We are often asked by clients about how they can achieve a BREEAM
Outstanding office building. Many don’t really understand what it is or how to
go about getting an accreditation, so in today’s blog we shed some light on
this ‘fishy’ subject!
Firstly, we should clarify that it does not actually have anything to do
with fish!
BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment
Method), first published by the Building Research Establishment (BRE) in 1990,
is the world's longest established method of assessing, rating, and certifying
the sustainability of buildings
BREEAM rated developments are sustainable environments that enhance the
well-being of the people who live and work in them, help protect natural
resources and make for more attractive property investments.
Accreditation's are not just for new buildings, but also include
refurbishments and interior fit outs too. Sustainability is one of the key
environmental issues of 21st century life and any business that wishes to be
taken seriously in its commitment towards environmental responsibility should
consider getting a BREEAM rating. Company’s leading the way in this arena
include COCO COLA, IKEA & BLOOMSBERG.
There are 10 categories in which you can score, but we thought we would
look at the ‘HEALTH & WELLNESS’ category as it links in with previous
articles on topics such as ‘CLEAN AIR’ ‘BIOPHILIA’ and AGILE WORKING’. This
category encourages the increased comfort, health and safety of building
occupants, visitors and others within the vicinity.
How
can we enhance the quality of life in buildings and encourage a healthy
environment for occupants?
Visual Comfort considers opportunities for good daylight, artificial lighting and occupant controls. Work space design should look at ways to ensure that as many employees as possible are situated next to an external window. For example, situating offices or agile work spaces around the edge of the building. It may be possible to utilise the light from above by building a central atrium that runs through the heart of the building.
Where artificial lighting is needed, it is possible to look at zoning
areas to reflect the work space, use energy efficient LED bulbs and
incorporate presence activated controls in areas such as toilets (lights turn
on when an employee or visitor enters an area and switch off when they leave).
We discussed Indoor
Air Quality in our recent ‘Clean Air’ article and its links to
employee wellness. A study by Harvard University involved testing a group of
employees over a period of 6 working days. They found that cognitive function
improved by 61% when CO2 levels were reduced and fresh air was pumped into the
office environment. Breeam accreditation looks for the installation of
appropriate ventilation, equipment and finishes.
This can be achieved via the installation of energy efficient
ventilation systems. In naturally ventilated buildings/spaces there are sensors
that either have the ability to alert the building owner or manager when CO2
levels exceed the recommended set point, or are linked to controls with the
ability to adjust the quantity of fresh air, i.e. automatic opening
windows/roof vents. Use materials that give of no or low-level VOC emissions, i.e. floor
& wall coverings, paints, furniture etc.
Biophilic Design is a popular and effective tool in incorporating a ‘Green’ policy into
the workplace environment. A ‘Clean Air Study’ conducted by NASA, found that
common indoor plants can help improve air quality and neutralise the effects of
sick building syndrome by removing toxic agents such as VOCs. They also help to
reduce stress levels by enabling our innate biological need to connect with nature. Popular Biophilic Designsinclude living walls, atrium's, roof top gardens, vegetable gardens and
tree lined lobbies.
For example: Living walls promote enhanced biodiversity, as well as improving urban temperature regulation, rainwater run-off, and reducing air and noise pollution. Usually featuring lush grasses and natural foliage. Their vertical design means they make great use of limited space both internally and externally.
Other possible design areas to consider when wanting to achieve a high
BREEAM rating are waste, thermal comfort, materials and innovation. There are
various sustainable materials such as FSC certified timber that can be used in
the fit out of an office space. Waste initiatives include rainwater storage for
flushing toilets or living walls. Thermal comfort can include solar lighting, radiant ceiling connected to
geothermal systems for heating and cooling. Examples of Innovation are AGILE WORK SPACES such as multi-use
breakout spaces and Workstations
that can be adjusted by the user, offering flexibility and encouraging
collaborative working and individual style.
At Hi Design we often get involved in the design process for BREEAM
outstanding rated new build schemes, so If you are about to embark on a new
build and would like to know more about how simple office design changes can
improve your BREEAM score please get in touch.
Hi Design ‘work spaces that work’
