CEEQUAL v6 - International Projects Technical Manual-0.1
CEEQUAL v6 - International Projects Technical Manual-0.1
CEEQUAL v6 - International Projects Technical Manual-0.1
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Acknowledgements
This technical manual has been made possible through the continued efforts of many dedicated BRE Group staff
members, CEEQUAL's Infrastructure Working Group, the BRE Global Limited Governing Body, Assessors, Verifiers,
BREEAM Infrastructure Pilot users, and those who have responded to our requests for feedback in other ways.
BRE Global Limited also extends its gratitude to clients who support CEEQUAL by continuing to specify and apply the
method and contribute towards our shared mission to building a better world together.
Cover images
Left column, top to bottom:
Contents
CEEQUAL Version 6 1
Acknowledgements 4
Contents 5
Introduction 9
About CEEQUAL 9
Objectives of CEEQUAL 9
Scope 12
Project types 12
Assessment stages 12
Assessment types 13
Subprojects 14
System boundaries 15
Rating levels 16
Minimum standards 16
Category weightings 17
Prerequisites 18
Innovation credits 18
Evidence requirements 18
1 Management 20
2 Resilience 38
6 Pollution 111
7 Resources 122
8 Transport 173
Innovation 184
Innovation 185
Glossary 187
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This document is intended for use by trained and qualified CEEQUAL Assessors and Verifiers in accordance with the
procedural and operational requirements of CEEQUAL.
This technical manual replaces CEEQUAL for Projects Version 5.2 (issued on 23 December 2015).
Schedule of changes
Issue 0.1
Section Description of change
All New online format and revised PDF format
Corrected typographical errors
Corrected or removed broken links
About this document Deleted section: 'Status of CEEQUAL Version 6'
Introduction
About CEEQUAL
CEEQUAL is the sustainability assessment and rating methodology initiated by the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE)
for the assessment of all types of civil engineering, infrastructure, landscaping and public realm projects and
contracts. CEEQUAL was launched publicly in 2003 with Version 2 of the methodology and has been progressively
updated and upgraded to broaden and deepen the assessments.
As of 1 November 2015, CEEQUAL Ltd. was acquired by BRE Global Limited and CEEQUAL is now part of the
BREEAM family of schemes.
Objectives of CEEQUAL
The objectives of CEEQUAL are to:
l Create a climate of sustainability awareness - and of continuous improvement - in the profession and
industry.
l Promote the importance of setting and delivering a sustainability-driven strategy for the project or contract
being assessed.
l Promote improved sustainability performance in project or contract specification, design and construction.
l Recognise and promote the attainment of high economic, environmental and social performance in all forms
of civil engineering - infrastructure, landscaping and the public realm works.
l CEEQUAL for Projects for civil engineering, infrastructure, landscaping and public realm works.
l CEEQUAL for Term Contracts for maintenance of infrastructure networks and assets.
l UK & Ireland
l International
l Scope: describes the types of infrastructure project that this version of the CEEQUAL scheme can be applied
to. The scope section can be used by clients and Assessors to check whether this is the correct scheme to use
for their project.
l Scoring and rating: describes how the CEEQUAL rating is calculated and includes information on the rating
level benchmarks, minimum standards, and category weightings.
l Categories and assessment issues: presents the assessment issues in CEEQUAL organised by category. Each
issue defines a level of performance (the assessment criteria) against which the assessed project
demonstrates compliance (using appropriate project information, i.e. evidence) in order to achieve CEEQUAL
credits.
l Aim: outlines the objective of the issue and the impact it measures or mitigates.
l Assessment scope: indicates how to apply the issue for different types of assessment and project-specific
circumstances.
l Credit summary: indicates the number of credits available for each assessment criteria at each assessment
stage (strategy, design, construction).
l Assessment criteria: the requirements of the issue and the means by which the issue aim is achieved. Where
the project complies with all or some of the relevant criteria, as determined by the Assessor, the associated
number of credits can be awarded.
l Guidance: provides supporting information on the interpretation and application of the assessment criteria.
The guidance is informative only and the exact approach taken will depend on the nature, complexity and
context of the project.
l Evidence: suggests types of project information that could be provided to demonstrate performance against
the assessment criteria and justify the credits awarded. This guidance is informative only, given the range of
assets to which CEEQUAL can be applied, the exact evidence types could be different to those stated.
Scope
Project types
CEEQUAL for Projects can be used on any infrastructure project that involves the construction of new assets or
refurbishment of existing assets. It does not include assessment at the operation or maintenance stage. CEEQUAL for
Term Contracts should be used to assess the maintenance of assets or the construction of small repetitive works.
CEEQUAL for Projects can be used on any type of civil engineering, infrastructure, landscaping or public realm
project. This includes the construction or refurbishment of assets such as roads, railways, ports, wind farms, flood
alleviation schemes, wastewater treatment works, and utilities, plus specialist projects such as demolition or
remediation works.
Where an infrastructure project includes occupied buildings, these buildings should be assessed using an
appropriate BREEAM scheme unless the building is deemed to be an ancillary part of an infrastructure project (e.g. a
waiting room on a station platform). Structures that cover industrial or process plants are not deemed to be
buildings. If in doubt, please contact the CEEQUAL team at [email protected].
This International edition is designed for use on projects anywhere outside the UK and Ireland.
Assessment stages
CEEQUAL Version 6 can be used to assess and rate the sustainability performance of infrastructure projects at the
following stages:
l Strategy
l Design, or Interim Design
l Construction
The requirements that are assessed at each stage, and the credits available, are detailed in the 'Scoring' tables at the
beginning of each assessment issue. The requirements at each stage are broadly intended to align with the project
stages shown in Figure 1 below.
The exact timing of the assessment, verification, and certification of each stage is not fixed and can be chosen based
on the project's requirements and procurement route. Where there are actions given in the scheme that must be
completed within a specific timeframe then these are stated as part of the assessment criteria.
Figure 1 Assessment stages in CEEQUAL Version 6 against typical project stages (from the UK BIM Task Group Digital
Plan of Work)
Assessment types
There are five different assessment types that can be conducted using CEEQUAL Version 6. The assessment stages
included within the scope of each of the five assessment types is shown in Table 2 below.
Strategy & Design
Design only
Design & Construction
Construction only
Whole Project
The Whole Project assessment is applied for jointly by of on behalf of the Client, Designer and Principal Contractor
(s), with the final verification and certification completed a the end of construction. This assessment type should be
used whenever a client specifies that a CEEQUAL assessment be undertaken so that their role in the project can be
assessed alongside those of the Designer and Contractor. Whole Project assessments can also optionally include
assessments of the strategy stage, design stage, or interim design stage.
Strategy & Design
The Strategy & Design assessment is for a joint application by the Client and Designer and is available before
construction has started. This could be in a situation where approval for the construction stage has not yet been
secured or where the contractor does not wish to participate in a Whole Project assessment.
Design only
The Design only assessment is intended for lead Designer(s) and enables the Designer to secure experience of
CEEQUAL without the involvement of the other parties to the project or where the Designer wishes to gain
recognition for their contribution to a project when the Client and Contractor do not wish to participate.
Design & Construction
The Design & construction assessment is for a joint application by the lead Contractor(s) and the project Designer(s)
and can be used where the Designer and Contractor wish to gain recognition for their contribution to a project
when the Client does not wish to participate.
Construction only
The Construction only assessment is intended for lead Contractor(s) and enables a Contractor to secure experience
of CEEQUAL without the involvement of the other parties to the contract or where the Contractor wishes to gain
recognition for their contribution to a project when the Client and Designer do not wish to participate.
All the other verification points are optional. These optional verification points are designed to allow projects to
measure performance over the course of the project or at key milestones, including planning, tendering, or the end
of detailed design. As an example, a Whole Project assessment can be optionally verified at the end of design, with
both the strategy and design stages included in the verification, and then complete the mandatory verification at the
end of construction (which would cover the construction stage only).
Table 3 below shows the different mandatory and optional verification points for each type of assessment in
CEEQUAL Version 6.
Interim Design stage certification is only available as part of a Whole Project assessment. The Interim Design
assessment is flexible and can be completed at any point during the design stage. It is intended to be undertaken at
the point a client lets a tender for a design and construct contract. With the Interim Design certification, it is possible
to defer design credits to the final design stage to cover design activities that will be part of the tendered contract.
Subprojects
For many infrastructure projects the criteria in the scheme can be applied to a whole project to give a single overall
score and rating. However, for other infrastructure projects, such as some nationally significant infrastructure
projects, it may be more appropriate to split the project into a series of subprojects and assess these individually.
When a project uses the latter approach, the strategy criteria should still be assessed for the whole project. The score
achieved at the strategy stage is transferred to each subproject and the design and construction criteria assessed at a
subproject level. The strategy stage score for the whole project is then added to the scores at the design and
construction stages for the subproject resulting in an overall score for the subproject assessment. Whole projects
may be split where the sustainability outcomes for different subprojects may be different. For example, where:
1. Different project teams or contractors are developing sections of the project and therefore are approaching
design or construction in a different way across the project.
2. The project is assessed across numerous sites (e.g. linear projects) where the impacts of the project will have
varying impact on the sustainability issues covered within this scheme.
Where a client wishes to split their project for a reason not listed above (for example in the case of separately
tendered enabling works), BRE Global Limited should be contacted.
Once a project is completed all subproject scores are amalgamated based on contract values to give a rating for the
overall project.
System boundaries
Infrastructure assets exist as part of a complex system-of-systems and this means that the boundary of a CEEQUAL
assessment - what is included or excluded - is not always immediately obvious. It is necessary to establish this system
boundary for CEEQUAL assessments to provide a fair, accurate, and comparable assessment of the design and
construction of new infrastructure assets.
Due to the variety of activities and impacts that are addressed within the scheme, CEEQUAL does not define a single,
overall boundary for a project (or subproject). Instead, the necessary boundaries vary by assessment issue. These are
defined within the technical requirements of the scheme by one or more of the following:
The adopted boundaries are designed to support the individual issue aims and the overall aims and objectives of this
CEEQUAL scheme. In some cases, there is greater flexibility in the definitions so that assessments remain feasible or
so that unforeseen scenarios are not inappropriately excluded.
Where judgement is required to establish a boundary, either from a CEEQUAL Assessor or a suitably qualified
professional, then the following questions should be considered:
l Does including this within the assessment support the issue aim?
l Will including this provide a more accurate reflection of how the assessment demonstrates achievement of
this issue?
l Is the inclusion of this feasible, justifiable, and proportional?
In some cases, it is appropriate to simplify boundaries to ensure that an assessment remains proportional to the
scale of a project and its associated impacts. The boundaries as currently defined within CEEQUAL are often scalable
in this way, including where the decision has been deferred to the judgement of a suitably qualified professional. In
some instances, the method of establishing the boundary can be particularly complex or challenging (e.g. require
specialist expertise) and alternative requirements are given for projects where this level of complexity is not
appropriate.
Rating levels
The rating levels for projects assessed using CEEQUAL Version 6 are given in Table 4 below. This is the first version of
CEEQUAL to include an Outstanding rating.
Minimum standards
CEEQUAL Version 6 introduces minimum standards of performance to ensure fundamental issues are not
overlooked in the achievement of specific ratings. Where applicable, minimum standards must be met for a given
rating to be awarded. The minimum standards in CEEQUAL Version 6 are currently limited to the Outstanding rating
only and are given in Table 5 below.
This is the first version of CEEQUAL to include minimum standards and more will be considered in later versions.
Category weightings
Weightings are a fundamental part of any sustainability assessment method. They provide a means of defining and
ranking the relative impact of different sustainability categories by taking account of the scale of impact and
influence that projects under assessment typically have on various sustainability issues. CEEQUAL uses an explicit
weighting system to determine the overall CEEQUAL score. The credits given in each of the assessment issues within
this document include the weightings shown in Table 6 below.
The weightings have been derived from an assessment of both CEEQUAL Version 5 and BREEAM Infrastructure (Pilot)
weightings with adjustments based on how the scope of each section has changed in CEEQUAL Version 6.
Where necessary, these weightings may be adjusted to suit specific national or regional contexts through completion
of a formal weightings exercise. For more details please contact BRE Global Limited.
There are 5000 credits in total within the scheme. The number of credits available in each assessment issue varies
and this generally reflects the importance of mitigating the impact of the assessment issue relative to the other
issues in the category. For some criteria, the number of credits available is based on a sliding scale (or benchmark)
with progressively higher standards of performance rewarded with a higher number of credits.
In addition to category scores, the overall score, and the final CEEQUAL rating, verified against individual assessment
issues also provides users with a credible set of key performance indicators for a range of impacts across the project
life cycle.
Prerequisites
Prerequisites are included at the start of some CEEQUAL assessment issues and must be achieved in order to award
any credits within that assessment issue.
Prerequisites differ from minimum standards in that they do not directly influence the overall CEEQUAL rating, but
they do influence the achievement of credits within an assessment issue.
Innovation credits
CEEQUAL seeks to support innovation within the construction industry and its supply chain. One way it does this is
through the availability of additional credits to recognise sustainability related benefits or performance levels not
currently recognised by standard CEEQUAL assessment issues and criteria. This rewards developments that go
beyond best practice in a particular aspect of sustainability.
Awarding credits for innovation enables clients and project teams to add to their overall CEEQUAL score and helps to
support the market for new innovative technologies, design, or construction practices.
Innovation credits can be achieved by the CEEQUAL Assessor applying to BRE Global Limited to have a technology,
feature, design, product, construction method, or process recognised as 'innovative'. If the application is successful,
and compliance is subsequently demonstrated, then an innovation credit may be awarded.
Each innovation credit achieved adds 1% to an asset's overall score. The maximum number of innovation credits that
can be awarded for any one asset is 10. Therefore, the maximum additional score available from innovation credits is
10%.
Innovation credits can be awarded regardless of the final CEEQUAL rating (i.e. they can be awarded at any CEEQUAL
rating level) however the overall rating will be capped at 100%.
Evidence requirements
For credits to be awarded in CEEQUAL, evidence must be provided to demonstrate that all relevant criteria in the
scheme have been met. Example evidence sources are listed in each assessment issue for guidance. Appropriate
evidence for a project may be agreed between the CEEQUAL Assessor and Verifier.
1 Management
Summary
The Management category considers how sustainability issues are incorporated into the overall management of the
project. It covers the principles of sustainable development and the management of environmental and social
performance throughout the planning, design and construction of a project.
Aim
To ensure the adoption of sustainable development principles and the consideration of environmental and social
issues throughout project planning, design, and construction.
Assessment scope
Only criteria listed in the table below can be scoped out of assessments. All other criteria are fixed.
Credit summary
Assessment criteria Strategy Design Construction
1.1.1 Principles of sustainable development (fixed) 19 12 4
1.1.2 Construction management strategy (fixed) 5 6
(up to)
1.1.3 Selection process for designers and contractors 24 12
1.1.4 Environmental and social performance in contracts 20
(fixed)
1.1.5 Sustainability targets for construction (fixed) 12 (up to)
1.1.6 Environmental targets for key sub-contractors 12 (up to)
1.1.7 Sustainability targets for operation 16
1.1.8 Workforce consultation on sustainability performance 16
1.1.9 Communicating best practice 5 5 5
Assessment criteria
1.1.1 Principles of sustainable development (fixed) Str Des Con
1.1.1.1 The project team has actively considered the principles of sustainable 19 12 4
development in the planning, design and construction of the project.
1.1.3 Selection process for designers and contractors Str Des Con
1.1.3.1 The selection process for (i) the principal Designer, (ii) the principal 24 (up to) 12
Contractor, and (iii) the key sub-constractor(s) included past environmental and
social performance as one of the evaluation criteria.
(fixed)
1.1.4 Environmental and social performance in contracts Str Des Con
1.1.4.1 The contract requirements for the Designers and Contractors expressly 20
included:
Guidance
Principles of sustainable development (fixed) (1.1.1)
The incorporation of sustainable development principles within a project requires the consideration of a number of
different issues. These can include effects of the project on the local environment, impacts on society and the
economic impacts of a project on the local community, both during the construction of the project and its
subsequent operation and eventual decommissioning. A number of these issues are covered in more detail by other
requirements within CEEQUAL, so what this criterion is looking for is whether there is an overarching objective
within the project team to consider the broader concepts of sustainable development within the project decision-
making.
Further guidance on the principles of sustainable development can be found in the Royal Academy of Engineering's
guide Engineering for Sustainable Development: Guiding principles (2005), which is available online at
https://www.raeng.org.uk/publications/reports/engineering-for-sustainable-development.
Development of the strategy should start during the development of the project and be incorporated into the
outline Construction Sustainability (or Environmental) Management Plan that should be handed over by the Client
and Designer to the chosen Contractor for further development.
A number of these issues are covered in more detail by other criteria in other sections within CEEQUAL. This criterion
requires an overarching approach within the project team to consider and adopt appropriately the broader concepts
of sustainability and sustainable development in planning the execution of the construction stage.
Further guidance on the principles of sustainable development can be found in the Royal Academy of Engineering’s
guide Engineering for Sustainable Development: Guiding principles (2005), which is available online at
https://www.raeng.org.uk/publications/reports/engineering-for-sustainable-development.
Social performance could relate to a wide variety of issues, but some generic examples could include:
Note that this question only requires evidence that the Client is specifying environmental and social performance
issues in contract requirements. Opportunities for the Designer and Contractor to score for their own setting of
targets is covered in 1.1.5 and 1.1.6. Actual monitoring and reporting mechanisms are also covered in 1.1.5 and
1.1.6. Achievement is covered in other sections of this manual.
Best practice suggests that environmental and social performance is highest if the Client is involved in setting the
requirements for the contract. However, if the Client does not specify this then there are still opportunities for the
Designer to influence what happens during the construction stage.
It should be noted that the Client requirement is covered in 1.1.4. If this has been scored, then this requirement is
about evidencing that the contract requirements have been translated into practice on the project and
communicated. If 1.1.4 has not been scored, then evidence for this requirement also needs to demonstrate that
appropriate targets are being set in relation to the significant aspects identified in 1.1.4.
Operational targets are likely to relate to quantifiable measures, such as waste production, energy consumption,
carbon dioxide production, natural resource consumption or pollution prevention. For example, an operational
target might state that 50% of waste produced in tonnes during the first year of operation is to be recovered
through either re-use, recycling or composting. Targets may also cover maintenance issues such as paints to be used
or how to deal with waste arising from maintenance. Note that compliance with legislation cannot be regarded as an
appropriate operational target.
Common minimal levels include targets for waste management and energy/CO2 reduction in design or in use.
Targets need to be 'measurable' so that they can be monitored and measured against. Evidence needs to
demonstrate that these have been 'signed up to' by those responsible for the project during operation. This could be
completed during a formal meeting or similar, which could be evidenced by meeting minutes.
l report and demonstrate a practice that has gone beyond current engineering practice; and
l is widely distributed and can be picked up by other parties and applied.
For innovation, the project team needs to demonstrate that a practice is being done for the first time rather than
'best practice' that is a further application of actions that have been carried out once.
For the credits to be scored, it is not necessary to demonstrate that the method reported is being used by other
parties, but that effective dissemination has been achieved.
Evidence
Assessment criteria Evidence guidance
1.1.1 Principles of sustainable Evidence could be a sustainable development policy that cascades into a project
development (fixed) sustainability framework for the project. Further evidence that this has received
active consideration could include design team meeting records, or a
sustainability assessment or appraisal report.
1.1.2 Construction management Evidence is likely to be the whole construction plan or specific parts of it, in
strategy (fixed) meeting records, or a sustainability assessment or appraisal report on the
construction stage.
1.1.3 Selection process for Evidence could include supplier appraisals, quality submissions information on
designers and contractors environmental and social issues during tender stage.
1.1.4 Environmental and social Evidence could include output from any contract strategy meetings or reports
performance in contracts (fixed) that show consideration of environmental and social issues as a factor in the
choice of procurement method. Evidence could also include key environmental
and social performance targets within contract and monitoring/reporting
requirements. Simply specifying that a project has applied for a CEEQUAL
assessment, or that a specific rating is achieved, is not considered appropriate
evidence.
1.1.5 Sustainability targets for Evidence could include the setting of targets for achieving or exceeding target
construction (fixed) levels (such as water quality targets) or specifying targets for completion of
work elements to avoid ‘closed’ seasons (such as nesting birds). Evidence must
also be provided to demonstrate that the targets were regularly monitored for
the credits to be awarded.
1.1.6 Environmental targets for Evidence for monitoring of targets could include inspection of sub-contractors
key sub-contractors and continued good performance, toolbox talks, or actual measures such as
waste produced or number of environmental incidents.
1.1.7 Sustainability targets for Evidence needs to demonstrate that such targets have been positively adopted
operation by the design team, for example through project team meeting minutes or
equivalent. Although an Environmental Statement (ES) may include targets or
equivalent statements on a wide range of issues such as operational noise or air
pollution control, the presence of the ES is not considered sufficient evidence
here. Evidence could include targets that set numerical figures to manage and
reduce carbon and energy emissions during the lifetime of the project, commit
to an effective lifecycle waste management, and manage and reduce water use.
Other targets could be set for increasing biodiversity or commitments to
improve social transport links.
1.1.8 Workforce consultation on Evidence could include records of meetings, forums, or toolbox talks, plus site
sustainability performance posters, environmental close calls, good practice reporting, or case studies.
1.1.9 Communicating best Evidence could include briefing sheet(s) published either internally or in
practice industry publications, or presentations to other companies or professional
bodies, or involvement with universities and students in related disciplines. All
parties can get full credits if the project team has created a single joint case
study that meets the criteria.
Aim
To ensure social and environmental risks or opportunities are identified and appropriately managed throughout
planning, design, and construction.
Assessment scope
Only criteria listed in the table below can be scoped out of assessments. All other criteria are fixed.
Credit summary
Assessment criteria Strategy Design Construction
1.2.1 Environmental impacts and benefits assessment (fixed) 8
1.2.2 Implementing environmental enhancements 24 (up to )
1.2.3 Supporting environmental benefits in contracts 8
1.2.4 Environmental impacts during construction (fixed) 25 (up to)
1.2.5 Environmental and social aspects assessment (fixed) 8 4 4
1.2.6 Co-ordination of environment and social aspects (fixed) 8 8 8
(up to) (up to)
1.2.7 Identification and prioritisation of impacts (fixed) 13 13 13 (up to)
1.2.8 Sustainability management mechanisms (fixed) 4 8 8
1.2.9 Implementation of mechanisms (fixed) 4 8 8
1.2.10 Success of the mechanisms (fixed) 4 8 8
1.2.11 Sustainability training (fixed) 10 10 10
1.2.12 Project team communications (fixed) 4 8 8
Assessment criteria
1.2.1 Environmental impacts and benefits assessment (fixed) Str Des Con
1.2.1.1 The Client or the Designers have undertaken an environmental impacts 8
and benefits assessment of the project on a wider scope than just the project
owners’ interests and appropriate to the nature, scale, design life and location
of the project, including assessments of possible enhancements to the local
environment.
1.2.5 Environmental and social aspects assessment (fixed) Str Des Con
1.2.5.1 There was a documented commitment to consider and assess the 8 4 4
environmental and social aspects of the project.
(fixed)
1.2.6 Co-ordination of environment and social aspects Str Des Con
1.2.6.1 There is clear evidence that a member of the project team was 8 8 8
appointed as responsible for co-ordinating the management of the
environmental and social aspects of the project and was aware of the duties
and responsibilities involved.
(fixed)
1.2.7 Identification and prioritisation of impacts Str Des Con
1.2.7.1 The environmental risks, impacts, and opportunities for environmental 13 (up to) 13 (up to) 13 (up to)
enhancements, and the associated social issues, have been (a) identified and
clearly recorded for each stage and (b) prioritised according to significance.
(fixed)
1.2.8 Sustainability management mechanisms Str Des Con
1.2.8.1 Appropriate mechanisms have been put in place to manage the 4 8 8
project’s environmental and social risks, impacts and opportunities.
(fixed)
1.2.9 Implementation of mechanisms Str Des Con
1.2.9.1 Regular checks have been made to ensure that the sustainability 4 8 8
management mechanisms have been implemented.
(fixed)
1.2.10 Success of the mechanisms Str Des Con
1.2.10.1 The results (success or otherwise) of the implementation of the 4 8 8
sustainability management mechanisms have been assessed.
(fixed)
1.2.12 Project team communications Str Des Con
1.2.12.1 At each project stage, all those directly engaged in the project have 4 8 8
been informed of the significant environmental impacts and opportunities, and
associated social issues, of their part or stage of the project.
Guidance
Environmental impacts and benefits assessment (1.2.1)
In many areas of the world, project teams are required by regulations to undertake formal Environmental Impact
Assessments (EIAs) as part of the consents process. However, this is not always a statutory requirement and the
distances beyond the boundaries of the project site within which impacts are assessed can vary widely from one EIA
to another.
It is vital to securing the best sustainability-driven project decisions that EIAs, whether statutorily required or not, are
undertaken within the most appropriate time and geographical boundaries. This is to minimise the chances of
significant adverse impacts that occur remotely from the project being ignored, and to maximise the chances of
environmental enhancements associated with the project being realisable.
For the score to be awarded detailed duties and responsibilities in relation to the project must have been set out on
appointment.
The significance of adverse impacts is usually assessed by a combination of the potential severity and the likelihood
of the impact occurring if no action is taken to avoid it. The result of this assessment then enables prioritisation of
risks and impacts according to significance, which assists in setting the priorities for mitigation measures.
The significance of positive impacts and opportunities is similarly assessed according to the expected environmental
benefit and the likelihood of their occurring or being able to be carried out as part of the project. This will then
guide decisions on which of the opportunities the project team should concentrate.
