The aspirations of the National Design Guide can be achieved by using BREEAM certification schemes
The National Design Guide published by UK Government, outlines high-level principles and guidance which will drive better development and place-making.
Local planning authorities are now expected to interpret this guide and use it to produce local guidance which will shape planning decisions in their region.
The National Design Guide brings together 10 key themes which help to guide planning decisions by providing a common framework for developers and local authorities to work to. However, to ensure the robust delivery of these principles in practise, existing certification tools and frameworks, should be considered. BREEAM, and by extension HQM are referenced within the National Design Guide, bring together many of these principles, and as such can play a key role in helping projects to demonstrate they are complying with the guide. These schemes also provide outputs that support other policy aspirations such as biodiversity net-gain, health and wellbeing and quality.
The value of using BREEAM and HQM to implement the National Design Guide
The National Design Guide requires local authorities to prepare design guides which cover the 10 high level principles. While it requires applicants to submit design guidance or design codes in support of planning submissions. For stakeholders on both the planning and development sides, this guide will therefore present an additional burden which must be considered, however it doesn’t need to be viewed this way. The BREEAM Family of schemes provides a ready-made framework which can form the basis of these local guides and in turn can help smooth the decision-making process through providing a common language across the industry, both spatially and across professions. Additionally, through their on delivery and certification they provide a robust way of monitoring implementation, which in turn could feed into local design Key Performance Indicators.
This work focuses on comparing issues within BREEAM Communities and the Home Quality Mark (HQM) to the 10 characteristics outlined in the National Design Guide. The issues are mapped based on their contribution to the characteristics.
Click the Logos below to get a brief overview of how BREEAM Communities and HQM compare to the aspirations of the National Design Guide.
If a development were to adopt BREEAM communities and meet the relevant criteria at certification stage there is a high probability that the development will also meet the aspirations of the National Design Guide. Within BREEAM communities there are 41 assessment issues which cover a range of themes such as;
After comparing these assessment issues to the aspirations outlined in the national design guide it was found that all 10 of the characteristics can be met by using BREEAM communites.
This table is an indication of the number of links between the assessment issues in BREEAM communities and the characteristics of the National Design guide, a more detailed explanation of these can be found below.
Assessment Issues within BREEAM Communities which Contribute to the National Design Characterisitcs
Context
Assessment issues with a direct contribution:
Resources and Energy 02, Existing Building and Infrastructure:
Credits are awarded when the existing buildings and features of an area have been taken into account in the planning process so as not to lose the context of the development’s surroundings.
Governance 02, Consultation and Engagement:
The Project is awarded credits for consulting the local community early in the development process, their input can change the design and context of the development.
Governance 03, Design Review:
Credits are awarded for giving the local community the chance to influence the design of the project at the planning stage of the project.
Social and Economic Wellbeing 11, Green Infrastructure:
Credits are given to projects where Green Infrastructure and open spaces have been considered, giving the area a sense of place and context.
Assessment issues with a moderate contribution:
Governance 01, Consultation Plan :
Credits are given to projects where local stakeholders have been consulted about the location and sense of place and area has before planning and development work begins. this ensures the context of the area is not lost throughout the process.
Resources and Energy 03, Water Strategy:
Projects are awarded credits are given to projects where local stakeholders have been consulted about the location and sense of place and area has before planning and development work begins. this ensures the context of the area is not lost throughout the process.
Social and Economic Wellbeing 08, Microclimate:
This issue awards credits where the outdoor environment has been taken into consideration through the planning and design of a project. This includes microclimatic solutions such as solar gains, air direction and shade.
Social and Economic Wellbeing 13, Flood Risk Management:
Credits are awarded for a development when a Flood risk management plan is in place for future generations. This will ensure the sustainability of the developments chosen location for the future as well as highlighting some of the steps that could be taken if the development was to be affected by floods in the future.
Social and Economic Wellbeing 14, Local Vernacular:
Credits are awarded for considering the local infrastructure and the sense of a place present in a location, this ensures that new developments fit in with the pre-existing infrastructure, context and style.
Assessment issues with a slight contribution:
Social and Economic Wellbeing 03, Flood Risk Assessment:
Credits are awarded for carrying out a flood risk assessment on the location, this is important for the continued resilience of the development.
