What is the role of a BREEAM AP?

BREEAM is the world’s longest established method of assessing, rating and certifying the sustainability of a building. But what is a BREEAM AP and what is their role?

BREEAM (also known as the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) is a sustainability assessment method for master planning projects, infrastructure and buildings. It is a method utilised across new construction, in-use and refurbishments to judge the environmental, social and economic sustainability performance of a dwelling, with reference to the standards specified by BRE.

Any BREEAM project will require the involvement of a range of professionals to collate evidence for the assessment; one of these professionals is the BREEAM AP.

What is the role of a BREEAM AP? A BREEAM AP (Accredited Professional) is responsible for providing a design team with expert advice on build environment sustainability, design and assessment. It is their role to get the project to the finishing line.

But why is the BREEAM AP so important and how can they really help your project? 

What role does a BREEAM AP fulfil?

The BREEAM AP is there to deliver the client and design team of a project with as much expert, specialist knowledge as is required to boost the sustainability of their build. This advice will centre around built environment sustainability, environmental design and environmental assessment. 

They will then work alongside the design team to schedule steps, set priorities and negotiate any trade-offs necessary to achieve a high target BREEAM rating.

Essentially, they’re there to make your product as perfectly placed for a strong BREEAM score as possible. 

Who can become a BREEAM AP?

Not anyone can become a BREEAM AP; this is important, as you need to trust that your BREEAM AP is perfectly suited to provide you with the right solutions in the best possible ways.

A BREEAM AP must have:

• A recognised academic / vocational qualification in a relevant build environment discipline 
• OR at least 3 years work experience and on-the-job training as an alternative
• Team involvement on a number of projects where sustainability has been part of the brief
• Demonstrated knowledge of environmental design / integrated design with an appreciation of life cycle assessment and cost analysis 
• The ability to manage multiple tasks and have exemplary time management skills 

What is the difference between a BREEAM AP and a BREEAM Assessor?

To become a BREEAM AP, you must also take part in a training course and pass an exam in order to get your formal qualification.

Often we are asked what the difference between a BREEAM AP and a BREEAM Assessor is.

While someone can be both a BREEAM AP and BREEAM Assessor, they do have subtle differences. A BREEAM Assessor will have a comprehensive knowledge of BREEAM and BREEAM credits. They can come into your project and provide an independent, credible assessment of where your build currently stands in line with BREEAM criteria. They can deliver this as a report which you can then choose to use for your formal assessment.

However, they cannot provide actual design advice on the project. This is where a BREEAM AP comes in. A BREEAM AP will not only have the detailed understanding of BREEAM standards, but they will also be experienced in construction, design and sustainability, and can provide holistic guidance on everything that is needed to achieve a positive BREEAM score.

Are Buildpass BREEAM APs?

Yes! We are both trained BREEAM APs and Assessors and would love to support you on your next project!

Book a call with a member of our friendly team to find out more.