7 ways Watergate could help you achieve an ‘Excellent’ BREEAM rating for your building
BREEAM-certified buildings are recognised for their sustainability and can attract investors and tenants who prioritise environmental responsibility. In this article, we explain how improving water efficiency with Watergate solutions can significantly improve the sustainability performance of your building and help you achieve an excellent BREEAM rating.
What is BREEAM?
BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) is a sustainability assessment method used to evaluate the environmental performance of buildings, infrastructure, and projects. It was first launched in 1990 by the Building Research Establishment (BRE). BREEAM assesses various aspects of sustainability, including energy use, water use, health and wellbeing, pollution, transport, materials, waste, land use and ecology, and management processes.
Achieving a high BREEAM score is a priority for forward-thinking property managers who want to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and improve their ESG performance. Worldwide, there are approximately 535,000 BREEAM-certified buildings and millions more registered for certification.
What are the benefits of being BREEAM-certified?
Being BREEAM certified offers numerous benefits for building owners, including:
Environmental Benefits: BREEAM certification helps you slash your environmental footprint. It’s all about using resources wisely and cutting down on waste. Plus, it shows the world you’re committed to green practices.
Economic Benefits: Save money and boost your property’s value. By making your building more energy-efficient, you can lower your utility and maintenance costs. And let’s not forget, a BREEAM-certified building can be a magnet for buyers and tenants who love sustainability. There are also financial perks, like eligibility for green loans and grants.
Social Benefits: Happy, healthy occupants are a big win. BREEAM standards ensure your building is a comfortable and healthy place to be, which keeps everyone satisfied. It also fosters a sense of community engagement and social responsibility.
Compliance and Risk Management: Stay ahead of the game with regulatory compliance. BREEAM certification means your building meets or even exceeds environmental standards, reducing future risks and liabilities. It’s a smart move for long-term peace of mind.
Marketing and Reputation: Shine bright with a positive brand image. Being BREEAM certified can enhance your reputation and make your brand stand out. Plus, it gives you a competitive edge in the market, attracting those who prioritise sustainability.
How do I apply for BREEAM certification for my building?
To achieve BREEAM certification for your building, you’ll need to follow these steps:
Find a Licensed Assessor: Start by finding a licensed BREEAM assessor. They will guide you through the process and ensure that your project meets the necessary criteria.
Register Your Project: Once you have an assessor, register your project with BREEAM. This involves providing details about your project and its sustainability goals.
Undertake the Assessment: Your assessor will conduct a thorough assessment of your building, evaluating it against BREEAM’s criteria across various categories such as energy use, water use, materials, and more.
Quality Assurance Check: After the assessment, a quality assurance check will be conducted to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the assessment.
Receive Your Certification: If your building meets the required standards, you will receive your BREEAM certification. The rating will range from Pass to Outstanding, depending on your performance.
How do I achieve an Excellent BREEAM rating?
To achieve an Excellent BREEAM rating, you need to score 70% or higher. BREEAM assessments are based on a points system where each category contributes a certain number of points towards the final score. While the exact number of points can vary slightly depending on the specific version of BREEAM you are using, aiming for at least 70 points out of a possible 100 is a good target.
How can being water-efficient help me achieve an Excellent BREEAM rating for my building?
If you focus on maximising points (or ‘credits’) in key areas such as energy efficiency, water management, materials, and waste, you’ll be on your way to reaching that Excellent rating.
There are at least six points on offer relating directly to water efficiency. Here are the points on offer:
How can Watergate help?
Using Watergate in your building can help achieve a higher BREEAM rating by enhancing sustainability and efficiency across several assessment categories. Here’s how:
1. Energy Use
Watergate’s AI-driven water management systems can help buildings reduce energy consumption related to water heating, cooling, and pumping. By optimising water usage and ensuring systems operate only when necessary, we can help buildings lower their overall energy demands.
2. Water Use
Efficient water management directly contributes to higher scores in the water category. Watergate can monitor and reduce water consumption by identifying leaks and managing usage patterns to avoid wastage.
3. Management
Watergate’s platform can provide real-time data and analytics on water usage, which is crucial for effective building management. This data can be used to set targets, monitor performance, and make informed decisions that align with BREEAM’s management criteria.
4. Health and Wellbeing
Maintaining a reliable water supply and ensuring the water quality can positively impact the health and wellbeing of your building occupants. Watergate can ensure consistent water quality by monitoring and detecting potential issues – for example, the risk of Legionella – before they become significant problems. Sonic can detect even tiny hidden leaks which, left unattended, can lead to health risks from mould and damp. Our roadmap also includes the launch of new products in 2025 that monitor humidity levels – again, important to reduce the risks of mould and damp.
5. Pollution
By optimising water use and reducing waste, Watergate can help minimise the environmental impact, such as reducing the need for water extraction from natural sources and decreasing the volume of wastewater generated. Using less water also means you can reduce your CO2e emissions and reduce your building’s overall carbon footprint.
6. Materials and Waste
Efficient water use can also support the reduction of waste materials. By preventing leaks and efficiently managing resources, Watergate helps decrease the wear and tear on plumbing systems, extending their lifespan and reducing the need for replacements. By stopping destructive leaks, Watergate also reduces the need for expensive and carbon-intensive repairs to buildings.
7. Innovation
BREEAM rewards innovation, so using Watergate’s cutting-edge AI technology in water management can earn additional credits. By showcasing your building’s innovative approach to sustainability, you can demonstrate significant advancements over standard practices.
Want to learn more?
If you’re interested in learning more about BREEAM and how Watergate could help you improve your chances of achieving an Excellent rating, contact us today.
Gareth is a self-confessed ‘water geek’ and sits on a number of industry water efficiency working groups. He is head of communications at Watergate.