BREEAM-certificering

Energy-efficient lighting

The BREEAM certificate is on the rise for new-build offices. Owners of existing real estate are also increasingly opting for such a sustainability label. Energy-efficient lighting is important for the BREEAM score and financially interesting.

Property owners do not only make their operations more sustainable out of intrinsic motivation. “Potential tenants increasingly expect office space to be demonstrably energy efficient,” says Paul van der Maas, sales engineer at Van den Pol. “Users in turn are approached by employees, who take the sustainable nature of a workplace into account when assessing an employer.”

In-use

This means that more and more office owners are expanding their portfolio
to make sustainable. “BREEAM In-use is the international sustainability label for existing buildings. To this end, the building, use and management are assessed via credits. A sum of these results in certification at various levels, from Acceptable to Outstanding.”

Specialist

Lighting is one of the installations that can be used to earn credits. Van den Pol grew into a specialist in sustainable lighting of existing buildings. “We are active for large real estate owners such as Merin and Unifore. They are supported in the BREEAM certification process by CFP Green Buildings.”

Different scenarios

CFP consultants inventory the owner’s buildings and objectives. “Based on that, we are asked to work out different scenarios. CFP translates these into investments and impact on the BREEAM score, the client then makes a choice.” Often fixtures are replaced one-on-one, sometimes ceilings are also adjusted. “That happens under our direction.”

Smart sensors

Van der Maas regularly sees that lights are on unnecessarily. “The use of smart sensors prevents that. We create a customized plan for that, taking into account open-plan offices and separated spaces. This makes the lighting as energy-efficient as possible while the comfort for employees remains high. Parking garages are also getting sensors.”

Certified light measurement

Van den Pol is certified to perform light measurements. “This demonstrates the sustainability of lighting. For an optimal assessment, we measure in the evening. Data is recorded with a self-developed app, with a photo of the value on the light meter per location. All information leads to a complete report for the BREEAM assessment.”

Financially interesting

BREEAM is becoming increasingly established, also for existing buildings. “Lighting is a crucial element for the intended sustainability score. Our specialism in this area is getting around; more and more owners and consultants are coming forward,” Van der Maas notes. He emphasises that many BREEAM measures are also financially interesting. “We often replace large numbers of lamps with energy-efficient LED luminaires. This results in significant savings, so these sustainable investments quickly pay for themselves. And don’t forget that the light quality also improves substantially.”