ASSA ABLOY UK leading BREEAM associate pilot programme

ASSA ABLOY, the global leader in door opening solutions, is one of 10 companies who were invited to participate in the pilot programme for BRE Academy’s new BREEAM Associate qualification and training course, which is designed to enhance the way construction sector professionals and supply chains currently deliver BREEAM on their projects.

Green building certification is a growing trend in the construction industry, and one that since its inception in 1990 looks set to continue, with the DGNB predicting 75% of new commercial buildings will be certified by 2020.

To ensure an accurate understanding of green building and sustainability proliferates throughout the market, BRE has launched a BREEAM Associate training scheme and qualification on the core principles of BREEAM. The ultimate goal will be to create a cohort of BREEAM advocates who can advise and inform clients on developing certified and sustainable buildings.

The scheme, which will provide participants with a recognised credential showing commitment to professional development for excellence in the built environment, was initially piloted with industry with only 10 companies invited to participate. These inaugural contributors, chosen for their experience and demonstrated commitment to improving the ‘as-built’ environment helped to form and shape the finalised programme.

ASSA ABLOY, along with companies such as BAM, HOK and ISG, is one such company that has 19 certified associates and a further 12 studying.

Through a series of online learning modules and exams, the course covers an introduction to BREEAM, its aims and principles, as well as operational processes and technical principles. The desired outcome is to create associates that can work effectively within the BREEAM framework, advising clients and identifying opportunities to help encourage sustainable practices.

Speaking on the opportunity to be one of the first in the UK to become an accredited BREEAM Associate, Charles Robinson, Sustainability Manager for ASSA ABLOY EMEA, said: “Sustainability, green building practices and anything that can provide added value to our clients is a fundamental principle of ASSA ABLOY. As an early adopter of initiatives such as BIM and a focus on providing sector specific whole life costings to add value to the field of sustainability, we felt the BREEAM Associate Pilot Scheme was a natural fit with our business objectives and ethos.

“Since 2013, existing building certification has increased by 295%, and in 2015 75% of certification was undertaken by BREEAM, when put in this context it’s easy to see why working on BREEAM projects and having a greater knowledge of this area is critical. Through our work on the pilot project not only have we had an impact on how it’s delivered but also we’ve also connected with like-minded professionals, taking and offering insight on how best to create an improved understanding of certified projects and sustainable building across the industry.

“Our involvement in the BREEAM Associate Pilot Scheme will ensure we are giving our clients the best advice possible during the build process, enabling us to collaborate and support on BREEAM projects at a level recognised across the industry.”