EcoHomes
EcoHomes is part of BRE’s Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) systems for measuring the environmental performance of new and existing buildings.
In April 2007 the Code for Sustainable Homes replaced EcoHomes for the assessment of new housing in England. EcoHomes 2006 will continue to be used for refurbished housing in England and for all housing in Scotland and Wales.
In addition to EcoHomes, there are several other versions of BREEAM, each designed to assess a particular type of building, including:
- BREEAM Offices for offices (new, existing and in use),
- BREEAM Retail for all retail buildings (new and in use),
- BREEAM Schools for new build and refurbishment of schools,
- NEAT for health buildings,
- BREEAM Industrial for new light industrial buildings (new only),
- Bespoke BREEAM for building types not listed above.
Buildings are assessed and awarded credits according to the level of performance within a range of 9 environmental categories, comprising management, energy use, health and well being, pollution, transport, land use, ecology, materials and water. The credits are then added together using a set of environmental weightings to produce a single overall score. The building is then rated on a scale of PASS, GOOD, VERY GOOD or EXCELLENT, and a certificate is awarded that can be used for promotional purposes.
Assessments must be carried out by independent assessors who are trained and licensed by BRE. BRE publishes recommended fee scale for undertaking an assessment.
Role of Recycled and Secondary Aggregates (RSA)
The aim of the recycled aggregates credit within BREEAM is to recognise and encourage the use of recycled aggregates in construction. One credit is awarded where significant use of RSA are specified to deliver positive aspects of the design (such as the building structure, ground slabs, roads, etc.).
Over 25% of the total ‘high grade’ aggregate uses must be recycled aggregates and either obtained on site, obtained from sites within a 30km radius, or be recycled post-consumer /post-industrial wastes such as crushed/blown glass pellets, PFAs, blast furnace slag, etc. High grade aggregate uses are defined as the structural frame, floor slabs, asphalt based or similar road surfaces, gravel landscaping, and site-derived masonry as hardcore under ground floor slabs, site roads and car parking areas.
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