Frequently Asked Questions - BREEAM & Code for Sustainable Homes

Yes BREEAM can assess new builds, refurbishments and existing buildings.

CSH is the governments official measure of how environmentally friendly a dwelling is and because it is widely recognised the benefits include a higher potential income from rent/selling, reduced energy costs and a more comfortable living environment. It is likely that the Code for Sustainable Homes will become mandatory in the near future.

A design stage assessment should be carried out first. There are nine catergories that make up the assessment, these are Management, Health and Well being, Energy, Transport, Water, Materials, Waste, Land Use and Ecology and Pollution. Each category contains a number of individual credits, these all add up to give a final BREEAM rating. A post construction check is carried out near completion of the building and the final BREEAM certificate can be produced.

Ideally at the earliest feasible stage to ensure the desired rating is achieved as easily and as cost effectively as possible.

Where a Design Stage assessment has not been carried out it is possible to carry out a full Post Construction Stage assessment.

The time taken to complete the assessment will vary from project to project, the main factor is usually the time taken for the design team to submit all information to the assessor.

Floor plans and elevations. Your desired BREEAM rating (if known). Any other information you think will be useful such as BREEAM pre assessment, specifications or sustainability information.