BREEAM – Maximise your chances with a Green Roof

For Architects, Developers and Designers considering BREEAM ratings and green credits, the specification of a green roof can contribute to a successful assessment. Simon Poe of Alumasc explains:

The inclusion of a ZinCo green roof system on the roof and terraces at Regents Place in London contributed to its BREEAM rating of ‘Excellent’.

A range of benefits can be attained across BREEAM assessment – from water detention to energy consumption reductions and responsible materials sourcing to life cycle costing – however, the availability of credits in the ‘Land use and ecology’ section, is of most relevance to green roofs.

The exact number of credits available will vary depending on location (e.g. the re-use of land at brownfield or previously-contaminated sites) and application (e.g. schools earn credits by using green roofs in education and forming wildlife partnerships), however the majority of credits required to attain an ‘Excellent’ or ‘Outstanding’ rating can be achieved irrespective of site placement.

There are two principal stages:

1. The replacement of habitat that would otherwise be lost through the construction process – mitigating the impact of the development and protecting ecological features of the site.

2. Creation of new habitats that will enhance the ecological value of the site to provide long-term biodiversity benefit.

Green roof solutions can be devised to score credits in both categories, with the planting strategy critical to habitat creation appropriate to the wildlife habitation objectives. Schemes can be devised to include appropriate mixes of plant species to attract different wildlife.

For more information on Alumasc’s ZinCo green roofs, click here

For more information on how Alumasc can advise on BREEAM assessments, click here

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