If you have ever thought about the environmental impact of your building, you have probably come across the terms BREEAM and LEED. These certifications are essential for promoting sustainable construction. But what exactly do they mean and how can circular solar panels help with this? In this blog post, we dive deep into the world of green certifications and discover how innovative solar solutions can contribute to a more sustainable future.
What are BREEAM and LEED?
BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) and LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) are two of the world's most recognised certification systems for sustainable construction. Originating in the UK, BREEAM was introduced in 1990 and focuses on improving the sustainability performance of buildings through a set of standards. LEED, developed by the U.S. Green Building Council, entered the market in 1993 and provides a framework for healthy, highly efficient and cost-effective green buildings.
Both systems aim to minimise the environmental impact of buildings while improving liveability and efficiency. They assess aspects such as energy consumption, water management, choice of materials and indoor climate. By choosing buildings with BREEAM or LEED certification, companies are making a conscious choice for sustainability and environmental responsibility. For more information on how we can support individuals in achieving these certifications, visit our private page.
How do BREEAM and LEED work?
BREEAM and LEED assess buildings based on a set of criteria that promote sustainability. BREEAM uses a scoring system where buildings are evaluated on categories such as energy, health, materials and waste. The end result is a score ranging from "good" to "excellent". LEED has similar categories, such as energy and atmosphere, and uses a point system leading to a certification level from "certified" to "platinum".
Certification processes require buildings to meet specific standards and often require building owners to demonstrate that they have implemented sustainable practices. This can range from using eco-friendly materials to implementing energy-efficient systems such as solar panels. Both systems encourage innovations that lead to a lower carbon footprint and improved sustainability performance. Find out how our solutions support installers and developers on our developers and installers page.
The role of circular solar panels in BREEAM and LEED
Circular solar panels, like the ones we supply, play a crucial role in achieving BREEAM and LEED certifications. These solar panels are designed to be fully recyclable, which means they fit perfectly within the circular economy. This contributes to the BREEAM and LEED criteria for material use and waste management.
Using circular solar panels not only reduces CO2 emissions during production, but also offers long-term benefits by contributing to a sustainable energy solution for the building. In addition, our solar panels are PFAS-free, meaning they do not contain harmful chemicals, which is an added advantage in the certification processes.
Practical applications of circular solar panels
In practice, circular solar panels are increasingly being implemented in commercial and industrial projects aiming for BREEAM or LEED certification. Think, for example, of large distribution centres or office buildings where sustainability is high on the agenda. These projects benefit not only from the energy efficiency of the solar panels, but also from the sustainable materials that contribute to higher certification scores.
A good example is an office complex that was recently BREEAM-certified. By choosing circular solar panels, they were able to improve energy efficiency while reducing the environmental impact of their building materials. This resulted in a higher BREEAM score and significant energy savings.
Comparison with conventional solar panels
Circular solar panels offer several advantages over conventional solar panels, especially when it comes to green certifications. While traditional solar panels are often difficult to recycle and can contain potentially harmful substances, circular solar panels are designed to be 100% recyclable and PFAS-free. This makes them a more attractive option for projects seeking sustainability certifications.
However, it is important to also consider the disadvantages. Circular solar panels may in some cases involve higher initial costs compared to conventional options. Yet these costs are often offset by the solar panel subsidies available, including specific subsidies for circular solar panels. These financial benefits make it easier to make the switch to renewable energy solutions.
In summary, BREEAM and LEED provide a valuable framework for promoting sustainable construction. By using circular solar panels, companies can not only improve their certification scores, but also contribute to a more sustainable future. If you are interested in how our innovative solar solutions can support your project, please contact us at our contact page. Together, we can accelerate the transition to a greener, more sustainable world.
