Glenn Miles from Encon Associates answers readers’ questions on BREEAM Assessors.

What is a BREEAM Assessor?

A BREEAM Assessor is an individual who is qualified and licensed to certify building projects against the BREEAM sustainability method operated by the BRE. In most cases they will be a qualified professional who is highly experienced with a detailed knowledge of construction and the construction industry. An experienced BREEAM Assessor will be able to guide the design team from inception through to completion and deliver BREEAM certification.

Why should project teams engage the services of a BREEAM Assessor?

The BREEAM method is an assessment of a building’s design, construction and operation, and comprises the detailed assessment of nine core subject areas. These are divided into sub-sections, which require a dedicated professional to offer advice and guidance. Design teams engage the services of a BREEAM Assessor due to the complexity of the BREEAM method and to provide support delivering sustainability targets.

In what ways can BREEAM Assessors impact and add value to construction projects?

Many BREEAM Assessors are multiskilled construction professionals who not only provide BREEAM Assessor services, but also offer additional consultancy solutions to help meet BREEAM targets. As the BREEAM Assessment method is split into nine sections, a multiskilled consultant brings added value to the project by delivering ‘under one roof’ solutions.

What are the main roles and responsibilities of a BREEAM Assessor?

The BREEAM Assessor role is to advise and guide the design team while assessing the scheme for compliance against the BREEAM methodology. It is advantageous to appoint a BREEAM Assessor who has a deep knowledge of the consecution industry and construction methods.

Which parties does a BREEAM Assessor typically liaise with within project teams and in what capacity?

The BREEAM Assessor in most cases will liaise with the whole design team to facilitate a smooth assessment process from inception to completion. Although they will manage the evidence gathering and review, project management of the team should be completed by the project manager.

What are the key qualities to look for when appointing a BREEAM Assessor?

Attention to detail, good planning abilities and people skills, good analytics, good time management, and teamwork is essential.

Who is the contractual arrangement made between when hiring a BREEAM Assessor?

A BREEAM Assessor should be appointed as early in the design process as possible to avoid the loss of early RIBA stage credits. Ideally the BREEAM Assessor would be appointed by the client or the architect working on behalf of the client. Unfortunately, BREEAM in most cases is an after thought and the BREEAM Assessor is appointed too late in the process.

What steps should project teams take to get the most out of their BREEAM Assessor?

Close liaison and communication is key. Do not see the BREEAM Assessor as a thorn in your side, see them as an integral part of the design team and you will get the most out of them.

What are the main dos and don’ts of working with a BREEAM Assessor?

Do appoint the assessor as early as possible. Keep in regular contact with them and ask questions. Try to provide the evidence the BREEAM Assessor requests rather than use them as an information dump. Treat the assessor as you would any other design team member – most of them are highly qualified and have worked in the industry a long time. Do not appoint the assessor too late as this could seriously affect the BREEAM rating. The assessor is there to help rather than hinder, treat them with respect and understand. They are assessing against a methodology operated by BRE – don’t shoot the messenger!

What are the key areas to get right in terms of attaining a good BREEAM rating?

The design team should be thinking about sustainability at a very early stage if they are to achieve a high-scoring BREEAM assessment. An early stage pre-assessment meeting by a qualified BREEAM Assessor will highlight areas that are performing well and others that need improvement. I cannot stress the importance of an early BREEAM pre-assessment with the design team to inform decision making.

How do you become a BREEAM Assessor?

Specialist training is required to become a BREEAM Assessor with the BRE. Once the training has been completed the consultant will be required to undertake an exam at which point they will become a qualified BREEAM Assessor should they achieve the minimum pass rating. To operate as a licensed BREEAM Assessor, the consultant will have to apply for a license with the BRE and demonstrate appropriate insurance. Most BREEAM Assessors already have experience within the construction industry as this background knowledge is vital in order to operate effectively.

For further information visit www.enconassociates.com