SPOTLIGHT ON: Keeping Cool - Why BREEAM Buildings Matter More Than Ever

As London bakes under an early summer heatwave, the question on everyone’s mind (besides “is this the hottest tube ride ever?”) is: how do we make our buildings more resilient?

At Greenway Associates, we’ve always championed early-stage thinking in construction, which includes sustainability. Whether we’re delivering for heritage institutions or hospitality giants, one thing is clear - climate-ready buildings aren’t just nice to have, they’re essential.

And that’s why BREEAM matters.

WHAT IS BREEAM

Launched in 1990, BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) is one of the world’s longest-standing methods of measuring a building’s environmental performance. It looks at everything from energy use and water consumption to ecological impact and materials sourcing.

Achieving a high BREEAM rating - like ‘Excellent’ - is far from easy. It requires smart decisions, early collaboration, and a clear sustainability vision that runs through the entire project.

Ham Yard Hotel in Soho Achieved BREEAM Excellent

CASE STUDY: HAM YARD HOTEL

We had the opportunity to act as cost consultants on the Ham Yard Hotel, one of several projects we’ve delivered with Firmdale Hotels, and a landmark Soho destination that achieved BREEAM Excellent.

What makes it special? Let’s start with cooling. As heatwaves become more frequent, buildings like Ham Yard are showing how it’s done:

  • Air Source Heat Pumps extract cool air from outside, regulating indoor temperatures year-round.

  • Green Roofs planted with native species reduce the urban heat island effect and improve the building’s thermal performance.

  • Triple CHP Engines generate heating and electricity on-site — cutting carbon emissions by around 160 tonnes annually.

  • Photovoltaic Panels supply renewable energy straight into the building’s grid.

  • Water-saving tech, from dual flush toilets to smart leak detection, ensures resources aren’t wasted.

From a sustainability point of view, it’s impressive. From a guest experience perspective, it’s seamless.

Construction waste was another standout - 100% of waste was recycled offsite, with the contractor receiving two national Considerate Constructors Scheme awards for their approach.

Ham Yard CHP Units

Air Sour Heat Pumps

Photovoltaic Panels

Green Roof

PASSIVE COOLING AT WILLIAM MORRIS GALLERY

Sustainability doesn’t always mean high-tech. At the William Morris Gallery, where Greenway Associates is currently involved in an ongoing project, cooling is handled through passive design strategies like layered glazing, natural ventilation, and smart use of thermal mass.

Looking ahead, a major building upgrade is now underway through the MEND (Museum Estate and Development Fund) programme, supported by £417,990 from Arts Council England. The improvements include:

  • Upgrading thermal insulation

  • Installing mechanical cooling systems

  • Enhancing ventilation and dehumidification

  • Applying solar film to windows

While not yet BREEAM-certified, the work aligns closely with BREEAM-led thinking - improving building performance, reducing environmental impact, and enhancing comfort for both visitors and collections.

Crucially, these upgrades tackle invisible but vital sustainability challenges: temperature regulation, humidity control, and energy efficiency - all key components for a climate-ready, Grade II listed space.

WHY IT MATTERS

As climate change accelerates, projects like these show how early planning and integrated thinking can deliver buildings that are cooler, cleaner, and more comfortable, even as temperatures rise.

At Greenway Associates, we’re proud to work with clients who see sustainability not as a tick-box, but as a mindset. It’s a mindset that starts on day one and lasts for decades to come.

SPOTLIGHT ONKerry BakerBREEAM, sustainability, climate resiliance, energy efficient, green building, passive cooling