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Mat 03 Responsible sourcing of materials

Number of credits available Minimum standards
4 Yes (criterion 1 only)

Aim

To recognise and encourage the specification and procurement of responsibly sourced materials for key building elements.

Assessment criteria

The following is required to demonstrate compliance:

Pre-requisite

  1. All timber and timber-based products used on the project is Legally harvested and traded timber (see Relevant definitions).

Note:

  1. It is a minimum requirement for achieving a BREEAM rating (for any rating level) that compliance with criterion 1 is confirmed.
  2. For other materials there are no pre-requisite requirements at this stage.

One credit - Sustainable procurement plan

  1. The principal contractor sources materials for the project in accordance with a documented sustainable procurement plan (see the Relevant definitions in the Additional information section).

Up to 3 credits - Responsible sourcing of materials (RSM)

  1. The available RSM credits (refer to Table 43 ) can be awarded where the applicable building materials (refer to Mat 03 Responsible sourcing of materials) are responsibly sourced in accordance with the BREEAM methodology, as defined in steps 1 to 2 in the Mat 03 Responsible sourcing of materials section below.

Table 43 The number of BREEAM credits achieved is determined as follows

RSM credits % of available RSM points achieved
3 ≥ 54%
2 ≥ 36%
1 ≥ 18%

Exemplary level criteria

The following outlines the exemplary level criteria to achieve one innovation credit for this BREEAM issue:

  1. Where at least 70% of the available RSM points are achieved.

Checklists and tables

None.

Compliance notes

Ref

Terms

Description
Shell and core

CN1 

Applicable assessment criteria

Both options: All criteria relevant to the building type and function apply.

Refer to Appendix D – BREEAM UK New Construction and Shell and Core Project Assessments of this Scheme Document for further description of the above options.

Simple buildings

CN2 

 Applicable assessment criteria

All criteria relevant to building type and function apply.
General

CN3 

A government licence

See criterion 1.

A government licence, e.g. a UK Forestry Commission felling licence certificate, can be used to provide evidence of legally sourced timber but does not meet the definition of a third party timber certification scheme and so does not comply with the responsible sourcing requirements of this issue.

CN3.1 

 Sustainable procurement plan
See criterion 2.

For design stage assessments where the principal contractor has not yet been appointed, a specification or a letter of intent from the party responsible for appointing the principal contractor must be provided confirming a requirement for the principal contractor to have in place a sustainable procurement plan. Refer to The BREEAM evidential requirements section for more guidance on providing letters of commitment.

CN3.2

BREEAM recognised responsible sourcing certification schemes and their point scores

See criterion 3.

Guidance Note 18 available in the Resources section of the BREEAM website, provides a table of responsible sourcing certification schemes recognised under BREEAM, their scope and associated point scores.

This table is reviewed on a regular basis and BREEAM assessors must ensure they use the current table.

CN3.3 

Checking responsible sourcing claims

See criterion 3.

Confirmation of manufacturers and suppliers claims should be sought from the relevant responsible sourcing scheme provider. Many of the organisations who administer RSM certification schemes will, via their website, list companies and products that have been certified against their standards, including the scope of any such certification. Some schemes, including BES 6001 via www.greenbooklive.com, will provide downloadable copies of the relevant certificate, which can in turn be used as evidence of compliance for this BREEAM issue.

CN3.4 

Specified reused materials

See criterion 3.

Where reused materials are specified for the project, these can be allocated ten points.

CN3.5 

Specified recycled materials

See criterion 3.

 Where evidence can be provided that certified products used in the building contain a high proportion (≥ 90%) repurposed or recycled content , these can be allocated points as per Table -1 in Guidance Note 18.

CN3.6

Route 1

Cut- off

See step 1 in the Methodology section.

Any material type within a location/use category, other than ceiling and internal partitions/internal walls (see Table 44 ), which clearly accounts for less than 1m³ per 1000 m² of gross internal floor area, can be excluded from assessment. Fixings, adhesives, many finishing materials (but not all) and ironmongery would normally fall below this threshold.

Material types within Ceiling and Internal partitions/internal walls location/use categories, which clearly account for less than 0.33m³ per 1000 m² of gross internal floor area, can be excluded from assessment.

Calculations will not normally be required to justify such exclusions.

