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
1 | 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.
One credit - Environmental management
2 | 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. |
3 | Implement best practice pollution prevention policies and procedures on site, demonstrated through the project team completing the checklist outlined in Table 12. 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)
4 | 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 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. |
5 | The defined BREEAM performance target forms a requirement of the principal contractor's contract (see Man 01 Project brief and design: CN2.2 and Man 01 Project brief and design – Relevant definitions). |
Up to two credits - Considerate construction
7 | For small scale refurbishment or fit-out projects (see Relevant definitions): |
7.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): |
7.a.i | Keeping the site clean and tidy |
7.a.ii | Reducing impacts on the community through community and neighbour engagement |
7.a.iii | Continuous improvements in safety |
7.a.iv | Commitments to respect and ensure fair treatment of all workers |
7.a.v | Suitable site facilities for operatives and visitors. |
7.b | Two credits can be awarded where the contractor achieves six items in each of the four sections within Checklist A1 |
8 | Where the refurbishment or fit-out project does not meet the definition of a small scale project (see Relevant definitions). The BREEAM credits can be awarded as follows: |
8.a | One credit where the principal contractor achieves six items in each of the four sections within Checklist A1 |
8.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 refurbishment or fit-out site impacts
First monitoring credit - Utility consumption
Energy consumption
10 | Criterion 9 is achieved. |
Water consumption
13 | Criterion 9 is achieved. |
Second monitoring credit - Transport of construction materials and waste
16 | Criterion 9 is achieved. |
17.a | Transport of materials from the factory gate to the building site, including any transport, intermediate storage and distribution, see Relevant definitions. |
17.b | The scope of this monitoring must cover the following as a minimum: |
17.b.i | Where Part 1 is being assessed, materials used in major building elements, including insulation materials |
17.b.ii | Where Part 2 is being assessed, materials used for core services |
17.b.iii | Where undertaking a comprehensive refurbishment including fit-out with a combination of Parts 1 - 4, materials used for major building elements, services and interior fit-out. |
17.b.iv | Where within scope, ground works and landscaping materials. |
17.b.v | Where undertaking a Parts 3 & 4 only assessment, materials used in the fit-out are included with the exception of small scale and low value refurbishment of fit-out projects (see Relevant definitions) where this credit is not applicable. |
17.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. |
Exemplary level criteria
The following outlines the exemplary level criteria to achieve one innovation credit for this BREEAM issue:
19 | 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 12 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 |
---|---|---|
Applicable assessment criteria | ||
CN1 |
Parts: 1, 2, 3 and 4 assessments |
All criteria in this issue are applicable. |
General | ||
CN2 |
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 |
Strip-out | The scope of this issue applies to the principal contractor and their scope of works. If the scope of their works includes strip-out then this stage of work falls within the scope of the assessment. |
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 materials (RSM) – Relevant definitions). |
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 2 . | |
Frequency of site monitoring. See criterion 4 . |
In this context, visits should occur at key stages of the construction process, at times where:
|
|
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. |
CN4 |
Water Consumption | Where there is no water use associated with construction plant, equipment (mobile and fixed) and site accommodation, the requirements for monitoring water consumption is not required. |
Methodology
None.
Evidence
Criteria | Interim design stage | Final post-construction stage |
---|---|---|
All |
One or more of the appropriate evidence types listed in 4.0 The BREEAM evidential requirements section can be used to demonstrate compliance with these criteria. |
|
1 | Refer to the generic evidence requirement above. | A copy of the principal contractors EMS/EMAS certificate |
2 | Refer to the generic evidence requirement above. | Where certified materials were used, copies of all relevant certificates or chain of custody evidence. |
7 | Refer to the generic evidence requirement above. | Scheme certificate or compliance report. |
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 materials (RSM).
- Principle contractor
- The company that has overall responsibility for overseeing the construction stage of the project, whether that is a contractor or managing agent.
- Small scale refurbishment or fit-out projects
- For the purposes of this issue, small scale refurbishment or fit-out projects are defined as projects up to 500m² gross internal floor area Additionally the assessor will need to confirm that the project does not have a significant impact on the local environment or community. This can be demonstrated where the project will have a minimal adverse impact on transport movements(e.g. number of deliveries, impacts on parking), noise, dust and pollution levels. This review of impacts should consider the existing local environment such as existing background noise, traffic conditions and proximity to communities and neighbours and other occupied buildings, demonstrating that the project is not likely to have an increased impact.
- 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.
- 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 small scale. Further examples can be found at the Considerate Contractors Scheme website under Examples of Good Practices.
- Keeping the site clean and tidy:
- Ensure there is no loose materials or debris lying around the site including the perimeter
- Vehicles are regularly checked for cleanliness
- Implement a 'Tidy Friday' initiative.
- Reduce the impacts to the community:
- Schedule the timing of deliveries to the site to avoid disturbance to local residents
- Ensure that any noisy work is carried out at agreed times with adjoining neighbours
- 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:
- Toolbox talks on safety matters
- Passport or helmet stickers for operatives who have successfully completed health and safety training
- Near miss reporting procedure.
- A commitment to respect and provide fair treatment of all workers:
- A 'Respect for people' wall chart displayed, recording satisfaction levels with welfare and other relevant topics
- Questionnaires issued to all operatives to establish what can be done to improve working conditions
- Information on dealing with abusive behaviour.
- Provide suitable site facilities:
- Suitable toilet facilities for male and female operatives
- Rest areas for operatives to have breaks away from work areas
- Suitable first aid facilities.
BREEAM International Non-Domestic Refurbishment 2015
Reference: SD225 – Issue: 1.4
Date: 27/04/2017
Copyright © 2017 BRE Global. All rights reserved.
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