R.1 Standards

R.1a If the scheme is significant in size or impact, it engaged in a pre-application process with the City Council’s CN Design Review Panel.

R.1b The proposal adheres to the RIBA Sustainable Outcomes Guide (2019).

R.1c The proposal includes an Environmental Strategy Document and proof that the BREEAM process has been registered as part of the pre-application/planning application submission. For Major Projects, also include the Certified BREEAM Interim Design Stage Assessment.

R.1d It is clearly demonstrated how a BREEAM minimum Very Good level is achieved through design.

R.2 Circularity

R.2a It is clearly demonstrated how building, public realm and highways materials used are from a sustainable source, recycled, upcycled, manufactured and transported with minimum carbon emissions and preferable, from a local or national supplier.

R.2b The proposal includes a commitment to adopt a circular economy ethos, reusing materials as much as possible/feasible and to dispose of any waste responsibly.

R.3 Design

R.3a It is clearly demonstrated how the scheme follows the principles of the Climate Led Design criteria. Some of the main factors that need to be considered at the early stages of a design are: building orientation; building form, massing and fenestration; followed by: method of construction, potential for passive heating and cooling, potential for renewables, extent of daylighting, autonomy.

R.3b It is clearly demonstrated how a passive/fabric-first approach was considered through all the stages of the design process, as opposed to relying on retro-fitting and high tech solutions.

R.3c It is clearly demonstrated how the introduction of natural cooling with or without fan assistance was considered to avoid air conditioning. Typically, air conditioning will increase the energy use in a building by between 35% and 60%” (Architects Climate Action Network, 2021).

Information needed to facilitate the appraisal process

• A detailed specification of materials with U values and total carbon content.

• An energy statement that builds on the energy strategy and sets out exactly how the strategy will be embodied practically within the building.

• The full process report showing how a minimum of a Very Good BREEAM rating will be achieved.

• A worked-out design strategy for reducing water use with numerical justification.

• Where demolitions are proposed, an embodied carbon calculation is required to prove that demolition and new build is the least carbon intensive option (as opposed to retrofit) in the long term.

• For Major Projects over 1000 m2:

  • Use a reputable Energy Analysis Software (integrated or stand-alone) that is adequate for the type and scale of project to inform decision making during the design process and report values obtained at each stage of the design process or for each design iteration.

  • Provide an energy statement that shows the designed performance of the building and sets out the total heating and cooling energy requirement per annum. This needs to be accompanied by a calculation of how 10% of that requirement will be generated renewably and include drawings to show it physically located.

  • Comply with the Drainage Best Practice.

  • Demonstrate that a member of your design team has relevant sustainable construction sector specialisms and is capable of delivering a responsible retrofit of low carbon measures.

After planning stage

In the 2025 uplift to Building Regulations, a requirement to monitor the environmental performance of a completed building is likely to be introduced. If buildings are going to perform as designed, they need to be checked and maintained.

For major projects, the developers might be required to submit the certified final BREEAM Certificate from the Construction Stage Assessment before the building is occupied. This might be included in the planning approval as a condition.