Growing environmental awareness and observed climate change drive the search for more sustainable construction solutions. The BREEAM certificate (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) is becoming a key tool for assessing the environmental performance of building projects.
BREEAM - One of Poland's Most Popular Office Certificates
BREEAM was created in 1990 in Great Britain. Today, it is used in 77 countries. To obtain BREEAM certification, it is necessary to employ an assessor who oversees the process of implementing multi-level system solutions. These include, among others: internal environmental quality, access to natural light and windows, transportation, heating control capabilities, electrical energy saving systems, waste and water management. The BREEAM methodology distinguishes several schemes depending on the building phase: New Construction, In-use, Refurbishment & Fit-Out, Communities, and Infrastructure. Buildings are rated at levels: Pass (from 30%), Good (from 45%), Very Good (from 55%), Excellent (from 70%), Outstanding (from 85%).
The Certification Process
The certification procedure typically comprises three stages: design and concept, implementation, and project completion and building handover. The person responsible for certification, called an assessor, plays a key role in the process.
Examples of BREEAM-Certified Buildings in Warsaw
Warsaw is the city with the largest number of BREEAM-certified buildings. One of them is Warsaw Unit, located at Daszyński Roundabout in Wola, honored with a BREEAM certificate at the Outstanding level. The total score achieved was an impressive 88.5%. Another example is the Q22 office building, which was the first in Poland to receive the BREEAM In-Use certificate in the newest assessment standard International Commercial V6 at the Outstanding level.