Social and Economic Wellbeing 04, Noise Pollution:
This issues awards credits where the development has been designed to mitigate the impacts of noise, for existing and future users.
Governance 04, Community management of facilities:
Credits are awarded for creating a management strategy for after the development is complete, this will empower the community to influence the sense of identity in a place as well as look after their surroundings for the future.
Social and Economic Wellbeing 15, Inclusive Design:
This issue awards credits where the development has been designed with accessibility in mind; ensuing multifunctional facilities and areas are inclusive to all demographics
Identity
Assessment issues with a direct contribution:
Resources and Energy 02, Existing Building and Infrastructure:
Credits are awarded when the existing buildings and features of an area have been taken into account in the planning process so as not to lose the context of the development’s surroundings.
Governance 02, Consultation and Engagement:
The Project is awarded credits for consulting the local community early in the development process, their input can change the design and context of the development.
Governance 03, Design Review:
Credits are awarded for giving the local community the chance to influence the design of the project at the planning stage of the project.
Social and Economic Wellbeing 11, Green Infrastructure:
Credits are given to projects where Green Infrastructure and open spaces have been considered, giving the area a sense of place and context.
Transport and Movement 02, Safe and Appealing Streets:
Credits are awarded for a development where there are safe and appealing streets and networking routes, this is integral to giving a place a positive identity in which a community can feel proud and safe.
Social and Economic Wellbeing 14, Local Vernacular:
Credits are awarded for considering the local infrastructure and the identity of a location before the development to ensure new developments fit in with the pre-existing infrastructure, identity and style.
Assessment issues with a moderate contribution:
Governance 01, Consultation Plan :
Credits are given to projects where local stakeholders have been consulted about the location and sense of place and area has before planning and development work begins. this ensures the context of the area is not lost throughout the process.
Social and Economic Wellbeing 02, Demographic needs and Priorities:
This issue awards credits for considering the needs of the community, an important issue when dealing with the identity of a place and planning for the future needs of potential communities and demographics.
Social and Economic Wellbeing 03, Flood Risk Assessment:
Credit are awarded for a Flood risk assessment; this will ensure the sustainability of the developments chosen location as well as highlighting areas for improvement such as where a sustainable drainage system may be required to help to improve the water strategy and identity a location.
Social and Economic Wellbeing 08, Microclimate:
This issue awards credits where the outdoor environment has been taken into consideration through the planning and design of a project. This includes microclimatic solutions such as solar gains, air direction and shade.
Governance 04, Community management of facilities:
Credits are awarded for creating a management strategy for after the development is complete, this will empower the community to influence the sense of identity in a place as well as look after their surroundings for the future.
Social and Economic Wellbeing 15, Inclusive Design:
This issue awards credits where the development has been designed with accessibility in mind; ensuring multifunctional facilities and areas are inclusive to all demographics will create a sense of place where the community feel like they belong.
Assessment issues with a slight contribution:
Resources and Energy 03, Water Strategy:
Projects are awarded credits are given to projects where local stakeholders have been consulted about the location and sense of place and area has before planning and development work begins. This ensures the identity of the area is not lost during the re-development process.
Social and Economic Wellbeing 10, Adapting to Climate Change:
Credits are awarded for considering the effects of climate change on an area, whilst implementing solutions to mitigate them. When designing a development around a community, climate change adaptations will need to be taken into consideration, whilst keeping the identity of the place for generations to come.
Social and Economic Wellbeing 13, Flood Risk Management:
Credit are awarded for a development when a Flood risk management plan is in place for future generations. This will ensure the sustainability of the developments chosen location for the future as well as highlighting some of the steps that could be taken if the development was to be affected by floods in the future.
Land Use and Ecology 03, Water pollution:
Projects are awarded credits where there are plans in place to protect local water courses from potential sources of pollution. This helps to preserve the Identity of any given location.
Build form
Assessment issues with a direct contribution:
Resources and Energy 02, Existing Building and Infrastructure:
Credits are awarded when the existing buildings and features of an area have been taken into account in the planning process so as not to lose the local style of the development’s surroundings.
Governance 02, Consultation and Engagement:
The Project is awarded credits for consulting the local community early in the development process, their input can change the design, build form and style of the development.
Transport and Movement 02, Safe and Appealing Streets:
Credits are awarded for a development where there are safe and appealing streets and networking routes, this is integral to giving a place a positive identity in which a community can feel proud and safe.
