Man03 - Responsible construction practices – Above Green

Minimum standard. (6 credits available)

Aim

To recognise and encourage construction sites which are managed in an environmentally and socially considerate, responsible and accountable manner.

Assessment criteria

This issue is split in to four parts:

Environmental management (1 credit)
Sustainability champion (1 credit)
Considerate construction (up to 2 credits)
Monitoring of construction site impacts (2 credits)

The following is required to demonstrate compliance:

Prerequisite - Legally harvested and traded timber

All timber and timber-based products used during the construction process of the project are 'Legally harvested and traded timber' (see Relevant definitions).

Note: For other materials there are no prerequisite requirements at this stage.

Prerequisite - National health and safety legislation

All national health and safety legislation and regulations for construction sites are considered and implemented during (refer to CN3.6):

2.a

The design of the asset; to minimise health and safety risks

2.b

Pre-construction work planning and organisation; to collate health and safety information from all relevant stakeholders (refer to Relevant definitions)

2.c

Site set-up; to implement health and safety features

2.d

Construction; to manage, monitor and report on the health and safety of construction site staff.

One credit - Environmental management

The principal contractor operates an environmental management system (EMS) covering their main operations. The EMS must be third party certified to ISO 14001/EMAS or an equivalent standard.

Implement best practice pollution prevention policies and procedures on site, demonstrated through the project team completing the checklist outlined in Table 9. To demonstrate compliance, not all actions need to be achieved; however the assessor and project team must demonstrate that the intent of each section (i.e. air quality) has been met.

One credit - sustainability champion (construction)

A sustainability champion is appointed to monitor the project to ensure ongoing compliance with the relevant sustainability performance and process criteria, and therefore BREEAM targets, during the construction, handover and close out work stages. To do this the sustainability champion will ideally be site-based or will visit the site regularly to carry out spot checks, with the relevant authority to do so, and will require action to be taken to address shortcomings in compliance. The sustainability champion will monitor site activities with sufficient frequency (see compliance note CN3.3) to ensure that risks of non-compliance are minimised. They will report on progress at relevant project team meetings, including identifying potential areas of non-compliance and any action needed to mitigate.

The defined BREEAM performance target forms a requirement of the principal contractor's contract (see Man 01 Project brief and design: CN3.2 and Man 01 Project brief and design – Relevant definitions).

To achieve this credit at the final post-construction stage of assessment, the BREEAM-related performance target for the project must be demonstrably achieved by the project. This is demonstrated via the BREEAM Assessor's final post-construction stage assessment report.

Up to two credits - Considerate construction

For single dwellings:

8.a

One credit can be awarded where an individual is responsible for implementing and maintaining the following considerate construction practices throughout the works stage (see Relevant definitions):

8.a.i

Keeping the site clean and tidy

8.a.ii

Reducing impacts on the community through community and neighbour engagement

8.a.iii

Continuous improvements in safety

8.a.iv

Commitments to respect and ensure fair treatment of all workers

8.a.v

Suitable site facilities for operatives and visitors.

8.b

Two credits can be awarded where the contractor achieves six items in each of the four sections within Checklist A1

For all other building types, the BREEAM credits can be awarded as follows:

9.a

One credit where the principal contractor achieves six items in each of the four sections within Checklist A1

9.b

Two credits where the principal contractor achieves all items in each of the four sections within Checklist A1 AND the contractor's performance has been confirmed by independent assessment and verification.

Up to two credits - Monitoring of site impacts

Responsibility has been assigned to an individual for monitoring, recording and reporting energy use, water consumption and transport data (where measured) resulting from all on site processes (and dedicated off-site monitoring) throughout the programme. To ensure the robust collection of information, this individual must have the appropriate authority and responsibility to request and access the data required. Where appointed, the sustainability champion could perform this role.

First monitoring credit - Utility consumption

Energy consumption

Criterion 10 is achieved.

Monitor and record data of the site energy consumption in kWh (and where relevant, litres of fuel used) as a result of the use of construction plant, equipment (mobile and fixed) and site accommodation (as relevant to the project type).

Report the total carbon dioxide emissions (total kg CO₂/project value) from the construction process via the BREEAM Assessment Scoring and Reporting tool (for the purposes of potential future BREEAM performance benchmarking).

Water consumption

Criterion 10 is achieved.

Monitor and record data on the principal constructor's and subcontractors' potable water consumption (m³) arising from the use of construction plant, equipment (mobile and fixed) and site accommodation (as relevant to the project type, see Compliance notes.

