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Building Research Establishment's Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM)
This assessment method has been devised to assess and measure environmental performance of any type of building - new and existing. It has been updated and expanded since its creation in 1990 to keep in line with current Building Regulations, address different building types and include advances in technology.
Relevant themes of sustainability apply across all stages of a building's life and are dealt with in a number of BREEAM Technical Manuals for each stage of a building's development / operation / refurb and eventual demolition.
The adjacent list of links gives (external) access to the relevant BREEAM documents, including cross-over and alignment with the Australian WELL standard.
Click on the + to reveal how Horne products can address each theme and therefore contribute to the overall environmental performance score.
Materials Efficiency
To recognise and encourage measures to optimise material efficiency in order to minimise the environmental impact of material use and waste without compromising on structural stability, durability or service life of the building.....It may also include the adoption of alternative means of design or construction that result in lower materials usage and lower wastage levels including off-site manufacture and use of pre-assembled service pods.
Horne pre-plumbed shower panels are a good example for off-site fabrication. The fully integrated (shower valve, controls, isolation valves and pipework) panels are assembled and pressure tested in our factory. Once on site, installation can be extremely quick and easy: hang the panel on the wall, ensure hanging true, secure the 4 concealed fixing screws and then connect the water supplies.
This theme applies to the following BREEAM Technical Manual Sections:
New Construction (2018): MAT-06 Compliance Note 3.1 & Table 46
In-Use (2016): MAT-06
Refurbishment UK (2014): MAT-06 Compliance Note 4 & Table 60
International non-Domestic Refurbishment: MAT-06 Compliance Note 4 & Table 60
Integration of componentry, such as in-line strainers, isolating servicing valves, and CW T-piece on the 4th Connection facilitates quicker and lower cost installation: fewer connections to make and components to install whilst reducing raw materials and equivalent embodied carbon. Horne shower panels are also fully pre-plumbed assemblies that integrate pipework, thermostatic valve and controls with the shower head in a single unit that is quick and easy to install. Material wastage on site is therefore kept to a minimum.
This theme applies to the following BREEAM Technical Manual Sections:
New Construction (2016): MAN-02 Life Cycle Cost & Service Life Planning, MAT-01 Life-cycle Impacts, MAT-06 Material Efficiency, WST-01 Construction Waste Management
Refurbishment UK (2014): ENE-01, WST-01 Project Waste Management
International non-Domestic Refurbishment (2016): ENE-01, WST-01 Project Waste Management
Aim: To deliver whole life value by encouraging the use of life cycle costing to improve design, specification, through-life maintenance and operation and end-of-life
Building components, therefore, should be designed and manufactured to enhance and extend their Service Life (Operation & Maintenance) and for ease of material recovery at the end of that operational life.
Design for an extended lifespan: Select quality materials for robustness and enhanced operational performance - such as optimised strainers to protect valve mechanisms and downstream fittings - and design-in ease of product, and water system, maintenance. This is a central theme in all Horne designed products. Integration of associated componentry (check valves, strainers, isolating servicing valves, T off to cold tap) also adds features without adding significant manufacturing cost.
Installation: Component integration greatly simplifies installation, saving time and part costs with the need to make up fewer connections (and avoiding the added cost of separate Y-type strainers, isolation valves and, in the case of the Horne 15 4th Connection, the Tee to the cold tap). Horne surface mounted shower panels are pre-plumbed and pressure tested in our factory and so installation on-site can be very quick and easy - requiring only to be hung on the wall surface and the water supplies connected. The Optitherm thermostatic tap is a single modular unit hosting a thermostatic mixing valve, a hot water tap and a cold water tap, that is easily affixed to IPS panelling and the water connections made up. Installation is therefore fast, easy and simple to cost when using Horne products.
Operation: Design-out maintenance or reduce maintenance frequency and include systems to facilitate safe, efficient and cost-effective operation. Flow regulators or restrictors in basin TMVs and showers contribute to cost effective operation (see also Water Consumption below).
Ease of Maintenance: All Horne products are designed for safety and ease of access for maintenance and are also designed to facilitate easy maintenance of the water systems using the product-specific Flushing kits.
As pre-plumbed and surface mounted modules, Horne shower panels are specifically designed to aid maintenance - low level isolating servicing valves are accessible from floor level (therefore Work at Height regulations no longer apply). Access to the valve internals is also straight-forward without the need to remove the panel from its mountings. The Optitherm thermostatic tap is also fully accessible from tile side and there is no need to remove wall paneling, which has Health and Safety implications for the FM providers involved as well as potential pathogenic contamination risks to patients.
Low cost spares and accessories further extend their operational life. Maintenance procedures do not require any specialist skills, but technical assistance is offered via our technical helpline, online maintenance training and FOC face-to-face maintenance training seminars.
End of Life: Horne products may outlive the operational life of a building and are easy to decommission, remove and install elsewhere for reuse. Otherwise, disassembly into the constituent parts and materials for reuse or recycling is straightforward and contributes significantly to cost recovery.
This theme applies to the following BREEAM Technical Manual Sections:
New Construction (2016): MAN-02 Life Cycle Costing and Service Life Planning
Refurbishment UK (2014): MAN-02 Life Cycle Costing and Service Life Planning
International non-Domestic Refurbishment (2016): MAN-02 Life Cycle Costing and Service Life Planning
To recognise and encourage buildings designed to minimise operational Energy demand , primary energy consumption and carbon emissions...and refurbishment and fit-out projects that reduce operational energy demand, primary energy consumption and carbon emissions.
Thermostatic rather than manual control of water temperatures at taps and showers is inherently more energy efficient. Manually mixing to a set temperature takes time, and the tendency to over-adjust wastes pre-heated (i.e. energy rich) water. As the inventors of the thermostatic mixing valve with a long history of refining the technology, we have designed our valves to achieve the highest accuracy of thermostatic control on the market. Horne TMVs and shower valves will accurately and consistently control to the set temperature even when the difference between the hot water supply temperature and the set temperature is as little as 5K. Non-Horne TMVs and showers require a minimum of 10K between H and M temperatures. Horne valves are therefore significantly more energy efficient.
Energy efficiency is also often reduced when considering a group mixing scenario where a single TMV will supply pre-blended water to a group of outlets such as a row of basins or shower heads. In our experience, there is a tendency to oversize the mixing valve for the application, which results in wastage of (previously heated) water that has cooled to ambient temperature between usages. This also has negative implications for the Water Quality as deadlegs take longer to drain and stagnation increases. Horne’s Valve Sizing Tool can help to determine the optimum size of valve for any group mixing application and therefore contribute further to energy and water savings.
This theme applies to the following BREEAM Technical Manual Sections:
New Construction (2016): ENE-01
Refurbishment UK (2014): ENE-01
International non-Domestic Refurbishment (2016): ENE-01
For New Construction and Refurb (UK & Int'l.), up to 5 credits are available for this category. The aim is a reduction in water consumption by using water efficient fittings and comparing them to standard industry baseline fittings. Data for Horne relevant fittings is given in the table below.
| Credits | Base | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Tap (L/min) | 12 | 9 | 7.5 | 4.5 | 3.75 | 3 |
| Shower (L/min) | 14 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 3 | 3.5 |
The Horne 15 TMV is supplied with a 8 L/min flow regulator for fitting at the mixed water outlet and, in the case of the H15 4th Connection, also for the outlet connecting to the cold water tap. 6 L/min flow regulators are also available. 1 - 2 credits available.
Taps for clinical, surgical and sluice operation in healthcare are exempt from the BREEAM assessment (but please view the information relating to HTM 07-07), nonetheless the Optitherm thermostatic tap is fitted with a combined flow regulator and flow conditioner at its outlet, governing the flow to 6 L/min. The flow conditioner promotes laminar flow as the water falls from the spout into the basin - minimising splashing, avoiding aerosol formation and reducing the incidence of retrograde contamination of the tap outlet by pathogens. In non-healthcare applications the Optitherm could achieve 2 credits.
Horne shower panels all feature integral flow regulators, which govern the rate of discharge to 8 L/min over a range of supply pressures. Although we can also provide 6 L/min flow regulators, it is debatable as to whether flow rates lower than 8 L/min will be effective for rinsing purposes - meaning that each showering event takes longer and may actually use more water in the process. Timed flow controls can also be specified to reduce water wastage when a shower is inadvertently, or deliberately, left on. 2 - 3 credits available.
In the case of a group mixing scenario where a single TMV will supply pre-blended water to a group of outlets such as a row of basins or shower heads, there is a tendency to oversize the mixing valve for the application, which results in wastage of (previously heated – see ENE 01) water that has cooled to ambient temperature between operations. Often the (now ambient) deadleg will be purged to drain and usage of the fitting will only occur once warm water has reached the outlet. The greater the pipe size, the greater the deadleg volume being wasted. This also has negative implications for the water quality as stagnation increases. Our Valve Sizing Tool can help to determine the optimum size of valve for any group mixing application and therefore make a significant contribution to energy and water savings.
This theme applies to the following BREEAM Technical Manual Sections:
New Construction (2016): WAT-01 Table 38
Refurbishment UK (2014): WAT-01 Table 43
International non-Domestic Refurbishment (2016): WAT-01 Table 43
The BREEAM In-Use guidance suggests both taps (WAT-04) and showers (WAT-05) should have a flow rate of no more than 6 L/min.
Aim: To minimise the risk of water contamination within building services and ensure the consistent delivery of clean, safe water to building users.
All Horne products are designed and manufactured to support effective Legionella control through the traditional thermal regime. In practice, this means maintaining a circulating hot water supply at 60 °C, which is then blended thermostatically with cold water (kept below 20 °C) as close as possible to the point of use or discharge.
In addition, Horne TMVs, showers, and taps are specifically engineered to facilitate periodic elevated-velocity flushing of their water supplies (as well as the required cleansing flush for compliant valve and system commissioning). This is achieved using the Flushing Kit adaptor, which temporarily replaces the strainers of TMVs and shower valves, or the strainer/check valve cartridges in the Optitherm thermostatic tap. By flushing at this upstream location - before the thermostatic valve and its associated pressure drop / flow restriction - higher water flow rates and velocities can be achieved.
These elevated flows deliberately disturb the normal hydraulic conditions. The resulting increase in shear forces at the pipe surfaces disrupts biofilm, sloughing off excess layers and carrying them away to drain. By periodically reducing biofilm mass in this way, the risk of downstream dispersal is controlled and overall water quality can be better maintained.
Group Mixing Installations
When a single TMV supplies blended water to multiple outlets - such as a row of basins or shower heads - correct valve sizing is essential. A frequent mistake in design and installation is the tendency to oversize the mixing valve.
The correct valve size should:
Provide the required flow rate at peak demand.
Allow for the diversity factor (i.e. recognising that peak demand may involve fewer than all installed outlets being in use at the same time).
Oversizing brings no benefit. Instead, it adds unnecessary cost for both the TMV itself and the larger pipework required. More significantly, it increases the volume of the mixed-water deadleg, which leads to:
A larger volume of pre-heated water cooling to ambient temperature during periods of no use.
More water and energy wasted when this cooled water has to be purged before the next draw-off - particularly with respect to showering events (see also Water Consumption and Energy Use Reduction).
From both an environmental and public health perspective, the aim should be to keep deadleg volumes as small as possible, while still meeting peak flow requirements. Smaller deadlegs reduce stagnation and the associated risk of bacterial proliferation, while correct valve-sizing ensures performance is maintained.
To support accurate specification, our Valve Sizing Tool helps identify the optimal Horne TMV for any group mixing application - saving cost, reducing waste, and preventing future operational issues.
This theme applies to the following BREEAM Technical Manuals Sections:
New Construction (2018): MAN-01 Project Brief & Design, Compliance Note 3, item 4; HEA-09 Water Quality
In-Use (V6 2020): HEA-05 (most effective system to address Legionella risk) HEA-22 Legionella Management (adequate maintenance of system)
Refurbishment UK (2014): Man-01 Project Brief and Design (Legionella risk assessment)
International non-Domestic Refurbishment (2017): Man-01 Project Brief and Design (Legionella risk assessment)
All Horne products are designed for safety and ease of access for maintenance. All designs also facilitate easy access to and maintenance of the water systems using the product-specific Flushing Kits and our site Monitoring Kit. Low cost spares and accessories further extend their operational life. Maintenance procedures are relatively simple and do not require any specialist skills, but technical assistance is offered via our technical helpline, online maintenance training and FOC face-to-face maintenance training seminars for Estates and Facilities/Contract FM teams.
This theme applies to the following BREEAM Technical Manuals Sections:
New Construction (2016): MAN-01 Project Brief & Design; MAN-02 Life Cycle Cost & Service Life Planning; MAN-05 Aftercare Support; MAT-03 Responsible Sourcing of Building Products
Refurbishment UK (2014): MAN-01 Project Brief & Design; MAN-02 Life Cycle Cost & Service Life Planning; MAN-05 Aftercare Support; MAT-03 Responsible Sourcing of Building Products
International non-Domestic Refurbishment (2016): MAN-01 Project Brief & Design; MAN-02 Life Cycle Cost & Service Life Planning; MAN-05 Aftercare Support; MAT-03 Responsible Sourcing of Building Products
All Horne products are designed with ease of installation and maintenance in mind, which reduces the demand on FM providers both during the installation and operational phases of a building. In addition, Horne provides free-of-charge maintenance training, both online and as on-site face-to-face training sessions for Estates and Facilities teams/contractors.
This theme applies to the following BREEAM Technical Manuals Sections:
New Construction (2016): MAN-01 Project Brief & Design, Compliance Note 3, item 4; MAN-05 Aftercare Support
Refurbishment UK (2014): MAN-01 Project Brief & Design, Compliance Note 3, item 4; MAN-05 Aftercare Support
International non-Domestic Refurbishment (2016): MAN-01 Compliance Note 2, item 4; MAN-05 Aftercare Support
Horne manufactures a range of shower products specifically designed to support less-able users, promoting independence and dignity in daily use.
Key features include:
Colour-contrasting riser rails with integrated release lever, available in dementia- and sight-loss friendly deep orange/grey or standard white/grey finishes. The strong contrast assist users with impaired or declining vision in locating and safely operating the sliding handset mechanism.
Supportive grab rails, also available in white/grey or deep orange/grey finishes, providing reassurance and stability for unsteady users or those lacking confidence in sanitary spaces.
The bright yellow paddle of the Duso shower, which offers a further high-contrast control point to aid users with visual impairments.
Intuitively designed shower controls, with shaped and moulded levers that are easy to grip and operate for users with reduced hand strength or mobility. Flow and temperature are distinguished by both form and action - a quarter-turn lever for flow, and a 360° rotation control for temperature - helping users with visual impairments to identify functions by touch and operation.
These features are designed in line with inclusive design principles and in support of current best practice. Further guidance on accessible sanitary spaces can be found in the relevant General and Healthcare regulation pages.
This theme applies to the following BREEAM Technical Manual Sections:
New Construction (2016): MAN-01 Compliance Note 3, item 8
In-Use (2016): HEA 10
Refurbishment UK (2014): MAN-01 Compliance Note 3, item 8
International non-Domestic Refurbishment (2016): MAN-01 Compliance Note 2, item 8
Using products or systems that allow easy replacements
Horne surface mounted showers and also the Optitherm thermostatic tap are of modular design, which means that installation and, by the same token, removal and replacement with a similar, or slightly different specification (to suit a new application) is very easy and straightforward. Providing the original module has been adequately maintained, it may also be suitable for re-use in another appropriate location.
This theme applies to the following BREEAM Technical Manual Sections:
New Construction (2016): WST-06 Functional Adaptability
Refurbishment UK (2014): WST-06 Functional Adaptability
International non-Domestic Refurbishment (2016): WST-06 Functional Adaptability
Aim: to reduce construction waste related to on-site construction and off-site manufacture / fabrication and divert non-hazardous construction waste generated by the project away from landfill.
Off-site manufacture: Horne’s contribution here relates to our ‘off-site’ product fabrication. By integrating components, for example, Horne Thermostatic Mixing Valves incorporate various components that enable easier installation: the need to make multiple connections on site (between check valves, strainers and isolating valves and T pieces) is removed. Horne shower panels are also fully pre-plumbed assemblies that integrate pipework, thermostatic valve and controls with the shower head in a single unit that is quick and easy to install. Material wastage on site is therefore kept to a minimum.
Diverting waste away from landfill: Horne’s packaging for transporting product to site may be reused from existing suppliers (cardboard, infill and pallets). Much of Horne packaging is made of recycled, reused and recyclable materials such as cardboard, wood and plywood. This has a positive impact on the volume of waste generated during the construction phase.
This theme applies to the following BREEAM Technical Manual Sections:
New Construction (2016): WST-01 Construction Waste Management
Refurbishment UK (2014): WST-01 Project Waste Management
International non-Domestic Refurbishment (2016): WST-01 Project Waste Management