In today’s media, we see many ‘green buildings’ labelled as such upon construction – for example the Co-operative’s brand new office in Manchester at One Angel Square – opened by the Queen just over a year ago. However, the measure of sustainability of a building is achieved from the way it is used and managed – much more than the way in which it is constructed.
This is where the BREEAM in-use rating comes into effect. While it is not widely used in the UK, examples can be shown in Paris, where Wereldhave and its tenant EDF have just achieved “outstanding” under BREEAM In-Use at the 204,000 sq ft Carre Vert complex, following its “outstanding” BREEAM new construction.
The BREEAM in-use rating is intended to measure the performance of a green building over an extended time period, showing actual energy consumption and reflects how the building actually performs. It has been shown that although a building can be awarded an outstanding green rating upon construction – it can still function inadequately. Astonishingly the difference in predicted and actual energy consumption can differ in as much as 60%-70%. This gap can be closed by analysing data over an extended time period to target any issues that may be underlying. BREEAM In-Use ratings can provide this option – and is something we provide here at Syntegra.
For more information on BREEAM ratings please contact us on 0845 009 1625.