Using the collated data report the total net water consumption (m³), i.e. consumption minus any recycled water use from the construction process via the BREEAM Assessment Scoring and Reporting tool (for the purposes of potential future BREEAM performance benchmarking).

Second monitoring credit - Transport of construction materials and waste

Criterion 10 is achieved.

Monitor and record data on the transport movements and impacts resulting from delivery of the majority construction materials to the site and construction waste from the site. As a minimum this must cover:

18.a

Transport of materials from the factory gate to the building site, including any transport, intermediate storage and distribution, see Relevant definitions.

18.b

The scope of this monitoring must cover the following as a minimum:

18.b.i

Materials used for major building elements, (i.e. those defined as mandatory in the BREEAM International Mat 01 Calculator tool), including insulation materials

18.b.ii

Where within scope, ground works and landscaping materials.

18.c

Transport of construction waste from the construction gate to waste disposal processing or the recovery centre gate. The scope of this monitoring must cover the construction waste groups outlined in the project's waste management plan.

Using the collated data, report separately for materials and waste, the total transport-related carbon dioxide emissions (kgCO₂ eq) via the BREEAM Assessment Scoring and Reporting tool (for the purposes of potential future BREEAM performance benchmarking).

Exemplary level criteria

The following outlines the exemplary level criteria to achieve one innovation credit for this BREEAM issue:

Where the principal contractor has achieved compliance with a BREEAM 'compliant' organisational, local or national considerate construction scheme and their performance against the scheme has been confirmed by independent assessment and verification.

Checklists and tables

The project team are to complete this checklist. The assessor and project team must ensure that the intent of each section is met through actions appropriate to the site.

Table 9 Checklist of actions to minimise air and water pollution during construction works

Section	Action	Completed (Y/N)
Noise and vibration	Intent: To minimise the impact of noise and vibration in the local community.
A	Plan the noisiest activities for times that will result in the least disturbance to the local community.
B	Use noise control devices, e.g. temporary noise.
C	Use barriers or deflectors for impact and blasting activities.
D	Avoid or minimise transport through community areas.
Air quality	Intent: To prevent dust and other air pollution on site and in the local community.
A	Minimise dust from materials by using covers, storage, control equipment, and increasing moisture content.
B	Minimise dust from vehicle movements, using water sprays if appropriate.
C	Avoid burning of materials on site.
Water run-off management	Intent: To prevent water pollution from on site activities.
A	Prepare a drainage plan and mark manholes or water entry points to highlight risk areas. Note: this plan may change as the works progress.
B	Where possible or appropriate, schedule works to avoid heavy rainfall periods (i.e. during the dry season) and modify activities during extreme rainfall and high winds.
C	Contour and minimise length and steepness of slopes.
D	Mulch to stabilise exposed areas or line steep channels or slopes, e.g. using jute matting.
E	Revegetate areas promptly.
F	Reduce or prevent off-site sediment transport through the use of settlement ponds, silt fences, or water treatment.
G	Segregate or divert clean water run-off to prevent it mixing with water with a high solids content (therefore minimising the amount of water requiring treatment).
H	Provide adequate drainage systems to minimise and control infiltration.
I	Carry out any activities that could cause pollution in designated, bunded areas away from rivers, boreholes or other water courses.
Hazardous materials	Intent: To prevent hazardous materials polluting local water courses.
A	Provide adequate secondary containment for fuel storage tanks and for the temporary storage of other fluids such as lubricating oils and hydraulic fluids.
B	Train workers on the correct transfer and handling of fuels and chemicals, and the response to spills.
C	Use impervious surfaces for refuelling areas and other fluid transfer areas.
D	Provide portable spill containment and clean-up equipment on site and train staff to use it.
E	Provide adequate sanitation facilities serving all workers.

