January 22 2024

Common issues with BREEAM assessments: how can MBA add value?

The timing of BREEAM assessor appointments is more crucial than ever in the current assessment climate, with over 25% of credits relying on early action occurring before the end of RIBA stage 2.

To maximise the value of a BREEAM assessment and really embed sustainability in the project in its early stages, we advise the appointment of a sustainability and BREEAM professional at the same time as more traditional design team members, such as the project architect and M&E engineers.

A very common misconception with BREEAM is that it is the assessor’s responsibility to ensure that the information provided is compliant.

MBA can provide guidance to the wider design team to help ensure a compliant submission, but it is a requirement of various members (client included) – with the assessor acting as a final reviewer – that the information submitted to the BRE is correct and accurate.

At MBA, we provide a range of technical notes outlining the details required, and we are on hand to respond to any existing queries. We also offer a CPD session to upskill members of the design team about what is required to undertake a meaningful BREEAM assessment.

Another common issue is not factoring in third-party timescales – particularly important when BREEAM certification is linked to planning policy compliance. The BRE are currently taking 16 weeks to review initial submissions before providing feedback to the assessor.

Here at MBA, we provide these dates as soon as they are known, but we also review project programmes and the wording of planning conditions to flag any potential issues early in the process.

Aside from our experience and detailed knowledge, a further advantage of using MBA is that we can leverage the benefits of providing a combined service that takes in M&E, BREEAM, building physics, and more. This enables practical sustainability benefits to be recognised early in the project, and reduces the disconnection between specification and procurement.

If you are looking for a partner for your next project, contact us today. For more information on our sustainability and BREEAM service, click here.