Residential and commercial architects are increasingly expected to demonstrate their environmental commitment and comply with evolving regulations.
Achieving BREEAM rating is a key objective for projects, to demonstrate minimising environmental impact and meeting more demanding regulatory standards.
One effective method to gain BREAAM points, is to reduce carbon emissions and enhance occupant wellbeing by fully optimising natural light and heat sources through the use of automated blinds and shading systems.
In this blog, we will explore BREEAM ratings in more detail and discuss how Umbra’s automated shading systems can help earn valuable BREEAM credits in specific areas.
What Are BREEAM Ratings and Credits?
The Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method, known as BREEAM, was established in 1990 and is the world’s leading sustainability assessment framework for buildings, infrastructure, and master planning projects. BREEAM helps evaluate buildings’ environmental, social, and economic performance, ensuring their design is more sustainable, energy efficient, and comfortable for occupants.
BREEAM provides credits across different categories, including energy, water, waste, health, and materials. A building’s final BREEAM rating, whether Acceptable (In-Use scheme only), Pass, Good, Very Good, Excellent, or Outstanding, depends on the total credits earned in each category. These ratings indicate a project’s environmental quality and sustainability, helping developers demonstrate their commitment to green building standards.
Why Are BREEAM Credits Important?
Many people believe BREEAM is just a certificate, but in fact, BREEAM mirrors real-world benefits. Achieving high BREEAM credits improves a building’s operational efficiency, minimises environmental impact, and creates healthier residential and work environments. It also increases property value and improves tenant satisfaction.
BREEAM ratings have also become essential for meeting various legal, financial, and market requirements. As regulations in the construction industry tighten to reduce carbon footprints, a high BREEAM rating indicates that a building aligns with sustainability goals and can meet future compliance standards.
How Can You Achieve BREEAM Credits?
The most important step to achieving BREEAM credits involves a detailed assessment process in the below categories:
- Energy efficiency: Reduce energy consumption through smart building design and systems.
- Indoor environment: Maintain optimal indoor air quality, lighting, and temperature.
- Materials: Use sustainably sourced, low-impact materials.
- Waste management: Efficiently handle and reduce construction and operational waste.
Umbra’s automated shading systems can contribute to multiple BREEAM categories through improved energy performance, indoor environmental quality, and occupant wellbeing.
How Automated Shading Contributes to BREEAM
At Umbra, we design and manufacture automated shading that improve a building’s sustainability and help achieve BREEAM credits in the below areas:
Energy Efficiency
Our automated shading reduces reliance on artificial lighting and HVAC systems by dynamically controlling natural light. Automated blinds react to real-time sunlight and temperature levels, minimising the need for air conditioning in summer and heating in winter. As a result, this lowers the need for energy usage, leading to energy savings, directly contributing to BREEAM’s Energy and Thermal Comfort credits.
Indoor Environment
Our blinds also help control glare, optimise daylight, and reduce solar heat gain to help create a more comfortable and productive indoor environment. These factors are required for gaining BREEAM credits related to Indoor Air Quality and Health and Wellbeing.
Sustainable Materials
We offer sustainable fabric options like Spectrum 4060, made from 100% recycled PET, further supporting BREEAM’s Materials category. Choosing recycled or low-impact materials can help achieve credits related to reducing the environmental impact of construction.
Read more: Are There Eco-Friendly Blind Fabrics?
Operational Efficiency
Did you know that manually operated blinds are underused? Office blinds are moved only twice a week on average, limiting their effectiveness in managing heat and light. Our automated shading ensures they are always positioned at the best height for each time of the day and environmental conditions for reducing energy loads on the HVAC system, contributing to more efficient and sustainable building operations.
BREEAM Regulations
BREEAM standards evolve in alignment with global sustainability goals. Currently, BREEAM certification emphasises energy efficiency, carbon reduction, and occupant wellbeing. Future iterations of BREEAM are expected to include stricter guidelines on carbon neutrality, in line with international climate agreements and frameworks such as Net Zero Carbon Buildings.
Regulations will likely continue to encourage greater integration of smart technologies, like automated shading systems, which directly support a building’s energy management.
Automation ensures buildings remain adaptable to changing environmental conditions and comply with future regulations aimed at reducing operational carbon emissions.
Alignment with Other Standards
BREEAM also aligns with other sustainability certifications, such as the WELL Building Standard™, which focuses on health and wellness in building design. By adding automated shading, you can improve natural lighting, lessen glare, and regulate indoor temperatures.
These benefits help create healthier indoor environments, which allow you to earn BREEAM credits and support WELL certification. Achieving these makes your project more appealing to tenants who value occupant health and wellbeing.
Umbra’s Commitment to Sustainable Practices
At Umbra, we are proud to be a UK-based manufacturer specialising in sustainable and automated shading systems.
Our innovative shading systems are designed to enhance building sustainability and help architects and developers meet strict environmental standards like BREEAM. With our automated shading systems, you can be confident that you contribute to a more sustainable and efficient future.
To help choose the best shading solution for your next project, book a session in our virtual showroom for free advice on achieving maximum BREEAM credits with our automated shading systems. Even if your goals are energy savings and improved occupant wellbeing or only a high BREEAM score, we can customise a shading solution to meet your needs.
Automated shading systems are massive contributors in earning BREEAM credits, promoting sustainable building practices, and complying with current and future regulations. When planning your next project, consider improving energy efficiency and occupant wellbeing in an effort to enhance the overall sustainability of your building.
At Umbra, we are dedicated to supporting you in achieving your BREEAM goals with our innovative and environmentally friendly shading systems. Contact us.
