Rueil-Malmaison (France), February 20, 2013 - The Hive, Schneider Electric Headquarter in Paris area, is the first building in the world to be "Outstanding" (Six stars) BREEAM In-Use certified.
BREEAM is the BRE (Building Research Establishment) Environmental Assessment Method. It is the world's foremost environmental assessment method and rating system for buildings, with 200,000 buildings with certified BREEAM assessment ratings and over a million registered for assessment since it was first launched in 1990. It covers all building types including schools, healthcare buildings, offices and industrial units.
In 2009 BRE Global developed BREEAM In-Use, (Environmental and Sustainability Standard BES 5058). This is an assessment and certification scheme designed to help building owners, facility managers, investment managers and building occupiers measure and reduce environmental impacts, and improve the performance of existing non-domestic buildings in a cost effective and low risk way. The assessment criteria were designed in such a way that all buildings can use the BREEAM In-Use process. Buildings that initially score a low overall assessment rating have the opportunity to make future year on year improvements. Buildings that score high in their initial ratings can strive to maintain their rating by making on-going improvements. It also builds on internal review processes to achieve optimal results in building performance and management.
BREEAM In-Use awards points or 'Credits' and groups the environmental impacts through stringent criteria to come up with a final score from "Pass" (one star) to "Outstanding" (six stars).
The environmental categories assessed include:
-
Energy
-
Water
-
Materials
-
Pollution
-
Land Use and Ecology
-
Health and Wellbeing
-
Waste
-
Transport
-
Management
BREEAM In-Use International is currently in its pilot stage. Clients have the opportunity to engage in the assessment process and provide essential feedback to BRE before the full version of BREEAM In-Use International is launched. Schneider Electric has presented some valuable feedback to BRE to enhance BREEAM In-Use International before its official launch.
At the Hive, Schneider Electric demonstrates that implementation of the companies active energy efficiency solutions, including sharp data analysis, daily monitoring and staff behavioural education have resulted into massive energy consumption reduction, from 150 kWh/m² to 78 kWh/m², effective water and waste management (100% of waste is recycled or energy recovered).
"We are proud to have received the first BREEAM In-Use International "Outstanding" rating from BRE. We consider BREEAM In-Use to be one of the most comprehensive certification schemes to assess the environmental impact of a building. BREEAM In-Use has rewarded us for our continuous work to position the Hive as a flagship building and a live lab where we can test our innovative solutions. Our innovative solutions are focused in the area of active energy efficiency showing that huge savings are possible in existing buildings by digitalization, innovating monitoring and management" said Bertrand Guarinos, Energy and Environment Manager at Schneider Electric Headquarters.
"BRE are proud to have its first building rated as 'Outstanding' against the BREEAM In-Use Certification scheme and we hope that Schneider's achievement will encourage other buildings to strive for an 'Outstanding' rating. BREEAM In-Use has showcased the Hive as an exemplar building which has set a high standard in building performance," said BRE team.
About Schneider Electric
As a global specialist in energy management with operations in more than 100 countries, Schneider Electric offers integrated solutions across multiple market segments, including leadership positions in Utilities & Infrastructures, Industries & Machine manufacturers, Non-residential buildings, Data centers & Networks, and in Residential. Focused on making energy safe, reliable, efficient, productive and green, the Group's 130,000 plus employees achieved sales of 22.4 billion euros in 2011, through an active commitment to help individuals and organizations make the most of their energy.
www.schneider-electric.com
Recommend:
