Green building standards and regulations

BREEAM (Building Research Establishment’s Environmental Assessment Method)

BREEAM is one of the world’s leading sustainability assessment methods for construction projects. It provides a framework for assessing, rating, and certifying the environmental performance of buildings.
BREEAM evaluates the project across a range of categories, from energy use and materials to health and well-being, recognising performance above regulatory minimums.
The five BREEAM ratings are Pass, Good, Very Good, Excellent and Outstanding.

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)

LEED is a widely used green building rating system developed by the U.S. Green Building Council.
It offers a framework for healthy, efficient, and cost-saving green buildings and is recognised globally in over 165 countries.
The four LEED certification levels are Certified, Silver, Gold, and Platinum.

Part L of the Building Regulations

Part L of the Building Regulations concerns “Conservation of fuel and power”. It sets minimum energy efficiency standards for new buildings and when existing buildings undergo major modification or extension.
Part L is divided into four sections: L1A and L1B concern dwellings, while L2A and L2B concern buildings other than dwellings.

The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD)

This is an EU Directive, adopted by the UK, aiming to improve the energy performance of buildings across the European Union.
It requires that all new buildings must be nearly zero-energy buildings by 2020, and all new public buildings must meet this standard by 2018.

The Code for Sustainable Homes (CSH)

The CSH is an environmental impact rating system for dwellings in the UK, introduced by the government in 2007.
It measures sustainability against nine categories, including energy and CO2 emissions, water, materials, and health and well-being.
The code is voluntary but can be used by local authorities as a condition of planning permission.

Construction Design and Management Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015)

This is a law that states what everyone involved in construction is required to do to reduce risk and improve safety.
The CDM 2015 requires construction projects to have a written plan and to manage that plan to ensure work is carried out without risk to health and safety.

Sustainable Sourcing

The BS 8903 standard guides how organisations should consider sustainability in procurement
This includes considering lifecycle impacts, promoting socially responsible sourcing, maintaining supplier diversity, and promoting fair trade.