Today, people care more about where they spend their money than they ever did in the past. If you have a commercial building, you need to let your customers and clients know that you are doing everything you can to protect the environment. That is why you may have heard about programs such as BREEAM and LEED. Just what are the differences between these programs, and why do you want your building to be BREEAM-certified?
What Does BREEAM Stand For?
BREEAM stands for Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Methodology. Specifically, this is an accreditation that is passed down by the organization that bears its name, the Building Research Establishment. Essentially, it is a certification that lets people know that your building has met a specific threshold for environmental sustainability.
Why Is it Important?
This type of certification is important because it lets potential customers and clients know that you care about the environment and that your building reflects that. It is one of the oldest methods of assessing a building’s environmental sustainability, and it is the most common environmental sustainability method in the United Kingdom. More than ever people do not want to spend their money with a company that is hurting the environment. Therefore, if you show people that you care about the environment by getting a BREEAM certification, you might have an easier time growing and expanding your business.
What Is the Difference Between BREEAM and LEED?
There are plenty of certifications you can apply for that demonstrate your commitment to the environment. Another one is called LEED. There are a few differences between the programs, but both of them focus on environmental sustainability. LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. This is a certification program that is administered by the US Green Building Council, or USGBC, which is a nonprofit organization. The LEED program rates a variety of areas, including homes, buildings, construction projects, and even entire neighborhoods.
Even though both programs focus on environmental sustainability, the biggest difference is how the rating system is awarded. For example, the BREEAM program uses licensed assessors who take a closer look at all of the evidence against a specific list of criteria. If the assessors believe that the building meets the criteria, then the building receives the certification.
On the other hand, LEED does not have a large team of professionals that collect information for the certification. Instead, the team that designed the building collects all of the information and sends it directly to the USGBC. Then, the USGBC takes a look at the design and decides if it meets the criteria for receiving the LEED certification.
In general, the LEED approach is a bit more straightforward, and the certification is based on percentages. On the other hand, the BREEAM program is a bit more academic and rigorous when it comes to handing out certifications.
Is BREEAM Mandatory?
No, there is nothing mandatory about the BREEAM program. If you have a building, you do not necessarily need to apply for certification. There are plenty of people who own commercial buildings that probably do not even know that the program exists, but it still has its benefits. If you can show your customers and clients that you have this certification, they will know that you are doing your part to take care of the environment.
What Is the BREEAM Checklist?
If you want to maximize your chances of getting this certification, you might want to use a checklist to help you. There are several strategies that can help you save energy, which is one of the most important parts of the certification. For example, you may want to install natural ventilation that can help you save air and heat. Or, you might want to install energy-efficient lighting that can help you reduce your electricity. You may even want to consider using solar panels that can help you remove your dependents on the grid. If you also invest in renewable technologies and low-carbon fixtures, you can increase your chances of earning the certification. Solar panels are growing in popularity all over! If you invest in solar panels make sure you hire a professional like Squeegee Squad to keep them clean.
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Let Squeegee Squad Provide Professional Cleaning Services
Because you have worked hard to earn energy-efficient certifications, you need to take care of the building. That means relying on a professional team that can help you. You should consider partnering with Squeegee Squad, which offers a wide variety of cleaning services. This includes window cleaning, power washing, gutter cleaning, commercial building restoration services as well as others. By relying on a professional team that can help you take care of your building, you can save time, make a positive impression on your customers, and protect the value of your building. Consider reaching out today to learn more about professional cleaning services from Squeegee Squad!