In today's built environment, energy efficiency has become an integral part of sustainable building practices. With increasing global emphasis on reducing carbon emissions and optimising energy use, the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method certification system, along with BREEAM consultants, plays a crucial role in guiding architects, engineers, and design teams toward creating energy-efficient buildings.
Exploring Energy Efficiency in BREEAM
The energy category within BREEAM focuses on reducing a building's operational energy demand and carbon emissions. Its primary objectives are to:
- Enhance building energy performance
- Lower energy consumption
- Encourage renewable energy integration
- Minimise reliance on non-renewable energy sources
The criteria under this category are designed to evaluate how well a building manages energy use during its lifecycle. This includes assessing design aspects such as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems and the incorporation of renewable energy sources.
Weightage and Impact on Overall Score
Energy efficiency is a highly weighted category in BREEAM assessments. Depending on the project type (residential, commercial, etc), the energy category can account for up to 19% of your total BREEAM score.
Achieving strong performance in this area not only helps improve a building's BREEAM rating. It also offers long-term financial benefits through reduced energy costs and better environmental stewardship. Therefore, energy efficiency measures are pivotal in determining a project's success with BREEAM.
Key Energy Efficiency Measures
Developers can employ various strategies to obtain a better score under BREEAM’s energy category.
- Passive design strategies
Passive design strategies seek to minimise energy consumption by optimising the building's natural environmental conditions. Relevant techniques include:
- Natural ventilation - leveraging airflow to reduce mechanical ventilation needs
- Solar orientation - designing the building in such a way it optimises natural light and minimises heat gain or loss
These strategies help reduce the reliance on mechanical systems, resulting in lower energy consumption. - Building envelope improvements
Improving the building envelope, which includes walls, windows, roofs, and insulation, is essential for maintaining internal temperature control. High-performance glazing, enhanced insulation, and airtightness measures will help limit heat gain in summer and heat loss in winter, improving overall energy performance. - HVAC systems optimisation
BREEAM consultants agree that optimising HVAC systems is crucial in reducing energy usage. This includes installing high-efficiency boilers, chillers, and heat pumps, as well as using smart thermostats and zoning systems to control temperature more effectively. Properly designed HVAC systems reduce energy consumption while maintaining user comfort. - Lighting efficiency upgrades
Lighting is a major contributor to a building's energy consumption. Upgrading to energy-efficient lighting, such as LEDs, significantly reduces energy use. Furthermore, incorporating daylighting techniques, where natural light is used to supplement artificial lighting, further cuts down on energy consumption. - Renewable energy integration
Integrating renewable energy systems such as solar panels and biomass heating into a building's design can drastically reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Not only do these systems reduce operational costs, but they also contribute to a building's long-term sustainability by reducing its carbon footprint.
Assessing Energy Performance
Accurately assessing energy performance is crucial for identifying potential improvements and ensuring optimal building efficiency. From benchmarking to advanced energy simulations, each step is vital in maximising performance and securing higher BREEAM ratings.
Baseline Energy Performance Evaluation
- Establishing benchmark standards
Assessing a building's energy performance begins with establishing baseline standards based on local regulations or industry norms. Benchmarks such as energy use intensity (EUI) or the carbon intensity of energy consumption provide a clear starting point for identifying where energy savings can be made. - Identifying areas for improvement
Once a baseline is established, energy audits can be conducted with the help of consultants to identify inefficient systems or areas of excess energy consumption. This helps prioritise which upgrades will deliver the highest returns in terms of both energy savings and BREEAM points.
Energy Modelling and Simulation
- Software tools for energy analysis
Energy modelling tools such as IES VE, EnergyPlus, and DesignBuilder allow consultants and design teams to simulate a building's energy performance before it is built. These tools help assess the impact of different design choices, such as HVAC configurations, lighting systems, and building materials, on energy consumption. - Predictive modelling for performance assessment
Predictive modelling uses data from energy simulations to estimate a building’s future performance. This enables design teams to make informed decisions on which energy efficiency measures will most effectively improve the building’s overall performance.
Monitoring and Verification
- Post-occupancy evaluation
Once a building is occupied, post-occupancy evaluation is essential for verifying whether the energy efficiency measures implemented are delivering the expected performance. This involves comparing actual energy use with the projected figures from the energy models. - Continuous performance monitoring
To ensure a building remains energy efficient over time, continuous performance monitoring using smart meters and Building Management Systems (BMS) is critical. These systems provide real-time data on energy use and help detect any inefficiencies or deviations from expected performance.
Implementation Strategies
Achieving energy efficiency demands a strategic approach across all project stages. Whether it’s optimising designs in the planning phase or ensuring long-term efficiency through maintenance, the right strategies can transform your building’s energy profile and help it meet rigorous BREEAM standards.
Pre-Design Phase
- Setting energy efficiency goals
Ensure that you establish clear energy efficiency goals during the pre-design phase. These goals should reflect both your sustainability objectives and the specific requirements of the BREEAM energy category. - Site and climate analysis
A thorough analysis of the building site and local climate conditions is essential for identifying the most appropriate energy efficiency measures for your project. For example, in colder climates, high-quality insulation and airtightness are more critical, whereas in hotter regions, natural shading and ventilation might be prioritised.
Design Phase
- Passive design integration
The design phase is where passive strategies such as natural ventilation, shading, and building orientation are integrated into your architectural plans. These strategies can greatly reduce energy demand if implemented correctly. - Energy-efficient systems selection
Selecting energy-efficient systems, such as HVAC, lighting, and appliances, is critical during the design phase. It is important to choose systems that meet energy efficiency goals and integrate well with the overall building design.
Construction Phase
- Quality assurance and control
During construction, you should maintain strict quality assurance to ensure that energy efficiency measures are implemented as intended. For example, proper installation of insulation and air sealing is crucial to achieving your desired energy performance. - Commissioning of energy systems
Once construction is completed, commissioning ensures that all energy systems are working as designed. This includes testing HVAC systems, lighting controls, and renewable energy installations to confirm that they meet performance standards.
Post-Occupancy Phase
- User education and engagement
Educating building occupants on how to use energy-efficient systems properly is critical for maintaining long-term energy performance. This includes training on the use of HVAC controls, lighting systems, and renewable energy systems. - Ongoing maintenance and optimisation
BREEAM consultants, such as our team at Encon Associates, will tell you that energy efficiency is not a one-time achievement. It requires continuous maintenance and optimisation. Regular audits, equipment checks, and system updates ensure that your energy systems operate at peak performance, helping the building maintain its BREEAM certification.
Seek Expert Advice for Better Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency is a vital component of achieving high BREEAM ratings and creating sustainable buildings. By employing relevant strategies throughout different stages of the project, you can ensure better energy performance for your building.
Working with qualified BREEAM professionals can also significantly enhance your building's energy efficiency, leading to reduced operational costs and a smaller carbon footprint. At Encon Associates, we specialise in guiding clients through the BREEAM certification process, ensuring that your project meets the highest sustainability standards. Get in touch today to receive tailored advice and solutions!