At construction stage, ‘appropriate mechanisms’ could be in the form of a Site Environmental Management Plan
(SEMP) or an Integrated Site Management Plan that includes coverage and management of environmental and social
issues again with active monitoring of progress against that Plan. Such a plan would cover the management of all
significant environmental and social aspects of the construction process and would be drawn up specifically for the
relevant site and project. It should address issues such as minimising nuisance to neighbours, the management of
sub-contractors’ and suppliers’ environmental performance, and training requirements. It should also include
procedures for monitoring its implementation, emergency response plans, and operational control procedures (for
example, for waste disposal and spill prevention).
It is very important that Designers positively seek information on, and get copies of, agreements, commitments and
undertakings made during the consents process and integrate their contents into the design process. Equally,
Contractors need to secure and act on similar information from the consents and design processes that relate to the
construction stage to ensure that commitments made earlier in the project are adhered to and that inappropriate
actions are avoided.
On longer-duration or larger projects these checks are likely to include formal internal environmental audits.
However, these may not be appropriate on smaller or shorter duration projects.
The important thing to demonstrate for this criterion is that some form of checking has taken place to ensure the
mechanisms referred to in 1.2.8 have been implemented and are effective. On smaller projects, this could, for
instance, simply be records of reviews in weekly meeting minutes.
whole life of the completed works, and water consumption minimisation. These issues can be dealt with in a wide
range of training sessions, including formal courses for project team members, sessions within project team
meetings, or via site inductions and toolbox talks. Resources such as the CIRIA’s Environmental good practice on site
guide (C741, 2015) and its associated pocket book (C762, 2016) provide useful information to support site
environmental management. Records of the should be available.
This would cover the outcome of any EIA or any similar assessment undertaken and can be relayed via contract
documents and invitations to bid, project environmental management plans, method statements, start-up and
progress meetings, or work instructions.
‘All those directly engaged in the project’ includes project management, design team, Contractors and sub-
contractors, and anyone else actively engaged, but not extractive or factory or office sites of suppliers of materials or
services.
Evidence
Assessment criteria Evidence guidance
1.2.1 Environmental impacts and Evidence of the analysis could be in the form of an Environmental Statement
benefits assessment (fixed) (ES) or Environmental Commentary prepared during development of the project
and submitted for the planning and consents processes. It will be necessary to
demonstrate that the scoping and boundary setting for the assessments were
carefully set to maximise the chances of significant adverse impacts that occur
remotely from the project being included.
1.2.2 Implementing Evidence is likely to be in the form of design drawings and design details but
environmental enhancements will also need to be linked to the environmental impacts and benefits
assessment and demonstrate that the design incorporates the enhancements
identified.
1.2.3 Supporting environmental Evidence will be relevant contract clauses.
benefits in contracts
1.2.4 Environmental impacts Evidence will be in the reports of the assessments and in the CMP or equivalent.
during construction (fixed)
1.2.5 Environmental and social Evidence could include a written commitment from the Project’s Directors, a
aspects assessment (fixed) Project Environmental Policy Statement, a Project Sustainability Statement, or
objectives and targets. However, a general Company Environmental Policy
Statement is not sufficient, unless it includes a specific commitment to consider
and assess environmental and social aspects for every project. Additionally,
specifying that a project has applied for a CEEQUAL assessment is not
considered appropriate evidence.
1.2.6 Co-ordination of Evidence could be a formal note of the appointment; records of meetings
environment and social aspects where the role is clearly set out; reports from the identified person to the
(fixed) project team; or an organogram or similar identifying roles and responsibilities
within the project team or project management structure.
1.2.7 Identification and Evidence could be a report on the impact and opportunity assessments,
prioritisation of impacts (fixed) minutes of project team meetings at which the process was undertaken, or the
charts prepared after such discussions. Evidence for the score in the Strategy
and Design columns in a Whole Project Assessment or Strategy & Design
Assessment must demonstrate that this work has been undertaken or specified
by the Client and the outcomes accepted by them.
Aim
To avoid adverse effects on neighbours and local communities during construction.
Assessment scope
Only criteria listed in the table below can be scoped out of assessments. All other criteria are fixed.
Credit summary
Assessment criteria Strategy Design Construction
1.3.1 Considerate behaviour (fixed) 16
1.3.2 Independent assessment of considerate behaviour 5
1.3.3 Visual impact during construction (fixed) 15
Assessment criteria
1.3.1 Considerate behaviour (fixed) Str Des Con
1.3.1.1 The project has a policy or code of practice regarding considerate 16
behaviour by construction companies and the policy has been:
Guidance
Considerate behaviour (1.3.1, 1.3.2)
If the Contractor has their own policy or Code of Practice, then it needs to cover, at a minimum:
There is little value in having a policy if it is not then communicated, implemented and monitored. Communication
should be both within the project team and externally to interested stakeholders.
Example measures include appropriate site screening, allocation of stacking areas, tidy storage of materials, a regular
site inspection, litter-pick and site tidy-up, and inspection and cleaning of site hoardings.
Evidence
Assessment criteria Evidence guidance
1.3.1 Considerate behaviour Evidence could be a Code of Practice or Policy statement, registration with an
(fixed) appropriate third-party scheme, plus assessment results.
1.3.2 Independent assessment
of considerate behaviour
1.3.3 Visual impact during These measures could be laid out as part of a SEMP or equivalent. Other
construction (fixed) evidence is required to identify the measures taken and verify their
implementation, for example, site records, photographic evidence, or audit
reports commenting on the site's appearance.
Aim
To promote ethical employment procedures and processes within organisations across the supply chain.
Assessment scope
Only criteria listed in the table below can be scoped out of assessments. All other criteria are fixed.
Credit summary
Assessment criteria Strategy Design Construction
1.4.1 Organisational plans and policies for ethical labour 4 4 4
practices (fixed)
1.4.2 Application of ethical labour plans and policies to the 8 (up to) 10
project (fixed)
1.4.3 Monitoring ethical labour practices during construction 18
(fixed)
1.4.4 Independent verification or certification of ethical 4 4 4
labour plans and policies (fixed)
Assessment criteria
1.4.1 Organisational plans and policies for ethical labour practices Str Des Con
(fixed)
4 4 4
1.4.1.1 The project team organisations (client, design team, principal
contractor) each have corporate plans and policies regarding ethical labour
practices.
1.4.1.2 The plans and policies:
1.4.1.3 Progress against commitments to improve ethical labour practices is regularly reported and made publicly
available.
1.4.2 Application of ethical labour plans and policies to the Str Des Con
project (fixed) 8 (up to) 10
1.4.2.1 The selection process for (i) the design team, (ii) the principal
contractor, and (iii) sub-contractor(s) included performance against their ethical
labour plans and policies as one of the evaluation criteria.
1.4.2.2 The contract requirements for (i) the lead designer(s), (ii) the principal contractor, and (iii) sub-contractor(s)
expressly include achievement of their ethical labour plans and policies on the project.
1.4.3 Monitoring ethical labour practices during construction (fixed) Str Des Con
1.4.3.1 The principal contractor's plans and policies regarding ethical labour 18
practices have been implemented and performance against them has been
regularly monitored throughout the construction stage.
Guidance
Organisational plans and policies for ethical labour practices (fixed) (1.4.1)
As a minimum, the following items - taken from the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) Base Code should be reflected in
the organisation’s plans, policies, or procedures regarding labour practices:
And the following additional items, not included in the ETI Base Code, should also be included as a minimum:
The ETI Base Code is founded on the conventions of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and is an
internationally recognised code of good labour practice. For more information about the ETI Base Code visit
https://www.ethicaltrade.org/eti-base-code.
The organisation's plans and policies must define how the organisation has interpreted each of the above items and
how they will be monitored and enforced for each country/region it operates in.
The named individual will be someone senior enough within the organisation to be able to act to monitor and
rectify non-compliance. They must be named, and their specific responsibilities defined in the plans and policies.
Application of ethical labour plans and policies to the project (fixed) (1.4.2)
During the selection process for the design team and principal contractor, the clients should require potential project
team organisations to provide an implementation plan showing how their relevant plans and policies (see 1.4.1) will
be specifically met on the project. The organisation(s) implementation plan(s) should then be included in their
appointment contract.
At the construction stage, the principal contractor should require potential sub-contractor organisations to provide
an implementation plan showing how the principal contractor's relevant plans and policies (see 1.4.1) will be
specifically met on the project. The sub-contractor(s) implementation plan(s) should then be included in their
appointment contract.
These credits can only be awarded if the construction stage credits in 1.4.1 have been awarded.
Independent verification or certification of ethical labour plans and policies (fixed) (1.4.4)
Third party verification or certification at an organisational level is considered best practice and provides assurance
that policies are likely to be applied at a project level.
CEEQUAL currently recognises the ethical labour schemes listed in the table below. If an organisation is verified or
certified to an ethical labour scheme not listed below, please contact BRE Global Limited as soon as possible to apply
for recognition.
Evidence
Assessment criteria Evidence guidance
1.4.1 Organisational plans and Evidence is likely to be found in company policies, reports, and action plans.
policies for ethical labour Evidence could also be an ETI principles of implementation report or a self-
practices (fixed) assessment using the Ethical Labour Sourcing Standard (ELS). Evidence must
demonstrate that the organisation's plans and policies cover all the items listed
in the guidance (as a minimum).
1.4.2 Application of ethical Evidence will be in the form of tender specification documents outlining the
labour plans and policies to the requirements tenderers should demonstrate, evaluation documents that show
project (fixed) how consideration has been given to ethical labour issues, and contractual
requirements for appointed organisations.
1.4.3 Monitoring ethical labour Evidence is likely to be in the form of routine data gathering and reporting.
practices during construction
(fixed)
1.4.4 Independent verification or Evidence could include an organisation's statement of verification against the
certification of ethical labour Ethical Labour Sourcing Standard (ELS) or an issued certificate.
plans and policies (fixed)
Additional information
BES 6002 Ethical Labour Sourcing Standard
The Ethical Labour Sourcing Standard, BES 6002, is a mechanism for demonstrating, via an independent third party,
the maturity of an organisation's ethical labour practices and the organisation's commitment to continuous
improvement. For more information about the ELS visit https://www.bregroup.com/services/standards/ethical-labour-
sourcing-standard/.
Aim
To deliver whole life value by ensuring consideration of whole life costing principles throughout planning, design,
and construction.
Assessment scope
Only criteria listed in the table below can be scoped out of assessments. All other criteria are fixed.
Credit summary
Assessment criteria Strategy Design Construction
1.5.1 Whole life costing (fixed) 8 19
Assessment criteria
1.5.1 Whole life costing (fixed) Str Des Con
1.5.1.1 The Client and the design team have completed a whole life cost 8 19
assessment for the project in line with ISO 15686-5:2017 (or country specific
equivalents).
1.5.1.2 The whole life cost assessment has influenced the design of the project.
Guidance
Whole life costing (fixed) (1.5.1)
The principles of life-cycle costing for construction are set out in the International Standard ISO 15686-5 Buildings
and constructed assets. Service life planning. Life-cycle costing. Where available, projects may use national
implementations of ISO 15686-5.
Having carried out a study, additional credits may follow from appropriate design to allow for efficient or reduced
levels of maintenance, and for ease of deconstruction and recycling at the end of life. These aspects are assessed in
Resources.
Evidence
Assessment criteria Evidence guidance
1.5.1 Whole life costing (fixed) Evidence will need to be in the form of a report from the process, plus evidence
of how this has influenced the design of the project.
2 Resilience
Summary
The Resilience category encourages proactive hazard identification, risk evaluation and risk management for the
asset and the infrastructure system within which it sits. Issues include assessing and mitigating risks from natural
hazards, intentional threats, and climate change plus designing for future needs. The section considers the risks to
the asset and its dependencies and consequently the required asset resilience. Specific environmental risks resulting
from the asset's construction and operation are covered separately in Pollution.
Aim
To assess and mitigate the risks and negative impacts associated with natural hazards, intentional threats and
climate change over the design life of the asset.
Assessment scope
Only criteria listed in the table below can be scoped out of assessments. All other criteria are fixed.
Credit summary
Assessment criteria Strategy Design Construction
2.1.1 Identifying resilience requirements (fixed) 17
2.1.2 Identifying dependencies (fixed) 21 21
2.1.3 Communicating dependencies (fixed) 21 21
(up to)
2.1.4 Identifying and assessing risks (fixed) 42 21 (up to) 14 (up to)
2.1.5 Communicating risks (fixed) 9 9 9
2.1.6 Resilience plan (fixed) 32 32
Assessment criteria
(fixed)
2.1.1 Identifying resilience requirements Str Des Con
2.1.1.1 Before the end of the strategy stage, the relevant resilience 17
requirements for the project have been identified based on a current risk
assessment for the project (see 2.1.4) and consultation with relevant experts.
(fixed)
2.1.2 Identifying dependencies Str Des Con
2.1.2.1 At strategy and design stages, relevant stakeholders have identified (or 21 21
reviewed):
(fixed)
2.1.3 Communicating dependencies Str Des Con
2.1.3.1 At each applicable project stage, the identified dependencies and the 21 21
criticality of the asset have been appropriately communicated to relevant
project team members.
(fixed)
2.1.4 Identifying and assessing risks Str Des Con
2.1.4.1 At each project stage, using current project information, risks and 42 (up to) 21 (up to) 14 (up to)
impacts have been identified and assessed (or reviewed and updated) for one
or more resilience topics in accordance with the guidance.
(fixed)
2.1.5 Communicating risks Str Des Con
2.1.5.1 At each project stage, the risks and impacts identified in the current 9 9 9
risk assessment have been appropriately communicated to relevant project
team members.
2.1.6.3 Any deviation from the risk assessment or resilience plan has been supported by written justification.
2.1.6.4 Where necessary, any realised risk event has been reported with appropriate and proportional weight or
focus to relevant national, local, or project specific authorities.
Guidance
Identifying resilience requirements (fixed) (2.1.1)
Resilience requirements for the project could include:
This cannot be scored if no score has been achieved at the strategy stage for 2.1.4.
l Consider direct 'one tier up or down' dependencies (i.e. parts of the system that, if impacted, would have a
direct effect on the asset such as the energy supply or communication system).
l Be current and up-to-date.
The criticality of the asset and its components (for example, national, regional, or local) should be identified by the
project team, including the owner or operator. The criticality of assets will vary by national infrastructure sector and
not every asset within a given sector will be judged to be 'critical'. Critical National Infrastructure is defined in the
Definitions section.
1. Formulate a series of disruptive events to determine risks associated with the asset during its whole life (i.e.
construction, operation, and end of life).
2. Assess and grade the likelihood and severity of risks.
3. Establish the maximum tolerable levels of risk for the project.
4. Identify how risks can be reduced through planning, design, construction, and operation to an agreed
tolerable level or as low as reasonably practicable (ALARP).
5. Identify how any residual risks can be managed.
Further guidance for managing risk is available in ISO 31000:2018 Risk management – Guidelines.
Additional guidance on data sources for specific risk assessments is provided in the table below.
l Design team during concept design (for example, through a project brief or equivalent)
l Construction team before the start of construction (for example, through the project documents)
l Owner/operator before the end of handover (for example, in formal operation and maintenance
documentation)
l How the design and construction teams address the identified risks
l The role of people and procedures in addressing the identified risks
l The performance requirements of proposed resilience measures
l Management measures required to mitigate the impact of potential hazards
Evidence
Assessment criteria Evidence guidance
2.1.1 Identifying resilience Project brief, specification.
requirements (fixed)
2.1.2 Identifying dependencies Meeting records, risk assessment information.
(fixed)
2.1.3 Communicating Project brief, specification. Design documentation. Operation and maintenance
dependencies (fixed) documentation.
2.1.4 Identifying and assessing Risk assessment documentation, meeting records, list of consultees.
risks (fixed)
2.1.5 Communicating risks Project brief, specification, risk assessment. Design drawings, risk assessment.
(fixed) As built drawings, handover documentation, contingency plans, operation and
maintenance manuals, commissioning testing reports.
2.1.6 Resilience plan (fixed) Resilience plan.
Definitions
Critical National Infrastructure
For the purpose of this assessment issue, Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) is defined as:
"Those critical elements of infrastructure (namely assets, facilities, systems, networks or processes and the essential
workers that operate and facilitate them), the loss or compromise of which could result in:
a. Major detrimental impact on the availability, integrity or delivery of essential services – including those
services whose integrity, if compromised, could result in significant loss of life or casualties – taking into
account significant economic or social impacts; and/or
b. Significant impact on national security, national defence, or the functioning of the state."
From Summary of the 2015-16 Sector Resilience Plans (Cabinet Office, 2016) available online at
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/526351/2015_
16_summary_of_the_srp.pdf
Dependencies
A dependency is a relationship between two products or services in which one product or service is required for
generating the other product or service (or both are interdependent on each other). In the context of infrastructure
projects, dependencies can be defined as other assets, the community, or the environment that would be impacted if
the asset was to fail or not function as intended.
l Digital: A cyber connection between infrastructure assets or a shared dependency by two or more elements
on the transfer of information from a third party.
l Geographical: The proximity of infrastructure assets, systems or networks makes them susceptible to the
same incident.
l Organisational: Shared ownership, governance, financing mechanisms 'soft' infrastructure.
l Physical: A physical connection between different infrastructure assets, systems, or networks (for example,
one asset uses fuel supplied by another).
l Downstream: Where the infrastructure asset provides a product or service to another infrastructure asset
which is dependent on that service.
l Upstream: Where the infrastructure asset is dependent on a product or service provided by other
infrastructure
When considering infrastructure assets, interdependencies should also be considered. Interdependency is a mutual
reliance among infrastructure owners and operators on products or services from other suppliers.
Disruptive events
Events established to predict risks over the life of the asset.
l Design Basis Events: A series of disruptive events based on natural hazards (including the effects of climate
change).
l Design Basis Threats: A series of disruptive events based on intentional threats.
Intentional threats
Man-made threats including fire and crime (theft, arson, vandalism, terrorist attacks, cybersecurity etc.). These are not
usefully informed by historical data due to their nature and are best assessed using a series of credible threat events
to allow risk analysis and assessment of asset vulnerability.
Natural hazards
A natural process or phenomenon that may cause loss of life, injury or other health impacts, property damage, loss
of livelihoods and services, social and economic disruption, or environmental damage.
l Flooding
l Hazards of geological origin (such as volcanic eruptions, earthquakes and landslides)
l Hazards of climatic or meteorological origin (such as extreme rainfall events, average and extreme
temperatures, droughts, avalanches, wave surges including tsunamis and tidal waves, and wind storms
including cyclones, hurricanes, tornadoes, tropical storms and typhoons)
l Wildfires
The relevance of different natural hazards will be dependent on local geography, geology, hydrology and climate
factors. The assessment of natural hazards tends to be based on historical data but should also consider climate
scenarios and potential future risk.
Relevant experts
l For natural hazards, relevant experts have technical and professional experience in determining:
l the possible natural hazards in the region,
l the likely impacts on the project, and
l appropriate mitigation measures for the project.
l For climate change, relevant experts have technical and professional experience in predicting and
understanding the impacts of climate change on the built environment and advising on mitigation measures.
l For security (or intentional threats), relevant experts have technical and professional experience in designing
appropriate security measures and hold a relevant professional qualification.
Relevant stakeholders
For the purposes of this issue, relevant stakeholders include as a minimum:
l The owner/operator
l Representatives from local public services, including the emergency services, local authorities, health services
and environmental agencies.
l Stakeholders upstream and downstream of the project reasonably considered to be at risk of (i) impacts
arising from the project or (ii) having an impact on the project.
Additional relevant stakeholders for specific resilience topics are given below.
l When considering natural hazards or climate change, additional relevant stakeholders could include:
l Recognised leaders in the resilience sector
l Climate change experts
l Owners or operators of other similar infrastructure assets
l Customers
l Members of the public, where affected
l Local interest groups
l When considering security or intentional threats, additional relevant stakeholders could include:
l Corporate ICT and cybersecurity specialists
l National security organisations
l Police forces
l Security specialists
Resilience
The ability of assets, networks and systems to anticipate, absorb, adapt or rapidly recover from a disruptive event.
l Resistance: Designing the asset to withstand predicted impacts, e.g. barriers to prevent water entering the
asset or walls with the strength to withstand the impact of flood water.
l Reliability: the asset or systems required to operate under a range of set conditions for a specified period,
this might include raising critical components above the design flood level, or using specifications that
address identified risks, e.g. burglar alarms or anti-graffiti coatings. It can also include non-technical items
such as flood warning schemes, staff training and good practice guidance to ensure that staff can respond to
events to ensure continuity of service in a safe manner.
l Redundancy: The availability of backup installations or spare capacity within a system to enable operations
to be switched or diverted to alternative parts of the system in the event of disruption to ensure continuity of
service. The resilience of networks reduces when running at or near capacity, although in some sectors or
organisations it is recognised that it may not always be feasible to operate with significant spare capacity
within the network.
l Recovery: Preparations for fast and effective response and recovery from disruptive events and will include
processes for dealing with an event if it occurs to ensure that the asset can continue to operate.
In the context of flood risk, resistance and resilience are often used as follows:
l Resistance: where measures prevent water from being in contact with the asset.
l Resilience: where the asset is designed to withstand contact with the water.
Resilience topics
The table below defines the scope of the three resilience topics within the context of this issue.
Additional information
Confidentiality or national security
The information assessed as part of this assessment issue may have specific requirements related to confidentiality or
national security. Where relevant, please contact us for more information on conducting the assessment and
demonstrating compliance.
SABRE – Security assessment standard for buildings and built infrastructure assets
SABRE is a security assessment and certification scheme for buildings and built infrastructure assets operated and
maintained by BRE Global. The scheme provides owners, occupiers, and interested parties with:
Aim
To minimise the negative effects of flooding.
Assessment scope
Only criteria listed in the table below can be scoped out of assessments. All other criteria are fixed.
Credit summary
Assessment criteria Strategy Design Construction
2.2.1 Flood risk assessment (fixed) 18
2.2.2 Flood risk based enhancements 56
2.2.3 Sustainable drainage systems 5
2.2.4 Long-term flood resilience and adaptation 56
2.2.5 Implementation of flood-risk-based enhancements 56 (up to)
2.2.6 Implementation of sustainable drainage systems 14
2.2.7 Managing run-off at source 24 (up to)
Assessment criteria
2.2.1 Flood risk assessment (fixed) Str Des Con
2.2.1.1 The run-off, flood risk, and potential increased flood risk elsewhere as 18
a result of the completed works have all been assessed over their expected
working life, and appropriate flood management measures included in the
design.
Outcome Credits
(a) Proposals included in the design 28
(b) Proposals incorporated in the project 56
Guidance
Flood risk assessment (fixed) (2.2.1)
Any assessment has to be in line with the requirements of planning policy guidance or its equivalent.
Any development, whether or not situated in a floodplain, can contribute to increased flood risk. Creating additional
sealed surfaces on previously open ground will increase run-off, which, if fed into existing rivers or sewerage
systems, adds to the existing load. Climate change has been predicted to lead to increased rainfall, increased
intensities and increased numbers of incidences of extremely heavy rains, the type of events that cause flooding as a
result of sewerage systems and rivers not being able to cope with the sudden volume of water run-off.
For new developments, run-off should be controlled such that it is no larger than would be the case from a
Greenfield site of the same size. Increased flood risk elsewhere as a result of the development should be minimised,
and appropriate flood management measures should be included in the design.
Note also that even refurbishment projects may create additional sealed surfaces and a run-off assessment should be
carried out in any case, to ensure that run-off does not exceed the capacity of existing systems.
Appropriate flood risk management measures could materially affect the overall design of the project, for example
raising the level of a road so that flood risk is reduced, with culverts incorporated to allow water to flow under it.
By reducing surface water run-off beyond current conditions (or beyond the minimum required by the regulatory
bodies), downstream flood risks and flood risks associated with smaller flood events could be improved. Similarly,
designing for a greater increase in rainfall intensity could improve the whole-life performance of the system and
provide more on-site attenuation to cater for extreme events.
The incorporation of SuDS must be actively considered. If the project generates no additional run-off, or if after
consultation with the local authority SuDS are found not to be beneficial or to be inappropriate in a particular case –
this should be a conscious and informed decision – then 2.2.6 can be scoped out.
Management of these residual risks can be achieved in a number of ways. For example, new developments can be
built using materials that are suited to inundation, or that can be easily repaired after a flood event. Electrical
installations can be positioned above the line of the predicted flood level.
The use of SuDS can provide numerous benefits to flood risk, water quality and water resource availability. Many
SuDS will attenuate flow and provide water treatment through entrapment or settlement and the use of these
systems are addressed in 2.2.3 and 2.2.6. This criterion specifically relates to managing surface water run-off
through infiltration. Infiltration of surface water run-off can provide betterment in terms of flood risk from the
receiving watercourse and can aid with aquifer recharge.
Evidence
Assessment criteria Evidence guidance
2.2.1 Flood risk assessment Evidence is likely to need to include a review of existing flood risk from all
(fixed) sources that have the potential to affect the project and a summary of proposed
flood management measures, if deemed required. On certain types of projects,
especially small ones – for example small bridges over a river or canal or
strengthening of a river or canal bank – a qualitative assessment may be
sufficient evidence. For example, the assessment may have been made at and
recorded in minutes of a design meeting. For risks associated with surface water
run-off, evidence would include assessment or calculations of run-off or, for
larger projects, consultants' reports and/or evidence of consultations with
appropriate regulators.
2.2.2 Flood risk based Evidence should show what measures (such as the ones mentioned above) have
enhancements been incorporated into the design. This could be in the form of drawings,
specifications or other design output documents.
2.2.3 Sustainable drainage Evidence should be provided to demonstrate that SuDS have been considered.
systems This could be notes from a design meeting or part of the Client's brief.
2.2.4 Long-term flood resilience Evidence could be provided in the form of a technical note or drawings that
and adaptation demonstrate incorporation of measures.
