BREEAM Responsible Sourcing of Materials

1 Aim and benefits
- 1.1 Value to Client
2 When to consider
3 Step by step guidance
4 Questions to ask while seeking compliance
5 Tools and resources
6 Tips and best practice
7 Typical evidence
- 7.1 Design Stage
- 7.2 Post Construction Stage
8 Applicable Schemes
9 Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki

[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.

[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.