BREEAM New Construction (NC) Non-Domestic is an internationally recognized sustainability assessment framework designed to evaluate the environmental performance of new non-domestic buildings during their design and construction phases. It provides a structured approach to ensure that new commercial, industrial, or public buildings are built to minimize environmental impacts, enhance occupant well-being, and deliver long-term economic benefits.
Structure of BREEAM NC Non-Domestic
The BREEAM NC framework assesses the performance of new non-domestic buildings across several key categories, covering environmental, social, and economic aspects. Each category includes specific criteria and credits that contribute to the building’s overall sustainability rating:
- Management:
- Focuses on project management practices, construction processes, and post-occupancy monitoring.
- Encourages clear communication, efficient planning, and quality assurance throughout the project lifecycle.
- Health and Well-being:
- Evaluates the building’s design features that improve occupant comfort, including natural lighting, thermal comfort, acoustic performance, and indoor air quality.
- Energy:
- Assesses energy use, efficiency, and carbon emissions.
- Includes criteria for renewable energy integration, energy-efficient systems, and performance monitoring.
- Transport:
- Looks at the building’s accessibility via sustainable transport options.
- Promotes proximity to public transport, cycling facilities, and infrastructure for electric vehicles.
- Water:
- Examines water efficiency measures, such as low-consumption fittings, rainwater harvesting, and leak detection systems.
- Materials:
- Evaluates the environmental impact of construction materials.
- Encourages the use of sustainable, low-impact materials and promotes responsible sourcing.
- Waste:
- Focuses on waste management during construction and operation.
- Includes strategies for waste reduction, recycling, and sustainable disposal.
- Land Use and Ecology:
- Considers the impact of the building on the surrounding environment.
- Encourages measures to protect or enhance biodiversity and reduce land disturbance.
- Pollution:
- Assesses the building’s impact on air, water, and soil quality.
- Includes criteria for reducing light pollution, controlling emissions, and managing stormwater runoff.
- Innovation (optional):
- Rewards innovative solutions that exceed standard best practices in sustainability.
Assessment Process
- Registration:
- The project is registered with a licensed BREEAM certification body early in the design process.
- Pre-Assessment:
- A preliminary review of the project is conducted to identify potential sustainability goals and achievable credits.
- Design Stage Assessment:
- During the design phase, a BREEAM assessor evaluates plans, specifications, and strategies to ensure compliance with BREEAM criteria.
- Post-Construction Assessment:
- After construction, the assessor reviews the completed building and verifies that the implemented measures match the planned design.
- Certification:
- The building receives a final BREEAM rating, ranging from Pass to Outstanding, based on the credits achieved.
Rating and Scoring
The overall score is calculated based on the credits earned in each category, weighted according to their environmental impact. The final rating levels are:
- Outstanding (≥ 85%)
- Excellent (≥ 70%)
- Very Good (≥ 55%)
- Good (≥ 45%)
- Pass (≥ 30%)
Benefits of BREEAM NC Non-Domestic
- Environmental Impact Reduction:
- Ensures the building has minimal environmental footprints through resource efficiency and sustainable design.
- Energy and Cost Savings:
- Promotes energy-efficient systems and renewable energy, leading to lower operational costs.
- Healthier Workspaces:
- Enhances occupant comfort and productivity through better indoor environmental quality.
- Market Advantage:
- A high BREEAM rating increases the attractiveness of the property for tenants, investors, and stakeholders.
- Compliance with Regulations:
- Helps meet sustainability targets and building codes required by local or international regulations.
- Future-Proofing:
- Incorporates long-term considerations like climate resilience, adaptability, and sustainable operational performance.
