BREEAM

BREEAM stands for Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Methodology. Developed by the Building Research Establishment (BRE) in 1990, BREEAM evaluates a building’s environmental performance across a range of categories:

  • Energy efficiency
  • Water management
  • Waste reduction

How?

Assessments are carried out by independent assessors who evaluate the building’s

  • Design
  • Construction
  • Operation

The assessment process considers factors such as the building’s

  • Location
  • Materials used
  • The management of its environmental impact.

What value does it offer in-use?

  • Lower running costs. BIU identifies ways to continuously improve efficiencies through monitoring, evaluation and setting performance targets that are assessed against tangible benchmarks.
  • Increased asset value and recognition. Improved asset performance means that BREEAM-certified buildings support lower vacancy rates, higher rental premiums and provide a reputable and meaningful route to ESG.
  • Improved health and well-being. High standards of internal environments, such as air quality and lighting, and the promotion of active, healthy lifestyles are recognised to improve wellbeing, productivity and satisfaction of people living or working in the asset.
  • Recognising resilience. BIU considers an asset’s exposure to a range of risks from climate change and other drivers including flooding, pollution, natural hazards, and security.
  • Supporting a circular economy. BIU adopts circular economy concepts to rethink how resources are considered, from a linear ‘take-make-waste’ approach to a more efficient and circular approach towards waste and materials.
  • Bridging the performance gap. Measuring and understanding the performance of buildings helps achieve designed levels of performance. BIU users can start planning improvements and stimulating positive change based on actual performance data and transform modelled outputs into actual outputs.
  • Leading the way to net-zero carbon. The world is heading for a net-zero carbon future in response to global challenges and growing demand from consumers, governments, and investors. BIU provides a pathway towards achieving operational net-zero carbon and beyond, using an integrated energy tool to measure stepped performance that is based on robust research, development, and many years of experience as a world-leading environmental assessment methodology.

Have you considered ways to measure Water Conservation within your scheme?

It is crucial to prioritise and establish a comprehensive water conservation strategy for any asset. Some factors to consider include:

  • How much water are we using and for what?
  • Are conservation measures in place?
  • Are there any leaks?
  • Have we a Water Strategy and Water Management Plan with goals?

The primary water conservation objective of an asset is to conserve a natural commodity.  It is based on efficiencies like reduced flows, leak detection and the introduction of rainwater harvesting systems for non-potable use (e.g., toilets, general cleaning). Conserving water reduces the need for costly infrastructure expansion and maintenance, providing a positive impact on the environment and service charges.

 

Once you have developed and integrated water conservation, there is a secondary sustainable measure that can explored.

When we think about sustainability measures, several projects typically come to mind. Solar PV Panels, EV Charging Stations, LED Lighting, Rainwater Harvesting – the list goes on. Asset Managed Water Wells are one of the least utilised sustainability initiatives explored in Ireland. What a missed opportunity given the wet summer we just experienced!

Asset Managed Water Wells are renewable sources that have the potential to provide water to common area facilities such as toilets and tap water (not for consumption) in public spaces. Take shopping centres for example. There are a small number of shopping centres in Ireland that have implemented Asset Managed Water Wells, but why are more centres not doing the same? One barrier is that the drilling process on-site is not a simple option. The site must meet many conditions and most importantly, the drilling must find a water source.

Exploring the eligibility of your site is worthwhile. In line with a decision by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) on non-domestic tariffs, a new set of national water and wastewater business charges came into effect on the 1st of October 2021. There has been no change to charges since 2014. Historically, customers would have paid charges based on their local authority. The newer system introduced four bands based on the level of usage. Having an Asset Managed Water Well on site would remove the need for public water which in turn would reduce water rates.

A well-developed and integrated strategy can be used in line with public water systems. This is a visionary objective that should be embraced to protect the long-term vulnerability of this natural resource. From a commercial perspective, the savings are significant.

Be a visionary! Talk to Evia Sustainable Real Estate or Bannon Property Management team in advance of your next budget year to discuss potential savings and projected payback.

 

Biodiversity and its positive effects – A small change to reduce an asset’s carbon impact.

Animal populations have experienced an average decline of almost 70% since 1970. This was a result of human actions, mostly in development and agriculture. These actions have led us to an era in which ecosystems are suffering losses that affect us, humans, too.

