BREEAM In Use 

Coles Knapp are accredited BREEAM In Use Auditors and are able to assist those completing an In Use assessment and issue the certificate once audited.

Background Information 

BREEAM In-Use is a new scheme to help building managers reduce the running costs and improve the environmental performance of existing buildings. It consists of a 'standard', an easy-to-use assessment methodology and a 3rd party certification process that provides a clear and credible route map to improving sustainability. This can then be used to demonstrate a company or buildings green credentials, adding value to the building or goods/services, or simply be used as a benchmark for future improvement.

The biggest opportunity to address the UK's environmental impact lies in better management and improvement of the existing building stock. BREEAM In-Use has been developed to recognise and encourage better building management and targeted investment in existing building stock.

The environmental performance of an organisation's built assets is a key factor in its sustainability credentials and carbon footprint. Operating a building also represents a major cost - with soaring energy prices and the current gloomy economic outlook, cutting energy, water, waste and other such costs can be a relatively easy way of improving profitability

BREEAM In-Use sits alongside the already well established BREEAM schemes for assessing the environmental performance of buildings at the design and construction stages. All those involved in occupying, procuring or managing existing buildings can now evaluate - and improve - the performance of their property assets and the quality of their management regimes

The BREEAM-In Use scheme enables building managers to self-assess the performance of their portfolio using the online BREEAM In-Use tool. Coles Knapp are licensed BREEAM In-Use Auditors and can verify the building manager's self assessment and provide a certificate.

The assessment tool will enable building managers to see the impact of their building and existing systems and initiatives, as well as the potential impact of any proposed changes. To access the BREEAM In-Use tool go to www.breeam.org.

BREEAM In-Use is designed to:

•Reduce operational costs
•Enhance the value and marketability of property assets
•Give a transparent platform for negotiating building improvements with landlords and owners
•Provide a route to compliance with environmental legislation and standards, such as energy labelling and ISO 14001
•Give greater engagement with staff in implementing sustainable business practices
•Provide opportunities to improve staff satisfaction with the working environment with the potential for significant improvements in productivity
•Demonstrate your commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
•Improve organisational effectiveness
•Provide a genuine badge of proven sustainability

As BREEAM In-Use Auditors Coles Knapp may not provide formal consultation to Assessors, but may coach the Assessor as to improvements that could result in a higher BREEAM In-Use score