BREEAM UK Non-Domestic
Commercial Project
Heathrow Burberry Terminal 5 Redevelopment Fit Out
Scope of BREEAM UK NON-Domestic Commercial Project
Sustain Quality were instructed to carry out BREEAM assessments to identify evidence contributing to the certification of BREEAM credits for the redevelopment fit out of Burberry, Heathrow, Terminal 5, London, TW6 2GA. With the aim of BREEAM to assess, encourage and reward environmental, social and economic sustainability throughout the built environment.
The proposed development at Burberry was at RIBA STAGE 2, assessing under part 3 and 4 of the retail shopping unit with a total area of 200m² within a shopping canter in the Heathrow Airport, Terminal 5.
The credits were targeted by the design team who were to provide evidence in the form of specifications, drawings, reports and commitment letters to secure the design stage rating.
Our role was to assist the Client in understanding its commitment to fully comply with the BREEAM credit criteria in order to achieve an ‘Excellent’ rating, as well as guiding the Contractor in satisfying the evidential requirement need of a construction rating in also achieving the targeted credits and deliverables with relevant issue criteria confirmed at the interim design stage of the assessment and RIBA Stage 5, Post Construction phase, confirming the attainment and robust evidence of achievement.
Tools for Task Implementation
The design team’s proposed fit out had high aspirations and aimed to achieve the sustainable development policy by adopting BREEAM principles at the early stages of the project with Client commitment letters confirmed and Contractor requirements defined for responsibility. A detailed description of criteria and target provisions were set to be implemented upon commencement of the Post Construction stage assessment with deliverables met and relevant evidence provided and documented to achieve the approved rating and certification.
Furthermore, we instructed a Sustainability Champion and AP Assessor for the design and assessment stages for support and adhering to BREEAM principles.
Design Team BREEAM Minimum Standards
These looked at the minimum standards, targeting responsible construction practices, commissioning and handover, reduction of energy use and carbon emissions, energy monitoring, responsible sourcing of materials and construction waste management.
Using BREEAM UK 2014 Non-DOM RFO v2.0, with minimum BREEAM rating scores of 70% at ‘Excellent’, a target rating of ‘Excellent’ at 74.48% and with a potential rating of ‘Excellent’ at 78.55%.
We took into evidential account the category and rated BREEAM scores within: management, health and wellbeing, energy, transport, materials, waste, pollution and exemplary/Innovation.
Post Construction Evidence
Utilising Considerate Construction (as a BREEAM ‘compliant’ organisational, local or national considerate construction scheme) to reduce impacts on the community, driving for continuous improvement in site safety, the monitoring of construction site impacts with management systems, commissioning and handover with user guide literature, aftercare support, visual comfort, thermal comfort and zoning, energy performance, energy monitoring and submetering, life cycle impacts, responsible sourcing of materials, designing for durability and resilience, material efficiency, operational waste and surface water runoff.
All aspects were signed off within the Confirmation Statement, agreeing the achievement of credits targeted. Used in conjunction with BREEAM Trackers, site reports with all members of the design team and BREEAM portal.
Challenges for Task Implementation
Throughout the delivery of the Burberry T5, Heathrow fit out, several challenges emerged, primarily linked to the rigorous demands of achieving BREEAM ‘Excellent’ certification within a live airport environment. The project team faced complexities in coordinating sustainable construction practices while maintaining strict compliance with airport safety and operational protocols. Additionally, sourcing responsibly certified materials and managing construction waste proved difficult, given the limited access and logistical constraints unique to the site. Ensuring comprehensive documentation and evidence for every BREEAM credit, particularly under time pressure, required meticulous planning and collaboration across all stakeholders. The integration of energy monitoring systems and commissioning processes had to be adapted to suit the building’s operational context, and continuous engagement with the Considerate Construction scheme demanded high standards for minimising community impact and site disturbance. Despite these obstacles, the team remained committed to the sustainability objectives, employing innovative solutions and robust management systems to overcome every hurdle.
Solutions
In response to the challenges encountered during the Burberry T5, Heathrow fit out, the project team implemented a range of innovative and practical solutions. To overcome the complexities of working within a live airport environment, meticulous coordination and scheduling were employed, ensuring that construction activities were aligned with airport operations and safety requirements.
Responsible sourcing of materials was achieved by engaging with suppliers who could provide certified products within tight logistical constraints, and waste management was improved through careful planning and the use of on-site recycling facilities.
Comprehensive documentation and evidence gathering for BREEAM credits were streamlined by adopting digital tracking tools and regular collaborative reviews with all stakeholders. The integration of energy monitoring systems and commissioning processes was tailored to the building’s operational needs, allowing for effective performance tracking without disrupting airport activities.
Furthermore, the team maintained continuous engagement with the Considerate Construction scheme, implementing robust site management practices to minimise community impact and disturbance. These strategies, supported by strong leadership and clear communication across the design and construction teams, enabled the successful achievement of BREEAM ‘Excellent’ certification despite the demanding project environment.
Key Achievements
All criteria content was documented and identified at RIBA Stage 2 and achieved to satisfy the Post Construction evidence for BREEAM, ‘Excellent’ rating.
Benefits for Clients
A beneficial process for the client in identifying, measuring and reducing their fit out and refurbishment project impact in concept, construction and its life cycle — creating a timely, optimal and sustainable build that’s better for the environment, community and its people.
Location
Burberry T5, Heathrow, London