Rating Systems, such as BREEAM
When it comes to Sustainable Building Design, Ireland has its fair share of green buildings worth celebrating. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is an assessment methodology focused on the design, operation and construction of high performance green buildings. As the focus on a building’s energy performance has become more significant in light of climate change science, all aspects of mechanical and electrical services are taken into account along with water conservation, sustainable materials and construction practices.
Through a set of higher standards such as BREEAM and LEED, new builds and refurbishment projects are expected to achieve a superior rating in sustainable performance. Attaining this level of certification creates an economical advantage, with reduced operational costs, and it also highlights the building or development as environmentally responsible.
BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Methodology) is applied in over 70 countries around the world, with a large European based market. With scientifically recognized standards, developers and construction teams alike benefit from this assessment method and the best practices in sustainable design. The Bernal building in University of Limerick, which Varming were consultants on, achieved interim BREEAM Excellent for Design Stage making it a working prototype in energy efficiency.
Though BREEAM is largely used for new construction, it can also be used for existing buildings through its ‘BREEAM In-Use’ schemes. With the importance of this growing environmental initiative, using low carbon and low impact design has become a priority for a wide range of sectors, including the commercial, retail, education, and health care industries. Alongside the advancement of green technology, and with the increase in public awareness, achieving a high BREEAM score is more important than ever.
Contact Varming Consulting Engineers in Ireland to help ensure that your building project will maintain the highest standards in environmental, economic, and social sustainability.