2.2.5 Implementation of flood- Evidence should show that the measures identified for 2.2.2 have been
risk-based enhancements incorporated into the final works. This could be in the form of drawings,
specifications or other design output documents, and construction records or
photographs to demonstrate their construction.
2.2.6 Implementation of Evidence should be provided to demonstrate that SuDS have been implemented
sustainable drainage systems where appropriate. Evidence may include drawings or specifications showing
the incorporation of SuDS.
2.2.7 Managing run-off at Evidence would include calculations demonstrating management of surface
source water run-off and plans illustrating the areas of the site that drain to infiltration
systems.
Aim
To encourage appropriate adaptability for future needs in a way that avoids unnecessary disruption, inconvenience,
and cost.
Assessment scope
Only criteria listed in the table below can be scoped out of assessments. All other criteria are fixed.
Credit summary
Assessment criteria Strategy Design Construction
2.3.1 Identifying future needs (fixed) 19 9
2.3.2 Opportunities to address future needs (fixed) 25 12
2.3.3 Designing for future needs (fixed) 37
Assessment criteria
(fixed)
2.3.1 Identifying future needs Str Des Con
2.3.1.1 During strategy and design, the expected future needs of the asset 19 9
have been identified (or reviewed and updated) by:
(fixed)
2.3.2 Opportunities to address future needs Str Des Con
2.3.2.1 During strategy and design, the project team have identified (or 25 12
reviewed and updated) opportunities to adapt the design to address or more
easily accommodate the expected future needs of the asset.
2.3.2.2 A qualitative assessment of the predicted costs and benefits of adapting the design to address the expected
future needs of the asset has been completed (or reviewed and updated).
2.3.2.3 Before the start of design, the client has communicated to the design team through a project brief (or
equivalent):
(fixed)
2.3.3 Designing for future needs Str Des Con
2.3.3.1 The design has incorporated opportunities to address or more easily 37
accommodate the expected future needs of the asset in one or more areas
identified as most critical for the sector or asset.
2.3.3.2 The design allows the expected future needs to be accommodated without destruction of the asset and with
minimal disruption.
Guidance
Identifying future needs (fixed) (2.3.1)
When assessing predicted changes, the project team should consider:
l Population growth
l Changing demographic
l Customer expectations
l Integrated systems
l Resource availability
l New and existing technology
l Flexibility of the asset
l Industry changes
Potential considerations for each of these topics are given in the table below.
An acceptable level of minimal disruption cannot be absolutely defined and will vary by project. There must be
evidence that disruption to the asset and future users has been appropriately considered within the design and
mitigated where possible.
Evidence
Assessment criteria Evidence guidance
2.3.1 Identifying future needs Assessment of future needs, meeting records, list of consultees, data sources.
(fixed)
2.3.2 Opportunities to address Meeting records, results of qualitative assessment, design drawings,
future needs (fixed) specification. Project brief.
2.3.3 Designing for future needs Design drawings, as built drawings, meeting notes, list of recommendations,
(fixed) handover documentation.
Definitions
Relevant stakeholders (future needs)
For the purpose of this issue, relevant stakeholders are knowledgeable and representative and include as a
minimum:
Summary
This category addresses issues regarding the wider social and economic effects of a project on local communities and
other relevant stakeholders who might be impacted directly or indirectly by a project's delivery and/or operation. It
covers initial and subsequent engagement and consultation on the proposed project through inception, design and
construction – and how it might impact on wider community issues – to maximise the wider social and economic
benefits that a project can achieve.
Aim
To establish effective engagement with communities and stakeholders throughout planning, design, and
construction to identify and monitor stakeholder concerns and opportunities, so promoting 'ownership' and project
buy-in across the affected communities.
Assessment scope
Only criteria listed in the table below can be scoped out of assessments. All other criteria are fixed.
Credit summary
Assessment criteria Strategy Design Construction
3.1.1 Initial community consultation (fixed) 10
3.1.2 Further community consultation 11 5
3.1.3 Stakeholder consultation on effects during construction 16
and operation (fixed)
3.1.4 Assessing community demographics 33
3.1.5 Responsibility for ongoing community consultation 3 3 3
(fixed)
3.1.6 Community engagement 11 11 11
3.1.7 Recording community comments 4 4 4
(up to)
3.1.8 Assessing community comments during design 48
3.1.9 Assessing community comments during construction 48 (up to)
Assessment criteria
3.1.1 Initial community consultation (fixed) Str Des Con
3.1.1.1 A community consultation exercise has been carried out by the Client 10
and the results have been passed to appropriate members of the project team
and, as and where appropriate, the results fed back to consultees.
3.1.3 Stakeholder consultation on effects during construction and Str Des Con
operation (fixed) 16
3.1.3.1 All relevant stakeholders have been consulted regarding the effects on
neighbours that are expected to occur during both the construction stage and
operation of the completed works.
3.1.5 Responsibility for ongoing community consultation (fixed) Str Des Con
3.1.5.1 A member of the project team has been made responsible for ongoing 3 3 3
community consultation.
Outcome Credits
(a) Responses assessed by the Client and design team 10
(b) Plus, appropriate action taken within the project decision making and design 24
(c) Plus, feedback provided to relevant stakeholders 38
(d) Plus, stakeholders satisfied with feedback 48
Outcome Credits
(a) Responses assessed by the construction team 10
(b) Plus, appropriate action taken within the construction stage 24
(c) Plus, feedback provided to relevant stakeholders 38
(d) Plus, stakeholders satisfied with feedback 48
Guidance
Initial community consultation (fixed) (3.1.1)
Ideally, consultation should be carried out early for each stage of the overall process (for example, at planning
proposal stage, during design and before construction starts). Consultation exercises can take the form of a simple
public meeting or a full action-planning event, depending on the scale and profile of the project. Other methods can
be door-to-door surveys, leaflet drops and newsletters, though the latter should mainly be a way of following up
consultation that has already taken place. Increasingly, such exercises are regarded as the start of an 'Engagement
Strategy' with the local community rather than a community consultation.
It is important to bear in mind that simply providing information does not constitute consultation. True consultation
will offer other stakeholders the opportunity to become involved – at least to a certain extent – in decision-making.
Any kind of consultation exercise must therefore include a 'feedback loop' allowing the community to respond and
their comments to be taken into account as and where appropriate.
This requirement cannot be scoped out because even for a remote location with no immediate neighbourhood there
may be other stakeholder groups that ought to be consulted. This could include local or regional authorities, local or
national interest organisations, or national environment agencies.
This must be scored before credits can be awarded for 6.2.3 Mitigating effects on neighbours in operation and 6.2.5
Mitigating effects on neighbours in construction because the designed mitigation should have been discussed with
relevant stakeholders.
A thorough and effective community engagement programme should consider environmental, social and economic
effects including, for example, the following elements:
These effects may have been identified as part of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) or Transport Impact
Assessment (TIA).
An effective community engagement programme should also manage the expectations of the consultees. In other
words, consultation should not lead to unrealistic expectations of the project.
If no interested parties have been identified during the initial consultation (and therefore a continuing community
engagement programme might be regarded as unnecessary) it is important to recognise four main issues that may
arise:
l The initial consultation may not have reached a representative sample of the community.
l Sensitivities are not always flushed out at the start – it can take a very long time for all interested parties to
catch on to the proposal for or existence of a project.
l However remote the site, change to it could affect neighbours in ways not obvious to the project team.
l Even if the community is generally supportive, sensitivities and opportunities may only become apparent
further into the project lifespan.
Metric guidance
Assessment of this issue can be assisted by carrying out demographic surveys or desk studies of the affected
community, ideally in the very early stages of the project, to identify the community demographic distributions and
groups. Examples of these different groups include minority ethnic groups, gender, local business owners and
employees, different age groups, senior citizens, disabled people, religion groups and social-economic groups.
The effectiveness of the community engagement program and consultation exercises may be measured and reported
through a metric such as:
Percentage of the population of each identified demographic group within the affected community that has
participated, using a formula such as:
Evidence
Assessment criteria Evidence guidance
3.1.1 Initial community Evidence could be reports or minutes of meetings with appropriate groups that
consultation (fixed) are carried out at appropriate stages of the project. Evidence should also be
3.1.2 Further community provided to show how information from these exercises is then communicated
consultation to the project team.
3.1.3 Stakeholder consultation Evidence could be reports or minutes of meetings with appropriate groups that
on effects during construction are carried out at appropriate stages of the project.
and operation (fixed)
Aim
To identify and implement actions that minimise negative social impacts and increase wider social benefits during
the project's construction and operation.
Assessment scope
Only criteria listed in the table below can be scoped out of assessments. All other criteria are fixed.
Credit summary
Assessment criteria Strategy Design Construction
3.2.1 Social impacts and benefits assessment (fixed) 10
3.2.2 Significant social benefits (fixed) 28 (up to)
3.2.3 Supporting social benefits in contracts 11
3.2.4 Wider social benefits 18 14
3.2.5 Health and wellbeing of future users or neighbours 14 11
(fixed)
3.2.6 Community diversity 19 19
3.2.7 Enhancement beyond functional requirements 10 16 6
3.2.8 Partnership links (fixed) 13
3.2.9 Social impacts and benefits during construction (fixed) 24 (up to)
3.2.10 Implementing partnership links during construction 29 (up to)
Assessment criteria
3.2.1 Social impacts and benefits assessment (fixed) Str Des Con
3.2.1.1 The Client and/or the Designers have undertaken a social impacts and 10
benefits assessment of the project on a wider scope than just the project
owners' interests.
(fixed)
3.2.2 Significant social benefits Str Des Con
3.2.2.1 The assessment demonstrates significant social benefits of the project 28 (up to)
to wider society on the following or similar issues that are relevant to the
project:
(fixed)
3.2.5 Health and wellbeing of future users or neighbours Str Des Con
3.2.5.1 Potential impacts of the project on the health and wellbeing of any 14 11
future occupants, users, neighbours or operational staff have been considered,
and the design modified as a result.
(fixed)
3.2.8 Partnership links Str Des Con
3.2.8.1 Partnership links have been actively pursued through the design 13
process and promoted for the construction stage.
3.2.9 Social impacts and benefits during construction (fixed) Str Des Con
3.2.9.1 The Construction Team has undertaken a social impacts and benefits 24 (up to)
assessment of the construction stage of the project and used the results in the
development and implementation of the construction management plan.
Outcome Credits
(a) Results from a social impacts and benefits assessment have been used in the 8
development of the construction management plan.
(b) Plus, social aspects of the developed construction management plan have been 24
implemented.
Guidance
Social impacts and benefits assessment (fixed) (3.2.1)
The analysis of direct benefits to the Client arising from their project is not a matter assessed by CEEQUAL. However,
the non-economic aspects of the project justification, and therefore decision-making about whether to proceed with
a project have a wider context.
There is an increasing view that project teams should seek to deliver genuine benefits to a wider group than just the
Client's narrow interests, socially as well as economically and environmentally. A social impacts and benefits analysis
and assessment of the project on a wider scope than just the project owners' interests is likely to lead to
identification of opportunities to deliver enhanced social benefits to the community in which the project is
constructed and will operate.
Issues that such an analysis is likely to have to cover to be of significance to the project and community are listed in
3.2.2 but need not be limited to the aspects listed. The aim should be for the study to be in scale with the nature,
location, context and size of the project and seek the greatest social good for the investment involved, without
detracting from – and more likely enhancing – the Client's case to the planning authority. Equality impact
assessments should be included.
l social impacts during construction on the workforce and on the local community, for example facilities for
the workforce, increased traffic, congestion, influx of the workforce into the local community, and potential
severance through the location of, and arrangement for, site access;
l social impacts on the local community as a result of the existence of the finished project, for example,
severing communities (by a road scheme), linking communities (bridge), increased traffic, greater mobility,
improved services, and/or increased employment; and
l social impacts on users and/or occupiers of the completed project, which are influenced by its design.
Whilst Health and Safety Plans do require consideration of the health of operators, this requirement is looking for
the less tangible health issues that are not covered by legal requirements. Examples include the provision of natural
light within buildings (such as covered wastewater treatment works), provision of planters for growing fruit and
vegetables, or facilities for sports and outdoor games which will indirectly improve the wellbeing of operators. If the
recommendations of a HIA for the project have been incorporated into the design, credits can be awarded.
A key aspect that can affect what is often termed 'joy in use' is the detailed execution at the construction stage. Poor
detailing can negate the best design by either adding a point of visual dysfunction or result in the project being less
user-friendly. Examples can be the late addition of ventilation units to a structure due to poor specification or
inappropriate design changes, or pathways that make sudden turns to avoid other infrastructure. Alternatively,
positive changes during the construction stage can improve 'joy in use'.
l Nuisances such as noise, dust, vibration, odour, light pollution and blown waste.
l Impacts on traffic and available road space from delivery of materials and components, collection of wastes,
and staff travel.
l Visual impact of the site and its boundary fencing.
l Vibration effects on neighbouring buildings.
l Effects on nearby historic assets.
l The potential increase in flood risk to others arising from the construction stage, especially of temporary
works.
l Respect shown to neighbours and passers-by by the staff and workforce.
l Opportunities for work on the project by local people.
l Management of access to or viability of local businesses or community facilities.
Evidence
Assessment criteria Evidence guidance
3.2.1 Social impacts and benefits Evidence could be a document entitled 'Social Impacts and Benefits Analysis' or
assessment (fixed) similar with the attributes indicated in 3.2.2 and the guidance. Alternatively, it
3.2.2 Significant social benefits could be a series of less-broad analyses that, taken together, provide the high-
(fixed) level, strategic overview that can provide significant input to the project concept
and design. Note that evidence for 3.2.1, 3.2.2 and 3.2.3 could be found in the
3.2.3 Supporting social benefits results of a combined economic and social impacts and benefits study.
in contracts
3.2.4 Wider social benefits Evidence could be in the form of meeting minutes with liaison groups. A
complaints procedure may also provide evidence, but the definition of a
complaint may restrict what is recorded.
3.2.5 Health and wellbeing of Evidence could include the design brief, meeting minutes, and reports from
future users or neighbours assessments and/or consultation. A Health and Safety Plan, Construction Phase
(fixed) Plan and/or Health and Safety Records File prepared for health and safety
regulations that does not expressly also include future users and occupants of
the completed project is not sufficient.
3.2.6 Community diversity Evidence would be in the design brief, design team meeting minutes, civic
awards, or code of construction practice.
3.2.7 Enhancement beyond Evidence can be in the form of briefs, specifications and other documents that
functional requirements demonstrate inclusion of features that give benefit to occupiers and/or users. At
design stage, design records or drawings could show incorporation of these
features. At the construction stage, photographs or 'as complete' drawings
which demonstrate how the design concept has been met or exceeded.
3.2.8 Partnership links (fixed) Evidence of partnership links that have been identified and promoted, for
example in reports or records of meetings.
3.2.9 Social impacts and benefits Evidence will be in the reports of the assessments and in the CMP or equivalent.
during construction (fixed)
3.2.10 Implementing Appropriate evidence needs to be provided to show the relationships formed
partnership links during and how extensive they are in relation to the scale of the project.
construction
Aim
To identify and implement actions that minimise negative economic impacts and increase wider economic benefits
during the project's construction and operation.
Assessment scope
Only criteria listed in the table below can be scoped out of assessments. All other criteria are fixed.
Credit summary
Assessment criteria Strategy Design Construction
3.3.1 Economic impacts and benefits assessment (fixed) 10
3.3.2 Significant economic benefits (fixed) 28 (up to)
3.3.3 Supporting economic benefits in contracts 11
3.3.4 Involvement of local firms (fixed) 17 17
Assessment criteria
3.3.1 Economic impacts and benefits assessment (fixed) Str Des Con
3.3.1.1 The Client and/or Designers have undertaken an economic impacts and 10
benefits assessment of the project on a wider scope than just the project
owners' interests.
(fixed)
3.3.2 Significant economic benefits Str Des Con
3.3.2.1 The assessment demonstrates significant economic benefits of the 28 (up to)
project to wider society on the following or similar issues that are relevant to
the project:
(fixed)
3.3.4 Involvement of local firms Str Des Con
3.3.4.1 The Client has specific plans or targets to actively encourage local firms 17 17
to quote for work, competitively or otherwise. These plans or targets have been
implemented or achieved during construction. Or evidence is provided showing
why local firms are not appropriate.
Guidance
Economic impacts and benefits assessment (fixed) (3.3.1)
CEEQUAL leaves to the Client their own economic analysis, justification and decision-making about whether to
proceed with a project – it is the Client's business and CEEQUAL does not seek to make judgements about that
aspect of project development. However, there is an increasing view that project teams should seek to deliver
genuine benefits to a wider group than just the Client's narrow interests. An economic benefits assessment of the
project on a wider scope than just the project owners' interests is likely to lead to identification of opportunities to
deliver enhanced value to the community in which the project is constructed and will operate.
Issues that such an analysis is likely to have to cover to be of significance to the project and community are listed in
3.3.2 but need not be limited to the aspects listed. The aim should be for the study to be in scale with the nature,
location, context and size of the project and seek the greatest social and environmental good for the investment
involved, without detracting from the Client's economic case and benefits.
Encouraging local companies to work on the project is part of thinking more broadly about how the project can
provide additional value to the local community, from a combined economic, social and environmental perspective.
Following on from a review of the economic, social and environmental impacts, the use of local skills and labour can
have additional benefits in community pride and perceived ownership. For supply of specialist items or services, local
may mean neighbouring countries, as opposed to remote countries in other continents.
Metric guidance
Metrics or targets set by the Client may include the proportion of materials and services sourced from within a
certain radius of the projects (such as 40 km) or a defined geographical area (such as local authority boundary). The
benefits of setting aspirational targets to source materials and services locally include community engagement and
'ownership' of the scheme, providing jobs to the local community, reducing transportation costs and use of fossil
fuel.
The aspirational targets set and measures of how the targets have been met will require a justifiable geographic
definition of the chosen local boundaries of the project. An example of a measure for reporting achievement may be:
Proportion of local firms or suppliers that have quoted for appropriate work packages, calculated using a formula
such as:
Evidence
Assessment criteria Evidence guidance
3.3.1 Economic impacts and Evidence could be a document entitled 'Economic Benefits Analysis' or similar,
benefits assessment (fixed) with the attributes indicated in 3.3.2 and the guidance. Alternatively, it could
be a series of less-broad analyses that, taken together, provide the high-level,
3.3.2 Significant economic
strategic overview that can provide significant input to the project concept and
benefits (fixed)
design. Note that evidence for this criterion and 3.2.1, 3.2.2, 3.2.3 could be
3.3.3 Supporting economic found in the results of a combined economic and social impacts and benefits
benefits in contracts study.
3.3.4 Involvement of local firms Evidence could be a copy of the Client's requirements to encourage local firms
(fixed) to apply for work and a summary of materials or services to procure in line with
these requirements. The mere fact that one or two suppliers happened to have
been local cannot be considered as sufficient evidence. Evidence could
alternatively include the calculation and reporting of the metric-based
guidance.
Summary
This category aims to promote the reuse of previously disturbed land so minimising negative impacts on biodiversity
and the natural environment generally. It promotes outcomes that enhance ecological value through protection and
enhancement of habitat in support of biodiversity whilst also promoting the enhancement of associated social and
health value wherever possible.
Aim
To encourage the efficient use of land, minimise the use of undeveloped land, and enhance land value on and
around the project site.
Assessment scope
Only criteria listed in the table below can be scoped out of assessments. All other criteria are fixed.
Credit summary
Assessment criteria Strategy Design Construction
4.1.1 Land use strategy 3
4.1.2 Project location alternatives 27
4.1.3 Consideration of project location alternatives 27
4.1.4 Site suitability 27 (up to)
4.1.5 Justification of site suitability 27
4.1.6 Land use efficiency 26
4.1.7 Selecting temporary land 2 2 4
4.1.8 Temporary land use 8
(up to)
4.1.9 Previous use of the site 20
4.1.10 Conservation of soils and other on-site resources 14
Assessment criteria
4.1.1 Land use strategy Str Des Con
4.1.1.1 The project brief includes instructions to consider how to balance land 3
use efficiency with other priorities.
Outcome Credits
(a) Comprehensive desk study. 19
(b) Comprehensive information, thorough desk study, and site walkover. 27
Outcome Credits
(a) 25% or more previously developed 4
(b) 50% or more previously developed 12
(c) 75% or more previously developed 20
(d) Refurbishment project 20
4.1.10 Conservation of soils and other on-site resources Str Des Con
4.1.10.1 Apart from the actual land take, the site selection and design of the 14
project also took into consideration the conservation of topsoils, subsoil,
seabed surface geology, and conservation or use of on-site mineral resources.
Guidance
Project location alternatives (4.1.2)
In civil engineering, there is often little or no choice of project location – for example a remodelling of a motorway or
railway junction. However, there are projects where there are opportunities for an active choice of site location to be
made on a range of grounds – for example lighthouses, canal-side or riverside marinas, water treatment works or a
new reservoir – so this is challenging Clients to actively consider issues of site characteristics, environmental issues
and flood risk in their selection of the most appropriate location for their project.
Studies should also include consideration of current planning policies or resource development policies.
These 'consume' land for the constructed beds, but are created in such a way that the paths around them can be
used for recreation, and the energy consumption of the 'works' is as low as 6kW total installed capacity, which runs a
few hours each day. This solution 'trades' the use of land for reduced energy consumption and is regarded as a
more-sustainable solution that conventional works when the land and topography suits the need.
Metric guidance
This may be assessed by calculation of the land take of temporary works, in relation to total land take of both
permanent and temporary works, through a metric such as:
Percentage of temporary (construction works) land take to total temporary and permanent land take of all civil
engineering works, using a formula such as:
The resultant value of this measure should be as small as possible and evidence of measures taken to reduce it
should be provided. This calculation can also be complemented by classification of the previous use of the land
taken for temporary works. Like permanent land take, temporary land take should not use land with high biodiversity
nor should it obstruct or consume public pathways or active social spaces.
However, such previously developed sites (called 'Brownfield' or 'derelict' land or sites by many references),
particularly in industrial or urban areas, may also have special ecological and/or historical interest. They may provide
temporary open space that is especially valued in a neighbourhood and may need to be replaced with permanent
open space rather than be developed. To take account of this, for the purposes of this document, the definitions of
the terms 'Greenfield' (undeveloped) and 'Brownfield' (previously developed) have been adapted accordingly and are
given in the definitions below.
Integral areas of infrastructure that are 'green', such as grass verges or embankments that are included in the project
area or site boundary, should be considered in the scoring and if, for example, they make up 45% of site then score
as >50% previously-developed but not >75%.
If a site is being developed that falls under the exclusions given below in the definition of "previously developed",
then it should be treated as an undeveloped ('Greenfield') site and awarded zero credits.
Note: Further credits for the preparation and implementation of a soil management plan and for the re-use of
subsoil and topsoil are available in 7.4 Circular use of construction products.
Evidence
Assessment criteria Evidence guidance
4.1.1 Land use strategy Evidence could be a document entitled 'Project Resources Strategy' with the
attributes indicated in the guidance or could be a series of less-broad analyses
that, taken together, provide the high-level, strategic overview that can provide
significant input to the project concept and design. The evidence must be in
scale to the nature, location, context and size of the project. A two-page
summary report would be insufficient for a multi-million-pound project, yet a
100-page detailed analysis is very unlikely to be appropriate for projects in the
region of £1M.
4.1.2 Project location alternatives Evidence must be provided to demonstrate that genuine consideration of
4.1.3 Consideration of project options has been undertaken.
location alternatives
Definitions
Previously developed (or 'Brownfield')
Previously developed (or 'Brownfield') land or sites are those that have been used for built development, and this use
is still evident in the form of buildings or structures or their remains, a significant cover of made ground, or soil or
groundwater pollution from activities conducted on the site. They may or may not be contaminated. Brownfield sites
are sites which, according to the Concerted Action on Brownfield and Economic Regeneration Network (CABERNET)
(2007):
"Previously-developed land is that which is or was occupied by a permanent structure, including the curtilage of the
developed land and any associated fixed surface infrastructure."
l Land that was previously developed but where the remains of the permanent structure or fixed surface
structure have blended into the landscape in the process of time (to the extent that it can reasonably be
considered as part of the natural surroundings).
If land is being developed that falls under the above exclusions, then it should be treated as undeveloped
('Greenfield') land.
Aim
To encourage the appropriate use of land affected by contamination and to promote sustainable land and ground
water remediation.
Assessment scope
Only criteria listed in the table below can be scoped out of assessments. All other criteria are fixed.
Credit summary
Assessment criteria Strategy Design Construction
4.2.1 Contamination risk assessment (fixed) 8
4.2.2 Further assessment of contamination 14 (up to)
4.2.3 Land contamination specialists 27
4.2.4 Land contamination management procedures 14 (up to)
4.2.5 Evaluation of remediation options 38 (up to)
4.2.6 Ground-generated gases 27 (up to)
4.2.7 Implementation of remedial solution 17
Assessment criteria
4.2.1 Contamination risk assessment (fixed) Str Des Con
4.2.1.1 The desk study covered by 4.1.4 was a formal study assessing risk and 8
implications that may be associated with the land or seabed. It includes issues
related to soil, groundwater, gas, residual man-made structures and
surrounding land uses, or it has been extended into such a suitably formal and
detailed study. The study required for this may not be the same one used in
4.1.4.
Outcome Credits
(a) Comprehensive information through desk study, site walkover or subsea survey, and 6
adequacy of information assessed against risk.
(b) The desk study additionally includes visual and descriptive illustrations of the links 14
between contaminant source, pollution pathways and receptors on site.
