Sustainability and building compliance expert. Specialising in low energy design, SAP, SBEM, BREEAM, and air testing for the construction industry,
Andrew Sadler
Last month, the BREEAM Awards 2024 celebrated the top achievers in sustainable building design, construction, and management. Here’s a closer look at the winners and their significant contributions to sustainability.
This July, the annual BREEAM Awards 2024 once again shone a spotlight on the pioneering efforts of the UK’s leaders in sustainable construction and design. Held on July 10, 2024, this prestigious event celebrated projects and companies that are at the forefront of creating environmentally responsible and resource-efficient buildings. As the world’s longest established method of assessing, rating, and certifying the sustainability of buildings, BREEAM provides a comprehensive framework that guides the industry towards achieving lower environmental impact, higher energy efficiency, and improved occupant wellbeing.
This year’s awards highlighted an impressive array of projects, from cutting-edge new constructions to thoughtful refurbishments of historic structures.
In our latest blog, we’re touching base with what BREEAM is all about before digging into this year’s winners and all that they do for the green agenda.
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What is BREEAM?
BREEAM, which stands for Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method, is a leading sustainability assessment method for buildings and infrastructure. Developed in the UK, it provides a comprehensive framework for assessing the environmental performance of buildings and communities across the lifecycle—from new construction to in-use and refurbishment stages.
Key aspects of BREEAM:
- Assessment criteria: BREEAM evaluates projects across various categories, including energy efficiency, water usage, health and wellbeing, pollution, transportation, materials, waste, ecology, and management processes. This broad range ensures a holistic approach to sustainability.
- Scoring and certification: Buildings are assessed against established benchmarks, and points are awarded in each category. The total score then determines the BREEAM rating, which can range from ‘Pass’ to ‘Outstanding’. This rating helps stakeholders understand the level of sustainability achieved by a building.
- Global reach and influence: Initially developed in the UK, BREEAM has been adopted in many countries worldwide, adapting to local building regulations and standards while maintaining a core set of sustainability principles.
- Benefits: BREEAM-certified buildings typically offer lower operational costs due to enhanced energy efficiency, improved occupant health and comfort, and reduced environmental impact. They also often see increased market value and better investment opportunities.
- Application across sectors: BREEAM is applicable to a wide range of building types, including offices, retail spaces, homes, and industrial buildings, as well as community-level projects.
BREEAM is widely respected in the building industry for its rigorous and transparent approach to sustainability, helping to drive improvements in building practices and performance worldwide.
Who were the winners at the 2024 BREEAM Awards?
Best New Construction Residential Project: HAUT Amsterdam
HAUT Amsterdam is notable for being one of the world’s tallest timber-hybrid buildings. This project showcases innovative use of sustainable materials, significantly reducing its carbon footprint. Timber construction not only sequesters carbon but also provides a renewable resource, making HAUT Amsterdam a standout in eco-friendly building design.
Best New Construction Non-residential Project: Unilever Hive
Unilever Hive, a project by Unilever, received recognition for its outstanding sustainable design and construction in the non-residential category. The building integrates energy-efficient technologies and sustainable materials, showcasing the company’s commitment to reducing environmental impact across its operations .
Best Refurbishment & Fit-out Project: The Northcliffe
The Northcliffe project involved the refurbishment of a historic building, transforming it into a sustainable, modern space while preserving its architectural heritage. This project demonstrates how existing buildings can be retrofitted to meet modern environmental standards, reducing the need for new construction and preserving cultural heritage.
Best BREEAM In-Use Residential Building: Mark e.o. Huizen
Mark e.o. Huizen was recognized for its exceptional sustainability performance in the residential category under the BREEAM In-Use scheme. This award highlights continuous sustainability improvements in residential properties, focusing on energy efficiency, waste reduction, and occupant wellbeing.
Best BREEAM In-Use Non-residential Building: CTP Clubhaus
CTP Clubhaus won for its outstanding performance as a non-residential building under the BREEAM In-Use certification. The facility incorporates advanced technologies for energy management and sustainable operation, underscoring the importance of ongoing management in achieving sustainability goals.
GRESB Portfolio Integration & Commitment Award: KKR
KKR was recognized for its comprehensive integration of sustainability practices across its portfolio, guided by the BREEAM and GRESB frameworks. This award celebrates KKR’s commitment to responsible investment and sustainable development in the real estate sector.
BREEAM Assessor Company Award: Duurzaamheids Certificering
Duurzaamheids Certificering (DC) was awarded for their exceptional role as BREEAM assessors, helping numerous projects achieve certification. DC is known for simplifying the certification process, making sustainability accessible and practical for various stakeholders in the built environment.
BREEAM Lifecycle Award: 2 Auriol Drive
The 2 Auriol Drive project received the BREEAM Life Cycle Award for demonstrating how buildings can maintain high sustainability standards throughout their lifecycle. This project highlighted the importance of considering sustainability from construction through to operation and refurbishment.
Peoples’ Choice Whole of BREEAM Award: Fugro NewHQ
Fugro NewHQ was selected by popular vote, underscoring its widespread recognition for exceptional sustainability. This award emphasises the role of public engagement in promoting sustainable practices in the built environment (NewStartMag).
Driving forward positive change in green construction.
The BREEAM Awards not only honour the exceptional achievements of these projects but also serve as an inspiration and benchmark for the entire construction and design industry. They underscore the importance of sustainability in shaping the built environment and highlight the significant benefits that come with embracing green building practices, with benefits that range from reduced operational costs and increased property values to the broader societal and environmental impacts.
As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of climate change and the race to net zero, the BREEAM Awards remind us that the construction sector can be a powerful driver of positive change.
To find out how Buildpass can help you with your own BREEAM journey, visit our website.
