Clearer criteria for the evaluation of responsible sourcing schemes drafted for BREEAM

BRE has drafted a set of transparent criteria for assessing responsible sourcing schemes within BREEAM 2011.
 
There have been concerns raised the industry that the way in which BREEAM 2011 assesses products certified to different responsible sourcing schemes is not clear and that no transparent criteria are available.  This has led to some accusations of BRE favouring their own responsible sourcing scheme BES 6001 v.2 in the BREEAM credits.
 
The BREEAM team has heard this criticism and has drafted a paper setting out a possible structure for assessing different responsible sourcing schemes, including BES 6001, but also BS 8902, timber schemes such as FSC and PEFC, and any other responsible sourcing schemes that gets established.
 
This first draft of a set of transparent criteria is now available for consultation.  The consultation will run for 60 days and will close at 12:00 BST on 27th August 2013.
The paper can be found at: www.breeam.org/page.jsp?id=617
 
BRE Global has also begun the process of updating BREEAM UK New Construction 2011 with a plan to launch the updated 2014 version of the scheme early in 2014.
 
In undertaking this update BRE will be:
•    considering the ongoing feedback that they receive from BREEAM users, specifiers and other stakeholders
•    making changes to account for updated standards
•    reviewing and updating the criteria
 
The intent is to improve and evolve the existing scheme technically and structurally but fundamental changes to the scheme are not envisaged. However, BRE say that any changes will take on board the feedback received on the current 2011 version as well as any further feedback gathered during the update and review period.
 
In addition to the feedback already received stakeholders will have the opportunity to contribute to the scheme update during the development period in a number of ways including a public survey that closes on August 9th. You can click here to access the BREEAM 2014 survey and give us your feedback.
 
Further details on the update of the BREEAM UK New Construction scheme will be published in the coming months.