Outcome Credits
(a) A report defining risk assessment 9
(b) A report evaluating feasible remediation options and determining the most appropriate 14
remediation strategy for the site
Outcome Credits
(a) Feasible remediation options have been evaluated and the most appropriate 18
remediation strategy determined for the site as agreed by an appropriate expert.
Outcome Credits
(b) The remedial solution removed or eliminated the need to landfill and material removed 28
in the remediation was utilised in other construction projects (other than landfill
construction or cover).
(c) If the remediation options were evaluated and agreed by an appropriate expert, the 38
selected remedial solution was above the minimum requirements of the regulatory
authority and either used innovative technology or innovative application of existing
technology or increased the potential utility of the project site beyond the immediate
project.
Outcome Credits
(a) Yes 11
(b) Yes, and design and implementation was not reliant on management and intervention 27
that was 'fit and forget'.
Outcome Credits
(a) Some evidence 10
(b) Evidence is captured in a Validation Report and Operations Manuals 25
(c) If warranties and insurance are in place in addition to having a Validation Report and 30
Operations Manuals
Guidance
Contamination risk assessment (fixed) (4.2.1)
This is addressed once a site has been chosen for the project. A suitable formal desk study has to be carried out in
order to establish whether there is a potential for a site to be contaminated.
A formal desk study will involve a review of published data and site surveys and should cover at least the following
aspects:
The study should include a preliminary qualitative risk assessment based on the above data followed by an overall
identification of potential environmental liabilities associated with the site.
The information identified in the study covered by 4.1.4 will be drawn on but the adequacy of the information may
be insufficient to allow confidence in the risk assessment and more work may need to be undertaken.
Note that in some cases, 4.1.4 and 4.2.1 may be answered by the same study – it will depend upon how the project
development has been organised and upon the site options available to the Client.
Which technology is most appropriate will depend on the site conditions, the type and extent of contamination, and
the intended use. 'Dig and encapsulate on site' includes cover layers and vertical barriers such as slurry walls, which
can contain, but do not destroy, contaminants. Cement-based technologies (stabilisation or solidification) can
immobilise contaminants for several decades or longer. Physical remedial processes can result in concentrated
residues or transfer of contaminants to an alternative media (for example, soil washing, and soil vapour extraction).
Biological remedial processes breakdown or change organic contaminants in soil or groundwater into less mobile or
less harmful form (bioremediation). Chemical remedial methods involve the addition of chemicals to soil or
groundwater to make contaminants less harmful.
In each case, the most sustainable remediation solution should be identified through an appraisal of options.
Protection from hazardous gases can be achieved through creating barriers to prevent migration into buildings or
between sites, or to create preferential pathways through which gases can be safely vented.
Verification may be required through long-term monitoring of potential pathways or accepted compliance points to
ensure no further increase in the levels of contamination (for example from 'bounce-back' from some remediation
processes) and/or confirm reducing pollutant values, which is a particular requirement for monitored natural
attenuation.
Externally verified validation of remediation is often not conducted, and there is still little information on the long-
term performance of many remediation technologies.
Storage of material on site prior to disposal may fall under the relevant waste management controls and therefore
the appropriate permits, licenses or exemptions will be required. The management of waste is covered in Resources,
but activities involving the storage and collection of waste should also be recorded in the Site Waste Management
Plan.
Monitoring arrangements will depend on the type of remediation method chosen and its projected lifetime. Where
monitoring is necessary, there should also be contingency plans in case monitoring data should demonstrate any
fault or deterioration in the remedial solution
For example, in the design of new facilities such as offshore pipelines and oil and gas production facilities, fuel
tanks, waste storage areas, chemical stores or processes that include chemical use, new infrastructure should be built
to current standards to prevent future contamination of ground and groundwater. Where the subject site has been
cleaned up, but the neighbouring site is potentially contaminated and there is a risk of migration onto the site
resulting in recontamination, evidence should be available to demonstrate that measures have been taken to control
the risk.
Evidence
Assessment criteria Evidence guidance
4.2.1 Contamination risk Evidence should include an outline study including a risk assessment of
assessment (fixed) contamination affecting current and future receptors including consideration of
how the outline proposals will affect any source-pathway-receptor linkages.
4.2.2 Further assessment of
contamination This is best represented in an outline conceptual site model.
4.2.3 Land contamination Evidence could include further reports or notes of discussions with a specialist
specialists or even a specialist in land condition verifying the initial findings and where
appropriate identifying strategies to deal with contamination.
4.2.4 Land contamination Evidence could be in the form of a remediation strategy outlining the methods
management procedures and values to be achieved.
4.2.5 Evaluation of remediation Evidence could again be in the form of a remediation strategy and action plan,
options which has been approved by a relevant local or national government
department, agency, or regulator. Evidence is also required of any relevant
permits, licenses or exemptions. To award full credits the innovative technology
must fit the criteria specified above.
4.2.6 Ground-generated gases Evidence will be likely to include design details and a monitoring plan.
4.2.7 Implementation of Control measures, monitoring data, regulatory visits and actions and waste
remedial solution disposal activities should all be documented, and this documentation should
be available to demonstrate that this was the case, for example a SWMP, other
site records (photographic or otherwise), delivery, transfer or consignment
notes, or invoices.
Aim
To avoid biodiversity loss wherever possible and limit negative impacts on biodiversity arising as a result of the
project where these are unavoidable.
Assessment scope
Only criteria listed in the table below can be scoped out of assessments. All other criteria are fixed.
Credit summary
Assessment criteria Strategy Design Construction
4.3.1 Prerequisite: Surveys for protected species -
4.3.2 Prerequisite: Injurious or invasive species -
4.3.3 Survey and evaluation of ecological value 18
4.3.4 Initial consultation with nature conservation 4
organisations (fixed)
Assessment criteria
4.3.1 Prerequisite: Surveys for protected species Str Des Con
4.3.1.1 Appropriate surveys for protected plant and animal species have been -
specified by the Client and the resources provided to undertake them
effectively.
4.3.1.2 Appropriate surveys for protected plant and animal species have been undertaken at each stage of the
project.
4.3.1.3 If protected plant and animal species have been found on the project site or temporary working areas, plans
for protecting these have been:
a. Current and potential ecological value and condition of the site and related areas within the zone of
influence
b. Direct and indirect risks to current ecological value
c. Capacity and feasibility to enhance the ecological value of the site and, where relevant, areas within the zone
of influence.
4.3.3.3 The information and data has been collated and shared with the project team to inform the site preparation,
design, and construction works.
4.3.4 Initial consultation with nature conservation organisations Str Des Con
(fixed)
4
4.3.4.1 The Client has consulted with relevant nature conservation
organisations on the ecological impact of the proposals and communicated the
results to project team members.
4.3.5 Further consultation with nature conservation organisations Str Des Con
4.3.5.1 Consultation with relevant nature conservation organisations on the 2 2
ecological impact of the proposals has been undertaken and communicated to
all relevant project team members at both design and construction stages of
the project.
4.3.8 Managing negative impacts on existing ecological value Str Des Con
4.3.8.1 Negative impacts on existing ecological value from site preparation and 18 (up to)
construction works have been managed according to the mitigation hierarchy
and an outcome listed in the table below has been achieved.
Outcome Credits
(a) The loss of ecological value has been limited as far as possible 9
(b) No overall loss of ecological value has occurred 18
Guidance
Prerequisite: Surveys for protected species (4.3.1)
Plans are likely to include guidance on appropriate times for carrying out work – for example, clearing vegetation
outside the nesting season or avoiding works during spawning – together with method statements and instructions
for relocation of species. Plans should be approved by all relevant parties such as the Client, Contractor and
Ecologist. Under certain circumstances, especially when dealing with protected species, licences may have to be
acquired and associated plans and method statements may need approval by a statutory agency.
Note that 'achievement' must be assessed appropriately up to the point of assessment, not against a prediction of
what is anticipated to be achieved in the long term.
Some other species of plants may be considered invasive and/or injurious if they cause problems to third parties. For
example, in the UK, common ragwort (Senecio jacobaea) is a native plant that is poisonous to grazing animals, but
which is of value in terms of biodiversity, not least because it is a host plant for the larvae of a UK BAP species, the
cinnabar moth (Tyria jacobaeae). Such species should only be considered under this section if identified as a specific
problem in regard to the site in question and its neighbours.
Many introduced animal species can also be classified as invasive because of reproductive or competitive advantage.
Method statements are required to prevent the spread of these species to areas where they are not already present.
Note also that some species of animal are also called pest species, for example brown rat and feral pigeon. However,
the occurrence of these species is not usually increased by civil engineering projects, and they are more a health and
safety hazard for the workers than of strictly environmental concern. Their control is more closely related to good
housekeeping and hence they are not dealt with here.
Note that 'achievement' must be assessed appropriately up to the point of assessment, not against a prediction of
what is anticipated to be achieved in the long term.
1. Determining the zone of influence for the site including neighbouring land and habitats
2. Current flora, fauna (including permanent and transient species) and habitat characteristics (including but
not limited to ecological features in or on built structures)
3. Habitat extent, quality, connectivity and fragmentation
4. Recent and historic site condition
5. Existing management and maintenance levels and arrangements
6. Existing ecological initiatives within the zone of influence
7. Identification of, and consultation with, relevant stakeholders impacted or affected by the site.
8. Local knowledge or sources of information.
1. Current value and condition of the site and, where relevant, the zone of influence in terms of:
a. Features including habitats, species, food sources and connectivity
b. Broader biodiversity and ecosystem services benefits or opportunities
2. Direct and indirect risks to current ecological value:
a. Sensitive areas and features on or near the site
b. Direct risks including those from human activity (such as construction work), habitat fragmentation,
and potentially harmful species
c. Indirect risks including water, noise, vibration, or light pollution
3. Capacity and feasibility to enhance the ecological value
4. Habitat restoration and creation potential
5. Impact of the proposed design, construction works and operations on site.
There may be some projects where not all items listed above will be applicable or appropriate to the site. In these
cases, the ecologist should clearly state their professional view that the items are considered not applicable.
This initial consultation cannot be scoped out as, even for a remote location with no apparent nature conservation
interests, there may be organisations and groups that ought to be consulted.
a. those which are designated for their nature conservation value (or importance as a green corridor) by an
official conservation body or local statutory body (e.g. environmental or development control authority).
b. those which have been identified as being of ecological importance by an ecological assessment of the site
carried out prior to any site clearance or other activity. Any ecological assessment should have been carried
out by, or carefully supervised by, a suitably qualified ecologist.
A site may be considered to be of ecological importance if it comprises national or local priority habitats or hosts
high value species. Species are deemed to be of high value if they are:
Note that this guidance refers to any part of a site that may be of high ecological value. It may be that there are parts
of a site that are of low ecological value that can be developed without any significant impact on biodiversity, even
though the site itself includes land of high ecological value.
Note also that 'hosting of high value species' also includes occupation or use of air space over a site. For example, if a
regular flight-path or foraging route for a protected species such as birds or bats passes through a site, then that site
should be deemed to host a high value species.
As long as damage to the areas of high ecological value is avoided, the credits can be awarded.
Note that for land-based projects, designation of land as of high landscape value and high ecological value are not
necessarily coincident – land can be one but not necessarily the other. Hence this requirement appears here as well
as near-equivalent requirements in Landscape and historic environment.
Note also that credits cannot be scored here unless surveys or desk studies are carried out to identify the ecological
value of the site.
If a plan has not been prepared by the Client or Designer and thus zero credits have been scored in the Strategy and
Design columns, the Contractor can still score credits if they prepare and implement their own plan at the
construction stage.
An Ecological Works Plan or an ecological section in the Site Environmental or Integrated Project Management Plan
is designed to be implemented at the construction stage of the project. A site ecologist may need to be appointed to
assist with implementation. Depending on the size of the project and the ecological issues involved, this can be full-
time, part-time or on a Watching Brief basis as appropriate for the scale, nature and location of the project.
A form of plan or statement for considering ecological aspects of the project should be drawn up by the Client, and
a preliminary version of the plan should be drawn up at the design stage. CEEQUAL is not prescriptive on the form
that these plans take, and they may be included in broader planning documents as long as they are clearly
identifiable and monitored. The credits for these roles are scored for drawing up the preliminary plans at the relevant
stage in the project. The full score for Construction can be awarded only if there is evidence for correct
implementation of the plan.
1. Avoid negative impacts on habitats and features of ecological value on the site. If it is not possible to avoid
negative impacts, then:
2. Protect habitats and features of ecological value from damage in accordance with best practice guidelines
during development works. If it is not possible to avoid all negative impacts or to protect habitats and
features of ecological value, then:
3. Reduce, limit or control negative impacts as far as possible. Where it is not possible to avoid, protect, limit
or control the negative impacts on features of ecological value on site, then:
4. Compensate to ensure the existing ecological value is maintained during and after the project.
Compensation should be of benefit to the local ecosystems affected by the project works wherever possible.
Evidence
Assessment criteria Evidence guidance
4.3.1 Prerequisite: Surveys for Some evidence of steps taken to safeguard protected species may be gained
protected species from documentation such as a SEMP, but a site visit or detailed records
including photographs may be required to see or demonstrate examples of
practical measures that have been implemented. It may also be necessary to talk
to relevant staff.
4.3.2 Prerequisite: Injurious or Evidence should be in the form of method statements or other appropriate
invasive species management control. Monitoring and achievement should be evidenced by
documentation that demonstrates that the method statements have been
adhered to.
4.3.3 Survey and evaluation of A formal habitat assessment or other equivalent type of assessment can act as
ecological value acceptable evidence as long as it can be shown that the content of the criteria
has been covered.
4.3.4 Initial consultation with Evidence would be demonstration of the consultation in the form of a report,
nature conservation minutes or correspondence. Evidence of communication would be through
organisations (fixed) team meeting minutes or other briefing note.
4.3.5 Further consultation with
nature conservation
organisations
4.3.6 Land of high ecological Evidence would be in the EIA, ecological assessment or some other
value environmental assessment as defined in the footnote on the previous page.
Definitions
Biodiversity
The variety of plant and animal life in the world or in a particular habit at the following levels of organisation:
landscape, ecosystem, habitat, community, species, population, individual, and the structural and functional
relationships within and between these.
Compensation
Measures taken to make up for the loss of, or permanent damage to, ecological features despite mitigation (e.g.
replacement habitat or improvements to existing habitats similar in terms of biological features and ecological
functions to that lost or damaged). Compensation can be provided either within or outside the project site, in line
with the following hierarchy: within site, adjacent to site, and off-site (offsetting) as a last resort.
Connectivity
The degree to which the configuration of habitat facilitates movement between and across resource patches.
Ecological baseline
The ecological baseline is the ecological value of the site before construction. The ecological baseline is used to
compare performance after construction to determine if it is the same or significantly changed.
Ecological value
The importance, worth, or usefulness of a species, habitat or ecosystem in terms of its impact on other species and/or
habitats, as well as the other environmental, social, cultural and economic value that can be delivered from species
and habitats and their interactions (ecosystem services), specific to a geographical frame of reference.
Ecosystem
An ecosystem is a dynamic complex of plant, animal, and micro-organism communities and the non-living
environment interacting as a functional unit. Ecosystems vary enormously in size; a temporary pond in a tree hollow
and an ocean basin can both be ecosystems.
Ecosystem services
Ecosystem services are the benefits people obtain from ecosystems. These include provisioning services such as food
and water; regulating services such as regulation of floods, drought, land degradation, and disease; supporting
services such as soil formation and nutrient cycling; economic value such as tourism; and cultural or social services
such as health and wellbeing, recreational, spiritual, religious and other non-material benefits.
Fragmentation
The breaking up of a habitat, ecosystem or land-use type into smaller parcels with a consequent impairment of
ecological function, connectivity and long-term viability.
Habitat
A place in which a particular plant or animal lives. It is often used in the wider sense referring to major assemblages
(a group of species found in the same location) of plants and animals found together.
No overall loss
There has been no overall loss of ecological value on the site as a result of activities to avoid, protect, reduce, limit,
control or compensate for impacts in line with the hierarchy set out in the assessment criteria in this issue. Where
statutory designated sites, irreplaceable habitats or legally protected species have been impacted, all statutory
requirements are met and are agreed with the relevant statutory bodies as necessary.
Zone of influence
Areas of land or water bodies impacted by the site undergoing assessment. These areas can be adjacent to the site or
can be areas that are dependent on the site but not physically linked, including areas downstream from a site. Areas
within the zone of influence can be negatively affected by changes on an assessment site, but they also provide
further opportunity to maximise enhancement activities.
Aim
To enhance ecological value wherever possible on and off site as a result of the project through creation, and
management of habitats and ecological features.
Assessment scope
Only criteria listed in the table below can be scoped out of assessments. All other criteria are fixed.
Credit summary
Assessment criteria Strategy Design Construction
(up to)
4.4.1 Change in ecological value 40
4.4.2 Enhancing existing ecological features 4
4.4.3 New wildlife habitats 4 (up to) 8 (up to)
4.4.4 Special structures or facilities for wildlife 4 9
4.4.5 Improving the water environment 4
4.4.6 Improving the water environment – implementation 4
4.4.7 Incorporating existing water features 13
Assessment criteria
4.4.1 Change in ecological value Str Des Con
4.4.1.1 The change in ecological value occurring as a result of the project has 40 (up to)
been calculated in accordance with the methodology described in GN36
BREEAM, CEEQUAL, and HQM Ecology Calculation Methodology – Route 2 (or
an agreed equivalent) and the project has achieved one of the levels given in
the table below.
Outcome Credits
(a) Minimising loss of ecological value (75-94%) 10
(b) No net loss of ecological value (95-104%) 20
(c) Net gain of ecological value (105-109%) 30
(d) Significant net gain of ecological value (110% or more) 40
Guidance
Change in ecological value (4.4.1)
The calculation methodology set out in GN36 BREEAM, CEEQUAL, and HQM Ecology Calculation Methodology –
Route 2 builds on the 'Defra biodiversity metric'. The methodology quantifies the impact of a development in terms
of 'biodiversity units' based on habitat types and their (a) distinctiveness, (b) condition and (c) area or length
throughout the assessed project life cycle.
The calculation methodology has two routes depending on (i) the project's scale and size and (ii) the distinctiveness
of the habitats on the site:
1. Full methodology: pre-development habitats are above the set size threshold of 0.05 hectares (in total) or
are of high distinctiveness.
2. Simplified methodology: pre-development habitats are below the set size threshold and are of low or
medium distinctiveness.
For both approaches, linear and area-based habitats must be accounted for separately. For full details of the
methodology and calculation procedure see GN36 BREEAM, CEEQUAL, and HQM Ecology Calculation Methodology
– Route 2.
An alternative methodology for calculating the change in ecological value may be agreed with BRE Global Limited.
Such structures or facilities may include artificial bat roosting boxes, bird nesting opportunities, artificial badger setts
or otter holts, green bridges, green roofs and walls or tunnels under roads or railways. The provision of such
measures should be appropriate to the scale, nature, and location of the project. For example, one bat box on a large
project would be insufficient. The advice of an ecologist or relevant wildlife organisation should be sought as to
what would be considered appropriate.
As with newly created habitats, any structures or facilities should have been recommended, designed and sited by, or
in consultation with, a suitably qualified ecologist or relevant wildlife specialist.
Capturing rain and surface water for beneficial use, including the adoption of various SuDS techniques, can provide
new water features or aquatic habitat to enhance biodiversity. Retained water could also offer other benefits such as
an alternate water resource or local heat sink or amenity feature.
In Europe, the Water Framework Directive (WFD) is striving to restore, improve and enhance the quality of European
water resources, as well as prevent further deterioration. Contribution to achieving WFD targets should be therefore
explored and incorporated were possible in new developments in Europe.
Evidence
Assessment criteria Evidence guidance
4.4.1 Change in ecological value Completed copy of the BREEAM Change in Ecological Value Calculator or a
report showing the methodology followed to calculate the change in ecological
value. Evidence will show the pre- and post-development biodiversity units. It
should include the areas and lengths of different habitat types and the values
used for distinctiveness, condition, and habitat creation risk factors (spatial risk,
delivery risk, temporal risk).
4.4.3 New wildlife habitats Evidence could be drawings and photographs of what has been included. To
score for BAP habitats, it would be necessary to refer back to relevant authority
plans or an ecological assessment of the project. Evidence could alternatively
include the calculation and reporting of the metric-based guidance.
4.4.4 Special structures or Evidence could be in the form of photographs or drawings that show
facilities for wildlife incorporation of special facilities. Reference also needs to be made to the
ecological assessment to ensure that these facilities are not being provided
merely as mitigation.
4.4.5 Improving the water Evidence needs to demonstrate that features (such as the examples above) have
environment been included in the works. This needs to demonstrate both design stage
4.4.6 Improving the water consideration (such as through drawings or specifications) and construction
environment – implementation stage implementation (such as through photographs).
4.4.7 Incorporating existing Evidence needs to be appropriate to the type of scheme and could include
water features drawings or photographs showing how existing features have been
incorporated.
Definitions
See definitions in 4.3 Protection of biodiversity
Enhancement
Improved management of ecological features or provision of new ecological features, resulting in a net benefit to
biodiversity, which is unrelated to a negative impact or is 'over and above' that required to mitigate or compensate
for an impact.
Green infrastructure
Multi-functional space, urban and rural, that can form a network or be self-contained, which is capable of delivering
a wide range of environmental and quality of life benefits for local communities. It covers both 'green' and 'blue'
(water environment) features of the natural and built environments. Examples include parks, open spaces, playing
fields, woodlands, wetlands, grasslands, river and canal corridors, allotments, private gardens and living (green) roofs
and façades.
Aim
To secure ongoing monitoring, management, and maintenance of habitats and ecological features to ensure
intended long-term outcomes are realised.
Assessment scope
Only criteria listed in the table below can be scoped out of assessments. All other criteria are fixed.
Credit summary
Assessment criteria Strategy Design Construction
4.5.1 Ongoing ecological management 27
4.5.2 Programme for monitoring 18
Assessment criteria
4.5.1 Ongoing ecological management Str Des Con
4.5.1.1 A landscape and ecology management plan, or equivalent, has been 27
developed that covers, as a minimum, the first five years after project
completion and includes:
4.5.1.2 The landscape and ecology management plan or similar has been updated as appropriate to support
maintenance of the ecological value of the site.
Guidance
Ongoing ecological management (4.5.1)
An appropriate landscape and ecology management plan for the aftercare of ecology is essential to ensure benefits
are realised from the actions undertaken to protect or enhance biodiversity. The plan should consider actions on and
near site and, where relevant, within the wider zone of influence.
Where appropriate, the management plan should be developed in accordance with Section 11.1 of BS 42020:2013
Biodiversity – Code of practice for planning and development (or equivalent national standard).
More information on the aims of the BREEAM UK Strategic Ecology Framework is available online at
https://www.breeam.com/resources/strategy/breeam-uk-strategic-ecology-framework/.
Evidence
Assessment criteria Evidence guidance
4.5.1 Ongoing ecological Evidence could be a LMP with specific reference to requirements of ecological
management habitat management or species conservation measures.
4.5.2 Programme for monitoring Evidence could be a specific monitoring plan or part of a more-generic
maintenance plan that demonstrates that monitoring is in place.
Definitions
See definitions in 4.3 Protection of biodiversity
Summary
This category encourages consideration of the landscape and associated heritage features within and surrounding a
project site. It aims to protect and enhance both landscape character and heritage assets where present. Aesthetic
value and visual impact of a project are addressed as well as actions taken to protect and enhance the historic
environment for the benefit of present and future generations.
Aim
To ensure the character of the landscape is respected and, where possible, enhanced through the design approach
and careful location of features in a manner that is appropriate to the local environment and community needs and
wishes.
Assessment scope
Only criteria listed in the table below can be scoped out of assessments. All other criteria are fixed.
Credit summary
Assessment criteria Strategy Design Construction
5.1.1 Landscape and visual factors 16 11
(up to)
5.1.2 Impact on landscape character 26
5.1.3 Landscape development policies 9 (up to)
5.1.4 Local landscape character 24 (up to)
5.1.5 Advance landscape works 16 10
5.1.6 Appropriateness of species selected 26
5.1.7 Assessment of existing vegetation 9
5.1.8 Retention of existing vegetation 4 (up to)
5.1.9 Non-vegetation features 18 (up to)
5.1.10 Landscape design proposals 17 (up to)
5.1.11 Protection of existing vegetation during construction 5
5.1.12 Long-term management plan 14 3
5.1.13 Responsibility for long-term management 17
Assessment criteria
5.1.1 Landscape and visual factors Str Des Con
5.1.1.1 Landscape and visual factors have been considered by a suitably 16 11
qualified landscape professional at each stage of the project, including the
evaluation of scheme options.
Outcome Credits
(a) Policies have been met 4
(b) Policies have been exceeded 9
Outcome Credits
(a) 25% or more 1
(b) 50% or more 2
(c) 75% or more 3
(d) 90% or more 4
Outcome Credits
(a) Yes, but negative impact 7
(b) Yes, neutral impact or impact avoided 11
(c) Yes, enhanced setting 18
Outcome Credits
(a) Plan prepared 14
(b) Plan prepared and implemented 17
5.1.13.3 A programme of monitoring is in place beyond the normal planting establishment period.
Guidance
Landscape and visual factors (5.1.1)
A suitably qualified landscape professional would normally be a Landscape Architect, but could include a Landscape
Manager, Garden Designer, Arboriculturalist or other landscape professional depending on the nature of the
project.
Strategy stage credits are awarded where the brief actively encourages consideration of landscape and visual factors
at each stage. At design stage, considerations could include siting, massing, colour, texture, materials, earthworks,
lighting, street furniture, planting and relationship with buildings or structures.
Note that temporary construction impacts are assessed by 1.3.3 Visual impact during construction (fixed).
