In the previous article, we explored how BREEAM Infrastructure has revolutionized civil engineering, providing a framework for more sustainable and responsible projects.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the contribution of BREEAM Infrastructure to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and analyze the main assessment categories of version 6 of this certification.
BREEAM Infrastructure’s contribution to the SDGs
BREEAM Infrastructureis aligned with several SDGs of the United Nations 2030 Agenda, driving sustainability in infrastructure projects directly and indirectly.
We can classify these goals into three levels of impact:
Significant contribution to the SDGs:
SDG 3: Health and well-being BREEAM Infrastructure prioritizes health and well-being, promoting infrastructure that minimizes negative impacts on air quality, acoustics and safety.
This improves the well-being of nearby communities, ensuring healthier environments. SDG 6: Clean water and sanitation Efficient and sustainable water management is key to any BREEAM Infrastructure certified project.
This includes preventing pollution and improving supply and sanitation systems.
SDG 7: Affordable and clean energy This methodology encourages the use of clean and renewable energy, improving energy efficiency and reducing the carbon footprint in the construction and operation of infrastructure.
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure Through the creation of resilient and sustainable infrastructure, BREEAM Infrastructure promotes innovative practices that help develop more efficient civil engineering with less environmental impact.
SDG 11: Sustainable cities and communities The certification encourages the design of infrastructure that fosters more inclusive, accessible and resilient communities in the face of urban and climate challenges, promoting the development of sustainable cities.
SDG 12: Responsible Production and Consumption BREEAM drives the circular economy, recycling and the responsible use of resources throughout the life cycle of projects, promoting construction practices that minimize waste.
SDG 14 and 15: Underwater Life and Terrestrial Ecosystems Through biodiversity protection and habitat restoration, BREEAM Infrastructure contributes to the conservation of both marine and terrestrial ecosystems.
Moderate contribution:
SDG 1: End Poverty Although BREEAM does not focus directly on poverty eradication, the creation of sustainable infrastructure that improves access to basic services has a positive impact on vulnerable communities.
SDG 4: Quality education BREEAM can indirectly contribute to the improvement of sustainable educational infrastructure, although its contribution is not significant in this area.
SDG 8: Decent work and economic growth Focusing on sustainability within construction and infrastructure generates employment in green sectors and promotes more responsible economic growth.
SDG 10: Reducing inequalities Inclusive infrastructure design can reduce inequalities in access to services, although this is not a central priority of the system.
SDG 17: Partnerships to achieve the goals BREEAM encourages collaboration between public and private actors, essential to drive large-scale sustainable projects.
Indirect or insignificant contribution:
SDG 2: Zero Hunger, SDG 5: Gender Equality, SDG 13: Climate Action, SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.
These goals receive a more indirect or limited contribution from BREEAM Infrastructure, although their influence on safer and more resilient communities can be positive in the long term.
BREEAM Infrastructure categories: Assessment structure
To achieve these impacts, BREEAM Infrastructure relies on a number of key categories to ensure that assessed projects meet the highest sustainability standards.
These categories include:
- Management: assesses how sustainability principles are integrated into the overall management of the project, from planning to implementation.
It includes aspects such as leadership, environmental management and social governance of the supply chain. - Resilience: addresses the identification and mitigation of risks, including natural hazards and climate change.
It also promotes the design of infrastructure that is adaptable to future needs. - Communities and stakeholders: encourages early engagement with local communities and other stakeholders, maximizing the social and economic benefits that a project can offer.
- Land use and ecology: promotes land reuse and biodiversity protection.
Focuses on improving the ecological and social value of projects. - Landscape and historic environment: protects the aesthetic and cultural value of the environment, promoting respect for heritage and landscape elements in infrastructures.
- Pollution: focuses on the prevention of water, air and noise pollution, mitigating the negative impacts of infrastructure projects.
- Resources: promotes the efficient use of resources, including energy and water, and encourages the use of sustainable materials throughout the life cycle of the project.
- Transportation: incorporates strategies to reduce the impact of transportation associated with the construction and operation of the project, favoring more sustainable transportation systems.
Leading the way to sustainable infrastructure
BREEAM Infrastructure Version 6 remains a benchmark in sustainability assessment for infrastructure projects, not only for its ability to reduce environmental impacts, but also for its contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals.
Through its assessment criteria and its focus on resilience and resource efficiency, this certification system is helping to transform the way we conceive, design and operate the infrastructure of the future.
