Accreditations are the foundation for the comparison for definition of ‘ESG Credentials’ for commercial real estate owners and occupiers when considering the value of a building. What do all of these accreditations have in common?

Here is a deep dive into the data behind some of them:

NABERS

FitWELL                  

WELL IWBI

BREEAM in use  

In the UK market, BREEAM In-Use has the largest adoption by square footage and value among building certification systems. Developed by the Building Research Establishment (BRE), BREEAM is a widely recognised sustainability assessment method, with over one million buildings registered in more than 80 countries.

NABERS UK, introduced in 2020, has been gaining traction, particularly in the commercial office sector. However, its adoption is still growing compared to BREEAM. As of September 2023, there are 104 Design for Performance target ratings registered and 8 office buildings currently registered under the Energy for Offices Scheme in the UK.

The WELL Building Standard is also expanding its presence in the UK, focusing on health and well-being in building design and operation. While its adoption is increasing, it currently does not match the extensive reach of BREEAM in terms of certified square footage or market value.

Therefore, BREEAM In-Use remains the most widely adopted building certification system in the UK by both square footage and value.

Several building certification systems, including BREEAM In-Use, NABERS, and the WELL Building Standard, share common elements in their assessment criteria. These shared elements focus on various aspects of building performance and occupant well-being.

Key overlapping areas include:

1. Energy Efficiency:
   • All three certifications assess a building's energy consumption and efficiency measures. This includes evaluating energy usage patterns, the implementation of energy-saving technologies, and the presence of renewable energy sources.
2. Water Management:
   • Efficient water usage is a critical component across these standards. They require data on water consumption, conservation strategies, and the quality of water provided to occupants.
3. Indoor Environmental Quality:
   • Ensuring a healthy indoor environment is a shared priority. This encompasses monitoring air quality parameters (such as CO₂ levels and volatile organic compounds), maintaining comfortable thermal conditions, and managing lighting and acoustics to enhance occupant comfort.
4. Waste Management:
   • Proper waste management practices are evaluated, including waste reduction strategies, recycling programs, and the tracking of waste generation and disposal methods.
5. Occupant Health and Well-being:
   • Promoting the health and well-being of building users is central to these certifications. This involves providing access to natural light, encouraging physical activity through design (like accessible staircases), and supporting mental well-being with spaces for relaxation or social interaction.
6. Sustainable Materials:
   • The selection and use of sustainable, non-toxic materials are assessed to minimize environmental impact and enhance occupant health.
7. Management Practices:
   • Effective building management, including regular maintenance schedules, occupant engagement initiatives, and the implementation of sustainability policies, is a common requirement.

By focusing on these shared elements, these certification systems aim to enhance building performance, reduce environmental impact, and improve the health and well-being of occupants.

WELL Building Standard

The WELL Building Standard by the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) focuses on promoting health and wellness in buildings. It evaluates building performance and operational practices based on 10 core concepts: air, water, nourishment, light, movement, thermal comfort, sound, materials, mind, and community. Below is the data typically required for a WELL certification assessment:

1. Air Quality

• Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Data:
  • Levels of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10).
  • Volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
  • Carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration levels.
  • Carbon monoxide (CO) levels.
  • Ozone and radon levels, if applicable.
• Ventilation:
  • HVAC system specifications and fresh air intake rates.
  • Filters used (e.g., MERV or HEPA ratings).
• Monitoring Systems:
  • Real-time IAQ monitoring and reporting.

2. Water Quality

• Drinking Water Data:
  • Water quality test results (e.g., turbidity, pH, heavy metals like lead or mercury, and microbiological contaminants such as E. coli).
  • Documentation of water filtration systems and maintenance.
• Water Accessibility:
  • Locations and types of drinking water dispensers or refill stations.
• Usage Data:
  • Records of water consumption and efficiency measures.

3. Nourishment

• Food Provision:
  • Nutritional information of food provided in on-site cafeterias or vending machines.
  • Data on healthy food options (e.g., fruits, vegetables, and whole grains).
• Food Safety:
  • Certifications for food handling and preparation practices.
  • Storage and labeling procedures for allergens.
• Access to Food:
  • Evidence of access to affordable and nutritious food options within or near the building.