Transport and Movement 03, Safe and Appealing Streets:
Credits are awarded for providing cycle networks in a development, these encourage users to undertake more sustainable modes of transport.
Assessment issues with a moderate contribution:
Governance 01, Consultation Plan:
Credits are given to projects where local stakeholders have been consulted about the location and design of the development before planning and construction work begins. this ensures the build form of the area is not lost throughout the process.
Social and Economic Wellbeing 08, Microclimate:
This issue awards credits where the outdoor environment has been taken into consideration through the planning and design of a project. This includes microclimatic solutions such as solar gains, air direction and shade. All of these elements are important when designing the build form of a sustainable community.
Social and Economic Wellbeing 14, Local Vernacular:
Credits are awarded for considering the local infrastructure and build form of a location before the development to ensure new developments fit in with the pre-existing infrastructure and style.
Social and Economic Wellbeing 15, Inclusive Design:
This issue awards credits where the development has been designed with accessibility in mind; ensuring multifunctional facilities and areas are inclusive to all demographics will create a sense of place where the community feel like they belong.
Social and Economic Wellbeing 16, Light Pollution:
Credits are awarded where the design and build form of the development have been planned to reduce light pollution where possible.
Assessment issues with a slight contribution:
Social and Economic Wellbeing 04, Noise Pollution:
This issues awards credits where the development has been designed to mitigate the impacts of noise, for existing and future users.
Movement
Assessment issues with a direct contribution:
Transport and Movement 01, Transport Assessment:
Credits are awarded for carrying out a transport assessment, this will allow the project team to formulate strategies which will allow for greater access to sustainable modes of transport when the development is completed.
Social and Economic Wellbeing 06, Delivery of Services, Facilities and Amenities:
Credits are awarded where there are facilities and amenities in locations which are accessible to all, increasing the chances of the community taking sustainable transport alternatives.
Social and Economic Wellbeing 12, Local Parking:
Credits are awarded for well-considered parking within a development. This is essential to improve the mobility of a community, making community centres accessible for all.
Transport and Movement 02, Safe and Appealing Streets:
Credits are awarded for a development where there are safe and appealing streets and networking routes, this is integral to giving a place a positive identity in which a community can feel proud and safe.
Transport and Movement 03, Cycling Facilities:
Credits are awarded for providing cycle networks in a development, these encourage users to undertake more sustainable modes of transport.
Transport and Movement 04, Access to Public Transport:
Projects are awarded credits where the public transport links have been improved during the process of development. Improving access to public transport will encourage people to use it with in the development and make the move from private cars.
Social and Economic Wellbeing 15, Inclusive Design:
This issue awards credits where the development has been designed with accessibility in mind; ensuring multifunctional facilities and areas are inclusive to all demographics will allow all members of the community to benefit from the development.
Resources and Energy 07, Transport Carbon Emissions:
Credits are awarded where a project has made changes to directly reduce the pollution causes by car use by providing alternatives to car ownership such as a car share scheme of rental service.
Transport and Movement 05, Cycling Facilities:
Projects are awarded credits where provisions are made for cyclists. Increasing the number of cycle facilities such as cycle storage in a community will encourage more people to use bikes as a mode of transport.
Transport and Movement 06, Public Transport Facilities:
Credits are given where a development has included the provision of public transport facilities such as bus shelters. If there is greater access to public transport facilities, more people will be willing to use them, increasing the mobility within the community and reducing the reliance on cars.
Assessment issues with a moderate contribution:
Governance 01, Consultation Plan :
Credits are given to projects where local stakeholders have been consulted about the location, transport availability within the community and improvements to be made before planning and development work begins. This ensures that if there are changes to the transport, networking routes and road layout are agreed with the current community
Social and Economic Wellbeing 02, Demographic needs and Priorities:
This issue awards credits for considering the needs of the community, an important issue when dealing with the mobility within a community and planning for the future needs of potential communities and demographics.
Governance 02, Consultation and Engagement:
The project is awarded credits for consulting the local community early in the development process, their input can change the design and style of the development.
Social and Economic Wellbeing 07, Public Realm:
Credits are awarded for creating comfortable and vibrant spaces in the public realm, this may encourage people to spend more time outdoors and by extension use methods of active/public transport.
