New Changes to BREEAM Energy as of Today!

From today, a new methodology has been introduced for Ene 01 criteria within the BREEAM 2018 standard, that more appropriately calculates the energy consumption and energy use of the building.

Since 2011 the energy calculation in BREEAM has been based on a triple metric approach known as the Energy Performance Ratio (EPR_NC). This calculation takes account of three parameters; the building’s operational energy demand, the building’s primary energy consumption and the total resulting CO₂ emissions. These metrics are taken from a BRUKL calculation and entered into the BRE’s own assessment software. From today, the calculation method has changed.

These are the key changes that have been made:

• The new methodology will now take account of renewables in the primary energy consumption metric, the data for this will be provided through renewable generation identified from a BRUKL calculation;
• The primary energy consumption curves will be adjusted based on the observed reduction in the primary energy ratio when onsite renewables are included;
• The heating and cooling translator curves will also be adjusted to reflect that with an improved energy efficiency of a building, this often results in an increase in heating and cooling demand;
• The use of ‘negative marking’ has been removed from the whole methodology process.

Below outlines two further points that BRE are in the process of incorporating into the 2018 assessment:

• BRE have implemented an alternative route to meeting the ‘Excellent’ standard for Ene 01, by ensuring certain conditions have been met. The use of TM54 to consider operational energy demand gains 4 credits under BREEAM and can contribute to the mandatory scoring. This change gives greater flexibility in meeting BREEAM Excellent;
• With the increase in projects using the new SAP10 carbon factors (mainly to align with London Plan requirements), BRE are looking to include these new carbon factors into the BREEAM scoring methodology.

So, what do these changes look like for future projects?

• The shift to aligning with the GLA SAP10 factors will see benefits for projects within London targeting a BREEAM standard, as the new factors could benefit the overall Ene 01 score.
• Traditionally ‘shell only; assessments within BREEAM generally achieve a lower number of credits for Ene 01 as they could not consider the benefits of renewables. Where developers incorporate PV to comply with Local Authority energy conditions, this will now result in an improved Ene 01 score.

What to expect…

From today the BREEAM reporting tools are available with the new calculation method, and we will ensure all current 2018 projects are reviewed and where relevant aligned with these changes.

• The alternate route for achieving Excellent for Ene 01 will be included in the updated BREEAM Manual to be issued by early Summer.
• No date has been set for when the SAP10 carbon factors will be incorporated, but we’ll keep you updated!

If you have any questions on your current or future projects, get in touch.