BSRIA has issued a report on the value of the assessment method to the end user.

For 20 years, BREEAM has set the standard for best practice in sustainable building design, construction and operation, and has become one of the most comprehensive and widely recognised measures of a building's environmental performance.

The assessment uses recognised measures of performance, which are set against established benchmarks, to evaluate a building’s specification, design, construction and use.

With environmental issues still hot topics, and the government target of zero carbon buildings by 2019, it looks as if it will be here to stay.

The Value of BREEAM report (BG 42/2012) is based on independent research funded by Schneider Electric and undertaken by BSRIA with help from BRE Global. It assesses the value that can be derived from a consistent approach to measuring and benchmarking the design and performance of buildings.

Face-to-face and telephone surveys of client opinions were conducted along with web surveys of construction professionals and the supply chain.

Overall the responses were positive, with most of those surveyed (88%) saying the concept was a good thing but there was room for improvement. The report found that the most value could be gained by thinking about BREEAM at project inception.

Many felt that improvements could be made by making the scheme simpler and more flexible.

Contents of the report include the costs, benefits and future of the standards.

Hard copies are now available for purchase at £50 or £25 to BSRIA members. PDF versions are also available for £50 + VAT or free to download for BSRIA members.