BREEAM 2023 What’s New for Green Building?

Enhanced Focus on Embodied Carbon

BREEAM 2023 significantly ramps up the focus on embodied carbon, acknowledging its substantial contribution to a building’s overall environmental impact. This isn’t just about materials; it delves into the manufacturing, transportation, and construction processes. The updated scheme demands more detailed assessments and encourages the use of low-carbon materials, pushing for a lifecycle approach that extends beyond operational energy efficiency.

Prioritizing Biodiversity Net Gain

Recognizing the urgent need for biodiversity protection, BREEAM 2023 integrates biodiversity net gain as a core element. This means projects are no longer simply aiming for ‘no net loss’ but actively striving to improve biodiversity in the surrounding area. This involves detailed assessments of existing ecosystems and plans to enhance them through habitat creation and restoration, moving beyond tokenistic planting schemes.

Improved Water Management Strategies

Water scarcity is a growing concern globally, and BREEAM 2023 reflects this with strengthened criteria for water management. The scheme now promotes more sophisticated water-saving technologies and strategies, including rainwater harvesting, greywater recycling, and efficient irrigation systems. It pushes for a holistic approach, considering both water consumption and pollution prevention throughout the building’s lifecycle.

Strengthened Health and Wellbeing Considerations

The importance of occupant health and wellbeing is firmly established in BREEAM 2023. The scheme places greater emphasis on indoor air quality, natural light, and thermal comfort. This involves stricter requirements for ventilation systems, material selection (considering volatile organic compounds), and access to daylight. It aims to create healthier and more productive work and living environments.

Addressing Circular Economy Principles

BREEAM 2023 reinforces the importance of circular economy principles in building design and construction. This involves prioritizing the use of recycled and reclaimed materials, designing for disassembly and reuse at the end of the building’s life, and minimizing waste generation during construction. It encourages a shift away from a linear ‘take-make-dispose’ model towards a more sustainable, resource-efficient approach.

Increased Transparency and Data-Driven Assessment

The updated scheme incorporates enhanced transparency and data-driven assessment methods. This means more rigorous data collection and verification processes, leading to more reliable and credible assessments. This improved transparency aims to increase accountability and build trust in BREEAM certification, ensuring that projects genuinely deliver on their sustainability commitments.

Enhanced Resilience and Adaptability

With increasing climate change impacts, BREEAM 2023 emphasizes building resilience and adaptability. This includes measures to mitigate the risks of flooding, extreme heat, and other climate-related hazards. The scheme encourages the incorporation of design features that allow buildings to adapt to future climate scenarios, ensuring their longevity and continued performance.

Focus on Sustainable Procurement

BREEAM 2023 places a stronger emphasis on sustainable procurement practices throughout the supply chain. This involves selecting suppliers committed to environmental and social responsibility, ensuring materials are ethically sourced, and promoting the use of local and regional materials to reduce transportation impacts. It emphasizes the need for transparency and traceability throughout the procurement process.

Integration of Digital Tools and Technologies

Recognizing the potential of digital technologies, BREEAM 2023 encourages the use of Building Information Modelling (BIM) and other digital tools to optimize design, improve efficiency, and facilitate data management throughout the project lifecycle. This includes using digital twins for performance monitoring and optimization post-construction.

Improved User Experience and Accessibility

BREEAM 2023 has simplified the assessment process, making it more user-friendly and accessible for a wider range of projects. This includes clearer guidance and more streamlined reporting, making it easier for developers and designers to understand and implement the requirements. The aim is to encourage wider adoption and contribute to a more sustainable built environment. Read also about breeam in construction