Eco-friendly buildings and planning
The importance of eco-friendly solutions in urban planning and the construction industry has been growing steadily and has been becoming an ever more important part of high-quality design which focuses especially on comfort and well-being for users and minimises negative impact on the environment.
Mannvit employs highly experienced experts who have the knowledge and experience in such projects.The projects in which Mannvit has been involved include the assessment of the ecological soundness of the planning of the new neighbourhoods in the greater Reykjavik area according to BREEAM Communities and the design of new prison facilities in Reykjavík, where account was taken of BREEAM International.
BREEAM stands for Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method. The object of the method is to:
- Ensure social and economic benefits while at the same time reducing negative impact on people and the environment
- Provide reliable certification
- Increase demand for sustainable design
BREEAM International for Buildings
The BREEAM International standard makes it possible to certify the eco-friendliness of new buildings and the refurbishment or enlargement of existing buildings.In addition, it is possible to obtain separate certification for fit-out and for the building’s shell and core.The method allows developers to assess, improve and demonstrate the environmental benefits in buildings in a systematic manner.
BREEAM Communities for the Planning Of Neighbourhoods or Defined Areas
Mannvit has gained the right from Building Research Establishment (BRE) (www.breeam.org) in the UK to certify and provide consultancy services in the design of eco-friendly zoning according to BREEAM Communities.
Planning Schedules, BREEAM Communities
The BREEAM Communities standard covers neighbourhoods or defined areas where numerous structures are located. A new version of the standard was issued in August 2012.The object of the standard is to help design teams, developers and planning entities to improve, measure and independently certify the sustainability of an area during the design and planning phase.Significant importance was placed on influencing sustainability at the first stages of projects through the involvement of the public, policy formulation for the area in question and its design.
Components that are assessed:
- Consultation and governance
- Social and economic well-being
- Resources and energy
- Land-use and ecology
- Transport and movement
Buildings, BREEAM International
An eco-friendly building cannot become eco-friendly by itself; correct design and operation are necessary to gain the full benefits.As a result, it is important to define, immediately at the design stage, what requirements must be made to the performance of the building and these then must be followed in the design, construction and operation of the building.
Components that are assessed:
- Energy
- Health and wellbeing
- Materials
- Management
- Land-use and ecology
- Pollution
- Transport
- Waste
- Water
- Innovation
The BREEAM International standard defines the requirements made of eco-friendly buildings.