Southwest Environmental Limited

BREEAM Mat 03

In order to calculate available responsible source points you must complete a Mat 03 Assessment. It is relatively simple to carry out this procedure for some building materials, and more complex for others.

Firstly to score in the Mat 03 assessment the building material must be included within a Responsible Sourcing Certification Scheme. Below we have included a number of the certification scheme that you might consider. If you are working in procurement then you try to pick as many products as you can that carry the below certification:

• BES 6001
• Cares Constructional Steel System
• Concrete Sustainability Council CSC
• Eco Reinforcement Responsible Sourcing Standard
• FSC
• PEFC
• SFI (Chain of Custody)
• Re-Used in Situ

It has been revealed over the past decade or so that some of the above scheme are not perfect with so mis-labelled, but these are the best we have, so there is little point in debating their validity.

You project can score in four categories in the Mat 03 assessment. These are

• Super Structure
• Sub Structure and Hard Landscaping
• Internal Finishes
• Core Building Services

These are grouped automatically by the Mat 03 Calculator and a score is presented at the end of the calculation when all available information has been input. If you would like a lot more information on Mat 03 then BRE website is next stop!

Please feel free to call if you need a Mat 03 Assessment.

The below section was written by a machine.

BREEAM Mat 03: Responsible Sourcing of Construction Products

The BREEAM Mat 03 issue aims to encourage the specification and procurement of construction products that are responsibly sourced. By identifying and evaluating the supply chains of materials, developers can minimize the environmental and social impacts of their projects. At Southwest Environmental Limited (SWEL), we provide professional consultancy to help you navigate the Mat 03 Assessment and maximize your available points through strategic procurement and rigorous documentation.

Key Responsible Sourcing Certification Schemes

To score points within a Mat 03 assessment, building materials must be covered by a recognized Responsible Sourcing Certification Scheme (RSCS). Our team evaluates your procurement list against industry-standard benchmarks, including:

• BES 6001: Framework Standard for Responsible Sourcing.
• FSC & PEFC: Ensuring timber products originate from sustainably managed forests.
• CARES: For constructional steel and reinforcement systems.
• CSC (Concrete Sustainability Council): Certifying the sustainability of concrete and its raw materials.
• Eco Reinforcement: A specific responsible sourcing standard for steel.
• Re-Used in Situ: Highlighting the environmental benefits of material salvage and onsite reuse.

Assessment Categories and the Mat 03 Calculator

The assessment utilizes a standardized Mat 03 Calculator to aggregate data across four main building categories. The final score is determined by the percentage of materials (by volume or mass) that carry valid certification:

• Super Structure: Evaluating the main structural frame, walls, and roofing.
• Sub Structure and Hard Landscaping: Including foundations and external paving.
• Internal Finishes: Focusing on flooring, ceilings, and partitions.
• Core Building Services: Assessing major mechanical and electrical components.

Professional Support for BREEAM Compliance

Successfully delivering a Mat 03 report requires a deep understanding of current BREEAM methodologies and the validity of international certification schemes. We work closely with procurement teams to ensure that responsible sourcing requirements are integrated into contractor agreements from the outset. With over 900 projects delivered across the UK, SWEL offers the technical authority and professional accreditation (IES/FGS) needed to secure your credits. Whether you are conducting a BREEAM Pre-Assessment or finalizing a post-construction audit, our team provides the expert guidance required to meet the highest sustainability standards.

Contact us today to discuss how we can streamline your Mat 03 assessment and support your project's environmental goals.