Getting results with building LCA

  As described in the earlier article Why building LCA?, BREEAM New Construction 2018 requires building LCA to be carried out for the new Mat 01 issue. The requirements in Mat 01 focus on rewarding good quality building LCA through comparison with a benchmark and options appraisal. Starting with the project brief/requirements, designers use building … Continue reading “Getting results with building LCA”

How a BRE office became the centre piece for major biophilic design research

A chance encounter in a traffic jam has led to a major scientific investigation on the wellbeing effects of biophilic design History tells us that people have always been influenced and attracted by nature. For example, tomb paintings from ancient Egypt, as well as remains found in the ruins of Pompeii, demonstrate that people brought … Continue reading “How a BRE office became the centre piece for major biophilic design research”

Home Quality Mark ONE Consultation – we are listening.

Since the launch of Beta we have engaged with many different HQM stakeholders, including developers, assessors, consultancies designers, consumer groups, representative industry bodies, manufacturers, academics, regulators, planners, agents and various parts of the financial sector.   Most have been supportive in the aims of Home Quality Mark, with firm commitments from many via project registrations, recognition, … Continue reading “Home Quality Mark ONE Consultation – we are listening.”

BRE rallies sector to act collaboratively now to deliver the Construction 2025 strategy

Construction 2025 is the joint strategy from government and industry for the future of the UK construction sector. Construction 2025 sets out challenging industry targets that include: 50% reduction in trade gap; 33% lower costs; 50% lower emissions; 50% faster delivery. BRE, in collaboration with public and private industry partners, takes seriously its obligations to … Continue reading “BRE rallies sector to act collaboratively now to deliver the Construction 2025 strategy”

The healthy relationship of Biophilic Design and Post-occupancy evaluation

The health and wellbeing of building occupants is a hot topic. It has been acknowledged that buildings have a direct impact on human wellbeing and happiness, something that is compounded by the large amount of time we spend indoors. With this growing interest has come a move to understand biophilia and its potential to improve … Continue reading “The healthy relationship of Biophilic Design and Post-occupancy evaluation”

Life cycle assessments, EPD, BRE LINA and the need for transparency

The British Woodworking Federation (BWF) feel it’s crucial that the joinery industry adopt life cycle assessments and Environmental Product Declarations en masse. Read Kevin Underwood’s report on the need for product manufacturers to provide transparent EPDs, and how BRE’s online tool LINA makes life cycle assessments more accessible.