Deforestation, for instance, is one of the culprits in accelerating climate change. The loss of biodiversity is a serious problem and one that we must take seriously. It is not just about animals and plants, but also about humans. We cannot live without nature. The loss of biodiversity means losing the benefits it provides. The extinction of species has far-reaching effects on ecosystems and, consequently, on humans. A study by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) shows that the disappearance of plants and animals can reduce crop yields by up to 30%.

There is a growing global concern over the rate at which species are disappearing. To face this challenge, corporations around the world have started to collaborate and pledge their commitment towards creating a more bio-diverse environment.

Eliminating bio-diversity loss isn’t just a goal for environmentalists, it is crucial to sustainable economies. Companies like McDonalds are leading the way toward more sustainable policies as well as implementing bio-diversity programs.

The benefits of wild meadows in retail and industrial parks are vast, growing, and complex. It’s hard not to feel concerned about what is happening to our planet through deforestation and climate change, so it’s great to see how meadows can give back.

Over the last few decades, wildflower meadows have become a positive force for change. They are helping to mitigate climate change and reduce the effects of pollution by trapping carbon dioxide, filtering air and water, creating habitats for wildlife, and providing pollinators with nectar.;

Evia carryout an extensive wilding project at Alexandra house for our Bannon Property Management.

Carbon Offsetting: Great Industry or Falsity? : The positives and negatives of carbon offsetting.

Carbon offsetting is becoming more popular, especially with companies who are passionate about protecting our planet. It’s also growing in popularity because it allows companies to make money from their efforts to reduce emissions. But is all this good news for the environment?

The idea behind carbon offsetting is simple: if you emit a lot of carbon dioxide (CO2), you can reduce your emission levels by investing in an alternative clean energy source. For example, if your company produces significant CO2 through its manufacturing processes – such as making plastic or paper products – it could invest in solar panels to produce power for its facility. The theory is that solar panels would offset the company’s CO2 emissions. In other words, it would be as if your company didn’t produce any CO2 at all.


However, there are some problems with this system – and they may not be immediately apparent to consumers who want to make a difference in their own lives and those of others. One of the biggest problems is that this method doesn’t actually reduce carbon emissions. All it does is offset them.

This means that you’re still producing greenhouse gasses but can offset their impact by introducing sustainable energy production. In theory, this would mean that a company could keep polluting while also helping the planet by offsetting its emissions.

The Positive Aspects of Offsetting:

It’s good for companies that are unable to make changes in their production and distribution processes. It allows them to be part of the solution without having to change their business model.

This is especially important for small businesses that don’t have the funds or resources to make these changes. This can help them avoid the high cost of pollution, which is a good thing. It helps companies that want to make changes but aren’t sure how. And good for those that have already made changes but want to be more sustainable.

Carbon offsetting is not a perfect solution to an increasingly urgent problem, but it is a step in the right direction.

What is Carbon Net-Zero?

Carbon net zero for investors and commercial asset owners

The growing demand of climate-conscious consumers is pushing the building industry to develop ‘carbon-neutral’ properties that use renewable energy sources for power, heating and cooling. Investors and commercial asset owners are looking for ways to mitigate their carbon emissions.

Carbon-neutral buildings are more efficient, use less water and generate less waste. These improvements can be achieved by using materials that require less energy to produce and install, as well as by designing buildings with improved thermal performance.

Creating a pathway to Carbon Net-Zero

Report: Identify the steps for reducing both direct and indirect emissions. Place a high priority on ESG throughout the life cycle of your investment.

Implement: Create a business case for climate strategy and understand the effects on your business/asset.  Engage a consultant to ensure that all ESG-related projects themselves are undertaken in an environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable way.

Measure: Create an annual, ongoing process for measuring and monitoring greenhouse gas emissions. Implement a reporting platform which enables benching marking.

Improve: Drive continuous improvement by engaging with occupiers, staff, and customers. Establish an ongoing review process that assesses climate ambition and carbon reduction potential.

The Evia promise is to deliver all our services through a sustainability lens, taking a holistic view of the asset or portfolio. We are leading Ireland’s real estate on the journey to zero carbon. Talk to us today about your journey.

An interesting article on employers and ESG obligations by the Irish Times.

View Source – irishtimes.com

All employers in Ireland have ESG obligations and a strategy based on alignment with UN sustainability goals makes sense and creates a clear road map for tackling environmental impact.

