Award-winning developer Dandara has shared the experience of working towards an industry-leading accreditation for sustainable development on a major building project.

The firm is constructing the new Zurich International Life offices at the Isle of Man Business Park to the BREEAM rating system, and recently explained what is involved to the Island branch of The Chartered Institute of Building.

Dandara Contracts Manager Len Arnold gave CIOB members a presentation on BREEAM and then conducted a site visit so fellow professionals, including quantity surveyors (RICS) and architects (RIBA), could see the practical applications of the assessment method being used in the construction of the new three-storey development.

BREEAM – Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Methodology – is a sustainability assessment method for master planning construction projects to promote long-term sustainability of buildings and promote low-impact design, reduction of carbon emissions and protection of ecological value.

The new ZIL building is one of the first in the Isle of Man to be built using the BREEAM rating system.

Len explained: ‘As an innovative and responsible developer, Dandara is committed to working to the highest international standards and BREEAM is the world’s leading sustainability assessment method. It is important that sustainability becomes part of the core of development projects as it can extend the life of a building, make it a better place to live or work and reduce the impact the construction has on the ecology and environment.

‘Applying the BREEAM system to the ZIL office development has encouraged the effective and innovative use of resources as we work towards achieving a “very good” rating. The assessment process, across categories of ranging from energy to ecology, evaluates procurement, design, construction and operation of the building against a series of performance benchmarks. The rating is then decided by an independent licensed assessor.’

He added: ‘This is among the first buildings in the Isle of Man developed using this system and we were keen to share the value of BREEAM with colleagues in the industry, as sustainable development reduces the impact on the environment, which is in all our interests, and can enhance the investment potential of a property. It is in the interest of the development industry to ensure it is working to the highest standards of sustainability and if our knowledge can assist others we are pleased to share the experience.

‘Dandara is proud to be at the forefront in sustainable development in the Isle of Man and looks forward to working with clients in the future to deliver more constructions to the high standards of BREEAM assessment.’

The new offices of international insurance company ZIL are due for completion late next year.

Photo - Dandara Contracts Manager Len Arnold (front centre) with colleagues and members of the Island branch of The Chartered Institute of Building during the tour of the Isle of Man Business Park development