Solar panels have a profound impact on BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method), a renowned sustainability certification for buildings by reducing the whole-life carbon of buildings. BREEAM evaluates buildings across various criteria, including energy, water, waste, and ecology. Notably, the integration of renewable energy sources like solar power plays a crucial role in reducing a building’s environmental footprint.
Solar energy stands out as a widely available and clean renewable energy source. Buildings equipped with solar panels can generate their electricity, thereby lessening reliance on fossil fuels and minimising carbon emissions.
Accreditation is driven through the successful attainment of credits, with the final sustainability rating decided by the percentage of available credits awarded from a total of 110.
In the BREEAM certification process, solar energy significantly impacts the Energy category, which constitutes 19% of the total score. By reducing dependence on non-renewable energy sources, buildings incorporating solar panels can achieve higher scores. Moreover, they can sell surplus energy back to the grid, cutting down energy expenses and generating additional revenue.
Beyond the Energy category, solar energy also influences other aspects of the BREEAM assessment. For instance, in the Materials category (12% of the score), the use of sustainable materials like solar panels contributes to higher ratings. Similarly, in the Ecology category (10% of the score), solar panels aid in mitigating environmental impact, further boosting scores.
In essence, solar panels play a pivotal role in achieving favourable BREEAM scores across multiple categories, including Energy, Materials, and Ecology. They reduce reliance on non-renewable energy sources, diminish carbon footprints, and signify a commitment to sustainable practices. Incorporating solar technology into buildings not only aligns with environmental goals, while making strong commercial sense but also enhances their overall sustainability credentials.