Methodology

There are two routes to demonstrate compliance with this issue. Either of the routes or a combination may be followed for any situation:

Route 1: Lowest responsible sourcing certification scheme point score

The following steps outline the methodology to be followed for this route to determine the number of credits achieved for responsible sourcing. The calculations outlined below are undertaken using the BREEAM Mat 03 calculator and the relevant project information, collated by the project team.

Step 1: Confirm the presence of 'Location/use categories' and materials

Identify from 'Location/use categories' list under Table 44 all location/use categories present in the building. Allocate from 'material category' list all materials that make-up each location/use category identified. Exclude all materials within a location/use category that meet the cut-off criteria set out in Mat 03 Responsible sourcing of materials.

Note:

The most appropriate category for each particular material type must be selected. Where none of the categories are appropriate use ‘other’.

Products made up of constituent materials (such as windows, doors, etc.) must be broken down into constituent materials and assessed separately following the category allocation process described above. As before, any material that falls below the cut-off threshold (see CN3.6) should be excluded from the assessment.

Table 44 Location and use and material categories.

Location table and use categories

  1. Ceiling (including ceiling finishes)

  2. Door/window

  3. Floor (including floor finishes)

  4. Insulation

  5. Internal partition/internal walls (including finishes)

  6. Roof (including roof finishes)

  7. Structure, primary and secondary (e.g. Structural frame, foundation/substructure)

  8. External wall ( e.g cladding, lining, render, including finishes)

  9. Building service

  10. Hard landscaping

  11. Other

Step 2: Confirm the responsible sourcing certification scheme point score achieved for each applicable material

For each material type identified as applicable in step 1, determine whether or not it is covered by a BREEAM-recognised Responsible Sourcing Certification Scheme certificate (see Additional information section).

Refer to Guidance Note 18 available in the Resources section of the BREEAM website for the most up to date list of BREEAM recognised Responsible Sourcing Certification Schemes, their scope and corresponding point score.

Note:

1. The responsible sourcing certification scheme (RSCS) point score is determined based on the rigour of responsible sourcing demonstrated by the supplier(s) or manufacturer(s) of that material through the use of recognised responsible sourcing certification schemes.

Step 3: Point allocation and award of credits

The data entered in steps 1 and 2 is used by the BREEAM Mat 03 tool to calculate the number of RSM points achieved and award credits accordingly. This award of credits is determined as follows:

For materials that have been given the same material category (timber/timber-based product has been used to illustrate), the tool:

  1. First finds the average responsible sourcing certification scheme (RSCS) point score for timber/timber-based products that have the same 'location/use' category. This is repeated for every 'location/use' category present,
  2. Then selects the location/use category with the lowest average RSM point score,

The above process is repeated for each material category. The results for all material categories are summed and the difference between the total and the maximum total possible expressed as a percentage. The percentage is then converted to a credit score according to the Table 43

An example calculation for route 1 is provided in Table 45 .

Table 45 Example calculation for route 1

Location/
use category		 Material category

RSCS point score

Average point score*

RSM point score allocation**
Door/
window		 Timber/timber-based product 1 4 5 4
Timber/timber-based product 2 6
Floor Timber/timber-based product 1 3 4
Timber/timber-based product 2 5
External wall Timber/timber-based product 1 6 6.5
Timber/timber-based product 2 7
Door/
window		 Metal product 1 5 5 2
Ceiling
 Metal product 1 3 2.5
Metal product 2 2
Structure primary and secondary Concrete/cementitious product 1 3 2 2
Concrete/cementitious product 2 2
Concrete/cementitious product 3 1
Internal partition Concrete/cementitious product 1 4 5.5
Concrete/cementitious product 2 7
Structure primary and secondary Clay-based product 1 3 4 4
Clay-based product 2 5
Roof Clay-based product 1 8 8

* Average point scores for a given material in that location/use category.

** The point score allocation is the lowest point score, rounded, in the previous column, for a given material category.

Table 46 Example point allocation and award of credits

Material category Point scores achieved Maximum point score % available points achieved Credits achieved
Timber/ timber-based product 4 10 30% 1
Metal 2 10
Concrete/ cementitious 2 10
Clay-based 4 10
Total score 12 40

Route 2: Proportion of materials responsibly sourced

This route allows for a more detailed calculation of the responsibly sourced materials in a building where information on material quantities are available. It follows a similar methodology to that set out for route 1 above but allows for a detailed calculation, based on the relative quantity of each material to weight the point scores, thus influencing the final result. Following route 2 leads to a more accurate final result and typically leads to a higher score. The required calculations are performed by the Mat 03 Calculator tool.
An example calculation for route 2 is provided in Table 47 . The example illustrates the calculation for a single material category (timber/ timber-based products (TBP)). This process is repeated for each material category present in the building to determine the final RSM score.