The United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), agreed upon by all UN member states, are designed to address some of the world’s most urgent sustainability challenges. Using the 17 goals as a way of benchmarking your ESG policy is a very effective way of creating well round policy.

Holistic approach to ESG policies:

  1. Every business or asset is different and an ESG strategy must be bespoke if it is to be effective.
  2. Establish your goals and desired outcomes.
  3. Engage with all stakeholders.
  4. Carry out a costing report.
  5. Appoint a ESG team lead or champion within your business.
  6. Certifications ensure showcase accountability.
  7. Include your supply in all ESG policies.
  8. Strategies need to evolve to all aspects of ESG and business operations.

Creating or updating an ESG policy

Creating or updating an ESG policy can be a daunting process, engaging with a third party can be a great first step on the road to a strategically sound ESG policy. At Evia we are helping companies invested in the Property sector on the journey to zero carbon and providing advice on how they can implement these SDG’s in their business. Daniel McGivern talks about how he is making a change to effect positive change.

The effects of Global warming have been very evident for everyone to see in recent months and have left no doubt in even the most sceptical minds, change is needed and fast. Daniel has always been passionate about #sustainability and has made sure to make this a key operational practice in any of his roles to date.

The area of #sustainability, #carbonreduction and #carbonneutrality is something Daniel has always looked at making into a career choice and when the opportunity to join Evia – Sustainable Real Estate came about, he jumped at the chance. Daniel added;

“Having worked in the Facility Management sector for over 14 years, the idea of bringing more sustainable operational practices and helping clients on the journey to #carbonneutrality is something that really excited me. The expertise within Evia – Sustainable Real Estate is outstanding and I am inspired to work with the team and our sister company Bannon to make a real change in the Real Estate sector.”

Evia was established in 2019. Since then, Evia promise to deliver all services through a sustainability lens, taking a holistic view of the asset or portfolio. The Evia approach offers certainty, compliance, protection and enhancement of value. We do this through four strategic services:

We look forward to an exciting year with Evia, leading Ireland’s real estate on the journey to zero carbon. Talk to us today about your journey.

Making a small change can effect a positive global change.

The whole ESG, Sustainability and Carbon Net Zero world can be a mass of complicated information which leads to uncertainty around what are the right steps to take when trying to reduce the carbon impact of any workplace.

What should we start with? How do we start? Is this the right thing to do?

The key to reducing environmental impact is a behavioural change from the highest-level right throughout the workplace and as simple as it might sound, the first step should be as easy as starting with something, anything. That something can be as small as introducing a ban on single use plastic bottles or adding sustainability to a meeting agenda.

Engagement and ownership are key to any culture or behavioural change and appointing a sustainability lead will create a champion and ensure it is kept on the agenda. 

Making sustainable changes is not only the right thing to do but with current energy prices it now also makes economic sense. There are number of cost neutral changes that any workplace can implement.

Treating your aircon and heating like lighting by turn off or reducing in rooms that are not in use can have a big impact. Review your office capacity and create trends in staff start and finish times. This can be an effective way to introduce down times e.g., people mainly finish in the office at 17:30 so we can time the heating/aircon to shut off at 16:30.  If your workplace is a hybrid model, creating footfall trends can also be used to track days that capacity reduces and implementing a plan to reduce usage on these days.

Natural light doesn’t cost anything and not only has no effect on the environment but can have a positive impact on staff. Reviewing natural light blockers like cabinets, desk positions etc can have a great impact on lighting and reduce overall usage or dependencies on electricity. 

Changes that come at a cost can easily be off set against the long-term savings made by reducing usage. Smart metering can be used to identify leaks and peaks in water and electricity usage. Identifying leaks and peaks is key to understanding when usage can be reduced, for example if your footfall trend confirms that the office is empty at 18:00 every day but the electricity usage is at the same levels as 16:00, you can investigate and make the necessary changes.

Benchmarking is key to the world of Carbon Net Zero and using internal benchmarking can be a very effective way to reduce usage. Asking questions like, “Why did last Friday have a 30% increase in usage when compared to the previous four Fridays”?

Engaging with a third party to carry out energy and water audits can be a great way to get a holistic overview and will normally identify areas that significant savings can be made. Reviewing the workplace BER, energy, water usage and making recommendations on reviewing, implementing, and improving will create a sustainable approach to sustainability.