Verification of discomfort is done through dynamic simulations where realistic input parameters are considered, such as future climate data incorporating urban heat island effects, emission powers of systems present in the analysed rooms, different types of building envelopes, etc.

This approach enables us to determine in an early design stage which technical solution is most optimal from a techno-financial perspective. It verifies if active cooling is a necessity or if passive techniques are sufficient, it analyses the feasibility of different glazing typologies and/or innovative shading elements, etc.

Day- and sunlight is analysed based on full-year models, considering shading elements and transmission characteristics of glazing, allowing to evaluate daylight autonomy, glare, sun exposure, and much more.

Permeable and impermeable materials, the intensity of land-use, the ecological value of a site, buffering and infiltration of water, biodiversity, … all go hand in hand. We use the studies below to feed our vision and to arrive at concrete propositions:

• Ecology reports: after analyzing the current ecological value we propose a set of coherent measures to improve the site ecology.
• Water run-off calculations: to size buffering and infiltration in an optimal way we determine the water run-off from a site.
• Climate change adaptation and mitigation: considering the prospected impacts due to climate change we screen projects to maximize risk mitigation.

Biodiversity, resiliency and ecology of our landscaping architecture of the building also defines the overall sustainability of the building project. However small the building plot, an ecology strategy should be set forth.

A qualified ecologist from SuReal performs an ecology report of the project (also BREEAM conform), a resiliency strategy is performed and other social and ecological aspects are aligned to the project.

As we are confronted with an extensive uninsulated building stock, renovation is of the essence to minimize our footprint. On top of that, in order to preserve historical valuable architecture, exterior insulation isn’t always an option.

This induces the need for interior insulation, which is known to be able to cause frost damage, condensation, etc. Therefore, intelligent insulation methods are required to avoid unwanted hygrothermal effects. Our hygrothermal simulations help to take the optimal design decisions regarding interior insulation.

On a building level, we analyse the tenants' comfort in outdoor spaces such as balconies, rooftops, or private gardens. We can also simulate the behaviour of the wind on the façades to look for potential wind induced noises or other unwanted effects. During concept design stage, we investigate the wind conditions around the building and we propose some interventions on the external shape to optimize the usage of external spaces around and on the building, either by reducing wind effects or sometimes by inducing them to avoid the heat island effect.

Circular Economy is a regenerative model where resources are not thrown away after use but are continuously used instead, at high intrinsic value through reuse, repair, repurpose, upcycling, recycling, etc. In contrast to the linear economic model where natural resources are extracted from earth, turned into products, and ultimately discarded, the circular economy approach focuses on resource conservation and waste minimization through strategies like designing out of waste, keeping products and materials in use, and actively improving the environment through regenerative natural systems.  (Ellen Macarthur Foundation).

The approach of SuReal in this regard is Refuse, Reduce, Re-use. The experts of SuReal have a vast experience with:

• Building Inventory: making an inventory of all the materials in the existing building, their environmental impact, their potential for re-use and expected life span.

• Multi-Criteria analysis of circular solutions (environmental impact, life cycle impact, potential for re-use, urban mining potential, impact on acoustiscs, thermal, visual, hyhgrothermal , cost,… elements. Thanks to the integration of a multi-criteria analysis circular economy is not isolated and has the potential to exceed.

• Building Passport: making an inventory of all the materials in the new building, their environmental impact, their potential for re-use and expected life span.

In order to make well-founded design choices (ex. new construction versus renovation) as well as material choices (ex. concrete or wood as structural material) we offer detailed Life Cycle Assessments (LCA). The total environmental cost is simulated and calculated for all building elements (from extraction until end of life).

We offer the following methodologies for LCA:

• One Click LCA (BREEAM conform study)
• TOTEM
• Simapro

The CAPEX (investment costs), OPEX (operational costs; replacement, repair, …) of certain solutions are calculated over the life span of a building for several solutions. It is used as a decision tool for technical, material, stability solutions.