Table 47 Example calculation for single material category

Material
category		 RSCS point score

Quantity
(m³

, IKg)

Point score weighted

 Max. point score
% total score
  (A) (B) (C) (D) (G)
Door/ window
Timber/ TBP 1 4 100 400 1000

 

 

 

 
Timber/ TBP 2 6 50 300 500
Total Scores   (E)700 (F)1500 46.7%
Floor
Timber/ TBP 1 3 100 300 1000

 
Timber/ TBP 2 5 200 1000 2000
Total Scores   (E)1300 (F)3000 43.3%
External wall
Timber/ TBP 1 6 300 1800 3000

 
Timber/ TBP 2 7 200 1400 2000
Total Scores   (E)3200 (F)5000 64%
Average % total score (H)   51.3%
RSM score (I)   5.13

Description of columns shown in the example

Responsible sourcing certification scheme (RSCS) point score achieved, A

Quantity (m³ , Kg), B

Point score weighted by quantity, C = responsible sourcing certification scheme (RSCS) point score achieved x quantity

C = A x B

Maximum point score weighted by quantity, D = 10 x quantity

D = 10 x B

Total score achieved, E = sum of point scores weighted by quantity

E = sum of C scores

Total maximum score, F = sum of maximum scores weighted by quantity

F = sum of D scores

Total score achieved, G = sum of point scores weighted by quantity/ sum of maximum scores weighted by quantity

G = E/ F

Average percentage, H = average of total scores achieved

H = average of G scores

RSM score achieved, I =10 x average percentage

I =10 x H

Route 3: Combination of routes

Table 48 illustrates the awarding of credits where a combination of routes is used.

In the example below route 2 has been used to calculate the points for timber/ timber-based products. For all other materials present, route 1 has been used to allocate points. The figures shown have been taken from the relevant tables under route 1 and 2 example calculations provided above.

Note: Only one route can be selected per material category.

Table 48 Example credit calculation for where a combination of routes are used

Material category RSCS point score Maximum point score Percentage of available points Credits achieved
Timber/
timber-based product (using route 2)		 5.13 10 32.83% 1
Metal (using route 1) 2 10
Concrete/ cementitious (using route 1) 2 10
Clay-based (using route 1) 4 10
Total score 13.13 40

Evidence

Criteria Interim design stage
 Final post construction stage
All

See The BREEAM evidential requirements section for a list of general evidence types that can be used to demonstrate compliance with the relevant criteria for this issue.
All Completed copy of the Mat 03 Calculator tool As per interim design stage.
All Documentary evidence detailing how the Calculator tool has been completed. As per interim design stage.

Additional information

Relevant definitions

BREEAM Mat 03 calculator
A Calculator tool used by the BREEAM assessor to determine the number of BREEAM credits achieved for BREEAM issue Mat 03.
BREEAM recognised responsible sourcing certification schemes
These are third party schemes evaluated and approved by BRE Global for recognition under BREEAM. Refer to Guidance Note (TBC) available in the Resources section of the BREEAM website for information on the evaluation criteria and the process for the evaluation and acceptance of schemes, including application and appeals.
Building Services
For the purpose of this issue this refers to the equipment and distribution systems specified for providing heating, power, ventilation, lighting, air-conditioning and domestic water services in a building. As a minimum, this should include the equipment and controls specified for the building services.
Chain of custody (CoC)
This is a process used to maintain and document the chronological history of the evidence/path for products from forests to consumers. Timber must be tracked from the certified forest to the finished product. All the steps, from the transportation of timber from the forest to a sawmill until it reaches the customer, must maintain adequate inventory control systems that allow for separation and identification of the certified product. Chain of custody certification ensures that a facility has procedures in place to track timber from certified forests and avoid confusion with non-certified timber. Chain of custody is established and audited according to the rules of relevant forest certification systems. See also definition of CITES below.
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES)
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of wild fauna and flora (CITES) works by subjecting international trade in specimens of selected species to certain controls. All import, export, re-export and introduction from the sea of species covered by the Convention has to be authorised through a licensing system. Each Party to the Convention must designate one or more Management Authorities in charge of administering that licensing system and one or more Scientific Authorities to advise them on the effects of trade on the status of the species. The species covered by CITES are listed in three Appendices, according to the degree of protection they need.
  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/countries seeking to protect this species.
Composite material
Composite material can be defined as an engineered material made from two or more constituent materials with significantly different physical or chemical properties and which remain separate and distinct on a macroscopic level within the finished structure. Resin based composites such as glass reinforced plastic and polymeric render and timber composites such as chipboard or particleboard, MDF, OSB, plywood, hardboard, laminated veneered lumber, glulam and cement bonded particleboard are all required to be assessed for responsible sourcing.
Legally harvested and traded timber
BREEAM follows the UK government's definition of legally sourced timber, as outlined in the Central Point of Expertise on Timber (CPET) 5th Edition report on the UK Government Timber Procurement Policy, which states that legal timber and wood-derived products are those that originate from a forest where the following criteria are met:
  1. The forest owner/manager holds legal use rights to the forest.
  2. There is compliance by both the forest management organisation and any contractors with local and national legal criteria including those relevant to:
    1. Forest management
    2. Environment
    3. Labour and welfare
    4. Health and safety
    5. Other parties’ tenure and use rights
    6. All relevant royalties and taxes are paid.
  3. There is full compliance with the criteria of CITES.