The mere planting of 'indigenous' species or 'same as next door' is not sufficient in this context. Planting should
represent or complement the truly local character of the area in terms of vegetation type and structure (for example,
woodland pattern and structure, the form of a windbreak or shelterbelt, hedgerow character, coppice, designed
landscape elements, meadows, heathland, wetland, urban squares and parks) as well as choice of species and the
matching of species to soil type.
Vegetation, often forms an important part of the landscape. The landscape value of existing vegetation should be
considered in the context of the development.
Significant vegetation, including trees or other vegetation protected by local regulation, would normally be
considered valuable landscape features. However, it is important to consider that size and protection are not the only
factors to determine landscape value, for example small windswept trees may form interesting features in exposed
coastal locations and groups of small trees may provide an important screening function. Therefore, evidence must
demonstrate that a strategy for retention of trees or other existing vegetation has been developed based on their
value in the context of the development. Veteran trees and ancient woodland even if not formally recognised or
protected must be considered as significant.
The plan must be in place early enough to permit implementation from the start of work on site and should be
reviewed on a regular basis throughout the implementation of the project.
CIRIA publication The benefits of large species trees in urban landscapes: a costing, design and management guide
(C712, 2012) provides guidance in this area, and for 5.1.6.
The programme or plan should include detailed descriptions of any maintenance tasks that have to be carried out on
a regular basis (for example, grass to be cut to a particular height, grass cuttings left or collected, selective tree-felling
or pruning, further planting) including an indication of frequency (for example once a fortnight, once a year, every six
years) and, where applicable, time (for example, for meadows the right timing of cuts is crucial). Hard landscape
maintenance tasks should be included where appropriate (for example, graffiti and chewing gum to be removed
from hard surfaces).
Note that the review programme or plan needs to go significantly beyond the normal maintenance carried out
during a planting establishment period (often three to five years).
Evidence
Assessment criteria Evidence guidance
5.1.1 Landscape and visual Evidence could include the project brief, a landscape or townscape assessment
factors report, and comparison of alternatives.
5.1.2 Impact on landscape Evidence could be a landscape and visual impact assessment, judgements from
character a Landscape Character Assessment, or a relevant section of an Environmental
Impact Assessment (EIA).
5.1.3 Landscape development Evidence of compliance with authority plans and policies could be in the form
policies of a planning approval. If planning approval is not needed, then evidence of
consultation with relevant authorities would be needed. It will be up to the
Assessor and Verifier to agree how exceedance of requirements is
demonstrated.
5.1.4 Local landscape character Evidence could be in the form of relevant instructions in the brief, or evidence
of research into and understanding of local character all related to the design
and completed scheme.
5.1.5 Advance landscape works Evidence should include documented evidence that advance landscape works
have been considered, even if the possibility of implementation has been ruled
out.
5.1.6 Appropriateness of species Evidence could include a review of the criteria used to determine plant
selected selection.
5.1.7 Assessment of existing Evidence could include arboricultural reports, survey data, tree constraints plan,
vegetation tree retention strategy, photographs, or a site visit to the completed scheme.
5.1.8 Retention of existing
vegetation
5.1.9 Non-vegetation features Evidence could be in the form of a landscape constraints plan, comparison of
drawings or photomontages showing change of land use and new landscape
features. What is seen as enhancement may be a matter of judgement and
agreement between Assessor and Verifier.
5.1.10 Landscape design Evidence could include a LMS, LWP or equivalent section in a SEMP. Evidence of
proposals consultation with relevant statutory bodies and other relevant third parties
should be included in the plan.
Aim
To ensure the protection of heritage through known physical and other assets on or near the project site that have
value because of their contribution to society, knowledge and/or culture over and above local and international
requirements. Also to identify and exploit opportunities to enhance knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of
the historic, social and cultural environment.
Assessment scope
Only criteria listed in the table below can be scoped out of assessments. All other criteria are fixed.
Credit summary
Assessment criteria Strategy Design Construction
(up to)
5.2.1 Baseline studies and surveys (fixed) 9
5.2.2 Use of suitable professionals and standards (fixed) 14 (up to)
5.2.3 Consultation 12 (up to)
5.2.4 Reporting baseline studies and surveys 16
5.2.5 Integration of listed or registered heritage assets 14 (up to)
5.2.6 Integration of non-registered heritage assets 16
5.2.7 Setting for listed or registered heritage assets 13 (up to)
5.2.8 Surveys for archaeological remains 13
5.2.9 Mitigation strategy for archaeological investigation 14 (up to)
5.2.10 Mitigation design for loss of heritage assets 14 (up to)
Assessment criteria
(fixed)
5.2.1 Baseline studies and surveys Str Des Con
5.2.1.1 A baseline historic environment study or survey has been carried out at 9 (up to)
the project planning stage and has considered the full range of registered and
non-registered historic environment assets.
(fixed)
5.2.2 Use of suitable professionals and standards Str Des Con
5.2.2.1 The baseline study or survey has been prepared by a suitably qualified 14 (up to)
historic environment professional and has been prepared to a recognised
standard appropriate to the scope and location of the project.
Outcome Credits
(a) Prepared or authorised by a suitably qualified historic environment professional. 6
(b) Plus, prepared to a recognised standard appropriate to the scope and location of the 14
project.
Outcome Credits
(a) Consultations have been conducted with all relevant stakeholders 5
(b) Consultations have been conducted with all relevant stakeholders prior to planning 12
application submission or approval.
Outcome Credits
(a) The project design has enabled their retention, restoration and successful re-use or 7
integration into the development.
(b) Plus, a future management strategy has been agreed. 14
5.2.7 Setting for listed or registered heritage assets Str Des Con
5.2.7.1 The design has successfully addressed any setting issues and provided 13 (up to)
a neutral or enhanced setting for listed buildings, scheduled monuments or
historic landscape areas.
Outcome Credits
(a) Yes 7
(b) If it contains an element of preservation in-situ of archaeological remains 14
5.2.10 Mitigation design for loss of heritage assets Str Des Con
5.2.10.1 If registered or non-registered historic environment assets have been 14 (up to)
demolished or removed, an appropriate mitigation design has been developed
and agreed with the relevant conservation or heritage agency. (This may include
proposals for relocation, restoration or replacement, or in-situ building
recording.)
Outcome Credits
(a) Building recording has taken place 4
Outcome Credits
(b) Historic materials have been salvaged for re-use in another historic context 6
(c) An asset has been relocated off site to an appropriate place 8
(d) An asset has been re-sited within the site 14
(e) If a mixture of (d) plus (b) or (c) 10
Outcome Credits
(a) Protective measures have been put in place 8
(b) Appropriate instructions have also taken place 13
Outcome Credits
(a) In preparation by end of construction stage 5
(b) Completed by end of construction stage 17
Guidance
Baseline studies and surveys (fixed) (5.2.1)
It is important that historic environment interests are identified at a pre-design stage and those significant related
issues are incorporated into the design and planning of the project. Best practice requires that sufficient surveys
(desk study and site-based investigations as appropriate) are carried out before design works are substantially
complete, in order to determine the extent, nature and significance of any archaeological resource and/or historic
structures, and to consider the significance of any impact. The results of these surveys should (where significant) be
shown to have influenced the design as submitted for planning and have led to options for alterations at the
detailed design stage to be set out.
l Initial appraisal: Undertake sufficient preliminary desk studies to identify all significant historic environment
constraints and opportunities associated with the project.
l Assessment and reconnaissance: Assess the likely impact of development options on identified or potential
assets through for example application of reconnaissance surveys, detailed desk-based assessment, and/or
historic buildings assessment. This information should be used to focus the design options early on to
minimise harm to the historic environment and create opportunities for positive enhancement. Field surveys
and the techniques used should be recorded.
l Site evaluation: Depending on the level of archaeological or historical significance identified, this stage may
include site specific targeted surveys to evaluate the extent and significance of buried archaeological remains
or undertake intrusive investigation on standing structures to determine suitability for conversion, alteration
or protection measures.
The baseline should also identify what outline mitigation proposals should be developed and implemented, and
adequate time and resources needs to have been allocated in the project design.
A recognised standard may be those published by the national heritage agencies or other bodies specific to the work
being undertaken.
Consultation (5.2.3)
Relevant stakeholders could include:
Voluntary consultation with other local and amateur organisations demonstrates a commitment to public
engagement and identifying additional local knowledge, concerns and possible positive enhancements to the
historic environment. Consultation should be done as early as practicable so that guidance or advice can be properly
taken into account in the design. It is also likely to continue into construction on some larger schemes.
The surveys may include both non-intrusive and intrusive methods as identified in CIRIA Archaeology and
Development – a good practice guide to managing risk and maximising benefit (C672, 2008).
Where post-excavation analysis or building recording reporting has been carried out, then full credits can only be
scored if they are completed by the time construction of the project is complete. If the post-excavation analysis or
building recording reporting has commenced and is in preparation but is not complete at the end of the
construction stage, then score as indicated in the scoring scale.
The project may also be able to contribute to local education objectives through providing site visits, talks (to schools
and local groups) and materials for curriculum activities. Communication with the public may also be achieved by
liaison with the media and museum exhibitions.
The possibility of allowing members of the public, via their local historical or archaeological societies, access to view
the site or to contribute to desk based or field-based activities should be considered. This will help to maintain
relations with the local community provide positive public relations and held meet historic environment objective to
communicate new knowledge about the past. The access can be at a specified time outside operating hours,
although a member of the site management team will have to be present. Alternatively, it can be in an area
partitioned off from the rest of the site, or visits can be arranged in guided groups.
Evidence
Assessment criteria Evidence guidance
5.2.1 Baseline studies and Evidence may be in the form of stand-alone desk-based assessments and other
surveys (fixed) survey reports, and/or a chapter in an Environmental Statement or other
supporting documents or correspondence with local development control
office for archaeology and conservation. Note that this section of CEEQUAL
covers both below-ground and above-ground historic assets, so any evidence
must include a summary of the baseline for all types of potential constraints
5.2.2 Use of suitable and opportunities that may be significant. Typical headings may comprise
professionals and standards archaeological remains, built heritage assets setting and townscape, historic
(fixed) landscape and seascape (if applicable). Evidence needs to show that a specialist
has been consulted during the design option phase to ensure the proposed
designs have taken account of historic environment constraints and
opportunities. This could be a formal report from the specialist or notes of a
meeting with them.
5.2.3 Consultation Evidence may be summarised in a section of the documents reviewed at 5.2.1 or
be contained in correspondence and/or meeting notes with the relevant
consultees.
5.2.4 Reporting baseline studies Evidence will include details of archives, desk-based studies, or reports that
and surveys have been prepared and submitted. This could include submissions to the local
historic environment record (HER).
5.2.5 Integration of listed or Evidence should show that the issues have been recognised and design
registered heritage assets solutions been found, and that specific specialist studies to address urban
design and setting issues and/or historic views have been conducted if
5.2.6 Integration of non- necessary. Evidence could also include agreements with the development
registered heritage assets control conservation team and or national heritage body in the form of
correspondence and/or meeting notes.
5.2.7 Setting for listed or Evidence should show that the issues have been recognised and design
registered heritage assets solutions been found, and that specific specialist studies to address urban
design and setting issues and/or historic views have been conducted if
necessary. Evidence could also include agreements with the development
control conservation team and/or national heritage agency in the form of
correspondence and/or meeting notes.
6 Pollution
Summary
This category promotes actions that address and minimise air, water, and noise pollution resulting from the
construction and operation of the asset. It focusses on carrying out risk assessments, developing and implementing
appropriate mitigation strategies, and monitoring the effectiveness of the mitigation measures to maximise their
outcomes.
Aim
To protect the local water environment from pollution and damage arising as a result of the delivery and/or
operation of an asset.
Assessment scope
Only criteria listed in the table below can be scoped out of assessments. All other criteria are fixed.
Credit summary
Assessment criteria Strategy Design Construction
6.1.1 Consultation with regulatory authorities (fixed) 6 6 6
6.1.2 Preventing pollution in operation 14
6.1.3 Control of impacts on the water environment from the 22 22
completed project (fixed)
6.1.4 Long-term monitoring of impacts on the water 18
environment
6.1.5 Control of impacts on the water environment during 29
construction (fixed)
6.1.6 Preventing pollution during construction 20
6.1.7 Protecting existing water features during construction 9
6.1.8 Monitoring water quality during construction 20 (up to)
Assessment criteria
(fixed)
6.1.1 Consultation with regulatory authorities Str Des Con
6.1.1.1 Consultation has been undertaken with regulatory authorities about 6 6 6
water issues related to the project, including the need for any consents, and
the outcome has been communicated to project team members at each stage
of the project.
6.1.3 Control of impacts on the water environment from the Str Des Con
completed project (fixed) 22 22
6.1.3.1 A plan to control the impacts of the completed project on the water
environment (fresh and/or marine as appropriate) has been produced and
necessary elements of the plan have been incorporated in the design.
6.1.3.2 The plan to control the impacts of the completed project on the water environment has been implemented
as far as practicable up to the end of construction.
6.1.4 Long-term monitoring of impacts on the water environment Str Des Con
6.1.4.1 Measures (or equipment) have been incorporated in the project that 18
will allow long-term monitoring of the project's impact on the freshwater
and/or marine environments as appropriate.
6.1.5 Control of impacts on the water environment during Str Des Con
construction (fixed) 29
6.1.5.1 A plan to control the impacts of the project on the water environment
(fresh and/or marine as appropriate) during construction has been produced
and this plan has been implemented.
6.1.7 Protecting existing water features during construction Str Des Con
6.1.7.1 Existing water features have been protected from degradation or 9
physical damage by construction plant and processes.
Outcome Credits
(a) Monitoring system established in accordance with the results of the risk assessment. 10
(b) Monitoring shows adverse effect, but effective mitigation measures can be 13
demonstrated.
(c) Monitoring shows no adverse effect. 20
Guidance
Consultation with regulatory authorities (fixed) (6.1.1)
It is advisable to consult the relevant regulatory authorities on any potential impacts a civil engineering project may
have on the freshwater and marine environments. Consultation will promote discussion on how the project's
environmental performance could be improved and whether discharge or other consents are required. This includes
projects where effects on water are not immediately obvious as, for example, hydro-geological issues, which are not
instantly visible, may apply to the site.
Control of impacts on the water environment from the completed project (fixed) (6.1.3)
This requirement cannot be scoped out as it is very important that all project teams should consider the potential
impacts of their project on the freshwater environment and, where appropriate, the marine environment in order to
minimise potential impacts at the operational stage (i.e. through design) and at the construction stage.
The plan can be part of a PEMP, SEMP or equivalent, or can be a separate document. It should assess questions such
as:
l Is the project likely to affect adversely the local surface water and groundwater including groundwater flows?
l Is the project likely to affect the fresh or marine environment including from run-off or discharges from the
completed works and during construction?
l Do the above include consideration of the potential effects of climate change and the potential for more-
intense rainfall events to wash pollutants into the water environment?
l Could measures be implemented to reduce the project's impact on water quality and could these protect or
enhance the water environment?
The need for abstraction, land drainage or discharge consents and/or land drainage appraisals has to be considered
as part of such a plan, as well as possible designs for drainage systems. As with all plans of this type, it needs to
include procedures for regular monitoring and reviewing.
Bearing in mind that a CEEQUAL Whole Project Assessment is completed at or towards the end of construction,
'implementation' can only be assessed at the completion of the assessment and the extent of implementation of the
plan that could have been expected by that time.
In relation to water features, a distinction must be made between pollution-related issues (6.1.6) and physical
damage to the water feature (6.1.7).
Early consideration should be given to construction risks at the design stage to enable appropriate systems of work
or appropriate site layouts to be prepared, as well as to ensure that risks identified during an earlier environmental
assessment are incorporated into the construction plan.
Monitoring may be carried out in liaison with local or national government departments or agencies. However, it is
considered good practice for Contractors to be proactive in establishing a monitoring regime – and it is in their own
interest to do so.
In this section, emphasis is placed on monitoring, both short-term and long-term. Evaluation of the long-term
impact of materials may be difficult if materials have been used that have not had long-term research carried out on
them. For example, these may have delayed pollution characteristics, which would be costly and possibly difficult to
rectify.
Evidence
Assessment criteria Evidence guidance
6.1.1 Consultation with Evidence could be in the form of meeting notes or letters regarding obtaining
regulatory authorities (fixed) consents or licences. At construction stage, it could be actual applications and
granting of licences. Evidence also needs to be shown for appropriate
communication of the outcomes of the consultations or applications. These
could be circulation of design notes, team briefings or incorporation of licence
and/or consent conditions into method statements.
6.1.2 Preventing pollution in Evidence could be drafts of operation and maintenance manuals, minutes of
operation meetings and other documentation. Evidence of positive measures should be
documented at design stage.
6.1.3 Control of impacts on the Evidence could include assessment of run-off, hydrological impacts, surface and
water environment from the groundwater quality impacts, and/or risk assessments, and subsequent
completed project (fixed) incorporation into the design.
6.1.4 Long-term monitoring of Evidence will vary greatly depending on the type of project being assessed.
impacts on the water Appropriateness of measures will have to be judged and agreed by the
environment Assessor and Verifier. However, the guidance above gives examples of the sorts
of measures that could be considered.
6.1.5 Control of impacts on the Evidence could include assessment of run-off, hydrological impacts, surface and
water environment during groundwater quality impacts, and/or risk assessments, and subsequent
construction (fixed) incorporation into construction plans.
6.1.6 Preventing pollution Evidence during construction could be in the form of photographs and other
during construction documentation or could be gained from a site visit. To score credits during
construction stage, evidence must be robust to ensure that all risks to the
6.1.7 Protecting existing water freshwater and marine environments have been considered and mitigated. Note
features during construction that company-wide key performance indicators are insufficient as evidence.
6.1.8 Monitoring water quality Evidence can be in the form of monitoring data and other documentation
during construction showing the methods of monitoring used.
Aim
To minimise, mitigate, and manage the negative effects of air, noise, and light pollution arising as a result of the
delivery and ongoing operation of the asset.
Assessment scope
Only criteria listed in the table below can be scoped out of assessments. All other criteria are fixed.
Credit summary
Assessment criteria Strategy Design Construction
6.2.1 Identification of potential effects on neighbours during 11
construction
6.2.2 Identification of potential effects on neighbours in 11
operation
6.2.3 Mitigating effects on neighbours in operation 11
6.2.4 Innovative solutions for nuisance mitigation in 40
operation
6.2.5 Mitigating effects on neighbours during construction 11
6.2.6 Construction effects on neighbours (fixed) 30 (up to)
6.2.7 Implementation of mitigation measures during 29
construction
6.2.8 Innovative solutions to minimise nuisance during 29
construction
6.2.9 Monitoring of effects on neighbours 17
6.2.10 Achievement of effective mitigation during 12 (up to)
construction
6.2.11 Physical damage by vibration 7
6.2.12 Mitigation of operation effects 20
Assessment criteria
6.2.1 Identification of potential effects on neighbours during Str Des Con
construction 11
6.2.1.1 Baseline studies and predictions for all potential effects on neighbours
have been carried out for the project and proposals have been put forward for
mitigating effects potentially occurring during construction.
6.2.4 Innovative solutions for nuisance mitigation in operation Str Des Con
6.2.4.1 There are innovative technical solutions included in the design of the 40
project that go beyond those agreed at an earlier planning permission or
consenting stage that are intended to mitigate any nuisance caused by the
operation of the scheme once constructed.
(fixed)
6.2.6 Construction effects on neighbours Str Des Con
6.2.6.1 A SEMP or equivalent section in a PEMP has considered the effects of 30 (up to)
the construction process on neighbours.
Outcome Credits
(a) The plan includes all issues described in the guidance below. 12
(b) Plus, the plan has been implemented. 18
(c) Plus, implementation of the plan has been monitored including corrective action. 30
Outcome Credits
(a) No, but corrective action successfully taken 6
(b) Yes, in full 12
Guidance
Identification of potential effects on neighbours during construction (6.2.1, 6.2.2)
Although noise and vibration effects are the first to come to mind as effects on those close to new schemes,
consideration must be given to all forms of potential pollution emissions and nuisance that could affect neighbours
(including wildlife and certain plant life) in the proximity of the scheme during both the construction (6.2.1) and
operational stages (6.2.2). Baseline studies required will be dependent upon each individual project location and
operations, though these should be predictable, assessable and documented.
Local air quality: Appropriate measures may include low-emission boilers for water and wastewater treatment
plants, fitment of covers to tanks at such works, and spray facilities at solid-waste treatment facilities.
Noise: Example measures could include the early development of bunds that help screen construction noise and
later become part of the overall landscaping of a project, or Designer input in the phasing of the development or the
timing of noisy works.
Possible measures to limit disruption include time restrictions to limit noisy operations to certain hours of the day (or
to limit very noisy operations to short, intermittent spells), using mufflers or silencers on equipment, reducing drop
heights into lorries or skips, or erecting noise screens around the site.
Vibration: For example, use of hydraulic shears instead of hydraulic impact breakers; jacking of steel sheet piles
instead of hammer-driven piling; use of chemical splitters or falling weight breakers instead of pneumatic breakers
and drills.
Emissions (including dust and odour): Example measures include damping down haul roads and siting of dust-
producing operations away from neighbours, or appropriate selection of construction plant and its regular
maintenance to ensure emissions are kept within strict limits
Light: All lighting for the final project, as well as all compound and site lighting, should be designed to prevent
spillage of light into neighbouring buildings or areas. Construction lighting is often extremely powerful to allow
work to continue safely outside daylight hours. Apart from causing considerable nuisance and disrupting the sleep
of site neighbours, it can also cause disruption to wildlife.
l guidance or method statements on how to avoid unnecessary noise and ground-borne noise;
l measures to reduce disruption caused by site traffic;
l measures to minimise dust and odour emissions; and
l measures to avoid light pollution.
Note that the plan needs to cover all four issues to score these credits.
Some examples of such measures are listed in the relevant sub-sections in this chapter. For further guidance see
CIRIA Environmental good practice on site guide (fourth edition) (C741, 2015).
Corrective actions are steps that are taken to eliminate the causes of existing nonconformities in order to prevent
recurrence. The corrective action process tries to make sure that existing nonconformities and potentially undesirable
situations don't happen again.
Note that 'implemented' must be assessed appropriately up to the point of the assessment being done. If all
mitigation measures are included in the scope of the project being assessed, then credits can be scored only if they
have been implemented in full. However, if the measures need to be implemented during the early stages of
operation after the completion of the construction stage, then the assessments must be against what can reasonably
be achieved by the end of construction, not against a prediction of what is anticipated to be implemented in the
long term.
Evidence
Assessment criteria Evidence guidance
6.2.1 Identification of potential Evidence could be a written report on the results of the baseline studies
effects on neighbours during appropriate to the scale of the project. Evidence may also be found in the ES if
construction one was completed.
6.2.2 Identification of potential
effects on neighbours in
operation
7 Resources
Summary
The Resources category promotes the prudent and responsible use of all physical resources including materials,
energy, and water. It focuses on reducing whole life impacts from resource use by encouraging consideration of the
environmental impacts of design, construction, and operation throughout the life of the asset. The category
encourages users to evaluate resource use within the context of a circular economy taking actions that are focused
on reducing waste in accordance with the waste hierarchy.
Aim
To embed consideration of the efficient use of energy, water, and materials throughout the project's planning,
design, and delivery.
Assessment scope
Only criteria listed in the table below can be scoped out of assessments. All other criteria are fixed.
Credit summary
Assessment criteria Strategy Design Construction
(up to)
7.1.1 Project resources strategy (fixed) 10
7.1.2 Supporting resource efficiency objectives in contracts 4
(fixed)
7.1.3 Policies and targets for resource efficiency in operation 5 (up to) 5 (up to)
7.1.4 Policies and targets for resource efficiency during 5 (up to) 5 (up to)
construction (fixed)
7.1.5 Implementing policies and targets for resource 7 7 7
efficiency (fixed)
7.1.6 Implementing the project resources strategy (fixed) 10 (up to)
7.1.7 Material resource efficiency plan (fixed) 10 (up to)
7.1.8 Construction resources strategy (fixed) 6
7.1.9 Implementing the construction resources strategy (fixed) 12 (up to)
7.1.10 Implementing the material resource efficiency plan 14
(fixed)
Assessment criteria
7.1.1 Project resources strategy (fixed) Str Des Con
7.1.1.1 The Client and/or the Designers have prepared a project resources 10 (up to)
strategy in line with the guidance and covering the aspects below.
(fixed)
7.1.2 Supporting resource efficiency objectives in contracts Str Des Con
7.1.2.1 Resource efficiency objectives and (where appropriate) benchmarks 4
and/or targets have been included within relevant contract documentation.
7.1.3 Policies and targets for resource efficiency in operation Str Des Con
7.1.3.1 All those directly engaged in the strategy and design of the project 5 (up to) 5 (up to)
have formal corporate-level policies and targets for ensuring physical resources
can be used in the most efficient way in the operation of the works.
7.1.4 Policies and targets for resource efficiency during Str Des Con
construction (fixed) 5 (up to) 5 (up to)
7.1.4.1 All those directly engaged in the project have formal corporate-level
policies and targets for ensuring physical resources are used in the most
efficient way in the design and construction process.
7.1.5 Implementing policies and targets for resource efficiency Str Des Con
(fixed)
7 7 7
7.1.5.1 The policies and targets described in 7.1.3 and 7.1.4 have been
implemented and monitored on the project.
7.1.6 Implementing the project resources strategy (fixed) Str Des Con
7.1.6.1 The resources strategy for the project in 7.1.1 has been implemented 10 (up to)
in, and significantly influenced, the design and covers the aspects below..
7.1.9 Implementing the construction resources strategy (fixed) Str Des Con
7.1.9.1 The actions (by number) identified in the construction stage resources 12 (up to)
strategy in 7.1.8 have been implemented.
