BREEAM RSL 01 Flood risk
By preparing a flood risk analysis (RSL 01), up to 4 points more can be achieved in the BREEAM existing building certification. An additional point for exemplary performance is also possible in this criterion. If a high award such as BREEAM “Excellent” (≥ 70 %) or “Outstanding” (≥ 85 %) is aimed for, it is therefore helpful to plan to meet this criterion.
The RSL 03 criterion belongs to the BREEAM assessment category of resilience. This category takes into account the vulnerability of a building to physical, climate-related and social risks.
The requirements of the EU taxonomy were integrated into the requirements for the RSL 01 flood risk criterion.
RSL 01 Flood risk – BREEAM Question: Has a flood risk assessment been carried out, what was the outcome and what risk level was assigned to the building?
| Points | Answer | Answer option |
| 0 | A. | Question not answered |
| 1 | B. | The flood risk assessment covered watercourses and tidal waters and the flood risk from these sources was classified as average or high |
| 2 | C. | The flood risk assessment included all sources and the flood risk was classified as average or high |
| +2 | D. | if answer B. or C. applies: Flood protection measures were necessary and were implemented |
| 3 | E. | The flood risk assessment covered watercourses and tidal waters and the flood risk from these sources was classified as low or zero |
| 4 | F. | The flood risk assessment included all sources and the flood risk was classified as low or zero |
| 1 (exemplary performance) | G. | The flood risk assessment takes into account possible changes due to climate change. |
Target:
Promote the identification of flood risks and implementation of mitigation measures where necessary.
Benefit:
Promotes understanding of the flood risk to which the building is exposed. Enables the implementation of appropriate mitigation measures that protect the building, building occupants and related assets.
Our services for you
We support you in meeting the BREEAM criteria RSL 01, including the preparation of a flood risk analysis that also takes into account possible climate change-related changes.
RSL 01 Flood risk (EU taxonomy criterion) (4+1 points)
Risk assessment of:
a) flowing waters (rivers),
b) tidal waters (the sea),
c) Surface water: large-scale runoff from adjacent areas (urban or rural) areas (urban or rural),
d) Groundwater: often in low-lying areas with permeable permeable soil or rock,
e) Sewers: combined sewers, wastewater sewers or surface water drains,
f) water retention facilities, canals or other artificial sources,
g) nearby floodplains.
Flood risk assessments must be carried out by a relevant organization/authority, a competent institution or a competent individual. Proof of competence/qualification must be provided. The flood risk assessment must:
a) indicate which sources of flooding it covers,
b) have been written or reviewed in the last 5 years,
c) Include flood mitigation measures if the flood risk is medium or high,
d) have the appropriate level of detail. This depends on the size of the site and the layout of the buildings at this site. For a small site (<2,000 m²) with a relatively simple arrangement of buildings, a short report is generally sufficient. For larger sites (>10,000 m²) with a higher building density, a more detailed assessment is required.
One Flood risk assessment that takes into account possible climate change-induced changes for all flood types is awarded an additional point for exemplary performance. It should be based on a climate model calculation in which the “medium emissions” or “high emissions” scenario was assumed. It should cover a period relevant to the building.
BREEAM rewards the resilient design of buildings
BREEAM DE/AT/CH Existing Buildings is a performance-based assessment procedure for the certification of existing commercial buildings. The primary aim of this BREEAM system is to reduce the environmental impact of existing buildings on the environment. Further information can also be found here: BREEAM website
The BREEAM DE/AT/CH portfolio assessment process is divided into two parts, which can be certified separately:
- Quality of the building: Assessment measure of a building’s performance that can be used to highlight both best practice and potential improvements.
- Quality of building operation: Assessment standard for the management processes used in a building, which can be used to identify both best practices and potential for optimizing building operation.
The criterion RSL 01 belongs to Part 1, Quality of the building.
Thanks to our many years of experience in the field of sustainable, climate change-compliant building planning, we can provide you with optimum support for BREEAM certification for your project.
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Email info@hoinka.com