BREEAM Assessment
Why might you need a BREEAM Assessment?
If you are looking to gain credits for ecology under a BREEAM assessment, an initial assessment of the site’s ecological conditions and value will be required, before development work begins. This can typically be carried out at the same time as the Preliminary Ecological Appraisal if we are aware that the development will be assessed under BREEAM, as we can then gather detailed species list information.
What should you expect to happen?
A walkover survey of the site will be carried out, to assess the ecological value of the habitats present on site, prior to development commencing, as well as potential for protected and/or notable species to be present. We can then either complete a BREEAM Code Template, or include a guide credit rating within the preliminary ecological appraisal report. In both cases, recommendations will be made to protect features of ecological value on the site where possible, as well as recommendations for mitigation and enhancement being provided. We will ideally need to be provided with detailed landscaping plans for the site, to assess likely value following development, but can also make an estimate based on typical areas of soft landscaping.
When can surveys be carried out?
The optimal season for survey is in the spring and summer to coincide with the main botanical growing period, however surveys can be carried out at any time of year.
What experience do E3 have?
The E3 team includes those with expertise in relation to both BREEAM assessments. We have worked on numerous such assessments to date, covering a variety of project types, including housing, schools and businesses. Work will either be carried out or supervised and signed off by a “Suitably Qualified Ecologist” to ensure that conditions of the BREEAM assessment are made.
