Understanding BREEAM in Industrial Workspaces

Written By Oliver Fordham

As industries worldwide strive to achieve higher efficiency and reduced environmental impact, the role of sustainability frameworks like BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) has become increasingly pivotal. Specifically designed to assess the environmental, social, and economic sustainability of buildings and infrastructure, BREEAM has found significant relevance in industrial workspaces such as factories, warehouses, and distribution centers.

BREEAM provides a structured framework for improving the sustainability of industrial facilities across various dimensions. It evaluates the entire lifecycle of a building, from design and construction to operation and eventual decommissioning. This approach ensures that sustainability measures are embedded into every stage of a workspace’s development.

1. Energy Efficiency

Energy consumption is one of the largest contributors to an industrial facility's carbon footprint. BREEAM promotes:

  • Use of energy-efficient machinery and equipment.

  • Installation of renewable energy sources such as solar panels.

  • Adoption of smart building technologies to monitor and optimize energy use.

2. Water Management

Industrial operations often demand substantial water usage. BREEAM emphasizes:

  • Installing water-saving fixtures and systems.

  • Incorporating rainwater harvesting and recycling systems.

  • Detecting and managing leaks to reduce waste.

3. Waste Management

Effective waste management is critical in reducing environmental impact. Under BREEAM, facilities are encouraged to:

  • Implement systems for waste segregation and recycling.

  • Optimize material use during construction and operation.

  • Develop circular processes to minimize waste generation.

4. Indoor Environmental Quality

The health and well-being of employees play a vital role in productivity. BREEAM ensures:

  • Adequate ventilation, natural light, and thermal comfort.

  • Use of low-emission materials to maintain air quality.

  • Noise control measures to reduce distractions and stress.

5. Materials and Resources

Industrial buildings can benefit from sustainable construction materials and practices. BREEAM prioritizes:

  • Use of materials with low environmental impact and high recyclability.

  • Sourcing materials locally to reduce transportation emissions.

  • Conducting life cycle assessments to optimize material selection.

6. Transport and Accessibility

Transportation contributes significantly to the environmental footprint of industrial workspaces. BREEAM supports:

  • Creating facilities for cycling and walking.

  • Proximity to public transport to reduce dependency on personal vehicles.

  • Efficient logistics design to optimize transportation of goods.

7. Ecology and Biodiversity

To mitigate the impact on surrounding ecosystems, BREEAM encourages:

  • Landscaping with native plant species.

  • Installing green roofs and walls.

  • Creating habitats for local wildlife.

8. Resilience and Climate Adaptation

Industrial facilities must be prepared for the impacts of climate change. BREEAM focuses on:

  • Flood risk assessments and mitigation measures.

  • Designing buildings to withstand extreme weather conditions.

  • Incorporating adaptive technologies to maintain functionality.

Benefits of BREEAM Certification

Adopting BREEAM standards provides a multitude of benefits:

  • Cost Efficiency: Energy and water savings translate into lower operational costs over time.

  • Regulatory Compliance: Helps meet legal requirements and leverage government incentives.

  • Enhanced Reputation: Demonstrates a commitment to sustainability, appealing to investors, clients, and employees.

  • Improved Employee Productivity: Healthier and more comfortable workspaces lead to higher morale and output.

  • Future-Proofing: Ensures resilience to changing environmental and regulatory landscapes.

Challenges and Strategies for Implementation

While BREEAM offers numerous advantages, achieving certification in industrial spaces comes with challenges, such as higher initial costs and potential disruptions during retrofitting. However, these can be mitigated by:

  • Engaging a BREEAM Accredited Professional (AP) early in the planning process.

  • Conducting a detailed feasibility study to align sustainability goals with operational needs.

  • Training employees and fostering a culture of sustainability.

  • Utilizing digital tools like Building Information Modeling (BIM) to streamline project execution.

Conclusion

BREEAM’s application to industrial workspaces is more than a checklist; it represents a commitment to creating facilities that are efficient, environmentally friendly, and adaptive to future challenges. As industries worldwide aim to balance productivity with sustainability, BREEAM offers a proven path toward a greener and more resilient future.

Oliver Fordham
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