Would Greater BREEAM Adoption by Construction Professionals Create a More Sustainable Built Environment?

By

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

For this research, I would like to thank my family, friends and specifically my supervisor, for supporting and guiding me throughout my journey of learning. Without their support, it would not have been possible for me to conduct this research.

DECLARATION

I, (Your name), would like to declare that all contents included in this thesis/dissertation stand for my individual work without any aid, & this thesis/dissertation has not been submitted for any examination at academic as well as professional level previously. It is also representing my very own views & not essentially which are associated with university.

Signed __________________ Date _________________

ABSTRACT

The phrase “going green” is now a commonplace term, heard across several media forums on a consistent basis. Whether it is for the newest hybrid car or kitchen cleanser, the call for sustainable products has permeated societal culture. Businesses often make it a requirement in Requests for Proposals (RFP) when looking to build or partner with other organisations. As a responsibility for the construction industry to help prevent the situation to getting worse, we can make a change by adopting several green options to make this planet a better and safer place to live. The aim of this study is to establish how UK construction professionals view the importance of BREEAM in New Build Office Buildings. This research is founded on the secondary data. The research encompasses the publications, articles and similar studies accessible on the internet. Keeping in view the approach taken in earlier studies the research began with a broad analysis of the existing literature. The findings & conclusions are based on the secondary data. The findings suggest that adopting BREEAM can help construction professionals create sustainable built environment in UK.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTII

DECLARATIONIII

ABSTRACTIV

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION1

Background of the Study1

BREEAM as an Environment Assessment Tools in UK2

Research Aims and Objectives3

Significance of the Study4

Research Questions5

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW6

Sustainability6

Dimensions of Sustainability7

Elements of Sustainable Design10

Benefits of Sustainable Construction12

Sustainable Building Assessment Systems14

Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM)16

CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY20

Research Design and Approach20

Secondary Mixed Research21

Literature Search21

Inclusion and exclusion criteria22

Search terms - key terms23

CHAPTER 4: DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS24

The Tools and Systems that BREEAM Uses in New Build Office Construction24

Effects of New Build Offices on the Environment24

Evidence of Effects of New Build Offices on the Environment25

Influence of BREEAM on Construction Professional's Attitudes to Achieve Sustainable Construction29

BREEAM as a Checklist30

Cost of Achieving High BREEAM Rating32

Evidence relating to enhanced building standards34

Designing Buildings to Reduce Carbon Emissions35

Costing Sustainable Solutions36

Case Studies37

High-Efficiency and High-Performance Buildings44

CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION46

REFERENCES49

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

The phrase “going green” is now a commonplace term, heard across several media forums on a consistent basis. Whether it is for the newest hybrid car or kitchen cleanser, the call for sustainable products has permeated societal culture. Businesses often make it a requirement in Requests for Proposals (RFP) when looking to build or partner with other organisations. “The green movement has emerged as a critical business model and facility that wants to be competitive and in the forefront of their ...