PITTSBURGH–(BUSINESS WIRE)–BREEAM, the leading sustainability assessment method developed by BRE Global (‘BRE’), has announced that Stephanie Fleck, Teresa Stutts, and Josh Knupp — all members of the 3R Sustainability (‘3R’) Team — are among the first three consultancy professionals to complete the necessary training and earn BREEAM’s Advisory Professional (AP) Operations credential.
BREEAM’s rigorous AP training course is structured for real estate industry professionals with knowledge of sustainable asset operations to advise their clients on sustainable operations to deliver on the BREEAM and ESG development goals. This credential offers recipients the opportunity to develop a more holistic offering of sustainability-focused services, expand their network of clients and development opportunities, and provide more value to current clients looking to pursue BREEAM certifications.
“We’re thrilled to have the first consultants credentialed through BREEAM’s intensive AP training program,” said Breana Wheeler, US Director of Operations at BREEAM. “The expertise and counsel from consultants like the team at 3R is key to driving sustainable operations throughout the real estate industry. We look forward to the opportunity to continue providing these professionals with the tools and resources they need to best lead clients through the BREEAM certification process to advance ESG goals and initiatives.”
The new BREEAM AP Operations qualification is specifically focused on the operational phase of the asset lifecycle. To earn the AP Operations credential, learners are required to complete a training course, which includes online modules and one 4-hour virtual classroom session delivered by BRE, and successfully pass an exam. Through AP training, professionals are taught how they can advise on developments’ sustainability goals and efforts to achieve up to six BREEAM credits, facilitating more meaningful partnerships.
“With this recognition, we plan to broaden 3R’s qualifications, allowing us to further help our clients in the real estate market realize their goals of owning and operating some of the top-ranking sustainable buildings throughout the US and beyond,” said Stephanie Fleck, consultant at 3R. “I believe that this will allow our clients to expand the scope of their sustainability portfolio and provide them with an opportunity to stand out among peers by exemplifying a deep care for people, planet, and performance.”
The 3R team has already put their BREEAM knowledge to use in their consulting work with Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. Phipps received an “Outstanding” (93.3%) rating under the BREEAM USA In-Use certification, placing it in the top 1% of buildings globally for building performance through the guidance of 3R’s trained consultants. Additionally, the conservatory was awarded a 2021 BREEAM Award.
“The greatest value in obtaining this credential is gaining a strong understanding of the BREEAM In-Use process and technical manuals,” said Teresa Stutts, consultant at 3R. “BREEAM In-Use focuses on continuous improvement in asset operation, profitability, and environmental impact — and obtaining the AP credential provides an opportunity to assist clients through this process while providing insight into the technical requirements, documentation preparation, and drivers of business value.”
“BREEAM’s AP credential is a great opportunity for anyone interested in increasing their knowledge of the BREEAM Assessment process and gaining access to support and opportunities for continued education long after the exam is completed,” added Josh Knupp, consultant at 3R. “The globally recognized AP credential brings confidence to clients, knowing that the professional they are working with has the knowledge needed to effectively and efficiently support them through the assessment process.”
For more information on BREEAM and its AP: Operations certification, please visit: https://www.bre.ac/course/breeam-ap-operations-training-usa/.
About BRE & BREEAM
BRE is a world leading, multi-disciplinary, building science center with a mission to improve buildings and infrastructure, through cutting-edge research and knowledge generation. BRE maintains a range of products, services, standards and qualifications that are used around the world to bring about positive change in the built environment. Learn more at www.bregroup.com.
BREEAM is the world’s leading sustainability assessment methodology for masterplanning projects, infrastructure and buildings. It recognizes and reflects the value in higher performing assets across the built environment lifecycle, from new construction, through performance in operation, to refurbishment. BREEAM does this through third party certification of the assessment of an asset’s environmental, social and economic sustainability performance, using standards developed by BRE. This means BREEAM rated developments are more sustainable environments that enhance the well-being of the people who live and work in them, help protect natural resources and make for more attractive property investments. Learn more at www.breeam.com.
About 3R Sustainability
A woman-owned business headquartered in a LEED Gold certified office in Pittsburgh’s historic Strip District, 3R Sustainability provides high-performance building consulting to integrate and optimize all material building performance metrics, including energy efficiency, life-cycle performance, and occupant health and productivity. 3R integrates building performance and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) consulting services to build business value and brand equity for its clients. The 3R team is made up of accredited professionals with backgrounds in engineering, business management consulting, and system assessments. 3R Sustainability is a certified B Corporation named Best for its Workers in 2019, JUST Label organization, U.N. Global Compact Signatory, and Best Place to Work in Pennsylvania. For more information visit www.3rsustainability.com or call 724-741-9900.