Achieving BREEAM excellence – how Johnsons can help

As governments and global organisations begin to focus more intently on sustainability and eco-friendly practice, many others are under increasing pressure to join them. Established since the early 1990s, criteria set out by the principle assessor of sustainability within public buildings is becoming a key focus for universities and educational establishments in particular. The UK’s largest student campaigning organisation People & Planet recently released their latest ‘Excellence League’ – identifying universities with the most impressive environmental and ethical performance using BREEAM assessments carried out for each. So what is BREEAM, why is it important, and how could furniture recycling services from Johnsons help?

What is BREEAM – and why is it important?

BREEAM (short for Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) is the world’s leading method for measuring a building’s sustainability rating. Renowned and respected worldwide, BREEAM uses a constantly evolving set of specific criteria to assess buildings to give an accurate indication regarding their sustainability and impact on the environment.

Universities in the UK have been given a target to reduce their carbon emissions by a massive 43% by 2020 – as many were identified to be performing poorly thanks to old buildings, out-dated heating systems and a lack of focus and knowledge surrounding sustainability. Through achieving a BREEAM rating of Excellent a university can demonstrate their commitment to the environment – simultaneously raising their ranking within People and Planet’s popular Excellence League. That target is just three years away – so with many eco schemes out of reach financially for universities, how can they start to make serious progress in so little time?

How can furniture recycling help?

Furniture recycling may not be the first thing that comes to mind when considering how carbon emissions can be reduced, or implementing sustainable practices. Typically larger, more expensive schemes are associated with such big changes – like installing solar panel systems, or an innovative new heating system. Yet when you start to think about the sheer amount of furniture often discarded as waste by universities, the environmental impact begins to add up significantly. Waste prevention is the first (and most ideal) step – buying quality, sustainable durable items that last and can be ethically disposed of or reused. Yet when old, worn-out furniture needs to be replaced to make way for the new, recycling offers a viable, environmentally conscious option for universities that need to reduce their carbon footprint quickly and easily. It’s cost-effective and compliant with waste disposal regulations – with no fuss, mess or massive financial outlay involved. In fact rather than posing an added stress it simply replaces a process that would have taken place anyway. This makes it a perfect option both for establishments with a long way to go, and those that are nearing their target emission levels.

Furniture recycling with Johnsons

At Johnsons we’re working hard to help companies implement a ‘zero landfill’ philosophy. Better for you, better for the environment – recycling and re-usage prevent the needless waste that significantly contributes to environmental and ecological concerns. One of our most popular services in the commercial sector is furniture recycling – and helping companies to reduce their carbon footprint and waste is a responsibility we take incredibly seriously. We’re accredited to BSEN ISO 14001:2004 with a fully audited environmental management system in place – so your waste disposal requirements are in the safest of hands.

Discover more about furniture recycling with Johnsons. Get in touch today for a no-obligation quote, or learn more about our ethical approach here.