A sustainable project must also be economically feasible. The feasibility aspect is project-specific. For a lighthouse project, investment costs might be accepted to be higher. For social housing projects, however, affordability is key. The beauty lies in finding the right balance between ecology and economy. That economic balance should also be examined in different ways: CAPEX (Investment costs) variations, TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) variations, total values, evaluation period, price changes, etc.

Already from an early stage, the economic feasibility can be analysed, even as of site selection. Through the design and building process, the hypotheses can be defined more in detail and the feasibility studies more accurately.

These studies can be on masterplan level (achieving a CO2-neutral site at what price?), building level (which low carbon initiatives, passive skin,…), or elemental level (charging points, …).

Our technical-feasibility studies are always custom-made, input and output details can be tuned to your specific needs. The method is also applicable for BREEAM LCC-studies.

BREEAM, the international sustainability assessment method developed by BRE, is worldwide the most recognized method of assessing, rating and certifying the sustainability of buildings.

As BREEAM AP (Accredited Professional) and BREEAM Assessor we help define the most appropriate rating by performing a detailed cost-benefit analysis for each credit. We guide the team in achieving this score and we can perform most of the required studies.

As BREEAM Assessor we are accredited for:

• BREEAM Communities
• BREEAM New Construction
• BREEAM RFO (Refurbishment and Fit-out)
• BREEAM In-Use

WELL is the leading tool for advancing health and well-being in buildings globally.

Where BREEAM assesses the overall sustainability of the building, WELL certification assesses the impact of the building and operational aspects on human health and wellbeing. WELL was developed by integrating scientific and medical research and literature on environmental health, behavioral factors, health outcomes and demographic risk factors that affect health with leading practices in building design, construction and management.

SuReal is your partner for WELL pre-assessments, “WELL proofed” design consultancy and full WELL certifications.

At SuReal we use the values of WELL not only for certification purposes but to enhance all of our projects.

Duurzaamheidsmeter wijken, scholen and industriële sites are sustainability frameworks made by the Flemish government. They offer a holistic and pragmatic guideline to designing schools, neighboorhoods and industrial sites.

The same approach as with BREEAM is used: an interactive process with the team and pro-active guidance towards the design team, the clients and the governing body.

A final rating and level is obtained but also in depth advice is given for all sustainability aspects.

GRO is a sustainability and circular economy framework for office buildings made by the Flemish government. It offers a holistic and pragmatic guideline to designing in a sustainable and circular way.

The same approach as with BREEAM is used: an interactive process with the team and pro-active guidance towards the design team, the clients and the governing body.

A final rating and level is obtained but also in depth advice is given for all sustainability aspects.

DGNB is the German certification to building construction. In terms of content, the DGNB System is based on three key paradigms that set it apart from other certification systems available on the market:

• Life cycle assessment
• Holistic
• Performance orientation

The same approach as with BREEAM is used: an interactive process with the team and pro-active guidance towards the design team, the clients and the governing body.

A final rating and level is obtained but also in depth advice is given for all sustainability aspects.

EPB/PEB informs the potential buyer or tenant about the property’s energy performance.

To avoid the EPB-tool would only serve as an administrative ‘to do’, we use this certification scheme in a pro-active way and in combination with other tools (TCO, comfort simulations,…). During conceptual and technical phases we will seek the most cost-efficient solutions with regard to the envelope, HVAC and renewable energy technologies together with the client in order to meet the ambitions.

Our experts also have extensive knowledge on the integration of innovative concepts in the EPB-software, inducing the fact that we don’t fear to innovate when needed.

We can take on the responsibility of EPB advisor for:

• Flanders
• Brussels Region
• Wallonia

Where no existing tool fits the specific characteristics or needs of the project, we provide custom-made tools based on our experience and on existing sustainability assessment tools. The same approach as with BREEAM is used: an interactive process with the team and pro-active guidance towards the design team, the clients and the governing body.