The problem of assessing the sustainability of adapted historic buildings with BREEAM certification using examples in Poland and Great Britain

ABSTRACT

The aim of the article is to show the problematic issues of the BREEAM certification system, when assessing historic buildings from Poland and Great Britain. The research hypothesis is to analyse the disparities in the results of BREEAM for historic buildings, and to examine whether the criteria are adequate for a reliable assessment of the degree of sustainability in their adaptation. The first part of the article outlines the idea of sustainability and presents methods for assessing the degree of sustainability of buildings, and the main assumptions for BREEAM adaptation projects. Research methodology includes quantitative and qualitative research. The study involved statistical analysis. The scheme for adaptation projects was discussed. The second part of the study included a case study of four certified historic buildings from Poland and Great Britain. The results showed excessive generalisation and the favouring of individual categories of the BREEAM scheme. The authors pointed to disproportions and inconsistencies in the assessment of the degree of sustainability of objects, with regards to sustainability sectors. The possible exemplary solutions were presented, which include the modification of the BREEAM document, to assess in a more proper way the level of sustainable use of the architectural cultural heritage.

KEYWORDS:

• Design reuse
• Engineering design for sustainable development
• Environmental auditing
• Recovery

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes

1. Life Cycle Assessment.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Elzbieta M. Grodzka

Elzbieta M. Grodzka is an Assistant Professor at Wroclaw University of Science and Technology. The main field of research is a reconstruction and conservation of historic buildings after World War II and adaptation of historic buildings for modern use. She also participates in architectural studies of valuable historical buildings.

Chiara Solbiati

Chiara Solbiati is a bachelor’s student at Wroclaw University of Science and Technology at the faculty of Architecture and her research interest lies in sustainable development in architecture, with a particular focus on adapting buildings to meet social, economic, and ecological standards.