We are thrilled to announce a monumental achievement in our company’s history and a ground-breaking moment for the construction industry: becoming the first main contractor to achieve a 100% BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) Outstanding rating in the United Kingdom. The building has achieved this historical certification against the BREEAM New Construction 2018 assessment method.
Anyone who has experience of BREEAM will appreciate what it means to achieve a score this high for a Post Construction certification. The maximum score any assessment can achieve is 100%, which we are proud to share, has been achieved on the Nova building. This remarkable maximum score has not been achieved on any other BREEAM scheme within the UK since BREEAM was launched.
What is BREEAM?
BREEAM is the world’s leading sustainability assessment method for master planning projects, infrastructure, and buildings. It recognizes and reflects the value in higher performing assets across the built environment lifecycle, from new construction to in-use and refurbishment. First launched in 1990, BREEAM assessments focus on various sustainability categories, including energy, water, health and wellbeing, pollution, transport, materials, waste, ecology, and management processes.
Our Journey to 100% BREEAM
Reaching this pinnacle of sustainability has been a rigorous and rewarding journey. Here’s how we did it:
1. Commitment to Sustainability
From the outset, our leadership team made a firm commitment to sustainability, embedding it into our company’s core values and business strategy. This commitment then drove every decision and action during the project.
2. Innovative Design and Construction Practices
Our design and construction teams worked collaboratively to integrate innovative, sustainable practices into every phase of the project, with the scheme utilising sustainable materials and energy-efficient systems to minimize the environmental footprint of the building. A strong emphasis was placed on the ecological impact on the project, with a large increase in biodiversity net gain achieved for the scheme. There was also a mindful decision to promote building user wellbeing by providing pleasant external amenity spaces to allow building occupants to connect with nature.
3. Stakeholder Collaboration
Achieving 100% BREEAM required close collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders, including architects, engineers, subcontractors, specialists and suppliers. By fostering a culture of cooperation and transparency, we ensured that sustainability was a shared goal.
4. Rigorous Assessment and Quality Control
Throughout the project, we continually reviewed product details, supplier certifications and generated waste quantities to ensure compliance with BREEAM criteria would be met. Our dedicated sustainability team worked tirelessly to monitor progress at every step and implement improvements where possible.
The Impact of 100% BREEAM
Achieving a 100% BREEAM rating is more than a milestone; it’s a testament to our dedication to building a sustainable future. Here’s what this achievement means:
1. Environmental Stewardship
By meeting the highest standards of sustainability, we are reducing the environmental impact of the buildings we construct, leaving a legacy of improved buildings for future users.
2. Enhanced Wellbeing
Our projects are designed to promote health and wellbeing for occupants, ensuring that buildings are not only environmentally friendly but also provide a healthier internal and external environment for all building users.
3. Industry Leadership
This achievement positions us as a leader in the construction industry, setting a new benchmark for sustainability and inspiring other contractors to pursue similar goals.
4. Economic Benefits
Sustainable buildings often result in lower operating costs, increased asset value, and better returns on investment, providing economic benefits for our clients and stakeholders.
Looking Ahead
As we celebrate this historic achievement, we remain committed to pushing the boundaries of sustainable construction. We will continue to innovate, collaborate, and lead by example, striving for excellence in every project we undertake.
Thank you to our dedicated team, partners, and clients for their unwavering support and commitment to sustainability. Together, we are building a better, greener future for generations to come.
