by Brianna Crandall — July 14, 2014—The newly launched BREEAM UK New Construction 2014 program for building sustainability has introduced a BREEAM credit for using a qualified and registered BRE Academy site sustainability manager (SSM) on building projects. The credit recognizes that having a qualified SSM on site will help ensure that sustainable designs on paper will be effectively put into practice throughout the construction process.
To help construction teams meet the challenge of turning designs into reality, minimizing construction process environmental impact and achieving quality project delivery, BRE Academy is running a new series of two-day SSM qualification courses leading to a Level 3 City and Guilds Certificate.
“The on-site challenges of sustainable construction projects can be daunting, including understanding the aims of the design team, ensuring environmentally efficient site management, and meeting the requirements of certification schemes such as BREEAM,” said Alan Yates, BRE’s technical director of sustainability. “By having a qualified and registered SSM on site, the right processes and practices are applied from start to finish, ensuring a confident construction team and the right outcomes.”
The course covers all key areas of sustainable construction in practice, including design implementation, understanding compliance for environmental certifications schemes, site operations and materials. Wide-ranging topics include key stages in the construction process; closing the performance gap by achieving airtightness and avoiding thermal bridging; compliance and evidence requirements; reducing site impacts; energy-efficient plant, tools and practices; materials performance specifications and installation; and motivating teams on site to achieve a sustainable project.
Courses take place on July 30-31 and October 8-9 at BRE Watford, and on September 10-11 and December 4-9 at BRE Scotland. See the BRE Academy Web site for full details.