Relevant documentation demonstrating the above must be provided or made available on request subject to the availability of such materials in the country concerned. The policy requires all timber and wood-derived products to be from only:
  1. Independently verifiable legal and sustainable sources OR
  2. Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) - licensed timber or equivalent sources.

Further information on the UK Government's Timber Procurement Policy and compliant responsible sourcing certification schemes is available from the CPET (Central Point of Expertise on Timber) website www.cpet.org.uk/.
Pre-consumer waste stream
Waste material generated during manufacturing processes; this excludes reuse of materials such as rework, regrind or scrap generated in a process and capable of being reclaimed within the same process that generated it.
Post-consumer waste stream
Waste material generated by households or by commercial, industrial and institutional facilities in their role as end users of the product, which can no longer be used for its intended purpose. This includes returns of material from the distribution chain.
Responsible sourcing
The management and implementation of sustainable development principles in the provision, procurement and traceability of construction materials and components.
In BREEAM, this is demonstrated through auditable third party certification schemes.
Refer to Guidance Note 18 available in the Resources section of the BREEAM website for an up to date table of responsible sourcing certification schemes recognised by BRE Global Ltd for the purposes of a BREEAM assessment.
Reused materials
Materials that can be extracted from the waste stream and used again without further processing, or with only minor processing, that does not alter the nature of the material (e.g. cleaning, cutting, fixing to other materials).
Recycled material
Materials diverted from the pre-consumer and/or post-consumer waste streams that require significant processing before they can be used again. For further information please see Calculating and declaring recycled content in construction products, 'Rules of Thumb' Guide (WRAP, 2008) www.wrap.org.uk.
Sustainable procurement plan
A plan that sets out a clear framework for the responsible sourcing of materials to guide procurement throughout a project and by all involved in the specification and procurement of construction materials. The plan may be prepared and adopted at an organisational level or be site/project specific, and for the purposes of BREEAM compliance, will cover the following as a minimum:
  1. Risks and opportunities are identified 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.
  2. Aims, objectives and targets to guide sustainable procurement activities.
  3. The strategic assessment of sustainably sourced materials available locally and nationally. There should be a policy to procure materials locally where possible.
  4. Procedures are in place to check and verify that the sustainable procurement plan is being implemented/adhered to on individual projects. These could include setting out measurement criteria, methodology and performance indicators to assess progress and demonstrate success.
Responsible sourcing certification scheme point scores
A graded scale to reflect the rigour of the certification scheme used to demonstrate responsible sourcing, forming the basis for awarding credits in the BREEAM issue Mat 03. Refer to Guidance Note 18 available in the Resources section of the BREEAM website for an up to date table of responsible sourcing certification schemes recognised by BRE Global Ltd for the purposes of a BREEAM assessment.

Other information

BES 6001:2008 Framework Standard for Responsible Sourcing of Construction Products

This is a BRE Global 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 for this BREEAM issue.

To view a list of products approved to BES 6001 and additional information about the standard visit: www.greenbooklive.com.

Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) validity

A CPET document may be helpful to assessors with respect to determining the validity of FSC and PEFC certificates. See www.cpet.org.uk.


BREEAM UK New Construction non-domestic buildings technical manual 2014
Reference: SD5076 – Issue: 5.0
Date: 23/08/2016
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