BREEAM Domestic Refurbishment Assessment

BREEAM Domestic Refurbishment Assessment

BREEAM Domestic Refurbishment: Transforming existing Homes for a Sustainable Future

BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) Domestic Refurbishment is a sustainability standard aimed at improving the environmental performance of existing residential buildings during refurbishment or renovation projects. It provides guidance and certification on best practices for enhancing energy efficiency, reducing environmental impact, and ensuring a healthier living environment.

Local authorities across the UK are increasingly recognising the importance of sustainable building practices, particularly when it comes to the refurbishment of existing housing stock.  Many local authorities across the UK, especially London Boroughs have adopted BREEAM Domestic Refurbishment requirements upon successfully achieving planning approval.  BREEAM Domestic Refurbishment assessment not only helps achieve compliance but gives local authorities a trusted framework for improving the environmental performance of homes during renovation, helping councils meet both regulatory and environmental goals.

What is BREEAM Domestic Refurbishment?

BREEAM Domestic Refurbishment is a specialized assessment method created to evaluate and certify the environmental performance and sustainability of refurbishment projects for residential properties. It serves as a comprehensive framework aimed at assisting project managers, architects, and contractors in minimising the ecological impact of home renovations.

The primary objectives of BREEAM Domestic Refurbishment are to promote:

  • Energy Efficiency: Ensuring that refurbishment projects reduce energy consumption by upgrading insulation, optimising heating and cooling systems, and incorporating renewable energy solutions where possible.
  • Water Conservation: Encouraging the installation of water-efficient fixtures and systems, such as low-flow faucets, rainwater harvesting, and greywater recycling.
  • Materials' Sustainability: Promoting the use of responsibly sourced, low-impact materials with reduced environmental footprints, such as recycled or sustainable materials.

By following the BREEAM Domestic Refurbishment standards, renovations not only enhance the energy performance and sustainability of homes but also contribute to creating healthier, more comfortable living spaces for residents. The framework is flexible and can be applied to projects of varying sizes, from small home renovations to large-scale housing developments. Through this certification, residential refurbishments can significantly reduce environmental impact and future-proof properties against climate change and rising energy costs.

What is the Key Criteria of BREEAM Domestic Refurbishment?

BREEAM Domestic Refurbishment assessments are designed to ensure that refurbishment projects improve the environmental performance and sustainability of residential properties. These assessments focus on several critical areas that align with environmental and health-related goals:

Energy Efficiency

Maximising energy efficiency is at the core of BREEAM Domestic Refurbishment. This is achieved through:

  • Improved Insulation: Through focus on design stage SAP, Upgrading insulation in walls, roofs, and floors to reduce heat loss and minimise energy consumption.
  • Efficient Heating Systems: Installing modern, energy-efficient heating systems such as condensing boilers, heat pumps, or underfloor heating.
  • Renewable Energy Sources: Integrating solar panels, wind turbines, or other renewable energy technologies to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and lower carbon emissions.

Water Efficiency

Conserving water is another key objective of BREEAM, focusing on:

  • Efficient Fixtures: Using water-efficient taps, toilets, and showers to reduce household water usage. For further information please visit our Part G Water Calculations page.
  • Rainwater Harvesting: Collecting and storing rainwater for non-potable uses like garden irrigation or toilet flushing.
  • Greywater Recycling: Implementing systems to reuse greywater (from sinks, showers, etc.) for purposes such as flushing toilets, further reducing water consumption.

Sustainable Materials

Encouraging the use of eco-friendly materials helps reduce environmental impacts and promotes sustainability:

  • Low Embodied Carbon Materials: Using materials with minimal carbon footprints, such as sustainably sourced timber or recycled products.
  • Durability: Selecting materials that are durable and long-lasting, which reduces the need for frequent replacements and lowers overall material consumption over time.

Waste Reduction

Minimizing waste generation during the refurbishment process is essential for sustainability:

  • Recycling: Promoting the recycling of construction waste materials such as metal, wood, and plastics.
  • Waste Reduction: Implementing strategies to reduce overall waste, such as careful material planning and reuse of existing building components where feasible.

Health and Wellbeing

Enhancing the quality of the indoor environment is crucial for occupant health and comfort:

  • Improved Ventilation: Ensuring that homes have adequate ventilation systems to improve indoor air quality and reduce dampness.
  • Natural Lighting: Maximising the use of natural light through well-placed windows and skylights, reducing the need for artificial lighting.
  • Acoustics: Incorporating soundproofing measures to create a quieter, more comfortable living environment.

Pollution Control

BREEAM also focuses on reducing pollution related to the refurbishment process:

  • Air and Water Pollution: Selecting low-impact construction materials that minimize the release of harmful emissions to air and water.
  • Proper Waste Disposal: Ensuring responsible disposal of hazardous materials and other waste, preventing pollution of local ecosystems and waterways.

Get Started with BREEAM Domestic Refurbishment………..

Whether you're planning a minor renovation or a major overhaul, incorporating BREEAM Domestic Refurbishment standards into your project ensures that you meet the stringent planning conditions and create a home that meets the highest environmental standards. By focusing on sustainability, you can future-proof your development and contribute to a healthier, more sustainable world.

Contact Us today to learn more about how we can help you achieve BREEAM certification for your refurbishment project.

Get in touch

Melin Energy Consultants

Swansea

01792 002085

Bristol

01172 356512

London

020 3725 8399

© Melin Consultants 2024 | All Rights Reserved | Website by w3designs.co.uk