Social and Economic Wellbeing 09, Utilities:
This issues awards credits to a development for the ease of access to essential utilities, providing easy access to services and other infrastructure will increase the free mobility within a development.
Social and Economic Wellbeing 11, Green Infrastructure:
Credits are awarded for implementing green infrastructure in a development, by greening the built environment and creating places that are pleasing to the eye people often feel encouraged to spend time outside, this may encourage people to choose public transport or active travel.
Nature
Assessment issues with a direct contribution:
Resources and Energy 03, Water Strategy:
Credits are given where a development has made efforts to minimise water demand in a community through efficiency and supply side activities. The formation of a water strategy could help to improve and enhance the wetlands and water ways within the project site, which could benefit the local ecology and biodiversity of the area.
Land use and Ecology 01, Ecology Strategy:
Projects are awarded credits for creating an ecology strategy, this could help to support a rich profile of biodiversity, in addition to providing high quality and varied spaces in nature.
Land use and Ecology 02, Land Use:
This issue awards credits when the site of the development is planned on previously developed land or contaminated land. This can be regenerated as part of the scheme, encouraging nature-based solutions in the process.
Social and Economic Wellbeing 11, Green Infrastructure:
Credits are awarded for implementing green infrastructure in a development, by greening the built environment and creating places that are pleasing to the eye. This often includes implementing nature-based solutions and including methods to enhance the ecology and biodiversity of the area.
Land use and Ecology 03, Water Pollution:
Projects are awarded credits where there are plans in place to protect local water courses from potential sources of pollution. This helps to preserve and enhance the nature of the local area.
Land use and Ecology 04, Enhancement of Ecological Value:
Credits are given where a project has ensured that ecological value had been enhanced throughout the process of development. This could include creating a green infrastructure plan and improving the green infrastructure within an environment.
Land use and Ecology 05, Landscape:
This issue awards credits where the character of the landscape is respected and improved through the location of features which suit the community. This ensures the identity of a place is continued whilst adding to the ecological value.
Land use and Ecology 06, Rainwater Harvesting:
Credits are awarded for rainwater harvesting, a useful way to conserve water resources, rainwater can be used for flushing toilets and other water features in building which do not need to be run with treated water.
Assessment issues with a slight contribution:
Social and Economic Wellbeing 03, Flood Risk Assessment:
Credits are awarded for carrying out a flood risk assessment on the location, this is important for the continued resilience of the development.
Social and Economic Wellbeing 13, Flood Risk Management:
Credit are awarded for a development when a Flood risk management plan is in place for future generations. This will ensure the sustainability of the developments chosen location for the future as well as highlighting some of the steps that could be taken if the development was to be affected by floods in the future.
Public Spaces
Assessment issues with a direct contribution:
Social and Economic Wellbeing 06, Delivery of Services, Facilities and Amenities:
Credits are awarded where there are facilities and amenities in locations which are accessible to all, increasing the chances of people spending more time together creating a cohesive community and vibrant place to live.
Social and Economic Wellbeing 07, Public Realm:
Credits are awarded for creating comfortable and vibrant spaces in the public realm, this may encourage people to spend more time outdoors.
Social and Economic Wellbeing 08, Microclimate:
This issue awards credits where the outdoor environment has been taken into consideration through the planning and design of a project. This includes microclimatic solutions such as solar gains, air direction and shade. All these elements are important when designing social spaces outside for the public to use.
Social and Economic Wellbeing 10, Adapting to Climate Change:
Credits are awarded for considering the effects of climate change on an area, whilst implementing solutions to mitigate them. When designing a development around a community, climate change adaptations will need to be taken into consideration so that the facilities and spaces creates endure for present and future generations,
Transport and Movement 02, Safe and Appealing Streets:
Credits are awarded for a development where there are safe and appealing streets and networking routes, this is integral to giving a place a positive identity in which a community can feel proud and safe.
Governance 04, Community management of facilities:
Credits are awarded for creating a management strategy for after the development is complete, this will empower the community to influence the sense of identity in a place as well as look after their surroundings for the future.
Social and Economic Wellbeing 15, Inclusive Design:
This issue awards credits where the development has been designed with accessibility in mind; ensuring multifunctional facilities and areas are inclusive to all demographics will allow all members of the community to benefit from the development.
