PART OF
SUSTAINABILITY
We are multi-disciplinary consulting engineers leading your business into a sustainable future. We have extensive experience across the construction sector (with specialist knowledge in MMC), and we provide a full suite of energy and sustainability related services. Our team of expert sustainability consultants can help you develop an appropriate sustainability strategy including taking into account the EU Taxonomy, whilst simultaneously providing technical guidance, regulatory compliance solutions, sustainability assessments and certification services as required.
For more information, click on the links below, or contact us directly.
BREEAM and LEED
Evolusion offer a complete range of BREEAM and LEED assessment services. We strive to obtain the highest rating possible for our clients by using industry best practices and through the use of tools such as Dynamic Simulation Modelling, Daylighting Analysis and Overheating Analysis during the assessment process.
WHAT IS BREEAM?
BREEAM is the world's leading sustainability assessment method for masterplanning projects, infrastructure and buildings. It addresses a number of lifecycle stages such as New Construction, Refurbishment and In-Use. Globally there are more than 561,500 BREEAM certified developments, and almost 2,264,100 buildings registered for assessment since it was first launched in 1990.
BREEAM inspires developers and creators to excel, innovate and make effective use of resources. The focus on sustainable value and efficiency makes BREEAM certified developments attractive property investments and generates sustainable environments that enhance the well-being of the people who live and work in them.
WHY BREEAM?
From www.breeam.com:
"Cost versus Value
BREEAM was created as a cost-effective means of bringing sustainable value to development. It helps investors, developers, design and construction teams and occupiers to use natural resources more efficiently. There may be a capital cost to building to the enhanced standards promoted by BREEAM, but this cost needs to be seen in the context of the overall value of sustainable development. Growing evidence is demonstrating that sustainable developments, like those delivered through BREEAM, offer value in many ways, including:
Reduced operational costs
Research carried out by construction consultants Sweett Group and BRE found that office developers typically invest up to 2% more when targeting higher BREEAM ratings, and recover that additional investment in two to five years through savings in their energy and water bills. The same research found that achieving lower BREEAM ratings can incur little or no additional cost. This research has been published in the report, Delivering sustainable buildings: Savings and payback."
WHAT IS LEED?
LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is a program run by the non-profit US Green Building Council and is the most widely used green building rating system in the world. Available for virtually all building, community and home project types, LEED provides a framework to create healthy, highly efficient and cost-saving green buildings. LEED certification is a globally recognized symbol of sustainability achievement.
2.4 million+ square feet is LEED certified every day with more than 94,000 projects using LEED.
LEED buildings are more sustainable, saving energy, water, and resources, generating less waste and supporting human health.
LEED buildings provide value by attracting tenants, costing less to operate and boosting employee productivity and retention.
LEED is in over 165 countries and territories.
“BREEAM is a registered trademark of BRE (the Building Research Establishment Ltd. Community Trade MarE5778551). The BREEAM marks, logos and symbols are the Copyright of BRE and are reproduced by permission”
LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENTS
A building Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a method to evaluate the environmental impacts of construction materials used in the building fabric over the lifespan of a building.
WHY LCA?
The type of construction products and materials used can have a large impact on the environmental impact of a building over its life cycle.
Improvements in Part L have led to reductions in the operational energy consumption of buildings, meaning environmental impacts associated with construction products can sometimes outweigh those from operational impacts. Therefore, considering the embodied emissions of building materials is becoming more important in reducing the overall emissions of a building over its lifetime.
Calculating and optimizing building carbon footprint is demanded by certification schemes like BREEAM or LEED.
Carrying out an LCA:
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Can help project teams assess the overall environmental impact of a building.
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Takes a whole lifecycle approach of the environmental impact of the building – whole lifecycle Greenhouse gas emissions are accounted for, not just operational emissions.
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Can encourage decisions that reduce the environmental impact of building materials (including embodied carbon) over the lifespan of a building.
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Can be used to analyse design options and encourage the selection of products with a lower carbon footprint.
ENVIRONMENTAL PRODUCT DECLARATIONS (EPDs)
An Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) is a standardized and internationally recognized document that provides transparent and comprehensive information about the environmental impact of a construction product throughout its life cycle. EPDs are primarily used to assess and communicate the environmental performance of construction materials and products in a clear and consistent manner. They play a crucial role in sustainable construction and are often used to support environmentally responsible building practices and green building certifications like LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) or BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method).
The key aspects of an EPD from a construction perspective include:
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Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
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Environmental Impact Categories
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Functional Unit
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Data Verification
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Product Transparency
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Comparative Information
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Product Category Rules (PCR)
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Global Reporting Standards
From a construction perspective, having access to EPDs for various building materials and products is essential for making sustainable and environmentally conscious decisions during the design and construction phases. Architects, engineers, and contractors can use EPDs to assess the environmental impact of their material choices, identify areas for improvement, and ultimately work toward reducing the ecological footprint of a construction project. Additionally, these declarations contribute to meeting green building certification requirements and sustainability goals, ensuring that the construction industry becomes more environmentally responsible.
CIRCULAR ECONOMY
Our team of experienced and highly qualified sustainability engineers can provide you with expert guidance on circular economy actions, such as:
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Carrying out a circularity gap assessment.
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Identifying new opportunities for sustainable growth.
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Identifying and developing more circular products.
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Implementing and/or adapting processes or services aiming to minimize waste and pollution by design.
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Keeping products and materials in use and regenerating natural systems.
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Provide training to understand the circular economy principles.
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Designing for a circular economy.
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The transition to circular business models.
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Communicating the business value in a circular economy.
HOME PERFORMANCE INDEX
Home Performance Index Certification is Ireland’s national certification for new homes.
HPI is similar to LEED and BREEAM certification for commercial development, but it is specifically designed for residential development and aligns with Irish building regulations, EU CEN standards and international WELL certification for communities. The certification was awarded 5 out 5 for best practice and transparency by the European Construction Sector Observatory.
The Home Performance Index stamp of approval provides a robust and nationally tailored green home label, that is aligned with the EU Sustainable Finance Taxonomy and also with Level(s), the new EU sustainable buildings assessment and reporting framework. It is a ready-made solution for finance providers seeking third party assurance that eligibility criteria for new “green” homes are met.
Home Performance Index is independently assessed and awards certificates with a rating of HPI or Gold HPI for the standard of a home’s design, construction and environmental sustainability
ENTERPRISE IRELAND -
SUSTAINABILITY SUPPORTS
Enterprise Ireland has a range of supports and funding to help your business implement sustainable practices and processes. These include
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Green for Business
Get help from your Local Enterprise Office to help your small businesses take the first step towards becoming more sustainable. -
Climate Action Voucher
Access funding for advisory support to develop an initial sustainability or decarbonisation action plan. -
GreenStart
Fund expert advice to introduce best practice systems and reduce costs and resources. -
GreenPlus
Fund training projects to build environmental management and staff capability -
Strategic Consultancy
Environmental studies or consultancy services directly linked to investments for improved levels of environmental protection