BREEAM and CfSH

Access Ecology employ Suitably Qualified Ecologists for BREEAM and CfSH assessments. We always strive to achieve the maximum number of possible credits on each project.

BREEAM

BREEAM (Building Research Establishment's Environmental Assessment Method) is the world’s leading environmental assessment method for buildings. Buildings are assessed and given a score based on a broad range of criteria from energy to materials with Land use and Ecology making up 10% of the overall score. The scoring system aims to reward developments on land of low ecological value that aim to enhance the ecological value of the site while discouraging the development of ecologically valuable sites.

Many projects have funding linked to the resulting BREEAM scores and it can often influence the decision to grant planning permission so it is worth investing in ecological guidance.

BREEAM Survey Methodology

A suitably qualified ecologist assesses the site and the development based on the following 6 categories;

• Previous land use of site
• Contamination of site
• Ecological value of land and protection of ecological features
• Mitigating ecological impact
• Enhancing site ecology
• Long term impact on biodiversity

A phase 1 habitat survey is performed to assess the current ecological value and where trees are present arboricultural assessments will be carried out. A score is then calculated for the current ecological value of the land following the BREEAM guidelines.

Our suitably qualified ecologists can recommend mitigation guidelines to reduce the impact on biodiversity, and features and schemes to enhance the ecological value of the site, which if adhered to can help minimise the ecological impact of the development and improve the BREEAM score.

CfSH

The Code for Sustainable Homes was developed by the Building Research Establishment, based on their EcoHomes scheme, as a national standard to encourage and develop more sustainable building practices for homes. A housing development – single or multiple – is awarded points for a number of criteria from energy to surface water runoff, including Ecology, and rewards more sustainable developments whilst discouraging less sustainable developments.

CfSH Survey Methodology

The site and development proposal is assessed by a suitable qualified ecologist based on 5 ecological criteria;

• Ecological Value of the Site
• Ecological Enhancement
• Protection of Ecological Features
• Change in Ecological Value of the Site
• Building Footprint

A phase 1 habitat survey will be conducted to assess the ecological value of the site before the development and where trees are present arboricultural assessments will be carried out. A score is then calculated for the current ecological value of the land following the Code for Sustainable Homes Guidelines.

Our suitably qualified ecologists can recommend mitigation guidelines to reduce the impact on biodiversity, and features and schemes to enhance the ecological value of the site, which if adhered to can help minimise the ecological impact of the development and improve the Code for Sustainable Homes score.

Please contact a member of the team to discuss your projects and requirements.