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Last edited 29 Jan 2021

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Tips for a new BREEAM assessor

Project’s particularities?
What is the actual stage of the project? Timescale?
Is a BREEAM AP appointed on the project?
What is the client’s previous experience with BREEAM, do they understand the process and the role they play.
What is the BREEAM level targeted? Is it achievable?
Is BREEAM target a client’s choice or planning requirement?
What meetings have already taken place? Are there minutes for these?
What RIBA Stage are we at? Are the RIBA Stage sensitive credits still obtainable?
Can all the mandatory credits be achieved?
What steps must be priority?

Review the site location to see what credits are achieved by default i.e. Ecology, Flood Risk or Transport issues
Always check for any building specific criteria
Could this be a ‘Simple Building’?

A pre-assessment can be completed on BREEAM Projects.
What is the desired timescale for completing the pre-assessment?
If you are aiming for a target rating aim 5% higher than you need. This will help you avoid missing the targeted level because of pitfalls on your project

Make clear to the Team the type of evidential requirements and format
Be specific and try to avoid quoting large part of the manual. Give similar examples from other projects (you are new so may need to be innovative or have a chat with more senior BREEAM assessor before the meeting)

It is also possible to use Tracker Plus and IES Tap to create Pre-Assessments and gather evidence throughout the BREEAM assessment.
Do not dismiss the available reporting tools such as IES TaP and Tracker+, some clients are fans
Familiarise yourself with available tools and present to the client your opinion on which is the best but ultimately if client wants to use a particular one you should go with client’s selection.

Advise on early stage consultants that will be required i.e. ecologist, acoustician etc

In order to start an assessment you will need to know the building type, scope of works and rating required
Review what information is available
and what stage the project is at to see if any early stage credits are achievable or have been missed
What's driving the BREEAM assessment (e.g. planning requirement, client intent?)?
Targeted BREEAM rating (e.g. Very Good, Excellent)
Confirmation of current RIBA stage
Budget of project.
Project directory available listing all design team parties
What's the type of contract (e.g traditional D&B)?
Gross internal floor area confirmation.
M&E design description.
What is the sustainability approach? Has an LZC report been conducted? Is there an intent for use of renewables or any LZC technologies?
Understand what has been designed in the scheme to date
Understand the design and construction programme

Some project teams need more support, be proactive and prepare frequent updates but make it clear it’s not your job to win the credit for them
Seek access to the owner of the building.
You are an assessor not the AP (probably or in some cases), however it is expected of you to provide explanation or certain degree of support as you are the specialist! You have to be proactive if you want repeat business
Competent communication with participants of the assessment

Be as flexible as possible in terms of receiving evidence but ensure they address all the necessary criteria clearly
Site Inspection Report is the most valuable and robust type of evidence.

Be as specific as possible in referencing, it makes your life and the QA team’s life a lot easier

Always check with your clients if they need the certificate by a certain date, you may need to apply for fast track

Be equipped with perseverance.
Don’t pretend you know all the BREEAM Technical Requirements, nor to be an expert on each discipline (if any). Take time to understand the project and provide answers when you are clear.
Patience

If unsure you can always use the Assessor Forum to consult the advice of other assessor’s, we are all always learning with every new project so never feel stupid to ask