4. Light

• Daylighting and Artificial Light:
  • Levels of natural light in key areas (measured in lux or foot-candles).
  • Circadian lighting design specifications (melanopic light intensity).
• Glare Control:
  • Data on shading devices and materials used to minimise glare.
• Light Quality:
  • Colour rendering index (CRI) of artificial lights.
  • Documentation of lighting controls (e.g., dimmers or automated systems).

5. Movement

• Activity Support:
  • Accessibility and usage data for fitness spaces, walking trails, or staircases.
  • Policies and programs encouraging physical activity (e.g., subsidies for gym memberships).
• Active Design Features:
  • Availability and visibility of staircases.
  • Walkability within the building and surrounding areas.

6. Thermal Comfort

• Temperature Data:
  • Temperature monitoring across different building zones.
• Humidity Levels:
  • Records of relative humidity within the recommended range (30-60%).
• HVAC Performance:
  • Specifications of heating, cooling, and ventilation systems.
• Occupant Feedback:
  • Surveys or complaints related to thermal comfort.

7. Sound

• Acoustic Quality:
  • Data on sound insulation (e.g., wall STC ratings).
  • Background noise levels (in dBA).
• Noise Control Measures:
  • Placement of sound-masking systems.
  • Policies or guidelines for noise reduction.

8. Materials

• Material Safety:
  • Inventory of building materials used, including data on VOC emissions.
  • Certifications for non-toxic materials (e.g., GREENGUARD, Cradle to Cradle).
• Cleaning Products:
  • Documentation of non-toxic cleaning supplies used in building maintenance.

9. Mind

• Mental Health and Wellness Programs:
  • Policies supporting mental health (e.g., employee assistance programs or wellness days).
  • Spaces designed for relaxation or meditation.
• Biophilic Design:
  • Integration of natural elements, such as plants or natural patterns.
• Occupant Surveys:
  • Feedback from building users on perceived well-being and mental health support.

10. Community

• Social Equity Policies:
  • Evidence of diversity, equity, and inclusion policies.
  • Access to childcare or family-supportive resources.
• Engagement Programs:
  • Occupant engagement in building health and wellness initiatives.
  • Educational programs about wellness topics.
• Accessibility:
  • Compliance with universal design principles and ADA standards.

11. Supporting Documentation for WELL Certification

• Operational Data:
  • Maintenance logs for HVAC, lighting, and water systems.
  • Utility bills (e.g., energy and water use records).
• Building Layout Plans:
  • Floor plans showing design elements like fitness spaces, staircases, or light fixtures.
• Policies and Programs:
  • Written policies related to wellness, sustainability, and inclusivity.
• Monitoring Systems:
  • Data from monitoring systems for air quality, water quality, and other performance metrics.

12. Key Considerations

• Third-Party Testing: Some data, such as air and water quality, must be validated through independent, accredited laboratories or testing agencies.
• Ongoing Monitoring: WELL emphasises continuous monitoring for aspects like air quality, noise, and occupant satisfaction.
• Customisation: WELL offers different pathways depending on project goals (e.g., WELL Core vs. WELL Building Standard).

This data helps evaluate the building's contribution to human health and well-being, ultimately determining its WELL certification level. Get in touch with us if you would  like help understanding how to collect or manage this data.

NABERS

NABERS (National Australian Built Environment Rating System) is a performance-based rating system that measures the environmental impact of buildings, focusing on their operational performance in key areas like energy, water, indoor environment quality, and waste. Here's a breakdown of the data required for a NABERS assessment:

1. General Information

• Building Type:
  • Classification of the building (e.g., office, shopping centre, apartment complex, hotel, or data centre).
• Building Size and Area:
  • Gross floor area (GFA).
  • Net lettable area (NLA) for office spaces or other tenant-occupied areas.
• Operational Hours:
  • Building operating hours (weekly schedules).
  • Peak usage periods and after-hours operations.

2. Energy Performance (NABERS Energy)

• Energy Consumption Data:
  • 12 months of energy use data (electricity, gas, diesel, etc.).
  • Data broken down by tenant and base building consumption.
• Renewable Energy:
  • Details on on-site renewable energy generation (e.g., solar panels).
  • Percentage of energy sourced from renewable providers.
• Metering Systems:
  • Energy submetering for base building and tenant spaces.