Assessment issues with a moderate contribution:
Governance 01, Consultation Plan:
Credits are given to projects where local stakeholders have been consulted about the location and sense of place and area has before planning and development work begins. This ensures the community have had an input into the design of their community, influencing areas which are key to the development’s success.
Social and Economic Wellbeing 02, Demographic needs and Priorities:
This issue awards credits for considering the needs of the community, an important issue when planning public spaces. To be successful these spaces must consider the need of the present as well as the foreseeable needs of future communities and demographics.
Land use and Ecology 01, Ecology Strategy:
Projects are awarded credits for creating an ecology strategy, this could help to support a rich profile of biodiversity, in addition to providing high quality and varied spaces for the public outdoors.
Land use and Ecology 02, Land Use:
This issue awards credits when the site of the development is planned on previously developed land or contaminated land. This can be regenerated as part of the scheme, making use of reclaimed land for public use is highly desirable.
Governance 02, Consultation and Engagement:
The project is awarded credits for consulting the local community early in the development process, their input can change the design and style of the development.
Social and Economic Wellbeing 11, Green Infrastructure:
Credits are awarded for implementing green infrastructure in a development, by greening the built environment and creating places that are pleasing to the eye people are encouraged to spend more time outside in open spaces.
Transport and Movement 03, Cycling network:
Credits are awarded for providing cycle networks in a development, these encourage users to undertake more sustainable modes of transport and spend more time outdoors.
Transport and Movement 04, Access to Public Transport:
Projects are awarded credits where the public transport links have been improved during the process of development. Improving access to public transport will encourage people to use it with in the development and make the move from private cars.
Transport and Movement 05, Cycling Facilities:
Credits are awarded for providing cycling facilities, these can often improve the mobility of the community as well as the characteristics of the public spaces.
Uses
Assessment issues with a direct contribution:
Governance 01, Consultation Plan :
Credits are given to projects where local stakeholders have been consulted about the location and sense of place and area has before planning and development work begins. this ensures the context of the area is not lost throughout the process.
Social and Economic Wellbeing 06, Delivery of Services, Facilities and Amenities:
Credits are awarded where there are facilities and amenities in locations which are accessible to all, increasing the chances of the community taking sustainable transport alternatives.
Social and Economic Wellbeing 07, Public Realm:
Credits are awarded for creating comfortable and vibrant spaces in the public realm, which are easily accessible and multi-use.
Social and Economic Wellbeing 09, Utilities:
This issues awards credits to a development for the ease of access to essential utilities, providing easy access to services and other infrastructure will increase the free mobility within a development.
Transport and Movement 02, Safe and Appealing Streets:
Credits are awarded for a development where there are safe and appealing streets and networking routes, this is integral to giving a place a positive identity in which a community can feel proud and safe.
Transport and Movement 03, Cycling Networks:
Credits are awarded for providing cycle networks in a development, these encourage users to undertake more sustainable modes of transport as well as creating access routes to utilities.
Transport and Movement 04, Access to Public Transport:
Projects are awarded credits where the public transport links have been improved during the process of development. Improving access to public transport will encourage people to use it with in the development.
Governance 04, Community management of facilities:
Credits are awarded for creating a management strategy for after the development is complete, this will empower the community to influence the sense of identity in a place as well as look after their surroundings for the future.
Social and Economic Wellbeing 15, Inclusive Design:
This issue awards credits where the development has been designed with accessibility in mind; ensuring multifunctional facilities and areas are inclusive to all demographics will allow all members of the community to benefit from the development.
Resources and Energy 04, Sustainable Buildings:
Credits are awarded for creating sustainable and adaptable buildings with a range of uses. Building adaptable infrastructure is particularly important for the future.
Transport and Movement 05, Cycling Facilities:
Projects are awarded credits where provisions are made for cyclists. Increasing the number of cycle facilities such as cycle storage in a community will encourage more people to use bikes as a mode of transport as well as improve access to local amenities.
Assessment issues with a moderate contribution:
Social and Economic Wellbeing 02, Demographic needs and Priorities:
This issue awards credits for considering the needs of the community, an important issue when dealing with the identity of a place and planning for the future needs of potential communities and demographics.
Land use and Ecology 02, Land Use:
This issue awards credits when the site of the development is planned on previously developed land or contaminated land. This can be regenerated as part of the scheme, improving the ease of access to land and other amenities.
Governance 02, Consultation and Engagement:
The project is awarded credits for consulting the local community early in the development process, their input can change the design and context of the development.