Outcome Credits
(a) 25% or more 3
(b) 50% or more 6
(c) 75% or more 9
(d) 90% or more 12
7.1.10 Implementing the material resource efficiency plan (fixed) Str Des Con
7.1.10.1 The material resource efficiency plan in 7.1.7 has been implemented 14
and monitored.
Guidance
Project resources strategy (fixed) (7.1.1)
A 'Project Resources Strategy' is important to enable delivery of the performance-orientated questions. The materials
element of such a strategy would be expected to be based on a life-cycle analysis and the cradle-to-cradle principle
but does not have to be generated that way. It would be expected to cover but not be limited to:
l the key materials and components to be incorporated in the project (by volume, value and/or propensity to
be wasted);
l the remote impacts of extracting those materials from the planet and then processing them for use or into
components;
l opportunities to improve the resource efficiency of the project;
l the sourcing of energy supplies for operation of the works if relevant;
l the use and management of other resources to be used for operation of the completed works; and
l sustainability considerations at the end of the useful life – for example design for re-use and recycling at end
of life.
Examples of the remote impacts could be from mining of bulk materials or ores. Examples of the resources used in
operation of the completed works could include process chemicals in water and wastewater treatment plants, salt
and other chemicals for road or airport de-icing; and feedstock fuels for power stations.
The EU Resource Efficiency Roadmap is part of the Resource Efficiency Flagship of the Europe 2020 Strategy. The
Europe 2020 Strategy is the European Union's growth strategy for the present decade and is aimed at establishing a
smart, sustainable and inclusive economy with high levels of employment, productivity and social cohesion. The
Roadmap can be helpful in developing the materials elements of a resource strategy - see
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/resource_efficiency/index_en.htm.
Such a strategy is only of value if it is actively implemented in the design and construction so 7.1.6 seeks evidence
that that the strategy has been implemented at the design stage, while 7.1.2 seeks evidence that the requirements of
the strategy at have been cascaded into the contract documentation for implementation during the construction
stage.
Policies and targets for resource efficiency in operation (7.1.3, 7.1.4, 7.1.5)
This focuses on integrating material, waste and water-specific objectives throughout the project cycle to demonstrate
that good practice has been adopted from the earliest possible stage.
All organisations directly appointed to the project should have corporate environmental policies that set out at a
high level their commitments to managing the environmental impacts of their operations and activities. However, for
the purpose of this requirement an environmental policy is not considered sufficient in isolation. To score,
organisations should be able to demonstrate that they have adopted specific policies, which have then been
translated into specific actions and targets on the project.
Key issues for Clients to consider include setting corporate objectives and targets for material use, waste and water
use in their operations and, ensuring these are transferred to the project team in project procurement (appointing
Designers and Contractors, tender and contract documentation) and engaging with the supply chain.
For Designers, this means demonstrating that they are actively working with Clients and Contractors to identify
opportunities and create design solutions that minimise waste and use materials, energy and water more efficiently,
both in operation of the completed project and in the construction process.
Similarly, Contractors need to demonstrate that corporate policies are being implemented within the project,
including setting requirements for and engaging with their sub-contractors and suppliers. In common with Clients,
Contractors would be expected to have in place measurement, monitoring and reporting procedures to capture
achievements.
For all organisations, corporate reporting is also an important aspect to demonstrate that the improvements as a
result of policies and commitments are being measured and monitored. For Designers, this means measuring the
potential improvement at project level and reporting this at a corporate level to demonstrate how proactively they
consider the issues in their work.
There is increasing focus on the broader impacts of resources and the need to move to a more circular economy
where waste is designed out and there is a stronger emphasis on the life cycle value of the product or asset.
Organisations in the construction industry are increasingly demonstrating their commitment to a more resource
efficient industry.
achieving efficiencies. They also need to be applied throughout the project life cycle to ensure that the potential
improvements identified are achieved during construction. Therefore, the maximum score can only be achieved when
the incorporation of all five principles are clearly demonstrated. It is acknowledged that not all of these principles are
applicable to all projects, for example, where off-site construction is just not possible. However, a score can still be
achieved where it is shown that the principle has been considered even if it was then discounted.
Metric guidance
Material resource efficiency plans may include targets that have been set for each of the five key principles. The
following (see below) metrics are examples that could be used. Others may be used if they are felt to be more
suitable and can be justified as leading to reduced environmental impact:
Design targets for reuse and recovery, reported through metrics such as:
Percentage by volume of predicted suitable/usable material from demolition or deconstruction that should be
incorporated into the project, using a formula such as:
Percentage by volume of predicted excavated material that should be beneficially reused on site, using a formula
such as:
Design targets for off-site construction, reported through a metric such as:
Percentage by volume of components constructed off-site (components capable of being constructed off-site), using
a formula such as:
Design targets for materials optimisation, reported through a metric such as:
Predicted wastage rate per £100k project construction value, using a formula such as:
Guidance on improving the resource efficiency of construction and on using procurement to set requirements for
Constructors is available from CIRIA.
The CIRIA guidance sets the requirement for the supply chain to set corporate level commitments to improving
resource efficiency. This commitment is then embedded into contract or sub-contract documentation and
construction processes in line with the sustainability-driven strategy for the project. All actions, targets or
benchmarks, and actual performance should be captured within a RMP and Record (or similar) for the project.
Other approaches to meeting these requirements would include the use of specific resource efficiency metrics (such
as materials use, wastage or embodied carbon) together with an action plan that sets out clear responsibilities for
specific parties in improving resource efficiency. There should be a contractual requirement to develop and/or
implement such an action plan.
Finally, it should be noted that, since sustainability is about balancing the environmental, social and economic
aspects of a project, this means that the best (sustainability-driven) option for a project does not necessarily mean it
will be the best environmental option.
Metric guidance
Implementation of the resource efficiency plan may be reported by providing evidence of measuring and monitoring
against the targets set in 7.1.7, by calculation of:
Percentage by volume of suitable/usable material from demolition or de-construction on site that has been
incorporated into the project, using a formula such as:
Percentage by volume of excavated material that has been beneficially reused on site, using a formula such as:
Percentage by volume of components actually constructed off-site, using a formula such as:
Wastage rate per £100k project construction value, using a formula such as:
Percentage reduction of total material consumed, per £100k project construction value, based on a measure of:
The total volume of materials should be a sum of all materials ordered and delivered to site or derived from site, for
use or to aid the construction of the finished works.
Evidence
Assessment criteria Evidence guidance
7.1.1 Project resources strategy Evidence could be a document entitled 'Project Resources Strategy' with the
(fixed) attributes indicated in the guidance or could be a series of less-broad analyses
that, taken together, provide the high-level, strategic overview that can provide
significant input to the project concept and design. The evidence must be in
scale to the nature, location, context and size of the project. A two-page
summary report would be insufficient for a multi-million-pound project, yet a
100-page detailed analysis is very unlikely to be appropriate for projects in the
region of £1M.
7.1.2 Supporting resource Evidence of the contract should be provided which should contain suitable
efficiency objectives in contracts resource efficiency clauses within it.
(fixed)
Aim
To drive the assessment, reporting, and reduction of whole-life carbon emissions throughout the project's planning,
design, delivery and future management.
Assessment scope
Only criteria listed in the table below can be scoped out of assessments. All other criteria are fixed.
Credit summary
Assessment criteria Strategy Design Construction
(up to) (up to)
7.2.1 Carbon management (fixed) 18 18 18 (up to)
7.2.2 Independent third-party certification of carbon 9 9 9
management
7.2.3 Achieving carbon reduction targets (fixed) 27 (up to)
7.2.4 Exemplary level: Net zero carbon (fixed) 1% (exemplary)
Assessment criteria
7.2.1 Carbon management (fixed) Str Des Con
7.2.1.1 A carbon management approach has been adopted during the 18 (up to) 18 (up to) 18 (up to)
strategy, design, or construction of the project that fully or partially conforms
with PAS 2080 as indicated in the table below.
(b) 8
(c) 12
(d) 18
(fixed)
7.2.3 Achieving carbon reduction targets Str Des Con
7.2.3.1 The project has achieved its carbon emission reduction targets 27 (up to)
identified in the carbon management process in 7.2.1.
Outcome Credits
(a) Targets not met, but lessons learned have been documented and publicly shared in a 13
case study.
(b) Targets have been met or exceeded. 27
7.2.4 Exemplary level: Net zero carbon (fixed) Str Des Con
7.2.4.1 The PAS 2080 compliant results demonstrate that the project has 1% (exemplary)
achieved net zero carbon on its whole life emissions.
Guidance
Carbon management (fixed) (7.2.1)
PAS 2080 is applicable to anyone involved in the delivery of infrastructure, including asset owners/managers,
designers, constructors and product/material suppliers. Complying with the requirements of PAS 2080 will help all
value chain members understand and manage carbon associated with the development of infrastructure from its
inception to its end-of-life and is equally applicable to individual assets or to programmes.
Relevant value chain members must be involved in the carbon management process at each stage of the project. If
partial conformity with PAS 2080 is being sought then the value chain members that must be involved at each
assessment stage, as a minimum, are given in the table below. All value chain members must be involved for Whole
Project Assessments.
Where the project is claiming full conformance with PAS 2080, this must be in accordance with one of the three
claims of conformity recognised in clause 12 of PAS 2080:
Some of the requirements of PAS 2080, including those set out in clause 5 (Leadership and Governance) and clause
6 (Carbon Management Process), are covered by CEEQUAL in 1.1 Sustainability leadership and 7.1 Strategy for
resource efficiency. Parts of clause 7 (Quantification of GHG Emissions) are covered in 7.3 Environmental impact of
construction products.
Carbon reporting is also increasingly important for project financing, especially those seeking Green Investment
Bonds. Some projects will also be reported through the GRESB infrastructure annual survey or funded through
government investment and thereby also require high levels of reporting assurance to demonstrate compliance with
international climate commitments.
The credits in 7.2.2 can only be awarded if full credits in 7.2.1 have been achieved.
CEEQUAL wholly supports the need to dramatically cut greenhouse gas emissions and therefore awards exemplary
performance credits where a net-zero carbon target can be demonstrated as being met.
Evidence
Assessment criteria Evidence guidance
7.2.1 Carbon management Evidence should cover the items set out in PAS 2080. It should include
(fixed) information on quantification of carbon emissions, setting baselines and
targets, monitoring and reporting, and processes for continual improvement (as
applicable). Evidence for full conformity to PAS 2080 could include assessment
reports that identify the basis of the claim of conformity (self-validation, other-
party validation, or independent third-party certification).
7.2.2 Independent third-party Evidence will include the certificate(s) from an independent third-party showing
certification of carbon that the carbon management process used on the project has fully conformed
management with PAS 2080.
7.2.3 Achieving carbon Evidence will come from the carbon management process and will need to
reduction targets (fixed) show how the reduction target was set, the calculated baseline carbon
emissions, and the final calculated carbon emissions. Whether meeting the
target or not, evidence should show to what extent the carbon reduction target
has been met. Where targets haven't been met, a publicly shared case study
that explains the lessons learned should be provided in addition to the
requirements above.
7.2.4 Exemplary level: Net zero Evidence is likely to be an output from a formal carbon management process
carbon (fixed) that shows the calculated whole life carbon emissions for the project are zero or
negative. Evidence should include details of the calculation methodology,
sources of data, and any assumptions or limitations. Evidence at the
construction stage must reflect the project as built at practical completion.
Definitions
Net zero carbon
At present there is no specific methodology for assessing net zero carbon within infrastructure. As a pragmatic
response, that encourages users to seek to meet this challenge starting today, CEEQUAL has therefore adapted the
current definition for net zero carbon from the UKGBC Advancing Net Zero Programme.
The UKGBC definition of net zero carbon does not yet provide a complete definition of net zero carbon for the
whole life of an asset. It does provide a definition of net zero carbon for 'construction' and 'operational energy', as
follows, which together form the minimum scope accepted by CEEQUAL for net-zero carbon.
Net zero carbon – construction: When the amount of carbon emissions associated with [an asset's] product and
construction stages up to practical completion is zero or negative, through the use of offsets or the net export of on-
site renewable energy.
Net zero carbon – operational energy: When the amount of carbon emissions associated with [the asset's]
operational energy on an annual basis is zero or negative. A net zero carbon [asset] is highly energy efficient and
powered from on-site and/or off-site renewable energy sources, with any remaining carbon balance offset.
Additional information
PAS 2080 Carbon management in infrastructure
PAS 2080:2016 Carbon management in infrastructure is a framework for managing whole life carbon emissions for
all value chain members involved in delivering infrastructure assets and programmes of work. It was commissioned
by the Green Construction Board to reduce carbon, reduce cost, and promote innovation through more collaborative
ways of working.
A detailed supporting guidance document for PAS 2080 is also available for free from:
http://www.constructionleadershipcouncil.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Guidance-Document-for-PAS2080_
vFinal.pdf
A free copy of the publication, entitled Net Zero Carbon Buildings: A Framework Definition (dated April 2019), can
be obtained from: https://www.ukgbc.org/ukgbc-work/advancing-net-zero/
Aim
To reduce the burden on the environment from construction products through the use of life cycle assessment (LCA)
and the adoption of best practice in selection of products with a low environmental impact (including embodied
carbon) over the life cycle of the asset.
Assessment scope
Only criteria listed in the table below can be scoped out of assessments. All other criteria are fixed.
Credit summary
Assessment criteria Strategy Design Construction
(up to)
7.3.1 Life cycle assessment (fixed) 100
7.3.2 Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) (fixed) 17
7.3.3 Hazardous materials 12
7.3.4 Low-VOC and/or biodegradable coatings 6 (up to) 6 (up to)
7.3.5 Application of coatings 11
Assessment criteria
7.3.1 Life cycle assessment (fixed) Str Des Con
7.3.1.1 A life cycle assessment (LCA) has been undertaken and used to reduce 100 (up to)
the environmental impact of the project.
Outcome Credits
(a) Product life cycle assessments 15
(b) Screening carbon footprint 50
(c) Complete carbon footprint 75
(d) Screening life cycle assessment 50
(e) Simplified life cycle assessment 75
(f) Complete life cycle assessment 100
(ii) Used
Guidance
Life cycle assessment (fixed) (7.3.1)
1. A suitably experienced carbon or life cycle assessment (LCA) practitioner carries out product life cycle
assessments for ten key products within the assessed asset using existing product specific Environmental
Product Declarations (EPDs) or generic LCA data.
2. The suitably experienced practitioner considers a minimum of three functionally appropriate options for each
key product and makes recommendations to the project team to reduce the environmental impact of each
product. As a minimum, total carbon equivalent emissions should be considered over the expected lifetime
over the asset.
3. The project team demonstrate how the recommendations have been taken forward for the fully constructed
asset and report the LCA data for each product in the CEEQUAL online tool.
1. A screening carbon footprint in completed before finalising the concept design by a suitably experienced
carbon or LCA practitioner to estimate the total carbon equivalent impact associated with the asset over its
life cycle (modules A-C) set out in EN 15978
2. The screening identifies the significant sources of emissions over the expected lifetime of the asset.
3. Total carbon emissions or Global Warming Potential (kgCO2e) are reported.
4. Recommendations are made to the project team to inform future design decisions and include the goal and
scope of any further assessment.
5. The suitably experienced carbon or LCA practitioner uses appropriate standards and sources of data and
documents the assessment process with all decisions justified.
6. Total carbon equivalent emissions of the asset are reported within the CEEQUAL online tool.
Where the carbon equivalent impact of an activity is estimated to account for no more than 1% of the total impact of
that module, that activity may be omitted from the assessment. The proportion of total neglected activities within a
module, e.g. per module A1-A3, A4-A5, B1-B5, B6-B7, C1-4 and module D (where calculated) should not exceed 5%
of the total impact within that module.
Although this rule should be upheld wherever possible it is appreciated that at the screening stage not all the detail
of the project will be known. The practitioner can exceed this cut-off criteria where the corresponding impact can be
deemed negligible and justified.
This cut off criteria cannot be applied in order to hide data. Any application of the cut-off criteria should be
documented.
1. A screening LCA is completed before finalising the concept design by a suitably experienced LCA practitioner
to establish the environmental impact associated with the asset over its complete life cycle (modules A-C) in
line with the principles set out in EN 15978 and the EeB Guidance document.
2. The screening identifies significant sources of the following indicators over the expected lifetime of the asset:
a. Total carbon equivalent emissions or Global Warming Potential (kgCO2e)
b. Net use of freshwater (m3)
c. Hazardous waste disposed (kg)
d. Non-hazardous waste disposed (kg)
3. Recommendations are made to the project team to inform future design decisions and include the goal and
scope of any further assessment.
4. The suitably experienced LCA practitioner sources data in line with the principles set out in EN 15978 and the
EeB Guide and documents the assessment process with all decisions justified.
5. The results of the screening LCA are reported in the CEEQUAL online tool for the four indicators listed above.
1. A complete carbon footprint is undertaken to establish the carbon footprint associated with all life cycle
stages of the asset.
2. Total carbon emissions or Global Warming Potential (kgCO2e) is evaluated and reported in line with the
principles set out in EN 15978 and the EeB Guidance document for modules A-C and D (module D is
optional but can be included where the carbon/LCA practitioner considers it feasible and relevant).
3. The suitably experienced carbon practitioner considers a range of functionally appropriate options and
identifies impacts over the expected lifetime of the asset. Recommendations are provided to minimise the
carbon footprint, prioritising those that result in the biggest reduction in impact.
4. The project team demonstrate how the recommendations resulted in changes in the design and an overall
reduction in impact.
5. Total carbon emissions or Global Warming Potential (kgCO2e) is reported in the CEEQUAL online tool,
including the total carbon equivalent reported in reference to the asset's capacity.
1. A simplified LCA is undertaken to establish the environmental impact associated with all life cycle stages of
the asset.
2. The following indicators are evaluated and reported in line with the principles set out in EN 15978 and the
EeB Guidance document for modules A-C and D (module D is optional but can be included where the
1. A complete LCA is undertaken to establish the environmental impact associated with all life cycle stages of
the asset.
2. The following indicators are evaluated and reported in line with the principles set out in EN 15978 and the
EeB Guidance document for modules A-C and D (module D is optional but can be included where the
carbon/LCA practitioner considers it feasible and relevant):
l Total carbon equivalent or Global Warming Potential (kgCO2e)
l Net use of freshwater (m3)
l Hazardous waste disposed (kg)
l Non-hazardous waste disposed (kg)
l Radioactive waste disposed (dm3)
l Ozone Depletion Potential (kg eq CFC 11)
l Acidification Potential for Soil and Water (kg eq SO2)
l Eutrophication Potential (kg eq (PO4)3
Photochemical Ozone Creation (kg eq C2H4)
l
Evidence
Assessment criteria Evidence guidance
7.3.1 Life cycle assessment (fixed) To encourage users to fully consider impacts of carbon over the lifetime of the
asset CEEQUAL permits evaluation to be undertaken in variety of ways with
scores being granted on the basis comprehensiveness and robustness. This
flexible approach is permitted in order to recognise that projects with differing
scale and type will have differing levels of impact and access to expertise to
assess the impacts and opportunities. In all cases evidence requirements of the
assessments should demonstrate they have been prepared having fully
engaged key representatives of the project delivery team include:
1. Suitably qualified carbon practitioner
2. Contractor
3. Designer
4. Owner/operator.
A screening study should focus on the main contributors to the system under
assessment, including (but not limited to) the input materials, water and energy
use, and the transport of users (if relevant). In carrying out the screening carbon
footprint or LCA care is needed to ensure that omitted products are not
significant for the chosen environmental indicators. To undertake the LCA or
carbon footprint it is not necessary to use a specific tool, however reputable
sources of data should be used as detailed in EN 15978 (section 10, particularly
10.3 and 10.4) and the EeB Guide. When undertaking a complete LCA it is
necessary to establish the environmental impact associated with all life cycle
stages of the asset in line with the principles set out in EN 15978 and the EeB
Guidance document for modules A-C and D (where appropriate).
7.3.2 Environmental Product Evidence should comprise an assessment of the products used by the LCA
Declarations (EPDs) (fixed) practitioner and the relevant EPD certificates.
7.3.3 Hazardous materials Evidence could be a record that these issues have been considered and
decisions acted upon. Meeting notes or material specifications showing the
decisions made would be acceptable. It would also be acceptable to
demonstrate that such requirements were included in contract documents.
7.3.4 Low-VOC and/or Evidence could be in the form of specification or sub-contract records. Any
biodegradable coatings evidence needs to substantiate the percentage being claimed.
7.3.5 Application of coatings Evidence could be in the form of specification or sub-contract requirements,
plus inspection reports or equivalent.
Definitions
Environmental Product Declarations (EPD)
ISO 14025:2017 defines an environmental label or environmental declaration as a claim which indicates the
environmental aspects of a product or service. ISO 14020:2012 goes on to state that environmental labels and
declarations provide information about a product or service concerning its overall environmental character, a specific
environmental aspect, or any number of aspects. BRE are an example of an EPD provider via the BRE Environmental
Profiles Scheme which is being replaced by the new EN 15804 compliant BRE EPD Verification scheme.
1. Can demonstrate that they do not have a vested interest in the outcome of the infrastructure project and are
not professionally connected with any energy company, low or zero carbon technology or construction
product manufacturer.
2. Has a minimum of three years relevant experience (within the last five years) demonstrating a theoretical and
practical understanding of carbon footprinting or LCA of construction projects. This shall include having
significant technical roles in producing carbon footprinting studies, or multi environmental indicator LCA
studies, of buildings/assets. These studies shall be to ISO 14040 and ISO 14044 (or other relevant national,
ISO or EN standards that are based on ISO 14040 and ISO 14044) and the scope shall include carbon
emissions from the construction product, use and end of life stages.
1. Can demonstrate that they do not have a vested interest in the outcome of the infrastructure project and are
not professionally connected with any energy company, low or zero carbon technology or construction
product manufacturer.
2. Has a minimum of three years relevant experience (within the last five years) demonstrating a theoretical and
practical understanding of LCA of construction projects. This shall include having significant technical roles
in producing multi environmental indicator LCA studies of buildings/assets. These studies shall be to ISO
14040 and ISO 14044 (or other relevant national, ISO or EN standards that are based on ISO 14040 and ISO
14044) and the scope shall include emissions from the construction product, use and end of life stages.
l The product stage only: such an EPD covers raw material supply, transport, manufacturing and associated
processes; this EPD is said to be "cradle to gate"
l The product stage and selected further life cycle stages: such an EPD is said to be "cradle-to-gate with
options".
In both cases, the EPD must be produced in accordance with the requirements within EN 15804 or the ISO 14020
series – particularly ISO 14025 – and ISO 14040 and ISO 14044 (life cycle assessment).
EeBGuide
The EeBGuide project provides information to support LCA which can be found here:
https://www.eebguide.eu/?page_id=704.
Aim
To maximise the ongoing value of construction and other resources through the careful design and specification of
materials. This aims to ensure that resources remain in use for as long as possible, that maximum value is extracted
whilst in use, and will be recovered and regenerated at the end of each service life as products and materials that
maintain rather than degrade resource value.
Assessment scope
Only criteria listed in the table below can be scoped out of assessments. All other criteria are fixed.
7.4.3 Durability and low Scope out only if there are no structures or major components in the project.
maintenance
7.4.5 Future disassembly / de- The decision to scope out will depend on the nature, scale, location and context
construction of the project.
7.4.7 Retention of existing Scope out if no existing structures on site.
structures and materials
7.4.8 On-site use of demolition Scope out only if there was no demolition or deconstruction as part of the
arisings assessed works or if the nature of the works meant there was genuinely no
opportunity for re-use of the materials within the project.
7.4.9 Cut and fill optimisation Scope out only on projects where there is no excavation or in situations where,
for example, a structure such as a tank is completely underground and there are
no options on size (for example storm tanks).
7.4.10 Soil management The decision to scope out will depend on the nature, scale, location and context
of the project.
7.4.11 Beneficial re-use of The decision to scope out will depend on the nature, scale, location and context
topsoil of the project.
7.4.13 Reclaimed or recycled Scope out if the project used no bulk fill or sub-base.
bulk fill and sub-base
Credit summary
Assessment criteria Strategy Design Construction
(up to)
7.4.1 Business models for a circular economy – considered 6
7.4.2 Business models for a circular economy – implemented 12 (up to)
7.4.3 Durability and low maintenance 11
7.4.4 Long-term planned maintenance (fixed) 12
7.4.5 Future disassembly / de-construction 12 (up to)
7.4.6 Materials register (fixed) 4
(up to)
7.4.7 Retention of existing structures and materials 15
Assessment criteria
7.4.1 Business models for a circular economy – considered Str Des Con
7.4.1.1 The principles of a circular economy are considered via appropriate 6 (up to)
business models in line with BS 8001:2017. One or more of the following
procurement models can be demonstrated.
7.4.2 Business models for a circular economy – implemented Str Des Con
7.4.2.1 The principles of a circular economy are implemented via appropriate 12 (up to)
business models in line with BS 8001:2017. One or more of the following
procurement models can be demonstrated.
Outcome Credits
(a) 25% or more 6
(b) 50% or more 12
(c) 75% or more 18
(d) 90% or more 32
Outcome Credits
(a) All beneficially re-used off site 2
(b) Majority (over 50%) beneficially re-used on site 4
(c) All beneficially re-used on site 8
(fixed)
7.4.12 Reclaimed or recycled materials Str Des Con
7.4.12.1 A percentage (by volume) of materials from offsite (excluding bulk fill 7 (up to) 7 (up to)
and sub-base) for use in the permanent works has been specified and made
from reclaimed or recycled material, whether reclaimed from the site or
elsewhere.
(i) Specified
(ii) Used
7.4.13 Reclaimed or recycled bulk fill and sub-base Str Des Con
7.4.13.1 A percentage (by volume) of bulk fill and sub-base material from off 5 (up to) 5 (up to)
site is specified in the project and was made from previously used material,
whether reclaimed from the site or elsewhere.
