BRE and IWBI deliver improved guidance to streamline joint certification of BREEAM and WELL

BRE and the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) have released a new briefing paper that outlines how projects may achieve both a certified BREEAM rating and WELL Certification. The updated crosswalk document, Assessing Health and Wellbeing in Buildings – Alignment between BREEAM and the WELL Building Standard, was developed as ‘part of a commitment to continuous improvement by IWBI and BRE’ using industry feedback from professionals working to achieve joint certification. To simplify the process for project teams pursuing both standards, BRE and IWBI have worked together to compare performance requirements, harmonise evidence and identify opportunities to streamline the process of achieving dual certification. Specific improvements and enhancements to the guidance document include instructions for projects that clarify how to use the crosswalk, minor amendments to the alignments and overlaps between the two standards, and a simplified labelling system. The new crosswalk also features useful notes and comments to clarify these alignments.

Additionally, the project types and schemes for both certification programs have expanded. Extra guidance is now included for Core & Shell projects targeting dual certification, to ensure that all WELL project types – New and Existing Buildings, New and Existing Interiors and Core & Shell – have a roadmap forward. BREEAM schemes in the crosswalk include BREEAM New Construction UK and International, BREEAM Refurbishment & Fit Out, BREEAM-In-Use and now BREEAM USA –In-Use.

Originally published in January 2017, the document claims to demonstrate ‘the significant synergies between the two methods and the efficiencies that exist between their assessment and certification processes’.