Governance 03, Design Review:
Credits are awarded for giving the local community the chance to influence the design of the project at the planning stage of the project.
Assessment issues with a slight contribution:
Resources and Energy 02, Existing Building and Infrastructure:
Credits are awarded when the existing buildings and features of an area have been taken into account in the planning process so as not to lose the context of the development’s surroundings.
Social and Economic Wellbeing 12, Local Parking:
Credits are awarded for well-considered parking within a development. This is essential to improve the mobility of a community, making community centres accessible for all.
Homes and Buildings
Assessment issues with a direct contribution:
Social and Economic Wellbeing 03, Flood Risk Assessment:
Credits are awarded for carrying out a flood risk assessment on the location, this is important for the continued resilience of the development.
Social and Economic Wellbeing 04, Noise Pollution:
This issues awards credits where the development has been designed to mitigate the impacts of noise, for existing and future users.
Resources and Energy 01, Energy Strategy:
Credits are awarded where a project has included design features to minimise operational energy demand, consumption and carbon dioxide emissions. Creating this energy strategy will ensure the sustainability of the development for generations.
Resources and Energy 03, Water Strategy:
Projects are awarded credits are given to projects where local stakeholders have been consulted about the location and sense of place and area has before planning and development work begins. this ensures the context of the area is not lost throughout the process.
Social and Economic Wellbeing 05, Housing provision:
Projects are given credits where current and future housing provision has been taken into account, with particular considerations given to the possibly of a growing population and multi-generational homes. These aspects are very important and a key factor to address when planning a new development/community
Social and Economic Wellbeing 06, Delivery of services, facilities and amenities:
Credits are awarded where there are facilities and amenities in locations which are accessible to all, increasing the mobility of a community within a development.
Social and Economic Wellbeing 10, Adapting to Climate Change:
Credits are awarded for considering the effects of climate change on an area, whilst implementing solutions to mitigate them. When designing a development around a community, climate change adaptations will need to be taken into consideration, whilst keeping the purpose of the new development in mind.
Social and Economic Wellbeing 13, Flood Risk Management:
Credit are awarded for a development when a Flood risk management plan is in place for future generations. This will ensure the sustainability of the developments chosen location for the future as well as highlighting some of the steps that could be taken if the development was to be affected by floods in the future.
Social and Economic Wellbeing 15, Inclusive Design:
This issue awards credits where the development has been designed with accessibility in mind; ensuring multifunctional facilities and areas are inclusive to all demographics
Social and Economic Wellbeing 16, Light Pollution:
Credits are awarded where the design and build form of the development have been planned to reduce light pollution where possible.
Assessment issues with a moderate contribution:
Social and Economic Wellbeing 08, Microclimate:
This issue awards credits where the outdoor environment has been taken into consideration through the planning and design of a project. This includes microclimatic solutions such as solar gains, air direction and shade.
Resources
Assessment issues with a direct contribution:
Resources and Energy 01, Energy Strategy:
Credits are awarded where a project has included design features to minimise operational energy demand, consumption and carbon dioxide emissions. Creating this energy strategy will ensure the sustainability of the development for generations.
Resources and Energy 03, Water Strategy:
Projects are awarded credits are given to projects where local stakeholders have been consulted about the location and sense of place and area has before planning and development work begins. this ensures the context of the area is not lost throughout the process.
Social and Economic Wellbeing 10, Adapting to Climate Change:
Credits are awarded for considering the effects of climate change on an area, whilst implementing solutions to mitigate them. When designing a development around a community, climate change adaptations will need to be taken into consideration, whilst keeping the identity of the place for generations to come.
Land use and Ecology 03, Water Pollution:
Projects are awarded credits where there are plans in place to protect local water courses from potential sources of pollution. This helps to preserve the local resources of a community.
Resources and Energy 04, Sustainable Buildings:
Credits are awarded for creating sustainable and adaptable buildings with a range of uses. Building adaptable infrastructure is particularly important for the future.
Resources and Energy 05, Low Impact Materials:
Projects are awarded credits where they have reduced the environmental impact of construction through the use of low impact materials in the public realm.
Resources and Energy 06, Resource Efficiency:
Credits are awarded where the development project has promoted resource efficiency by reducing waste during construction and throughout the life cycle of the development.
