn't being pulled over your eyes.
[edit] In Use
There are no requirements relating to BREEAM In Use and recycled aggregates.
[edit] Questions to ask while seeking compliance
Please make sure you're on the same page as your team and looking at the recycled aggregate content of your concrete, rather than looking at the percentage of cement replacement used.
[edit] Tools and resources
BREEAM 2014 Issue 5.0 Criteria - WST 02
Recycled Aggregates Calculator
BRE Knowledge Base related articles
[edit] Tips and best practice
The calculation for WST 2 (2014) is not complicated, however it's surprisingly difficult to explain. Sometimes if communicating the calculation to engineers isn't going so well, sending over a calculator for them to play with makes it easier. See "Tools and Resources" for an example.
[edit] Typical evidence
Awaiting content
[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.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
RTPI leader to become new CIOB Chief Executive Officer
Dr Victoria Hills MRTPI, FICE to take over after Caroline Gumble’s departure.
Social and affordable housing, a long term plan for delivery
The “Delivering a Decade of Renewal for Social and Affordable Housing” strategy sets out future path.
A change to adoptive architecture
Effects of global weather warming on architectural detailing, material choice and human interaction.
The proposed publicly owned and backed subsidiary of Homes England, to facilitate new homes.
How big is the problem and what can we do to mitigate the effects?
Overheating guidance and tools for building designers
A number of cool guides to help with the heat.
The UK's Modern Industrial Strategy: A 10 year plan
Previous consultation criticism, current key elements and general support with some persisting reservations.
Building Safety Regulator reforms
New roles, new staff and a new fast track service pave the way for a single construction regulator.
Architectural Technologist CPDs and Communications
CIAT CPD… and how you can do it!
Cooling centres and cool spaces
Managing extreme heat in cities by directing the public to places for heat stress relief and water sources.
Winter gardens: A brief history and warm variations
Extending the season with glass in different forms and terms.
Restoring Great Yarmouth's Winter Gardens
Transforming one of the least sustainable constructions imaginable.
Construction Skills Mission Board launch sector drive
Newly formed government and industry collaboration set strategy for recruiting an additional 100,000 construction workers a year.
New Architects Code comes into effect in September 2025
ARB Architects Code of Conduct and Practice available with ongoing consultation regarding guidance.
Welsh Skills Body (Medr) launches ambitious plan
The new skills body brings together funding and regulation of tertiary education and research for the devolved nation.
Paul Gandy FCIOB announced as next CIOB President
Former Tilbury Douglas CEO takes helm.
UK Infrastructure: A 10 Year Strategy. In brief with reactions
With the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA).