To reduce the need to repair and replace materials resulting from damage to exposed elements of the building and landscape.

• Avoid unnecessary cost and material use resulting from the need to repair and replace damaged elements as a result of operational wear and tear.
• Minimise costs and disruption resulting from environmental degradation to building elements as a result of avoidable weathering and changes to climatic conditions over time.

Exposed elements of a building or landscaping are at risk of damage through impact or wear and tear. This can result in significant and unnecessary materials use and waste generation across the life of a building. This can be minimised by risk areas being identified and designed out, and suitable protection measures being provided. The inclusion of this issue within BREEAM highlights the need to consider future repairs and replacements, as well as their associated costs, when designing and specifying materials for a new building.

In addition climate change can significantly accelerate the deterioration of materials used in a building. It is therefore important to consider the impact of climate change and its associated environmental changes on the vulnerable elements within the built environment. Impacts of climate change can be mitigated by good design and specification so that stakeholders can have increased confidence in the durability of new buildings and their individual elements.