Land use and Ecology 06, Rainwater Harvesting:
Credits are awarded for rainwater harvesting, a useful way to conserve water resources, rainwater can be used for flushing toilets and other water features in building which do not need to be run with treated water.
Assessment issues with a moderate contribution:
Social and Economic Wellbeing 11, Green Infrastructure:
Credits are given to projects where Green Infrastructure and open spaces have been considered, giving the area a sense of place and context.
Lifespan
Assessment issues with a direct contribution:
Social and Economic Wellbeing 02, Demographic needs and Priorities:
This issue awards credits for considering the needs of the community, an important issue when dealing with the identity of a place and planning for the future needs of potential communities and demographics.
Resources and Energy 02, Existing Building and Infrastructure:
Credits are awarded when the existing buildings and features of an area have been considered in the planning process, this ensures the development includes the historic values of the community whilst planning for the future.
Resources and Energy 03, Water Strategy:
Projects are awarded credits are given to projects where local stakeholders have been consulted about the location and sense of place and area has before planning and development work begins. This means that there are plans in place for water efficiency and resource in the future.
Social and Economic Wellbeing 10, Adapting to Climate Change:
Credits are awarded for considering the effects of climate change on an area, whilst implementing solutions to mitigate them. When designing a development around a community, climate change adaptations will need to be taken into consideration, whilst keeping the identity of the place for generations to come.
Governance 04, Community management of facilities:
Credits are awarded for creating a management strategy for after the development is complete, this will empower the community to influence the sense of identity in a place as well as look after their surroundings for the future.
Assessment issues with a moderate contribution:
Social and Economic Wellbeing 03, Flood Risk Assessment:
Credits are awarded for carrying out a flood risk assessment on the location, this is important for the continued resilience of the development.
Social and Economic Wellbeing 13, Flood Risk Management:
Credit are awarded for a development when a Flood risk management plan is in place for future generations. This will ensure the sustainability of the developments chosen location for the future as well as highlighting some of the steps that could be taken if the development was to be affected by floods in the future.
The Home Quality Mark is a scheme run by BRE to assess new homes against benchmarks in quality and sustainability. If a housing development were to adopt HQM and meet the relevant criteria at the post construction certification stage there is a high probability that the development will also meet some of the aspirations of the National Design Guide. Within HQM there are 39 assessment issues which cover a range of themes;
After comparing these assessment issues to the aspirations outlined in the national design guide it was found that the majority of the characteristics can be met by using HQM. The Characteristics of ‘Context’, ‘Identity’ and ‘Build form’ are broader themes and generally sit outside the scope of HQM.
This table is an indication of the number of links between the assessment issues in HQM and the characteristics of the National Design guide, a more detailed explaination of these can be found below.
Assessment Issues within HQM which Contribute to the National Design Characterisitcs
Movement
Assessment issues with a direct contribution:
1.1 Public Transport Availability:
Credits are awarded where the development has recognised the importance of being in close proximity to Public transport. This encourages people to use public transport options and not be reliant on their private vehicles.
1.2 Sustainable Transport Options:
Projects are awarded credits when they have provided alternative sustainable transport and the associated facilities so that people become less dependent on traditionally fuelled cars.
Assessment issues with a moderate contribution:
2.2 Managing Impacts on Ecology:
This issue awards credit where there have been provisions made by the development board to mitigate the effects of construction on the natural environment. This is of importance as green space helps to create attractive spaces which may promoting the ease of movement as well as improve air quality and contribute to biodiversity.
2.3 Ecological Change and Enhancement:
Credits are awarded for improving the ecological features in/ near a development, this is of particular importance as green space helps to create attractive spaces which may promoting the ease of movement as well as improve air quality and contribute to biodiversity.
2.4 Long Term Ecological Management and Maintenance:
Credits are awarded where there are plans in place to monitor, manage and maintain a site and its biodiversity, this could include hedgerows and trees. Maintaining these features is of particular importance especially if they are found bordering walking/ cycling network routes.
Nature
Assessment issues with a direct contribution:
2.1 Identifying Ecological Risks and Opportunities:
This issue awards credits for surveying the ecological baseline and zone of influence of the site before construction work begins to identify risks and opportunities which allows developers to achieve the best outcomes for the site.