3. Water Performance (NABERS Water)

• Water Usage Data:
  • 12 months of water consumption records (e.g., utility bills or meter readings).
  • Separate data for potable and recycled water, if applicable.
• Water Sources:
  • Rainwater harvesting systems.
  • On-site water treatment and greywater systems.
• Operational Practices:
  • Cooling tower water usage and efficiency.
  • Fixture water efficiency (e.g., taps, toilets, and showers).

4. Indoor Environment Quality (NABERS Indoor Environment)

• Air Quality Monitoring:
  • CO2 levels in indoor spaces.
  • Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and particulate matter (PM2.5 or PM10) levels.
• Thermal Comfort:
  • Temperature and humidity data throughout the year.
  • Assessment of HVAC system performance.
• Lighting:
  • Data on natural and artificial lighting levels in tenant and common areas.
• Noise Levels:
  • Acoustic measurements and noise isolation performance.

5. Waste Performance (NABERS Waste)

• Waste Collection Data:
  • Total volume and weight of waste generated over 12 months.
  • Breakdown of waste types (general, recyclable, organics, hazardous).
• Recycling Rates:
  • Data on diversion rates (percentage of waste sent to recycling instead of landfill).
• Waste Management Practices:
  • On-site waste sorting facilities or services.

6. Occupancy Data

• Tenant Numbers:
  • Average number of occupants in the building during normal operations.
• Vacancy Levels:
  • Proportion of unoccupied space during the 12-month period.
• Tenant Contribution:
  • Shared utility usage (energy, water) by tenants and building management.

7. Climate and Context

• Location Data:
  • Geographic and climate zone for normalising energy and water use.
• Seasonal Variations:
  • Impact of seasonal climate on energy and water consumption.

8. Supporting Documentation

• Utility Bills:
  • Detailed energy and water invoices or metering data covering 12 months.
• Floor Plans:
  • Clear delineation of base building areas, tenant spaces, and common areas.
• Building Management System (BMS):
  • Reports from automated monitoring systems for energy, water, and environmental quality.
• Maintenance Logs:
  • Records of HVAC system servicing and other operational maintenance.

Key Considerations

• Third-Party Validation: NABERS requires certified assessors to validate the submitted data.
• Consistent Timeframe: Data should cover a consistent and complete 12-month period for accurate benchmarking.
• Data Normalisation: NABERS normalises data to account for climate, occupancy, and other external factors, ensuring fair comparisons across buildings.

This data is essential to achieve NABERS ratings, which are widely recognised for driving improvements in sustainability and operational efficiency. Would you like help preparing for a NABERS assessment or guidance on data collection?

BREEAM In-Use

BREEAM In-Use is a sustainability assessment framework for existing buildings, focusing on improving the performance of assets in operation. It evaluates three key components: the asset, its management, and its occupants' experience. Below is a breakdown of the types of data typically needed for a BREEAM In-Use assessment:

1. Asset Performance (Physical Building Data)

• Building Location:
  • Geographic details, climate zone, and proximity to public transport and amenities.
• Building Type:
  • Classification (office, residential, retail, etc.), gross internal area (GIA), and usage patterns.
• Energy Performance:
  • Annual energy consumption data (electricity, gas, and other fuels).
  • Energy efficiency measures implemented (e.g., insulation, efficient lighting).
  • Renewable energy installations (solar panels, wind turbines, etc.).
• Water Consumption:
  • Monthly or annual water usage.
  • Water efficiency systems (low-flow fixtures, leak detection, rainwater harvesting).
• Waste Management:
  • Data on waste generation, segregation rates, and recycling/reuse initiatives.
• Materials:
  • Information on the origin and sustainability credentials of construction materials.
  • Data on materials durability and maintenance requirements.

2. Management Practices

• Maintenance Records:
  • Evidence of proactive and regular building maintenance (e.g., HVAC servicing).
• Operational Policies:
  • Energy management policies.
  • Waste management strategies.
  • Plans for reducing water and energy consumption.
• Health & Safety Measures:
  • Fire safety records.
  • Accessibility policies for all building users.
• Tenant and Occupant Engagement:
  • Feedback mechanisms and surveys.
  • Awareness programs for sustainability and resource usage.
• Biodiversity and Ecology:
  • Data on green spaces, landscaping, and measures to promote biodiversity.

