BREEAM Ecology
Our Suitably Qualified Ecologists provide the surveys, advice and evidence needed to support ecology-related credits under the applicable BREEAM scheme.
BREEAM assesses the environmental performance of buildings and development projects. Ecology-related assessment issues consider how ecological risks are identified, how existing features are protected and how opportunities for enhancement and long-term management are incorporated into the project.
The available credits and evidence requirements depend on the BREEAM scheme, version and project type. Early advice is therefore important.
Our BREEAM ecology services
Richard Green Ecology can provide:
- Appointment of a Suitably Qualified Ecologist
- Initial ecological risk and opportunity assessment
- Baseline habitat survey
- Review of previously cleared sites
- Advice on site layout and ecological protection
- Ecological enhancement recommendations
- Input into landscape design and planting
- Construction-stage ecological requirements
- Long-term ecological management plans
- Post-construction inspection and review
- Evidence schedules for the BREEAM Assessor
- Verification by a Suitably Qualified Ecologist where required
Early involvement
The greatest opportunity to secure credits normally occurs when an ecologist is appointed before site clearance and while the design can still be changed.
Early involvement enables the project team to:
- Retain important ecological features
- Avoid unnecessary habitat loss
- Incorporate enhancement into the landscape design
- Plan protection measures before construction
- Gather the evidence required by the applicable technical manual
Where clearance has already occurred, we can review aerial imagery, ecological records and other available evidence. However, the absence of reliable baseline information may limit the credits that can be demonstrated.
We work with the client, BREEAM Assessor, architect, landscape architect and contractor to ensure that recommendations are appropriate for the applicable scheme and supported by auditable evidence.
Key Benefits of Service
We can work with you in order to maximise the number of credits that can be awarded for Ecology.
As this is best done at the earliest stages of design, we recommend that you Contact Us at the earliest opportunity
- Advice from Suitably Qualified Ecologists
- Early identification of available ecology credits
- Coordination with the project BREEAM Assessor
- Practical design and enhancement recommendations
- Construction and post-construction support
- Clear evidence aligned with the applicable manual
- Long-term ecological management advice