2.2 Managing Impacts on Ecology:
This issue awards credit where there have been provisions made by the development board to mitigate the effects of construction on the natural environment. This is important as green space helps to create attractive spaces which may promoting the people living in the development to spend more time out of doors and experience nature and all it’s benefits.
2.3 Ecological Change and Enhancement:
Credits are awarded for improving the ecological features in/ near a development, this is of particular importance as these additions will facilitate the growth and diversity of nature in the area.
2.4 Long Term Ecological Management and Maintenance:
Credits are awarded where there are plans in place to monitor, manage and maintain a site and its biodiversity, this could include hedgerows and trees. Maintaining these features is of particular importance especially if they are found bordering walking/ cycling network routes as they can host a wide variety of biodiversity.
Assessment issues with a moderate contribution:
3.2 Managing Rainfall Impacts
This issue aims to encourage new developments to include measures to manage rainfall to help reduce the risk of flooding, as well as the impact on the local environment and the environment downstream of the site, and improve the quality of run-off water.
Public Spaces
Assessment issues with a direct contribution:
2.5 Recreational Space
Credits are awarded where occupants have access to outdoor recreational space, promoting community spirit, activity and wellbeing.
Uses
Assessment issues with a direct contribution:
2.5 Recreational Space:
Credits are awarded where occupants have easy access to outdoor recreational space, promoting community spirit, activity and wellbeing.
Assessment issues with a moderate contribution:
1.1 Public Transport Availability:
Credits are awarded where the development has recognised the importance of being in close proximity to public transport. This encourages people to use public transport options and not be reliant on their private vehicles.
1.2 Sustainable Transport Options:
Projects are awarded credits when they have provided alternative sustainable transport and the associated facilities so that people become less dependent on traditionally fuelled cars and have ease of mobility to essential public services.
1.3 Local Amenities:
Projects are awarded credits where there is ease of mobility in a development, ensuring all occupants have easy access to a range of key amenities.
Homes and Buildings
All assessment issues with in HQM have a direct contribution:
The aim of the HQM is to provide a set of certifiable benchmarks for new homes in the UK. Any home undertaking an HQM assessment will be given an overall star rating from good to outstanding, as well as indicator scores for the Environmental footprint, Health and wellbeing and Running costs of the home.
Some issues in HQM have pre-requisite credits, gaining these will ensure the home meets and surpasses regulatory minimum standards.
Performing a HQM post construction certificate on a home will ensure that it has good quality internal and external environments which promote health and wellbeing for it’s occupants.
Resources
Assessment issues with a direct contribution:
3.1 Flood Risk
This issue awards credits where a housing developer has made changes to reduce the risk of flooding for occupants and neighbours by considering the location, master-planning and design of new homes.
3.2 Managing Rainfall Impacts
This issue aims to encourage new developments to include measures to manage rainfall to help reduce the risk of flooding, as well as the impact on the local environment and the environment downstream of the site and improve the quality of run-off water.
5.1 Energy and cost
Credits are awarded where developments have taken steps to improve energy performance and reduce costs associated with running the home and encourage more thorough energy calculations during the design stage.
5.2 Decentralised Energy
Credits are given where the development has maximised the cost and carbon-saving benefits of generating energy from low and zero carbon technologies (LZCTs) by encouraging best practice when selecting, installing and allowing for easy future installation of LZCTs.
6.1 Responsible Sourcing
This issue awards credits for encouraging the selection of construction products where sustainable development principles have been followed across the supply chain, including when extracting, processing and manufacturing materials and parts.
6.2 Environmental Impact of Materials
Credits are awarded where a projects has considered the effect construction products have on the environment by recognising and encouraging the selection of products with a low environmental impact, including embodied carbon over the life cycle of the building.
8.1 Water Efficiency
Credits are given where developments have taken steps to reduce the amount of mains water in the home.
Assessment issues with a moderate contribution:
4.5 Temperature
Credits are given to where the development has minimised the risk of uncontrollable high temperatures happening as a result of current and projected future climate scenarios by recognising that this needs to be considered early in the design process.
Lifespan
Assessment issues with a direct contribution:
7.2 Access and Space
Projects are awarded credits where an acceptable and effective internal space has been provided to the occupants which is accessible to all and supports the function of the home.
9.1 Project Preparation
Credits are awarded where the developer has encouraged procedures that improve the overall quality of the home and reduce the difference between predicted and actual performance in the home.