Compliance notes

Ref	Terms	Description
Shell and core (non-residential and residential institutions only)
CN1	Applicable assessment criteria	Both options: All criteria relevant to the building type and function apply. Refer to Appendix D – Shell and core project assessments for a more detailed description of the shell and core assessment options.
Residential - Partially fitted and fully fitted
CN2	Applicable assessment criteria - Single dwellings	Both options: All criteria relevant to the building type and function apply, see CN2.2 for more detail on the sustainability champion role. Refer to Appendix E – Applicability of BREEAM New Construction to single and multiple dwellings, partially and fully fitted for a more detailed description of residential assessment options.
CN2.1	Applicable assessment criteria - Multiple dwellings	Both options: All criteria relevant to the building type and function apply. Refer to Appendix E – Applicability of BREEAM New Construction to single and multiple dwellings, partially and fully fitted for a more detailed description of residential assessment options.
CN2.2	Sustainability champion for single dwellings	For single dwellings a BREEAM International New Construction Assessor can act as the Sustainability champion. In this situation it will still be necessary to manage any conflicts of interest that could arise.
General
CN3	BREEAM compliant organisational, local or national considerate construction schemes	Where a considerate construction or constructors' scheme exists and is not listed as a BREEAM compliant scheme, the scheme administrator or operator can apply to BRE Global for recognition as a compliant scheme. Prior to any application, the operator should first review their scheme against the requirements of Appendix G - Considerate constructor scheme requirements. If they believe their scheme demonstrates equivalence with Appendix G - Considerate constructor scheme requirements, they should contact BRE Global. BRE Global will review the scheme and, if appropriate, add it to the list of compliant schemes and define appropriate benchmarks of performance for achieving BREEAM credits using the scheme.
CN3.1	Site timber and reusable formwork. See criterion 1 .	Reusable timber formwork itself does not automatically comply. All timber used in the manufacture of the formwork must be either initially reclaimed, or 'legally harvested and traded' (see Mat 03 Responsible sourcing of construction products – Relevant definitions).
CN3.2	Environmental management system (EMS)	The EMS can be developed following guidance in the WRAP publication 'Your Guide to Environmental Management Systems', which can be downloaded from the WRAP website. While a UK based document, this guide follows the requirements of ISO 14001 and EMAS; however certification against ISO 14001, EMAS or the equivalent standard will be required to demonstrate compliance with criterion 3 .
CN3.3	Frequency of site monitoring. See criterion 5 .	In this context, visits should occur at key stages of the construction process, at times where: Works can be observed before they are covered up or new works or trades start; where significant risks of conflicts or errors could occur Timing is critical to demonstrating compliance Key evidence is required to be produced at specific times including, but not limited to, photographic, delivery notes and other documentary evidence Different trades and systems come together and one could harm the integrity or compliance of another system's performance against BREEAM requirements.
CN3.4	Independent assessment and verification	An assessment of the site activities against Checklist A1 which is carried out by an individual who can demonstrate their independence from the project delivery, i.e. someone not employed by (or working under a contract for) the contractor's organisation. The individual must have at least five years experience working within the construction industry, either as a contractor or as part of a design team. Where the assessor meets the criteria above, they can fulfil this role.
CN3.5	Compliance with Considerate Contractor Checklist	In instances where items in Checklist A1 are not relevant due to the scope of works on site, the assessor should seek guidance from BRE Global on the appropriate number of items required.
CN3.6	National health and safety regulations and best practice	Where there are no national health and safety regulations in the country of assessment, evidence is required to demonstrate that EITHER: The principal contractor has an occupational health and safety management system compliant with OHSAS 18001:2007 OR Works will be carried out in accordance with the International Labour Association's Safety and health in construction Code of Practice.
CN3.7	Water Consumption	Where there is no water use associated with construction plant, equipment (mobile and fixed) and site accommodation, the requirement for monitoring water consumption is not required.

Methodology

None.

Evidence

Criteria

Interim design stage

Final post-construction stage

All

Relevant section or clauses of the building specification or contract.
OR

A signed and dated letter of commitment to meet the relevant criteria.

Name of the individuals responsible for monitoring, recording and reporting data resulting from all construction processes.

Summary details of the monitoring and data gathering mechanism, protocols or system used to collate and process the relevant data. Collated construction phase data or information as follows:

Total site energy consumption by fuel type or total carbon dioxide emissions
Total site net water consumption (m³)
For both materials and waste, the total fuel consumption by type or total carbon dioxide emissions plus total distance travelled (km).

For certified and non-certified site timber, evidence as required for BREEAM issue Mat 03 Responsible sourcing of construction products .

A copy of the principal contractors EMS/EMAS certificate.

Copies of the documented procedures used on site for working to best practice pollution management guidelines.

A letter from the principal contractor confirming:

Procedures for pollution management and mitigation were implemented
Name or job title of the individual responsible for monitoring and managing construction site impacts throughout the project.

Additional information

Relevant definitions

BREEAM Accredited Professional (AP)

Refer to Man 01 Project brief and design.

Construction processes

The construction process includes the enabling works, assembly, installation and disassembly activities necessary for servicing the construction and completion of a new building.

Dedicated off-site manufacturing or fabrication

Production of a component or material carried out in an off-site manufacturing or processing facility specifically set up for a development project.

