BREEAM Refurbishment and fit-out

BREEAM Refurbishment and Fit-Out is a sustainability assessment system designed to evaluate and improve the environmental performance of existing buildings undergoing refurbishment or fit-out works. The objective is to provide a practical framework for owners, developers, and contractors to implement sustainable solutions during the renovation or fit-out process, ultimately reducing the building’s environmental impact throughout its lifecycle.

Structure and Modules

BREEAM Refurbishment and Fit-Out consists of three primary modules, each focusing on a specific area of the building’s transformation:

• Management:
  Assesses the management of the refurbishment or fit-out process, including the environmental management strategies implemented throughout the project. This module emphasizes sustainable construction practices, site management, and the implementation of environmental policies during the renovation phase.
• Health and Well-Being:
  Evaluates the impact of the refurbishment or fit-out on occupant health and well-being. This includes factors such as indoor air quality, lighting quality, thermal comfort, and the overall working environment that will be created or enhanced through the renovation works.
• Energy:
  Focuses on the energy efficiency improvements introduced by the refurbishment or fit-out works. This module evaluates the building’s energy performance, the integration of renewable energy sources, and the reduction of energy demand through design and technology solutions.
• Water:
  Reviews the water efficiency measures implemented during the refurbishment or fit-out works, covering water use reduction, management of water resources, and the use of water-saving technologies.
• Materials:
  Examines the environmental impact of materials selected for use in the refurbishment or fit-out, emphasizing sustainable sourcing, waste minimization, and material efficiency.
• Waste:
  Addresses the strategies adopted to reduce, reuse, and recycle waste generated during the refurbishment or fit-out process. This includes waste management planning, diversion from landfill, and the adoption of circular economy principles.
• Pollution:
  Assesses the efforts made to minimize pollution during the renovation works, including air emissions, noise, light pollution, and other environmental impacts.
• Transport:
  Evaluates the building’s accessibility and the promotion of sustainable transport options for occupants, including the provision of bicycle storage, electric vehicle charging points, and the encouragement of public transport use.

Assessment Process

• Registration:
  The refurbishment or fit-out project is registered with an accredited BREEAM certification body to begin the assessment process.
• Self-Assessment:
  The project team completes an online questionnaire, providing information on the project’s performance in relation to the various BREEAM modules.
• Assessment by an Accredited Assessor:
  An independent BREEAM assessor reviews the submitted information and conducts on-site inspections to verify the data and assess compliance with BREEAM criteria.
• Scoring and Rating:
  The project receives a score for each module, which is combined into an overall BREEAM rating. This rating ranges from Pass (minimum) to Outstanding (maximum) and reflects the project’s sustainability performance.

Assessment Criteria

BREEAM Refurbishment and Fit-Out evaluates a variety of factors, including:

• Energy: Energy efficiency, reduction of energy demand, and integration of renewable energy.
• Water: Efficient use and management of water resources.
• Materials: Sustainable material sourcing, minimizing environmental impact.
• Waste: Waste reduction, reuse, and recycling strategies.
• Pollution: Minimization of pollution from construction processes.
• Transport: Accessibility to sustainable transport options.
• Health and Well-being: Indoor environmental quality, occupant comfort, and well-being.
• Management: Environmental management practices throughout the project.

Benefits

• Cost Savings: Identifies opportunities for energy and water savings, reducing long-term operational costs.
• Property Value: A high BREEAM rating can increase the property’s marketability, attracting environmentally conscious tenants and investors.
• Regulatory Compliance: Helps meet local or international environmental standards and regulations for sustainable building practices.
• Long-Term Sustainability: Promotes the long-term environmental performance of the building, reducing its ecological footprint and enhancing resilience.