- ensures compliance with environmental regulations and BREEAM and can reduce the size of the performance gap
- drives and monitors reduction of waste and other site impacts, which in turn reduces construction costs
- helps manage risks connected to the achievement of sustainability targets and, in particular, reduce the risk of fines, complaints and re-working
- helps the company keep ahead of the game
- ensures demonstration of environmental credentials and CSR
For BREEAM assessed projects, the involvement of a qualified SSM provides the opportunity to earn a BREEAM credit in the Management section, and further credits can be achieved by monitoring and limiting site impacts. In order to claim the BREEAM credits featuring a Sustainability Champion, SSMs must be qualified and keep up to date with sustainability matters and BREEAM developments (please note other criteria apply to claim the full credit).
One way of demonstrating competence for this role is through the SSM qualification. After passing the exam, SSMs will need to demonstrate ongoing competence in sustainability matters through a minimum of 15 hours CPD each year. To badge themselves as an ‘active’ Site Sustainability Manager for the purpose of BREEAM, they will also need to be listed on GreenBookLive.com.