Factory gate

For the purposes of this issue, the factory gate is defined as being the product manufacturer gate (i.e. where manufacture and pre-assembly finishes and the material is in its final product form). Examples might include:

Steel, concrete or glass manufacturers for cladding, windows and beams etc.
Quarry gate for aggregate and sand
Concrete plant for concrete
Saw mill and timber processing plant for timber.

Legally harvested and traded timber

Refer to Mat 03 Responsible sourcing of construction products .

Principle contractor

The company that has overall responsibility for overseeing the construction stage of the project, whether that is a contractor or managing agent.

Sustainability champion (construction)

Members of formal schemes approved by BRE Global in connection with the provision of design advice. At present the following schemes are deemed to satisfy this requirement:

BREEAM Accredited Professional (AP) Membership Scheme
BRE Site Sustainability Manager Membership Scheme.

Sustainability Champions are trained and qualified to provide BREEAM-related advice to the design team to facilitate timely and successful target setting, scheduling, prioritisation and monitoring of BREEAM compliance relating to the design of the building. They will be subject to ongoing training and competency requirements to ensure that their knowledge is maintained. Providers of schemes or qualifications not listed, who feel their members meet this definition and who would like to be listed as approved membership schemes, should contact BRE Global.

Note: The aim of the sustainability champion credits is to encourage an integrated design and construction process that uses BREEAM as a framework for establishing, agreeing and achieving the desired level of sustainability performance for the project. The sustainability champion credits in this BREEAM issue focus on achieving this objective through the provision of appropriate expertise during the Construction, Handover and Close Out stages of the project.

BRE site sustainability manager

An individual qualified by BRE to help ensure quality in project delivery and to minimise the environmental impacts of the construction process, as well as achieving the intentions of the building designers. They are based on site and ensure that the construction site is managed in an environmentally efficient manner and that the site teams are confident in achieving the exacting regulations and requirements of environmental certification schemes, for example BREEAM. Only qualified individuals who are members of BRE's associated membership scheme and are registered to the scheme throughout the period of construction comply with the BREEAM requirements. This membership ensures an adequate level of competence is maintained through regular continuing professional development (CPD) in key relevant areas.

Other information

CO₂ reporting protocols

At the time of publication, the following guidance is available for CO₂ measuring protocols.

Encord: http://www.encord.org. They have launched a CO₂ reporting protocol.
GHG Protocol; http://www.ghgprotocol.org.

Tools for monitoring and targeting construction site impacts

SMARTWaste is an online environmental reporting tool for the construction industry. It enables organisations to efficiently capture, monitor and report on:

Waste (including Site Waste Management Plans & Pre-Demolition Audits)
Energy (including conversion to carbon dioxide emissions)
Water
Responsibly sourced materials (including timber)
Transport
Considerate Contractors Scheme.

Used to meet the criteria of this issue and as a source of evidence for demonstrating compliance, SMARTWaste helps organisations to reduce their environmental impacts, making substantial time and cost savings.

More information about SMARTWaste can be found at: www.smartwaste.co.uk.

The International Finance Corporation website provides information relating to this issue, i.e. the IFC World Bank Group - Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) Guidelines.

Considerate construction practices

The following are examples of considerate construction practices that provide possible ways of meeting the criteria for single dwellings. Further examples can be found at the Considerate Contractors Scheme website under Examples of Good Practices.

Keeping the site clean and tidy:
1. Ensure there is no loose materials or debris lying around the site including the perimeter
2. Vehicles are regularly checked for cleanliness
3. Implement a 'Tidy Friday' initiative.
Reduce the impacts to the community:
1. Schedule the timing of deliveries to the site to avoid disturbance to local residents
2. Ensure that any noisy work is carried out at agreed times with adjoining neighbours
3. Record car registration numbers of all operatives in the event that a complaint was made with regard to nuisance parking.
A drive for continuous improvements in safety:
1. Toolbox talks on safety matters
2. Passport or helmet stickers for operatives who have successfully completed health and safety training
3. Near miss reporting procedure.
A commitment to respect and provide fair treatment of all workers:
1. A 'Respect for people' wall chart displayed, recording satisfaction levels with welfare and other relevant topics
2. Questionnaires issued to all operatives to establish what can be done to improve working conditions
3. Information on dealing with abusive behaviour.
Provide suitable site facilities:
1. Suitable toilet facilities for male and female operatives
2. Rest areas for operatives to have breaks away from work areas
3. Suitable first aid facilities.