3. Occupants and User Experience

• Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ):
  • Air quality monitoring (CO2 levels, VOCs, particulates).
  • Thermal comfort data (temperature, humidity).
  • Daylight availability and lighting controls.
  • Acoustic performance (noise levels and sound insulation).
• Occupant Surveys:
  • Feedback on comfort, satisfaction, and health impacts.
• Occupancy Levels:
  • Patterns of building usage and peak demand times.

4. Environmental Impact

• Carbon Footprint:
  • Data on direct and indirect carbon emissions (e.g., Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions).
• Climate Resilience:
  • Flood risk assessments.
  • Strategies for adapting to extreme weather conditions.
• Transport:
  • Access to sustainable transport options.
  • Data on parking spaces, electric vehicle charging stations, and bike racks.

5. Legal and Compliance Data

• Certificates and Benchmarks:
  • Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs).
  • Compliance with local regulations and codes (e.g., building codes, safety standards).
• Audit Records:
  • Environmental audits.
  • Waste and energy audits.
• Sustainability Reports:
  • Any existing corporate or site-specific sustainability reporting.

Data Collection Sources

• Building Management Systems (BMS): Automated monitoring of energy, water, and environmental quality.
• Utility Bills and Meters: Historical data for energy and water use.
• On-Site Inspections: Documentation and photographs of physical features.
• Maintenance Logs: Records from facility managers and contractors.
• Occupant Feedback Surveys: Insights into user satisfaction and comfort.

This data is used to assess the building’s current performance, identify areas for improvement, and assign a BREEAM In-Use rating.

Fitwel

Fitwel is a building certification system focused on optimising health and wellness within buildings. From a data perspective, Fitwel evaluates various aspects of building performance and operational practices that impact occupant health and well-being. The data collected for Fitwel certification typically includes metrics across the following categories:

1. Location and Neighbourhood Impact

• Access to Public Transit: Proximity to public transportation options.
• Walkability: Walk Score or pedestrian access to essential services and amenities (e.g., grocery stores, parks, schools).
• Neighbourhood Safety: Crime statistics or perception of safety in the area.

2. Building Design and Layout

• Staircase Accessibility and Appeal: Design elements encouraging physical activity, such as visible, accessible, and aesthetically pleasing staircases.
• Natural Light and Views: Percentage of spaces with access to daylight and views of nature.
• Indoor Air Quality: HVAC system performance and air filtration quality.
• Noise Control: Acoustic design to minimise noise disturbances.

3. Policies and Programming

• Healthy Food Access: Policies or facilities that provide healthy food options (e.g., vending machines, cafeterias, or nearby healthy food retailers).
• Physical Activity Programs: On-site fitness facilities, classes, or incentivised activity programs.
• Tobacco-Free Policies: Implementation of smoke-free zones and policies.
• Emergency Preparedness: Availability of emergency plans, drills, and first-aid readiness.

4. Environmental Quality

• Energy Efficiency and Ventilation: Measurement of energy use and air exchange rates to ensure fresh air circulation.
• Water Quality: Monitoring drinking water for contaminants and providing accessible water fountains.
• Materials and Cleaning Products: Use of non-toxic and sustainable materials or cleaning products to reduce exposure to harmful chemicals.

5. Social and Occupational Health

• Workplace Policies: Support for mental health programs, flexible work options, and social connection spaces.
• Inclusive Design: Accessibility for people with disabilities and universal design principles.
• Thermal Comfort: Data on temperature consistency across spaces for comfort.

6. Metrics on Usage and Occupancy

• Occupancy Data: Number of building occupants and their movement patterns.
• Space Utilisation: Frequency of usage for various building spaces like gyms, cafeterias, or lounges.
• Health Outcomes: Surveys or feedback about occupants' perceived health and wellness improvements.

These data points help Fitwel score buildings, encouraging them to implement design and operational practices that promote a healthier environment.

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We hope this deep dive into NABERS, FitWELL, WELL IWBI and BREEAM In-Use has been helpful. Please do get in touch if you'd like to discuss accreditations in buildings further. Or for a chat about Building Audits in general do get in touch with our CEO Freddie.

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