Southwest
Environmental LimitedSouthwest
Environmental Limited| London |
| 02076 920 670 |
| Exeter |
| 01392 927 961 |
| Manchester |
| 01612 970 026 |
| Bristol |
| 01173 270 092 |
If you would like help with specifying a building to achieve good scoring then please get in touch.
BREEAM seeks to lower the operational and capital impacts on construction. And the a the Mat 01 Assessment looks in to various built elements in an attempt to measure their impact, and award points where good options have been made. This is a brief guide for full details please visit.
The awarding of points differs slightly depending on the type of development. For example industrial buildings are not assessed for windows, as many industrial buildings do not have windows. But all building types (schools, prisons, office) are assessed for external walls.
Points are awarded on the basis on good materials choices, and further exemplar points are awards for options appraisal using green guide, or bespoke LCA using software tools. Materials or building systems can be chosen by using the Green Guide or Green Book Live.
In order to be awarded points identified in a BREEAM pre-assessment it is important that procurement is carried out carefully, and that records are kept along the way. Records should include:
If you would like help with specifying a building to achieve good scoring then please get in touch.
The below section was written by a machine.
Achieving BREEAM Mat 01 credits (Environmental impacts from construction products) is a critical objective for any project aiming for a high BREEAM rating under versions such as 2018, v6, or the latest v7. Unlike previous standards that relied heavily on generic material guides, modern BREEAM assessments prioritize building-level Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to quantify environmental impacts from "cradle to grave." Our consultancy provides the technical expertise and accredited modeling required to secure these credits early in the design phase.
BREEAM Mat 01 incentivizes the use of construction products with lower environmental footprints. By performing a project-specific LCA, we can help design teams evaluate the Global Warming Potential (GWP) of different specifications, from the substructure to the external envelope.
In 2026, Mat 01 is more than a certification credit; it is a foundational part of a development's Carbon Strategy. By integrating these assessments with a Whole Life Carbon Assessment (WLCA), developers can demonstrate a commitment to Net Zero that satisfies both BREEAM standards and rigorous local planning requirements. This holistic approach ensures that material selection contributes positively to the building's overall environmental performance and sustainability profile.
Successfully navigating BREEAM Mat 01 requires specialized technical authority (IES/FGS) and a deep understanding of building physics. Our team provides the professional accreditation and scientific precision needed to deliver audit-ready LCA reports that meet the highest UK standards. With over 900 projects delivered across the United Kingdom, SWEL offers specialized insight into BREEAM methodologies and the practical implementation of low-impact material strategies. Whether you are aiming for a "Very Good" or "Excellent" rating, our reports provide the robust evidence base required for project success.
Our team is ready to help you optimize your building’s material selection through accredited expertise and comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment support.