For over a decade, the BRE's Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) has been the industry standard for measuring how sustainable a building is. It's used by designers, planners, builders and developers all over the UK. The higher your rating, the greater the benefits to your business.

A BREEAM rating is an immediate way to show anyone just how sustainable your office is. Getting certified involves having a BREEAM qualified assessor coming to look at your office. They'll look at your lighting, heating and air conditioning, water usage, the impact your office has on the health and wellbeing of your people, the provisions made for cyclists – even at your management policies, to see how environmentally sound they are. You'll then be given a rating, either pass, good, very good or excellent.

A good rating brings obvious benefits, boosting your credibility and satisfying your stakeholders. But it has other, less tangible benefits, too. Happy, healthy staff are more productive and creative. And sustainable credentials give all your stakeholders more confidence and pride in your brand.

Want to know more?

Download our checklist and find out exactly what's involved in going sustainable, or alternatively speak to one of our BREEAM trained staff on 0800 028 0945.

We're also running regular seminars, so you can get to grips with the major issues. To find out more click here.

Sustainability seminars

If you're thinking about going sustainable, there are lots of things to think about – government guidelines, LEED and BREEAM ratings, carbon trading schemes. On top of that, there are costs to consider (not to mention big cultural changes).

Luckily, we're running a number of breakfast seminars to give you all the essential guidance you need, whether you're an office manager, property manager, facilities manager or financial director.

Our own sustainability and environmental experts, as well as special guest speakers, will explore all the issues, step-by-step. How to build sustainability into your designs, how to slash your energy bills through efficiency, how to get the right support and commitment from your people, and how to get the right 'green' ratings and meet government targets.

We speak from experience. We have LEED accredited designers, CarbonNeutral® and ISO 14001 accreditation, and 4 BREEAM trained staff. And we're the only design and build company in the UK to offer a sustainable office interior design and fit out service for the same cost as a 'regular' office. We've made a big commitment, and we want to help you do the same.

Want to join us?

We'll be running sessions in Birmingham on 14th March, London on 21st March and Bristol on 29th March. To book your place, just click here.

New building regulations

The UK government has signed up to cut carbon dioxide emissions by 20% by 2010, compared to levels in 1990. And they're changing building regulations, to help it happen. The rules apply to office refurbishments, not just new buildings. Could you be affected?

Back in 2002, the government introduced new building regulations, known as Part L and Part F. Part L deals with fuel and power conservation, Part F with ventilation. Last year, those regulations were revised to be even more stringent, with the EU Directive on Energy Performance in Buildings coming into effect.

There are already tax schemes in place to encourage businesses to use more 'A' rated (energy efficient) equipment. By 2010, it'll be standard, compulsory practice. So if you're planning a refurbishment now, it's essential to anticipate these future developments.

Need to know more?

Turning a blind eye now could mean extra costs in the future. If you're not completely up-to-speed, give us a call on 0800 028 0945

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