BREEAM defines the benchmark for excellence in sustainable building design, construction, and operations.
Our certified BREEAM assessors offer comprehensive evaluations using the world’s leading environmental assessment method and rating system for commercial and public buildings.
With extensive experience, the in house Melin Assessment team provides accredited, quality-assured BREEAM assessments across a wide range of building types, ensuring your project meets the highest standards of sustainability.
What is BREEAM?
BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) is the world's longest-established and leading method for assessing, rating, and certifying the sustainability of buildings. Launched in 1990, it provides a comprehensive framework to measure the environmental, social, and economic sustainability performance of new buildings, in-use buildings, and renovations.
BREEAM sets the standard for best practices in sustainable building design, construction, and operation. It helps organisations, developers, and architects achieve higher levels of environmental responsibility and sustainability in their building projects.
Why Choose Melin Consultants for your BREEAM Assessment?
Melin Consultants is a trusted and experienced provider of BREEAM services, offering comprehensive support to help projects achieve the highest levels of sustainability. With a deep understanding of environmental best practices and a proven track record across multiple sectors, here are key reasons why Melin Consultants should be your choice for BREEAM assessments:
Melin Consultants boasts a team of highly qualified BREEAM Accredited Professionals (APs) who bring extensive experience across a variety of project types, including commercial, residential, public, and mixed-use developments. Our assessors understand the intricacies of the BREEAM framework and can guide your project efficiently through the certification process.
We recognise that every project is unique, and we tailor our approach to fit your specific needs and objectives. Whether you’re aiming for a specific BREEAM rating or looking to integrate sustainable features cost-effectively, we work closely with your team to develop a strategy that aligns with your budget and timeline.
With a portfolio of successfully certified projects across a wide range of sectors, we have a proven track record of delivering high-quality BREEAM assessments. Our expertise has helped clients achieve top ratings such as Excellent and Outstanding, adding significant value to their developments and boosting their sustainability credentials.
We always endeavour to prioritise sustainable outcomes while keeping your financial goals in mind. Our team provides practical advice on how to achieve BREEAM credits without unnecessary costs, helping you optimize your sustainability performance while maintaining budget control.
Navigating the BREEAM certification process can often be complex, but our experience and proactive approach helps streamline the process. We ensure that your project team understands what’s required at each stage, minimising delays and maximising the chances of a smooth and successful certification.
We don’t just focus on certification; we help future-proof your development. Our long-term sustainability strategies go beyond immediate compliance, ensuring that your building remains energy-efficient, resource-conscious, and compliant with evolving environmental regulations in the years to come.
At Melin Consultants, we pride ourselves on providing exceptional customer service. From initial consultation to final certification, we offer clear communication, dedicated support, and ongoing advice. We work collaboratively with your team to ensure that sustainability targets are met while minimizing disruption to your project’s workflow.
What are the key stages of a BREEAM Assessment?
The BREEAM assessment process involves several key stages to evaluate the sustainability performance of a building. These stages ensure that projects meet the required environmental standards and achieve certification. Below are the main stages of a BREEAM assessment:
The first step in the BREEAM process is registering the project with a licensed BREEAM assessor through the official BREEAM platform. Registration ensures that the project is recognized under the BREEAM framework and begins the formal assessment process.
2. Pre-Assessment & Project Launch (Optional but Recommended)
A pre-assessment is an informal, preliminary evaluation carried out by a BREEAM assessor. It helps to establish which credits and targets are achievable, guiding the project team on how to incorporate sustainability features from the outset. This stage helps maximise the project’s final rating and identifies key areas for improvement early in the design phase.
At this stage the assessor will also indicate the additional reports, calculations and site services you may require from initial stages right up to the post construction stage, for a detailed breakdown of the BREEAM Associated services we offer please click here.
At this stage we would always recommend engaging with a BREEAM Accredited Professional, for more information regarding our BREEAM Accredited Assessors and the benefits they bring to a project please click here. All our lead assessors are BREEAM AP qualified as standard.
In this stage, the project’s design is evaluated based on the BREEAM criteria. The design-stage assessment involves reviewing building plans, specifications, and documentation to assess how well the project incorporates sustainability features. Credits are awarded for sustainable design elements, such as energy efficiency, water use, materials, and health and wellbeing aspects.
Once the design-stage assessment is completed, a Design Stage Interim Certificate can be issued, which reflects the predicted BREEAM rating based on the design. This is often used for project approvals and to show commitment to sustainability.
The post-construction assessment verifies that the sustainability measures proposed in the design stage have been implemented during construction. This stage involves on-site inspections and the collection of evidence to confirm that the completed building aligns with the BREEAM criteria.
The assessor will review as-built documentation, materials used, site reports, and other relevant information to ensure the project meets the sustainability targets set during the design stage.
Once the post-construction assessment is completed, the final BREEAM score is calculated. If the project meets the required standards, a Final BREEAM Certificate is issued. The building will be awarded a rating based on its overall performance, which can range from:
For buildings that are already in operation, BREEAM offers the BREEAM In-Use assessment. This stage evaluates the building’s ongoing operational performance, focusing on how well it is managed and maintained in terms of energy use, water management, waste reduction, and occupant comfort. The BREEAM In-Use assessment ensures that the building continues to perform sustainably throughout its lifecycle.
After achieving BREEAM certification, project owners may opt to conduct regular reviews and assessments to maintain and improve sustainability performance. This is particularly relevant for existing buildings undergoing a BREEAM In-Use assessment. Monitoring energy use, waste management, and water consumption, among other factors, ensures that the building continues to meet evolving sustainability goals.
What are the Key Objectives of BREEAM
BREEAM aims to promote:
BREEAM focuses on reducing the environmental footprint of buildings. A BREEAM-certified building consumes less energy, produces lower carbon emissions, and uses water more efficiently.
BREEAM promotes a healthier indoor environment, increasing the comfort, well-being, and productivity of building occupants by focusing on factors such as air quality, natural light, and thermal comfort.
Buildings that are certified by BREEAM often have higher market value. This is because sustainability is increasingly valued by investors, tenants, and regulatory bodies, and BREEAM certification signals high environmental performance.
BREEAM helps projects comply with sustainability standards, government regulations, and environmental policies, which are increasingly stringent worldwide.
By opting for BREEAM certification, companies and organisations showcase their commitment to sustainability, enhancing their corporate image and aligning with CSR goals.
BREEAM Assessment Methodologies
Melin Consultants are able to assess buildings under a variety of categories; these include;
Get in touch…………….
Here at Melin, we understand that choosing the right BREEAM assessor is a crucial decision for your project. That’s why we encourage all prospective clients to get in touch with us for a no-obligation introductory meeting with our lead BREEAM assessors. During this meeting, we’ll take the time to learn more about your project and explain our approach, including how we work, assist, and support you throughout the process. This allows you to make a fully informed decision when selecting the right BREEAM assessor company for your needs. We’re here to help you every step of the way!
Contact our office on 01554 571010 or email admin@melinconsultants.co.uk.
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