(i) Specified
(ii) Used
Outcome Credits
(a) 30% or more 14
(b) 50% or more 20
(c) 90% or more 26
(d) 100% 32
Outcome Credits
(a) 50% or more 6
(b) 70% or more 9
(c) 90% or more 12
(d) No or minimal unused materials 18
Guidance
Business models for a circular economy (7.4.1, 7.4.2)
BS 8001:2017 suggests there are six business model options that can support delivering a circular economy these
include:
l On-demand
l Dematerialization
l Product life cycle extension/reuse
l Recovery of secondary raw materials/by-products
l Product as a service/product–service system (PSS)
l Sharing economy and collaborative consumption
The guide applies to all sectors however there some which are particularly relevant to the construction sector and
already widely used but benefits are unreported. These new criteria are being introduced to make infrastructure
developers aware of the wider social and economic benefits it can bring. For more information, see BS 8001:2007
Framework for implementing the principles of the circular economy in organizations – Guide.
It is important to recognise that, in the context of CEEQUAL, what is being looked for in the assessment of these
options is consideration of the environmental cost, and a judgement about which option has the greatest lifetime
environmental benefit and least adverse impact. This may lead to reduced whole life costs of the structure. Synergies
between financial and environmental savings will present a particularly compelling case to Clients.
It is essential that the desired lifespan of a built structure is reflected in every detail of a structure. Often durability is
compromised by minor components within it that have a shorter design life than the structure itself and that were
specified without bearing the overall objective in mind.
The appropriate re-use of structures and parts of structures can significantly reduce the demand for new
construction materials and other environmental burdens resulting from a development.
A pre-demolition audit and other site surveys will provide information on the existing structures and materials
present on site in order to support decision making around the feasibility of incorporating existing structures and
materials into the project.
It is important that these issues are considered at feasibility stage so that the design process can be focussed on re-
use rather than new construction. Actions to re-use or recover existing structures or materials may also lead to
savings in cost and programme and a significant reduction in the carbon footprint of the project. Examples for this
include re-use of existing foundations, roads or walls, or, for a flood defence project for instance, the re-use of an
existing lock structure as part of new flood defence walls (see CIRIA publication Reuse of Foundations (C653, 2007)).
The volume of the structures would normally be worked out as part of the bills of quantities and, where re-used, as
part of an assessment of their suitability for re-use.
Ideally a pre-demolition audit is completed by an independent and competent third party for any existing buildings,
structures or hard surfaces that require demolition on site.
The key findings of the audit should be referenced within the Resource Management Plan (RMP) and include
potential applications and any related issues for the reuse and recycling of the demolition materials in accordance
with the waste hierarchy.
Targets for levels of reuse and recycling should be set by the project delivery team.
Post-construction, an evaluation of the difference between the actual and the predicted levels figures are reported to
CEEQUAL.
Clearly, this requirement is most applicable to road and rail schemes, and sometimes to airports and industrial estate
development. However, it does need to be considered in any project where there is major excavation. In particular, it
applies to structures that are semi-buried (such as service reservoirs) where there may be scope to balance cut and fill
with how much of the tank is below ground.
Note that, in this requirement excavated material does not include buried structures that are demolished. The re-use
of this material is considered in 7.4.1.
Topsoil is an organic material and is only re-used beneficially if layers are not applied too deep as this would destroy
its structure. In addition, certain types of habitats actually require very little or no topsoil at all. Re-use on site for the
sake of it, in places and at a thickness that is not required, would therefore not be 'beneficial' re-use. What
represents a 'reasonable distance' must be judged in the context of the project and its location. It might be 15km in
a built-up area, but up to 100km if the site generating the surplus topsoil is in a remote area.
Where materials are re-used or recycled, the highest grade of re-use possible will be the most environmentally
beneficial. There are a number of opportunities to re-use or recycle materials:
l re-using or recycling materials already on site in the new works (which also minimises transport impacts);
l bringing in reclaimed or recycled materials from off site without imposing high transport impacts;
l seeking opportunities for use elsewhere of reclaimed or recycled on-site materials that cannot be used on
site (also without imposing high transport impacts);
l ensuring that opportunities for the re-use and recycling of materials at the end of the structure's lifetime are
maximised.
Metric guidance
In addition, to calculating the percentage by volume of materials used in permanent works made from reclaimed and
recycled material, the recycled content by total project construction value may also be reported, through a metric
such as:
Value (£) or Volume of recycled content per £100k construction value, using a formula such as:
Recycled content for products used may be estimated based on standard industry practice for most products, or
project specific data may be used for products where good practice is deliberately being used, i.e. the recycled
content of given material product exceeds the industry standard.
Re-use near the site, as opposed to on the site, is covered in 7.6.10 and 7.6.11 on diversion of waste away from
landfill. Re-use of excavated materials off site includes taking material to landfill if the material is genuinely inert and
is used for beneficial re-use, such as for capping and other engineering purposes.
Metric guidance
Assessment and monitoring of measures taken to reduce surplus materials ordered may be reported as comparisons
to initial targets set for minimum surplus materials ordered against actual ordered surplus materials, based on
calculations of:
Percentage of materials ordered and not used in the completed permanent works, for all material ordered, using a
formula such as:
Surplus materials ordered per £100k project construction value, using a formula such as:
Total cost (£) of surplus materials per £100k project construction value, using a formula such as:
Percentage of project construction value from ordered surplus materials, using the formula:
usable without processing, but are also movable to a site where such use is made of them. For the purposes of this
criteria, the definition of re-use is that given in the Waste Framework Directive, i.e. any operation by which products
or components that are not waste are used again for the same purpose for which they were conceived.
To achieve the maximum score for "no or minimal unused materials", the evidence must demonstrate that the
assessment in 7.4.15 was fully implemented and no or minimal unused materials were generated.
Unused materials are, regrettably, almost inevitable on any civil engineering project, but this criterion is in no way
meant to encourage their accumulation, nor to encourage breakages, just to score credits for their re-use elsewhere.
Some unused materials can be stored and re-used at another site or it may be possible to donate them to a local
group or community project – seek advice from the appropriate authority or regulator first. For others this may not
be practicable, but they may still be crushed and used as sub-base or fill (i.e. recycled in order to re-use the base
material of which they were made).
The level that can be considered 'no surplus or minimal surplus materials' is related to the scale of the project and
may require discussion between the Assessor and Verifier. Deciding the percentage of recycled or re-used materials
will also require the Assessor and Verifier to make, and justify, a judgement on the value or volume of the project,
but not necessarily calculate it.
Evidence
Assessment criteria Evidence guidance
7.4.1 Business models for a To demonstrate that circular economy business models have been used the
circular economy – considered project should provide evidence that one or more of the mentioned
procurement models have been used for specific goods or services. If more than
7.4.2 Business models for a one procurement model can be demonstrated the score for each can be added
circular economy – implemented together.
7.4.3 Durability and low Evidence should be found in the specifications or in the report of a life-cycle
maintenance costing analysis or a value-engineering project.
7.4.4 Long-term planned Evidence could be found in the specifications, a hazard and operability study
maintenance (fixed) (HAZOP) assessment (or similar), in a contract maintenance schedule or in the
form of a maintenance plan to be handed to the Client or managing agent.
7.4.5 Future disassembly / de- Evidence needs to substantiate the percentage being claimed. This can be
construction calculated by any appropriate means that assesses how materials are utilised
and combined within the works. The volume of materials that contribute to
80% of the total by value should be used as a basis for the calculations.
7.4.6 Materials register (fixed) Evidence can include a Health and Safety File, provided this has been extended
to include information about material types that will enable recycling on
demolition.
7.4.7 Retention of existing Evidence could include inclusion in a SWMP, site photographs, construction
structures and materials drawings, and/or bills of quantities, along with some form of substantiation of
the percentage being claimed. Evidence could include a comparison of design
calculations with waste transfer notes or other quantity surveying
documentation.
7.4.8 On-site use of demolition Evidence should be found in quantity surveyors' documentation or project
arisings accounts. The evidence provided should substantiate the percentage being
claimed.
7.4.9 Cut and fill optimisation Evidence could be in the form of calculations showing the cut and fill balance
and/or contract drawings with mapped out areas for cut and fill and/or contract
drawings with mapped out areas for cut and fill.
Aim
To encourage the procurement and use of sustainably and responsibly sourced construction products and materials.
Assessment scope
Only criteria listed in the table below can be scoped out of assessments. All other criteria are fixed.
Credit summary
Assessment criteria Strategy Design Construction
7.5.1 Prerequisite: Legal and sustainable timber -
7.5.2 Responsible sourcing of construction products - 16
consideration (fixed)
7.5.3 Responsible sourcing of construction products - 18
implementation (fixed)
7.5.4 Locally sourced and recycled materials - early 5
consideration (fixed)
7.5.5 Locally sourced and recycled materials - further 5
consideration (fixed)
7.5.6 Locally sourced and recycled materials - use 5
Assessment criteria
7.5.1 Prerequisite: Legal and sustainable timber Str Des Con
7.5.1.1 All timber and timber-based products used on the project are legally -
harvested and traded timber.
Outcome Credits
(a) Less than 50% (by volume) achieved 5
Outcome Credits
(b) 50% or more (by volume) achieved 10
(c) 80% or more (by volume) achieved 18
7.5.4 Locally sourced and recycled materials - early consideration Str Des Con
(fixed)
5
7.5.4.1 The Client required consideration be given to the use of locally sourced
and recycled material.
7.5.5 Locally sourced and recycled materials - further Str Des Con
consideration (fixed) 5
7.5.5.1 The Designer and Contractor researched all locally available material
sources, including recycled materials.
7.5.6 Locally sourced and recycled materials - use Str Des Con
7.5.6.1 The Designer and Contractor adapted the designs and specifications to 5
allow for their use, where appropriate.
Guidance
Prerequisite: Legal and sustainable timber (7.5.1)
Legally harvested timber and wood-derived products are those that originate from a forest where the following
criteria are met:
1. The forest owner or manager holds legal use rights to the forest
2. There is compliance by both the forest management organisation and any contractors with local or national
legal criteria including those relevant to:
a. Forest management
b. Environment
c. Labour and welfare
d. Health and safety
e. Other parties' tenure and use rights
f. All relevant royalties and taxes are paid
3. There is full compliance with the criteria of Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild
Fauna and Flora (CITES).
Legally traded means timber or products derived from legally harvested timber were:
1. Exported in compliance with exporting country laws governing the export of timber and timber products,
including payment of any export taxes, duties or levies
2. Imported in compliance with importing country laws governing the import of timber and timber products,
including payment of any import taxes, duties or levies
3. Traded in compliance with legislation related to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered
Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), where applicable.
The emphasis of these criteria rewards specifying and achieving responsible sourcing rather than just considering it.
The scoring also rewards the consideration and specification of responsibly sourced materials at earlier stages in the
project's lifecycle to reflect the greater influence that can be exerted at these stages.
Consideration to purchase materials from sustainable sources may be given via the specification of materials from
the Client and/or Designer. Implementation will be in accordance with sector-specific schemes (for example, BES
6001:2008), contract requirements and/or the specification.
Evidence
Assessment criteria Evidence guidance
7.5.1 Prerequisite: Legal and Evidence must show that all timber and timber-based products used on the
sustainable timber project meet the requirements for legally harvested and traded timber.
7.5.2 Responsible sourcing of Evidence in relation to 7.5.2 could be a statement in a Client tender brief or
construction products - contract documents, or record of discussions. Evidence in relation to 7.5.3
consideration (fixed) could be a comparison of specification requirements to overall material
purchase, sub-contract documents with general material suppliers, or a
declaration from the supplier (usually provided as certificates). In any case, some
7.5.3 Responsible sourcing of substantiation of the specification being claimed needs to be provided. At the
construction products - current time, only BES 6001-based schemes or schemes that are third party
implementation (fixed) accredited as being compliant with BS 8902:2009 can be considered suitable
sector-specific schemes. Schemes listed in GN18 are OK to submit as evidence.
7.5.4 Locally sourced and Evidence could be the Client's tender brief, design briefs or reports from
recycled materials - early research into materials sourcing.
consideration (fixed)
7.5.5 Locally sourced and
recycled materials - further
consideration (fixed)
7.5.6 Locally sourced and
recycled materials - use
Definitions
Sustainable procurement plan
A plan that sets out a clear framework for the responsible sourcing of materials to guide procurement throughout a
project and for all involved in the specification and procurement of construction materials. The plan may be prepared
and adopted at an organisational level or be project specific and for the purposes of CEEQUAL compliance, will cover
the following as a minimum:
l Identification of risks and opportunities against a broad range of social, environmental and economic issues.
BS 8902:2009 Responsible sourcing sector certification schemes for construction products- Specification can
be used as a guide to identify these issues
l Aims, objectives and targets to guide sustainable procurement activities. BS 8903: 2010 Principles and
framework for procuring sustainably - Guide can be used to inform setting of aims, objectives and targets
l The strategic assessment of responsibly sourced materials available locally and nationally. There should be a
policy to procure materials locally where appropriate and practical
l Responsible sourcing policies that will be employed by the contractor and subcontractor
l Procedures that are in place to check and verify that the sustainable procurement plan is being implemented
and adhered to on individual projects. These could include setting out measurement criteria, methodology
and performance indicators to assess progress and demonstrate success
l Information on how the chain of custody of materials will be fully audited and evidenced.
Responsible sourcing
The management and implementation of sustainable development principles in the provision, procurement and
traceability of construction materials and products. In CEEQUAL this is demonstrated through auditable third-party
certification schemes.
Additional information
BES 6001:2008 Framework Standard for Responsible Sourcing of Construction Products
This is a BRE Global Limited standard that provides a framework for the assessment and certification of the
responsible sourcing of construction products. The standard has been structured so that compliance can be
demonstrated through a combination of meeting the requirements of other recognised certification schemes,
establishing written policies, setting objectives and targets and engaging with relevant stakeholders.
To comply with the standard a product must meet a number of mandatory criteria. Where a product demonstrates
compliance beyond the mandatory levels, higher levels of performance can be achieved. The standard's performance
ratings range from Pass to Good, Very Good, and Excellent.
The development of this standard and subsequent certification schemes will, it is envisaged, provide construction
products, not wholly covered under current recognised standards, a means for demonstrating their responsibly
sourced credentials. In turn this will allow clients, developers and design teams to specify responsibly sourced
construction products with greater assurance and provide a means of demonstrating compliance with the
assessment criteria in this issue.
To view a list of products approved to BES 6001 and additional information about the standard visit:
www.greenbooklive.com.
1. Appendix I includes species threatened with extinction. Trade in specimens of these species is permitted only
in exceptional circumstances.
2. Appendix II includes species not necessarily threatened with extinction, but in which trade must be controlled
in order to avoid utilisation incompatible with their survival.
3. Appendix III contains species that are protected in at least one country, which has asked other CITES Parties
for assistance in controlling the trade.
Appendices I and II of the CITES list illustrate species of timber that are protected outright. Appendix III of the CITES
list illustrates species that are protected in at least one country. If a timber species used in the project is on Appendix
III it can be included as part of the assessment as long as the timber is not obtained from the country or countries
seeking to protect this species.
More information about CITES, including the full text of the convention, is available from https://www.cites.org/.
Aim
To minimise the amount of waste produced throughout the project and manage the waste produced in line with
best practice requirements.
Assessment scope
Only criteria listed in the table below can be scoped out of assessments. All other criteria are fixed.
Credit summary
Assessment criteria Strategy Design Construction
7.6.1 Prerequisite: Duty of care (fixed) -
7.6.2 Prerequisite: Permitting for waste treated or used on -
site
7.6.3 Prerequisite: Hazardous waste -
7.6.4 Site waste management planning - preparation (fixed) 11
7.6.5 Site waste management planning - implementation 16
(fixed)
7.6.6 Clearance and disposal of existing vegetation - 20
consideration
7.6.7 Clearance and disposal of existing vegetation - 18 (up to)
implementation
7.6.8 Hazardous material assessments 7 (up to)
7.6.9 Transfer station/recycling centre performance 20
Assessment criteria
7.6.1 Prerequisite: Duty of care (fixed) Str Des Con
7.6.1.1 All waste produced on site has been managed to meet duty of care -
requirements, including:
7.6.2 Prerequisite: Permitting for waste treated or used on site Str Des Con
7.6.2.1 The appropriate permits, licenses or exemptions have been obtained -
for waste that has been treated on site or for waste imported to site.
7.6.4 Site waste management planning - preparation (fixed) Str Des Con
7.6.4.1 A Site Waste Management Plan (SWMP) or waste section of a SEMP has 11
been prepared and updated as appropriate for the duration of the project.
7.6.5 Site waste management planning - implementation (fixed) Str Des Con
7.6.5.1 Targets or key performance indicators for waste reduction and waste 16
recovery have been met.
7.6.6 Clearance and disposal of existing vegetation - consideration Str Des Con
7.6.6.1 The most environmentally beneficial ways of dealing with clearance 20
and disposal of existing vegetation have been explored and recommendations
have been made.
Outcome Credits
(a) Extended to cover the wider environmental impacts of those materials. 2
(b) And the results of this have been used in drawing up the SEMP or equivalent. 7
Outcome Credits
(a) 70% or more 6
(b) 85% or more 12
(c) 95% or more 18
Guidance
Prerequisite: Duty of care (fixed) (7.6.1)
Some countries have rigorous legal regimes covering the disposal of waste. If there are no legal requirements, it is
still important to ensure that waste is dealt with in an environmentally responsible way. It must be transported by
organisations who understand their responsibilities and be placed in facilities operated by similarly responsible and
knowledgeable waste management specialists.
It is good practice to initiate the SWMP at the design stage. The earlier in the project a SWMP is implemented, the
greater the benefits that can be achieved with regard to waste reduction, recovery and recycling. Therefore, to score
maximum credits a SWMP should have been developed by the Designers at design stage.
Forecasting waste streams as part of the SWMP process enables practical decisions to be taken about segregating
materials on site for recycling and/or for disposal, as well as for the layout of site facilities, including waste storage. A
properly prepared and maintained SWMP can be a powerful tool to help plan waste management activities and
waste movements off site during construction. With properly managed supporting documentation, it can also help
ensure compliance with legislation around Duty of Care and other relevant waste management legislation. SWMPs
can also be used to record progress against targets and savings in materials and waste disposal.
As with all such plans, the aim needs to clearly show the actions site staff and operatives should take when dealing
with 'waste' (either surplus materials or genuine waste) in order to maximise practical re-use and recycling, and to
make landfill genuinely the disposal route of last resort. Therefore, a properly implemented SWMP should also be
accompanied by appropriate communication between Clients, Designers and Contractors and subsequently with
sub-Contractors and other suppliers.
Metric guidance
Targets for site waste management can be accompanied by monitoring and calculations of the total waste produced,
throughout the duration of the project. This will require monitoring all types of waste arisings and their end through
metrics such as:
Total waste produced per £100k construction value (reference to targets set in 7.1.7), using a formula such as:
The above measure may be disaggregated into potential site waste streams (e.g. reused, composted, incinerated,
recycled, recovered and landfilled) per £100k construction value, using a formula such as:
The identified measure can then be compared to what is actually achieved on site. Targets and monitoring of waste
diverted from landfill may be reported as:
Percentage of all on-site waste diverted from landfill using the formula:
Waste arisings diverted from landfill per £100k construction value, using a formula such as:
Care should be taken to ensure segregated materials remain uncontaminated during storage, e.g. through contact
with liquid or other wastes. This will ensure at the very least the lowest rate of landfill tax is paid on the genuinely
inert material, and that hazardous wastes are dealt with at least as carefully as the virgin materials from which they
were manufactured.
Best practice is to segregate inert, non-hazardous and hazardous fractions where this is feasible. This can happen
either on site or at a Waste Transfer Station. It should be noted that if hazardous wastes are encountered on sites
these need to be segregated at source otherwise there is a risk all wastes being classified under this class. For non-
hazardous and inert waste the waste contractor's activities must be checked to ensure they are rigorously
segregating waste. It must be remembered that even if the waste contractor offers and is capable of delivering high
levels of segregation and recycling, this may not be the best option for the project as some wastes will have an
economic value and could be beneficially resold directly by the project, although it must be noted that this may well
require additional Environmental Permits to be applied for and gained.
All Care should be taken to ensure segregated materials remain uncontaminated during storage, e.g. through
contact with liquid or other wastes. This will ensure at the very least the lowest rate of landfill tax is paid on the
genuinely inert material, and that hazardous wastes are dealt with at least as carefully as the virgin materials from
which they were manufactured.
The aim here is to reward projects that go beyond such minima, and either capture the recyclable wastes identified in
the SWMP dealt with under 7.6.4, or take the minimum of three waste streams described above to a construction
and demolition waste recycling centre nearby, where the re-usable and recyclable materials are extracted. Where
mixed non-hazardous wastes are sent off site to be separated for recycling, it is good practice to obtain evidence
from the waste contractor of the amounts and/or proportions of collected waste that have been recycled or
recovered.
It should be noted that any on-site re-use of waste must be undertaken in accordance with the relevant waste
legislation as certain activities, such as crushing and screening of inert waste, may require either a waste licence an
Environmental Permit or an Exemption. Examples for diverting waste from landfill can include waste sent for
reprocessing, recovery for suitable use or recovered in an energy-from-waste plant.
Note: Only volume or tonnage needs to be reported. The project team can choose whether to target the benchmarks
for volume or tonnage to demonstrate compliance. For the avoidance of doubt both demolition and construction
benchmarks must be met to achieve credits.
Evidence
Assessment criteria Evidence guidance
7.6.1 Prerequisite: Duty of care Evidence could include documentary evidence retained in a straightforward file
(fixed) record, which should be available on site. The file record should include copies
of waste carriers certificates for all carriers of waste materials, records of waste
transfers (including waste types and quantities), copies of any Environmental
Permits, Licenses and Exemptions for the sites to which the waste is sent and/or
documented evidence that waste has been transported to the appropriate
facility. This may include telephone checks, following trucks, and/or requiring
completed transfer or consignment notes to be returned on a daily basis.
Aim
To reduce energy demands and increase energy efficiency during design, delivery and operation and minimise
carbon emissions and other pollutants associated with energy consumption.
Assessment scope
Only criteria listed in the table below can be scoped out of assessments. All other criteria are fixed.
Credit summary
Assessment criteria Strategy Design Construction
7.7.1 Energy and carbon emissions reduction for operation 45
7.7.2 Implementation of energy and carbon reductions for 70 (up to)
operation
7.7.3 Opportunities for renewable / low-carbon / zero-carbon 25
energy within the operational scheme
7.7.4 Incorporating renewable / low-carbon / zero-carbon 60 (up to)
energy within the operational scheme
7.7.5 Energy consumption during construction - 45
consideration during design (fixed)
7.7.6 Energy consumption during construction - 62
incorporation in design
7.7.7 Energy consumption during construction - 36
consideration by contractor (fixed)
Assessment criteria
7.7.1 Energy and carbon emissions reduction for operation Str Des Con
7.7.1.1 The design has considered options for reducing both the energy 45
consumption and carbon emissions of the project during operation, including
the option of designing-out the need for energy-consuming equipment and
the energy requirements in maintenance.
7.7.2 Implementation of energy and carbon reductions for Str Des Con
operation 70 (up to)
7.7.2.1 Appropriate measures have been incorporated in the design to reduce
energy consumption and carbon emissions in use and a percentage of the
recommended energy consumption reduction has been saved.
Outcome Credits
(a) 10% or more 14
(b) 20% or more 28
(c) 40% or more 42
(d) 60% or more 56
(e) 80% or more 70
Outcome Credits
(a) 10% or more 12
(b) 20% or more 24
(c) 40% or more 36
(d) 60% or more 48
(e) 80% or more 60
Outcome Credits
(a) Monitored 40
(b) Monitored and achieved 50
7.7.9 Construction plant - selection and maintenance (fixed) Str Des Con
7.7.9.1 The selection and procurement/hiring of construction plant has been 21
influenced by consideration of their energy efficiency, energy type or carbon
emissions.
7.7.9.2 The construction plant and ancillary equipment has been maintained to maximise fuel efficiency and
minimise carbon emissions.
Outcome Credits
(a) Up to 5% 7
(b) 5% or more 14
(c) 10% or more 21
Guidance
Energy and carbon emissions reduction for operation (7.7.1)
Consideration should be given to reducing the following over the expected lifetime of the asset:
Metric guidance
Resultant greenhouse gas emissions and equivalent carbon emissions for the operation of the works can be
reported using equivalent carbon emissions per year, (tCO2e /year). This could be calculated and reported through
the following calculation:
In demonstrating implementation of measures, it must be demonstrated that the original baseline was design to
current project norms and not including unnecessarily high-energy consuming equipment.
Opportunities for renewable / low-carbon / zero-carbon energy within the operational scheme
(7.7.3)
It is important to note that a project does not have to be an energy-consuming works for it to be worth investigating
the inclusion of renewables, nor does the installed capacity have to just match the demand of the works in question,
especially if other consumers are close by.
Selection or rejection of suitable options should be informed by any life cycle assessment for the project and
recommendations from a suitable practitioner. This assessment should be informed by modelling, setting out
objectives or targets for the life cycle stages with estimates of savings of total carbon equivalent emissions.
Incorporating renewable / low-carbon / zero-carbon energy within the operational scheme (7.7.4)
As with other criteria in this section it should be stressed that the measurement has to be carried out from the
baseline of current industry norms and not an artificial design.
As with 7.7.3, it is important to note that a project does not have to be an energy consuming works for it to be
worth investigating the inclusion of renewables, nor does the installed capacity have to just match the demand of
the works in question, especially if other consumers are close by.
