BREEAM: planning cycle facilities in an office building

1. Establish the requirements before choosing equipment

A new building and an operational asset may follow different BREEAM schemes. Ask the assessor to identify the scheme, version, assessment stage and transport criteria being targeted. Avoid automatically copying a parking quantity or layout from another project. Official BREEAM note KBCN0257 explains that assessing certain storage arrangements involves the assessor’s professional judgement and the applicable requirements.

In practice, prepare a shared brief for the designer, building manager and supplier: building population, visitors, space allocation, parking location and responsibilities. This reduces the risk of ordering equipment before the need is clear.

2. Test the cyclist’s complete journey

Walk the route from the property boundary to the workplace. Record gates, ramps, heavy doors, vehicle crossings and missing signs. Check access against every tenant’s working hours. A facility available only while reception is open may exclude early arrivals.

Test the manoeuvres with representative bicycles: a heavier electric model, one with a basket and one with panniers. Include space for the person locking the bicycle. These are design recommendations and must be coordinated with the assessor’s requirements and local rules.

For example, when upgrading a basement, compare two options on the same plan: compact equipment and ground-level spaces. Assess usable capacity, ease of use, required works and maintenance cost. Do not remove circulation space merely to show a higher parking count in the offer.

3. Connect parking with arrival facilities

Consider stands, weather protection, lighting, lockers and changing arrangements together. If showers or kit drying are included, state who handles cleaning and inspections. For electric bicycle charging, commission an electrical solution and operating rules suited to the space; adding a socket without a study does not create a complete service.

In a multi-tenant building, establish access allocation and how new employees learn about the facilities. A short guide in Romanian and English can explain the route, use instructions and support contact.

4. Prepare operations and document what is provided

At handover, retain the installed layout, equipment specifications, photographs and maintenance responsibilities. This information may help the assessor, who determines its relevance. BICILUM can provide documentation for its own work without replacing the assessment or promising credits.

Schedule checks of fixings and access, track defects and observe parking occupancy at comparable times. Plan an expansion after establishing whether capacity is insufficient, access is difficult or users simply do not know about the service.

Discuss the operating budget alongside the investment. Clarify consumable parts, labour, urgent repairs and expenditure approval. Across a portfolio, a common reporting format helps compare issues while preserving each building’s specific context.

5. Turn the installation into a lasting service

BICILUM coordinates infrastructure selection, bicycles and services, regular maintenance and user support in Romania. Workshops and activities with local associations can complement the programme, depending on the project. Send the building plans and objectives to arrange a site visit and a technical and financial proposal. Certification remains the responsibility of the relevant bodies and assessors.