Envision welcomes Chris Heyworth to the Board as non-executive director
As a leading provider of sustainability and net zero advisory services, Envision has experienced significant growth. In…
Various Green Building certifications can be applied to residential developments. Completing a Green Building Certification on a scheme has a number of benefits, including:
- Demonstrating the developer’s commitment to quality and sustainability.
- Fulfilling the ESG requirements of a funder.
- Being an attractive asset to tenants and homeowners, and providing confidence in the sustainability performance of their new homes.
- Schemes with Green Building Certifications can be submitted to improve a GRESB score.
- Sustainability measures included in a scheme as part of a Green Building Certification can reduce energy and running costs.
Two of the most common certifications in the industry for residential schemes are Home Quality Mark (HQM) and BREEAM In Use Residential (BIU), both delivered by the BRE, however their application will depend on the stage in which the project is within its lifecycle.
What is Home Quality Mark?
Home Quality Mark (HQM), soon to be renamed BREEAM New Construction Residential, is a voluntary standard that provides an independent assessment of a new home’s performance in terms of sustainability, quality, and occupant well-being. Homes are assessed against a range of criteria, including running costs, health and well-being, environmental footprint, and digital connectivity. They are awarded stars depending on the number of features incorporated and can be awarded up to a 5-star rating.
An HQM assessment is completed during the design and construction of a development. The assessment phase ends when the development reaches Practical Completion (PC).
What is BREEAM In Use Residential?
BREEAM In Use (BIU) Residential is a sustainability assessment method for existing residential buildings, focusing on their operational performance, sustainability improvements, and certification. BIU aims to enable property investors, owners, and managers to drive sustainable improvements in their assets and showcase high ESG standards.
BREEAM In Use assessments are completed on existing, operational buildings or recently completed schemes.
Depending on the number of features evident on site, a building can achieve up to an ‘Outstanding’ rating.
How do they align?
The fundamental difference between HQM and BIU is the phase of assessment within the building’s lifespan. HQM is completed during design and construction, whereas BIU can be conducted at any point throughout the operational life of the development.
Many credits achieved as part of a HQM assessment are equivalent to the requirements in BREEAM In Use. Developments that have undertaken HQM can more readily achieve BIU certification once the building is occupied, as many of the features designed and constructed into the scheme are recognised under the BIU process. There are also a number of credits where the requirements mostly align, with only minor additional evidence required to achieve the BREEAM In Use credits. Reviewing BREEAM In Use requirements during the design and construction phase, in line with an active HQM, can help achieve the highest possible rating for the scheme, once in use.
Envision has prepared a guide to how these credits align, which can be downloaded here. To find out how Envision can support you with your HQM or BREEAM In Use Assessment, please get in touch at contact@envisioneco.com.
