While the construction has been progressing through its different phases, we’ve always kept sustainability as our top priority. As a certified B Corp, a member of the UN Global Compact, and a supporter of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, our commitment to sustainability is strong, and we wanted our new Witney building to really show that.
We’re extremely proud that our new building is on track to be recognized among the top 25 percent of buildings assessed by the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM). The BREEAM certification acknowledges the highest standards of environmental, social, and economic sustainability performance. To reach this achievement, we’re working closely with the construction consulting firm Ridge and Partners LLP. Not long ago, we had the chance to catch up with their Senior Sustainability Consultant, and the conversation made it clear just how important a BREEAM certification is for running a sustainable business.
Why is achieving BREEAM certification so important for the construction industry today?
BREEAM is a top sustainability assessment method for the built environment. It gives a framework to encourage sustainable design, looking at all the factors in new buildings and remodel or fit-out projects, and lets a development benchmark itself against other certified buildings.
The main goal of BREEAM is to cut down the environmental impact of building designs in a way that can actually be measured. Its criteria are designed to go beyond just following building codes and standards, focusing on the needs and well-being of the people who use the building. Once BREEAM certification is achieved, a project can clearly show it integrated various sustainability strategies into every step of design and construction.
How does BREEAM certification set Owen Mumford apart from other businesses?
Owen Mumford has been involved in the BREEAM process from day one and made it clear to the whole project team that certification is a top goal. BREEAM gives the company a way to compare its developments to other BREEAM-certified projects, ensuring a wide range of environmental topics are covered during both the design and construction phases. Achieving BREEAM certification for a building shows a real commitment to building better and with more sustainable practices.
What does the certification process involve – if a building is made to the right specs, how is certification evaluated and granted for the finished structure?
The certification process and audit depend on strong evidence – what’s provided at the end must match the completed building and prove all the sustainability measures were carried out. For example, a good way to show compliance is to provide as-built drawings or specifications, which the BREEAM assessor checks during the final on-site inspection. A site inspection report, with photos to prove what’s been installed or carried out, is a key part of the final documentation.
After this, the BREEAM assessor sends all the evidence to BRE. This information package goes through a thorough quality assurance check, which ends with a certification decision. If something doesn’t meet the standard, or the auditor needs more information for clarification, the team has six months to provide it. If all audit steps are passed, a certificate is issued, listing the project team members and the BREEAM rating earned. The BREEAM assessor then shares the certificate with the client and, if needed, the project team.
What kinds of sustainability goals does BREEAM recognize, and how are they measured?
BREEAM evaluates buildings on a range of environmental criteria:
There are several sustainability objectives within each of those categories; some are required, and some are optional. At a project’s start, a BREEAM assessor creates a strategy, usually with the design team’s input. That strategy generally stays the same throughout both the design and construction phases, though there are occasional updates depending on what’s practical, the budget, and other considerations. For example, in the pollution section, a flood risk assessment must be done. Credits are given if a project manages surface water runoff properly or keeps watercourse pollution low.
Could Owen Mumford be a leader locally in encouraging others to prioritize sustainable infrastructure? What are the organizational benefits of doing so?
Because of growing demand for environmental evaluations, more and more local governments are making BREEAM certification a requirement for new developments. Communities are realizing they need ways to fight climate change and assess buildings using standard, comparable methods.
As developers get their buildings certified, it inspires others to follow suit, helping push positive change. When companies certify new or renovated buildings, they can prove with real evidence that they care about sustainability, their impact on the planet, and the broader economic and social value of their buildings.
What tips would you give to local businesses trying to get BREEAM certification?
The most important things for securing BREEAM certification are having a committed project team that’s involved at every stage, and making sure you bring a BREEAM assessor on board early — ideally long before you submit any planning applications.