Frequently Asked Questions - BREEAM & Code for Sustainable Homes

BREEAM 2011 will replace BREEAM 2008 as the current scheme in summer 2011. The exact date is not yet known.

To give assessors time to read and grasp the content of the new scheme. And to give industry and design teams the opportunity to see the scheme and understand what it means for future projects.

The 2011 scheme is only for use on new build developments, BRE are starting work on a BREEAM refurbishment scheme, which is due for launch in 2012. For now, you can either continue to apply BREEAM 2008 for fit out and refurbishments or, for major refurbishments, you can use the 2011 scheme.

No, the BREEAM ratings and the percentage score needed for them have not changed.

Although there are a number of changes to the new scheme, the minimum standards have not changed and the percentage score required remains at 70%. The biggest difference is in the energy efficiency and reduction of CO2 emissions section. The methodology for assessing this has changed and requires better building performance to achieve the Excellent rating. As well as setting minimum criteria around reducing a buildings CO2 emission rate, the 2011 version requires reductions in energy demand and energy consumption i.e. energy efficiency improvements.

No, all schemes have been consolidated into one version. The document still contains references, standards and performance criteria specific to the different building types i.e. schools, healthcare etc.

No, as part of the development of the 2011 scheme BRE have brought these building types within the scope of the standard scheme.

BRE are currently scoping and developing a process for applying the BREEAM 2011 version for small buildings. This will define an assessment and certification process that is more appropriate and cost effective for small, simple buildings. Hopefully this will be in place by late summer/early autumn 2011.

Please contact HRS Services, our Breeam and Energy team will be more than happy to provide you with any help or advice required.

Please call Rebecca Oxley on 0800 030 4391 or email: rebecca.oxley@hrsservices.co.uk
Also please keep checking back to our website for updates to changes in the regulations along with other useful information

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.