Metric guidance
The implemented potential renewable energy generation may be calculated and reported using the following
metrics:
Percentage of renewable energy generated and consumed by the completed project to total energy consumed, using
a formula such as:
It is possible for the renewable energy generated to be greater than the actual energy consumed during the
operation of works. If this is the case, this is a positive outcome, only if the unused renewable generated energy is
distributed and shared with consumers close by.
Energy consumption during construction - consideration during design (fixed) (7.7.5, 7.7.6)
It is acknowledged that the responses to these criteria are going to be based on estimated savings and, in many
cases, the savings may be anecdotal rather than quantified.
When designing and siting the asset the project team could consider:
1. Optimising earth movements required during the construction of the asset and the surrounding site
2. Reducing the amount of site clearance and demolition, e.g. by utilising existing structures where possible.
3. Minimising the dimensions of the asset without impacting on capacity, e.g. reducing length for a linear asset
or overall dimensions for a point asset
4. Siting the asset to avoid destruction of existing carbon sinks, e.g. woodland
5. Minimising the extent of temporary works, e.g. length of fencing or access routes required.
When selecting construction methods the project team could consider the following.
Design team
1. Confirm if off-site construction is a viable alternative to traditional construction for aspects of the project
through:
a. Identifying parts of the asset that could be manufactured off site
b. Identifying activities that could become assembly processes rather than construction processes.
c. Liaising with all members of the project team including specialists affected by the identified off-site
construction opportunities.
2. Compare the environmental impact of off-site construction with traditional on-site construction to determine
if off-site construction would have a lower environmental impact than on-site construction. The comparison
includes the following for either option:
a. Potential waste generated.
b. Predicted volume of materials used.
c. Predicted impact of the transport of materials i.e. number of movements, distances travelled and
where appropriate vehicle types and fuel consumption.
d. Potential for reuse or recovery of the components at the end of the asset's life
3. Ensure the data gathering process and content of the study is not biased.
Note: Offsite could be considered 'not viable' where the risks of pursuing off-site construction outweigh the benefits
e.g. risks may be introduced with regards to installation, procurement, timing, safety, maintenance or fitness for
purpose.
1. Reducing the overall construction time, e.g. to reduce the quantity of work required and to reduce ancillary
energy requirements such as lighting and site accommodation.
2. Minimising use or designing out high energy-consuming plant and machinery, e.g. tunnel boring machines
(TBMs), where feasible.
Monitoring energy use and carbon emissions can highlight differences in utilisation and control of energy, thus
providing data for comparison and enabling energy savings in future.
Metric guidance
Energy consumption considerations on site could include the transportation, processing and assembly of materials
to and from site; construction and assembly activities or processes; and general site operation and maintenance,
Resultant carbon emissions during construction may be reported and calculated using:
Calculated tCO2e emissions (impact of all major GHG emissions expressed as carbon dioxide equivalent, CO2e)
relative to £100k project construction value, using a formula such as:
Reductions achieved through energy management plan or equivalent, using a formula such as:
When selecting construction plant and machinery the project team could consider:
1. Selecting construction plant and machinery with a high efficiency (%), i.e. the percentage of output rating
achieved under typical operating conditions
2. Selecting efficient ancillary equipment, e.g. accommodation, temporary lighting.
3. Select appropriately sized plant and machinery that will carry out the necessary work in the most energy
efficient manner.
4. Select plant, machinery and ancillary equipment with timers and other automatic controls which:
a. Lead to efficiency gains by avoiding additional work being carried out and reduction in the time
taken to complete a task
b. Switch off the lighting during daylight or curfew hours in outdoor areas
The following questions can be asked to assist in the selection of the most efficient equipment that is appropriate
for the task:
1. Is the size (output) of the equipment appropriate for the size of the task?
2. At what speed can the equipment perform the task?
3. Is the equipment available?
4. What are the transport costs and associated energy use (distance travelled and mode of use)?
5. How is the performance of the equipment affected by:
a. The soil characteristics on site?
b. The geometrical characteristics of the task?
6. Are there space and weight constraints on site?
7. What is the energy source used by the equipment?
If the implementation includes use of blended biofuels, then the calculated savings should be based on national or
international guidelines and methodologies .
Evidence
Assessment criteria Evidence guidance
7.7.1 Energy and carbon If an LCA has been completed the evidence here will be a sub-set of that
emissions reduction for provided in 7.3.1. If an LCA has not been completed, then evidence could
operation include project records and/or minutes of project team meetings. Evidence
could alternatively include the calculation and reporting of the metric-based
guidance.
7.7.2 Implementation of energy Evidence could include project records - minutes of project team meetings,
and carbon reductions for technical reports, and/or drawings
operation
7.7.3 Opportunities for Evidence could include minutes of project team meetings, technical reports,
renewable / low-carbon / zero- and/or drawings.
carbon energy within the
operational scheme
7.7.4 Incorporating renewable / Evidence could include drawings, specifications or photographs. Evidence could
low-carbon / zero-carbon energy alternatively include the calculation and reporting of the metric-based
within the operational scheme guidance.
7.7.5 Energy consumption Evidence could be in the form of design records or value engineering reports
during construction - considering the construction methods, such as the size of components to
consideration during design enable efficient lifting and placing as well as the amount of on-site processing
(fixed) or handling of materials.
7.7.6 Energy consumption Evidence can include records showing consideration of energy issues in site
during construction - planning and demonstration that energy use and/or carbon emissions are
incorporation in design assessed and then monitored. This can include evidence of actions to reduce
7.7.7 Energy consumption consumption and emissions as appropriate. This could also include the setting
during construction - of targets. Evidence could also show use of equipment to proactively manage
consideration by contractor consumption and emissions, such as timers and passive infrared sensors.
(fixed) Evidence could alternatively include the calculation and reporting of the metric-
based guidance.
7.7.8 Energy consumption
during construction -
implementation by contractor
(fixed)
7.7.9 Construction plant - Evidence could be contract specifications and other procurement documents, or
selection and maintenance plant documentation (for example, records of regular maintenance and
(fixed) emission testing).
7.7.10 Renewable / low-carbon / Evidence showing the source of site energy is needed. This could be copies of
zero-carbon energy during agreements with electricity suppliers showing use of certified fully-renewably-
construction - consideration sourced 'green' tariffs or photographs showing use of alternative energy
(fixed) sources (such as wind turbines, solar panels, or small-scale combined heat and
7.7.11 Renewable / low-carbon / power). Evidence needs to show that the use of renewable, low- or zero-carbon
zero-carbon energy during energy is more than a token effort.
construction - implementation
Aim
To reduce water demands and increase water efficiency during design, delivery and operation and minimise carbon
emissions and other pollutants associated with water consumption.
Assessment scope
Only criteria listed in the table below can be scoped out of assessments. All other criteria are fixed.
Credit summary
Assessment criteria Strategy Design Construction
7.8.1 Embodied water - consideration (fixed) 25
7.8.2 Embodied water - implementation (fixed) 25
7.8.3 Capturing run-off for beneficial use 5 5
7.8.4 Water consumption during operation - consideration 16
during design
7.8.5 Water consumption during operation - reduction 25
measures included in design
7.8.6 Water consumption during operation - reduction 25
measures incorporated in works
7.8.7 Water consumption during construction - client 17
requirements (fixed)
7.8.8 Water consumption during construction - policies, 25
plans, and targets (fixed)
7.8.9 Water consumption during construction - 32 (up to)
implementation of plans and policies (fixed)
Assessment criteria
7.8.1 Embodied water - consideration (fixed) Str Des Con
7.8.1.1 An assessment has been made at design stage considering the 25
embodied water in the materials required during construction.
7.8.4 Water consumption during operation - consideration during Str Des Con
design 16
7.8.4.1 The potential impacts on water resources of the operation and
maintenance of the completed project have been actively considered during
design.
7.8.5 Water consumption during operation - reduction measures Str Des Con
included in design 25
7.8.5.1 Measures to conserve water and reduce water consumption during
operation and maintenance of the completed project have been included in the
design.
7.8.6 Water consumption during operation - reduction measures Str Des Con
incorporated in works 25
7.8.6.1 The measures referred to in 7.8.5 have been incorporated in the works.
7.8.8 Water consumption during construction - policies, plans, and Str Des Con
targets (fixed) 25
7.8.8.1 Formal project-level policies and identified measurable targets for
reducing water usage during construction have been adopted; and a plan to
measure, monitor, and minimise the consumption of mains, tankered, or
abstracted water used during the construction process has been produced.
The water minimisation plan should specifically cover (as applicable):
Guidance
Embodied water (7.8.1, 7.8.2)
The interest in the concept of a 'water footprint' and the accompanying methods and tools for its assessment are
rooted in the recognition that human impacts on freshwater systems can ultimately be linked to human
consumption and that issues like water shortages and pollution can be better understood and addressed by
considering production and supply chains as a whole. Therefore, information on the embodied water of
construction products can provide information to facilitate decisions that can help reduce the overall environmental
impact of a project.
The water footprint concept and its use to inform materials or process selection is, however, still relatively new.
Organisations such as the Water Footprint Network (www.waterfootprint.org) have published useful guidance
documents, including The Water Footprint Assessment Manual: Setting the Global Standard (A. Hoekstra and A.
Chapagain et al, 2011). ISO has also published ISO 14046:2014 Environmental management – Water footprint –
Principles, requirements and guidelines to complement existing standards on life-cycle assessment (LCA).
Existing data that could be used to inform a study into the embodied water of construction materials can be found
in sources such as the BRE Green Guide to Specification and Environmental Product Declarations.
Metric guidance
It would be advantageous if the volume of embodied water saved or reduced from implementing water efficient
construction activity processes is monitored. This could be achieved through comparison and assessment of different
design solutions and construction activity plans. Estimates and calculations could be supported by:
Additionally, the total embodied water may be calculated and reported respective to source type. Sources may
include:
l Potable water (water fit or suitable for drinking, typically mains supplied)
l Rainwater
l Grey water (domestic wastewater, excluding sewage)
l Surface water (water from overland flow and storage, such as rivers and lakes)
l Seawater (water from sea or ocean)
l Groundwater (water held in and recovered from underground formation
Volume of water consumed from different sources during construction per £100k of project construction value.
Based on the above calculations, the reductions achieved from water efficient design and construction may be
calculated and reported as:
However, this is focusing on capturing run-off for beneficial use, for example in tanks for non-potable uses on the
site. This capture may involve systems included within the wide-ranging definition of SuDS, but it is the capture for
beneficial use that is important here. It is therefore possible that a project may be able to score both here and in 2.2
for the overall system they implement.
Options to mitigate the project's impact on the water environment could also include using captured water for
energy generation, passive cooling, and/or district heating.
The consideration of these issues during design could be part of a PEMP or can be included in a separate document.
The review should assess questions such as:
Metric guidance
Potential reductions achieved from measures to conserve and reduce potable or mains water consumption during
operation and maintenance of completed works can be reported through calculation of:
Potential percentage savings of operational annual water (m3/year), using a formula such as:
Percentage of total potential water consumed for maintenance and operation of completed works annually that is
from a potable source, using a formula such as:
Water metering for the construction stage is essential to manage water prudently. The following should be
considered:
1. The main water meter supplying the site is accessible for reading the meter.
2. Sub-meters are installed on:
a. Each water zone
b. Water discharge points which have the potential for uncontrolled flow because of human behaviour,
e.g. leaving a tap running
c. Water discharge points considered to have the highest estimated daily volumetric use within each
zone
d. Rainwater recycling technology
e. Grey water recycling technologies.
3. Water consumption is recorded weekly for the items mentioned and an assessment made of erroneous
consumption, e.g. high or low water demands to identify leaks or maintenance requirements.
4. A monthly site inspection is carried out to identify:
a. Inefficiencies in water devices and water discharge points including leaks and overflows
b. Actions needed because of the inspection including relevant operation, maintenance or replacement
information
c. Out-of-hours assessment of base load water consumption.
5. Total and net water consumption is recorded at the end of the project or yearly and compared with the
target. The end of project figures are reported.
At the procurement stage, requirements can be set to minimise water use during construction from mains and
abstracted sources. For example, requirements could include the re-use of water from settlement lagoons as a non-
potable water supply for damping down during dusty periods.
Evidence
Assessment criteria Evidence guidance
7.8.1 Embodied water - Evidence would include information gathered on the embodied water of the
consideration (fixed) construction products and materials required for the project, either from
product or material suppliers. It would also include documentary evidence that
7.8.2 Embodied water - decisions on material or product choice have been made on the basis of
implementation (fixed) embodied water. Evidence could alternatively include the calculation and
reporting of the metric-based guidance.
7.8.3 Capturing run-off for Evidence should show what measures (such as the ones mentioned in the
beneficial use guidance above) have been incorporated into the design. This could be in the
form of drawings, specifications or other design output documents, with
construction records or photographs to demonstrate their construction.
7.8.4 Water consumption during Evidence of the design consideration could include assessment of predicted
operation - consideration during water use, review of availability of water resources or a copy of consultation
design with the relevant water authority regarding water supply and resource
7.8.5 Water consumption during availability. At design stage, evidence is required of investigations into water
operation - reduction measures conservation measures. This could be in various documented forms (such as
included in design notes of brainstorming sessions, and notes, specifications or drawings showing
measures incorporated into the design). Evidence could alternatively include the
7.8.6 Water consumption during calculation and reporting of the metric-based guidance.
operation - reduction measures
incorporated in works
8 Transport
Summary
This category encourages the effective management of transport impacts from all modes of transport both during
construction and as operational impacts. Transport impacts considered within this assessment include the movement
of construction materials and waste, construction workforce transport, as well as disruption to other users of the
transport network during the life of the asset. An emphasis is placed on designing out transport impacts wherever
possible and consultation with local community to create opportunities for an integrated transport system.
Aim
To enhance local transport networks and promote active travel for community benefit.
Assessment scope
Only criteria listed in the table below can be scoped out of assessments. All other criteria are fixed.
Credit summary
Assessment criteria Strategy Design Construction
(up to)
8.1.1 Relationship to the transport network 27
8.1.2 Transport effects of the completed project 37
8.1.3 Access for pedestrians and cyclists 25
8.1.4 Need for additional transport infrastructure 37
8.1.5 Enhanced operational transport outcomes 15
8.1.6 Community consultation on the design objectives 30
8.1.7 Resilience of the transport network 11 11
8.1.8 Adaptability of the transport network 10 10
8.1.9 Performance for non-motorised users 15 (up to)
Assessment criteria
8.1.1 Relationship to the transport network Str Des Con
8.1.1.1 In the case of a transport project, the project provides improved levels 27 (up to)
of service and extends to all modes in a way that delivers improved integration.
(iii) Bus
(iv) Bicycle
(v) Walking
(vi) Equestrian
(vii) Rail
(viii) Aviation
(ix) Water
8.1.1.2 In the case of a non-transport project, the site has been selected because the project (a) requires no or
minimal new transport infrastructure and/or (b) mainly makes use of public transport systems.
Guidance
Relationship to the transport network (8.1.1)
A sustainable project places few demands on the construction of new transport infrastructure and existing services.
Where additional demands exist or are justified, then it is important that they be matched by increased transport
capacity that enables no significant loss in the level of service available to existing users.
l Severance
l Ease of use (signs and communications)
l Safety
l Congestion
l Parking spaces
l Inconvenience
Please note that this applies to any site that was publicly accessible prior to development for formal or informal
amenity use, for example, for walking, dog walking or as informal play area. Such areas, even where not formally
protected, can have an important amenity value for the local community and some compensation for the loss of that
amenity should be made where possible. Any such compensation scheme should also include maintenance
arrangements to ensure its long-term success.
For road projects, 'public space' should refer to space provided for community benefit rather than road users.
Futureproofing is to be considered in terms of the project's design life, adaptability, allowance for future provision
and aiding delivery of future projects.
Evidence
Assessment criteria Evidence guidance
8.1.1 Relationship to the Evidence could be found in an Environmental Statement (ES) or Transport
transport network Impact Assessment (TIA).
8.1.2 Transport effects of the Evidence could be found in an ES, TIA, drawings and plans.
completed project
8.1.3 Access for pedestrians and Evidence could include consultation meetings with councils or other local
cyclists groups, or evidence from drawings or other design documents that show
consideration of open space and/or public access.
8.1.4 Need for additional Evidence is likely to be in the report of a TIA or similar.
transport infrastructure
8.1.5 Enhanced operational Evidence is likely to be in the form of minutes of meetings or other reports
transport outcomes documenting consideration of alternative approaches or community
8.1.6 Community consultation engagement.
on the design objectives
8.1.7 Resilience of the transport Evidence would be expected in the ES or TIA Report.
network
8.1.8 Adaptability of the Evidence is likely to be included in the ES or TIA Report.
transport network
8.1.9 Performance for non- Evidence is likely to be in the form of plans, drawings and photographs to
motorised users demonstrate delivery. Consideration of the needs of such members of society
during adverse weather and at night should be part of the evidence provided.
Aim
To reduce carbon emissions and avoid negative effects on local health, safety and travel arising from construction
stage transport movements and diversions arising as a result of preparation and construction works.
Assessment scope
Only criteria listed in the table below can be scoped out of assessments. All other criteria are fixed.
Credit summary
Assessment criteria Strategy Design Construction
8.2.1 Planning construction traffic movements (fixed) 15
8.2.2 Transport effects of construction activities 19 (up to)
8.2.3 Reducing risks for vulnerable road users (fixed) 20 (up to)
8.2.4 Responsible fleet operations (fixed) 22
8.2.5 Minimising disruption from construction traffic 8 25
8.2.6 Success in minimising construction traffic impacts 18 (up to)
8.2.7 Movement of construction materials (fixed) 6
8.2.8 Movement of construction materials - implementation 9
8.2.9 Workforce travel planning (fixed) 5 5 5
8.2.10 Workforce travel planning – implementation (fixed) 5 5 5
Assessment criteria
(fixed)
8.2.1 Planning construction traffic movements Str Des Con
8.2.1.1 Construction traffic movements have been reviewed or considered by 15
the project team prior to the construction stage commencing.
(fixed)
8.2.3 Reducing risks for vulnerable road users Str Des Con
8.2.3.1 The project team have incorporated measures that improve safety for 20 (up to)
vulnerable road users.
(fixed)
8.2.4 Responsible fleet operations Str Des Con
8.2.4.1 All fleet operators travelling to or from the construction site have used 22
a compliant organisational, local, or national considerate fleet operations
scheme and their performance against the scheme has been confirmed by
independent assessment and certification or verification.
8.2.4.2 The fleet operators have achieved the relevant level of performance for the compliant scheme.
Outcome Credits
(a) Monitored 7
(b) Monitored and successful 18
(fixed)
8.2.7 Movement of construction materials Str Des Con
8.2.7.1 The project team has considered possible use of other, more- 6
sustainable transport routes (other than road), such as rail and/or water, for the
movement of construction materials and/or waste.
a. Client organisation
b. Design teams
c. Lead construction Contractor
a. Client organisation
b. Design teams
c. Lead construction Contractor
Guidance
Planning construction traffic movements (fixed) (8.2.1)
The consequences of construction traffic upon all modes of transport, including on cycling and walking as well as
vulnerable members of society, must be part of the consideration to score. Evidence could be baseline study data (a
stand-alone report or produced as part of an EIA) but, where appropriate, could also be minutes of meetings where
the issue has been actively considered.
In the UK, fleet operators may use the Fleet Operators Recognition Scheme (FORS) to demonstrate how they are
managing their operations to reduce work related road risks. For more information about FORS visit
https://www.fors-online.org.uk.
Measures by the Client or Contractor could include a contractual ability to impose sanctions on the company causing
an infringement or hard enforcement measures, such as local liaison and/or cameras. Further measures at
construction stage could include direction signage, and route planning to avoid particular roads.
Metric guidance
Monitoring and measurement of success in minimising construction traffic impacts could be done through
recording and auditing of construction transportation movements, to and from site. Possible calculations and
reporting methods include:
Total number of commercial vehicle movements onto site per £100k construction value, using a formula such as:
Total distance (km) due to commercial movements to site per £100k construction value, using a formula such as:
Total distance travelled (km) per tonne of construction material, using a formula such as:
Percentage of carbon emissions due to construction vehicle movements, using the formula:
In considering this criterion, the movement of materials not just to and from the construction site should be
considered, but also the effect that the supply chain may have on the movement of major elements of the project
components.
Distance and carbon emissions are both significant, so distance and form of travel are relevant, and, hence, executive
travel by air would be considered a potentially a very significant movement.
Appropriate measures may include, for example, access to public transport links, provision of a minibus, provision of
temporary accommodation, encouraging car-pooling or prescribing specific routes for journeys (including access
arrangements, compounds, parking and public transport).
Metric guidance
Workforce travel may be managed and controlled by implementing systems to monitor and record travel movements
during the construction of works.
Minimising and monitoring of workforce transport movements may be reported through calculation of:
The total number of workforce vehicle or transportation movements (individual round trips) to site per £100k
construction value, using a formula such as:
The total distance (km) due to workforce movements to and from site (total distance of each individual round trip)
per £100k construction value, using a formula such as:
Average distance travelled per person to and from site, using a formula such as:
Evidence
Assessment criteria Evidence guidance
8.2.1 Planning construction Evidence is likely to be found in a Transport Impact Assessment (TIA),
traffic movements (fixed) Environmental Statement (ES), Construction Logistics Plan (CLP), or contract
documentation.
8.2.2 Transport effects of Evidence is likely to be in the form of drawings, plans or photographs that
construction activities demonstrates the incorporation of measures that reduce the effects upon local
communities.
8.2.3 Reducing risks for Evidence could include site inspection reports, relevant sections of a
vulnerable road users (fixed) Construction Management Plan (CMP), training records, or near miss reporting
and analysis.
8.2.4 Responsible fleet Evidence is likely to include contractual requirements and records or reports
operations (fixed) from monitoring during construction.
8.2.5 Minimising disruption Evidence is likely to be drawn from the commitments made in the ES, the
from construction traffic evidence supporting the planning application, the specifications or terms and
conditions that the tendering Contractors are operating under, or the transport
sections of a Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) or similar
document.
Additional information
CLOCS – Construction Logistics and Community Safety Standard
The Construction Logistics and Community Safety (CLOCS) Standard is a UK construction industry standard for
reducing work related road risk. It promotes good practice beyond legal compliance by defining primary
requirements for key stakeholders associated with a construction project. For more information about the CLOCS
Standard visit https://www.clocs.org.uk/.
Innovation
Summary
The Innovation category provides opportunities for exemplary performance and innovation to be recognised that are
not included within, or go beyond, the requirements of the standard assessment criteria. This includes exemplary
performance credits where the exemplary performance criteria in an issue have been met. It also includes innovative
products and processes for which an innovation credit can be claimed, where they have been approved by
BRE Global Limited.
The cost-saving benefits of innovation are fostered and facilitated by helping encourage, drive and publicise
accelerated uptake of innovative measures.
Innovation
Aim
To support innovation within the construction industry through the recognition of sustainability-related benefits
which are not rewarded by standard CEEQUAL issues.
Assessment scope
Only criteria listed in the table below can be scoped out of assessments. All other criteria are fixed.
Credit summary
Assessment criteria Strategy Design Construction
(up to)
Exemplary level of performance in existing issues 500
Approved Innovations
Assessment criteria
Exemplary level of performance in existing issues
The project has demonstrated exemplary performance by meeting the exemplary performance criteria in one or more
of the following assessment issues:
Approved Innovations
Innovation credits can be awarded for each innovation application approved by BRE Global Limited, where the
project has complied with the criteria defined within the approved innovation application form.
Guidance
Approved Innovations
Innovation applications can be submitted to BRE Global Limited by a qualified CEEQUAL Assessor using the
Approved Innovation Application Form (BF1033).
Evidence
Assessment criteria Evidence guidance
Exemplary level of performance See guidance in CEEQUAL assessment issues.
in existing issues
Approved Innovations A copy of the Approved Innovation Application Form (BF1033) and a copy of
the Innovation Application Report that confirms the application has been
approved. Relevant documentary evidence that demonstrates the project has
achieved or installed the approved innovation as detailed in the innovation
application form and report.
Definitions
Approved innovations
Any new technology, design, construction, operation, maintenance or demolition method, or process that can be
shown to improve the sustainability performance of a building and is of demonstrable benefit to the wider industry
in a manner that is not covered elsewhere in CEEQUAL. In addition, the innovation has been approved by BRE Global
in accordance with its published innovation credit procedures.
Glossary
BAP ISO 14001
Biodiversity Action Plan International Standard for Environmental Management
Systems
BIM
Building Information Modelling IT
Information Technology
BSI
British Standards Institution IUCN
International Union for Conservation of Nature
CABERNET
Concerted Action on Brownfield and Economic LCA
Regeneration Network Life-Cycle Assessment
CEMP LI
Construction Environmental Management Plan Landscape Institute
CIWEM LMS
Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Landscape Management Strategy
Management
LWP
CMP Landscape Works Plan
Construction Managment Plan
PEMP
CSR Project Environmental Management Plan
Corporate Social Responsibility
RMP
EIA Resource Managment Plan
Environmental Impact Assessment
SEMP
EMS Site Environmental Management Plan
Environmental Management System
SMART
ES Specific, Measureable, Attainable, Realistic, Timely
Environmental Statement
SuDS
EU Sustainable Drainage Systems
European Union
SWMP
HAZOP Site Waste Management Plan
Hazard and Operability Studies
TIA
HER Transport Impact Assessment
Historic Environment Record
UK GBC
HIA UK Green Building Council
Health Impact Assessment
VOC
ICE Volatile Organic Compound
Institution of Civil Engineers
WFD
IEMA Water Framework Directive
Institute of Environmental Management and
Assessment WRAP
Waste & Resources Action Programme
IES
The Institution of Environmental Sciences