BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method), one of the longest acronyms you’ve come across this year, is also one of the oldest and leading standards for buildings and infrastructure projects. It’s a third-party certification for built environments with a proven track record of helping developers, architects, and engineers create sustainable projects. 

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Although BREEAM is most popular in the UK, it’s an international standard that can be used anywhere in the world. Over 2.2 million projects have registered for BREEAM, with 535,000 achieving the certification. In this article, we’ll give you the full run down on BREEAM standards and the certification process, answering all your questions. No more searching the web to find disparate answers! 

What is BREEAM certification?

BREEAM is a third-party certification for built environments that aims to improve asset sustainability and performance at every stage, from construction to use. The Building Research Establishment (BRE) launched the standard in 1990. It provides detailed guidance on master planning for the design, construction, refurbishment and use of buildings and other infrastructure. 

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Both new projects and existing ones undergoing refurbishment can follow the BREEAM standards and apply for certification. There are several tiers to the certification based on the rating outcome of the assessment, which is performed by certified third parties who check the building for various categories and measure its environmental impact. 

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While it’s largely voluntary, BREEAM certification is also a requirement in some instances. For example, new healthcare buildings and facilities in the UK must follow the BREEAM standard and achieve an ‘Excellent’ rating – more about these ratings in a second. 

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BREEAM assessment categories

BREEAM certification involves assessing everything from the procurement of materials to the design of a building and its operation. It measures sustainability across different categories, each having influential factors, including a small carbon footprint, low-impact design, and biodiversity protection. The categories include:

• Energy
• Land use and ecology
• Water
• Health and wellbeing
• Pollution
• Transport
• Materials
• Waste
• Management

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BREEAM ratings

A BREEAM certification is based on the rating the project receives after assessment. The rating is the combined score achieved in the categories above, measured against the BREEAM standard and benchmarks. The rating is commensurate with the level of adherence to the BREEAM standard and assures the project's performance and sustainability. 

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Here are the different BREEAM ratings and their corresponding scores and stars on the certification:

There’s another rating called ‘Acceptable’ reserved only for the In-Use scheme of BREEAM (What’s In-Use? Find out below). 

BREEAM standard schemes

Initially, the BREEAM standard was only confined to new constructions, with a single scheme for all projects. Today, several schemes offer standards specific to different built environments. Through these schemes, BRE has essentially brought the BREEAM standard to the whole lifecycle of a building or infrastructure project. These standards are highly flexible and in line with modern sustainability technologies. BRE also regularly updates the schemes and takes feedback from industry stakeholders.

Here are the four main BREEAM schemes plus the international scheme used for projects outside of the UK:

BREEAM New Construction

BREEAM New Construction standard offers guidelines for new, non-residential buildings. Developers and architects can use it at all key development stages, including design, procurement, and construction. It’s based on credible science that ensures the new projects are sustainable throughout their lifecycle, having minimal environmental impact during construction and in its use once the building is finished. 

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BREEAM Refurbishment

BREEAM Refurbishment standard focuses on refurbishing housing and non-residential projects, helping improve their sustainability and environmental performance. It can be used to improve an asset's structure, external envelope, or interior. 

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BREEAM In-Use

BREEAM In-Use scheme is primarily for owners, investors, and building managers who can use it to improve the environmental performance of an existing building. The scheme has two parts– building assets and building management. This scheme can be used for existing commercial and industrial buildings. 

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BREEAM Communities

BREEAM Communities is a scheme for master planning sustainable communities. It provides a framework for constructing a modern community that considers the environment and its impact on people and vice versa. It’s for investors, developers, and local governments overseeing large housing development projects. 

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BREEAM International New Construction

BREEAM International New Construction is similar to its scheme for new construction, except for residential buildings. This scheme is for buildings constructed outside of the UK and any other country with a local BREEAM scheme operator. As a scheme for international projects, it considers the codes and standards of other countries and offers the necessary flexibility.

Who conducts a BREEAM assessment?

A BREEAM certification requires a third-party assessment conducted by a licensed party called the BREEAM Accessor. This accessor is licensed by the BRE to conduct the assessment and ensure that the property in consideration meets the criteria for certification as per the applicable standard. 

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Once the assessment is complete, it undergoes BRE's quality audit. After this, the project is given certification according to its rating. The property can use this certification to show its compliance with the BREEAM standard and commitment to sustainability. 

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BREEAM and National Scheme Operators

BREEAM is a globally recognised standard used in over 70 countries. Some countries have developed their own certification schemes through a National Scheme Operator (NSO). In other words, these operators are licensed to create their own schemes parallel to the original BREEAM standards. 

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Five countries, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, and Sweden, have BREEAM NSOs. These countries' investors, developers, and owners can use the localised schemes to attain a BREEAM certification. 

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Benefits of a BREEAM certification

Although not required, there are numerous benefits to using the BREEAM standards and getting a building certified. 

• Environmental performance: The BREEAM standard's whole premise is to encourage sustainable design and construction. This leads to a reduced environmental impact, not just during the construction phase but also post-construction. It can help portfolio owners get closer to net zero
• Cost savings: BREEAM-certified buildings usually have lower operations costs because of their energy efficiency, better waste management, and reduced water consumption. The savings from the operating costs can be used for the management and maintenance of the building, benefiting both occupants and owners
• Increased rental and sale value: A BREEAM certification may help increase the property's value, which can translate into a higher rental income or sale price. Buyers and tenants would be highly interested in a sustainability-focused building with operational efficiencies. It’s a well-recognised certification worldwide that can attract environment-conscious investors
• Regulatory compliance: BREEAM may help ensure compliance with local, regional, and national environmental regulations by reducing the building’s carbon footprint. It can also help reduce the risk of non-compliance penalties and legal issues
• Stakeholder engagement: BREEAM encourages collaboration among project stakeholders, including developers, architects, engineers, contractors, and occupants, fostering a holistic approach to sustainable development
• Better occupant health and well-being: BREEAM promotes indoor air quality, natural daylighting, and access to green spaces, which can enhance occupant comfort, productivity, and overall well-being

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Embracing sustainability for built environments

A BREEAM certification can be a viable way to showcase your commitment to sustainability and do your part for the environment. It’s popular in the UK but can be used anywhere in the world. 

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BREEAM isn’t the only environmental certification for new or existing buildings, as other alternatives exist. Choose a certification that best represents the nature of your project and helps you achieve sustainability goals for your building. 

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FAQs

BREEAM, what does it stand for?

BREEAM stands for Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method. It’s a sustainability standard used for building construction, refurbishment, and improvements. A project that meets the standard is granted BREEAM certification based on its acquired rating (Outstanding, Excellent, Very Good, and so on). 

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Is BREEAM only in the UK?

Although developed in the UK, the BREEAM standard can be applied anywhere globally. More specifically, the BREEAM International New Construction standard can be used in countries other than the UK. Furthermore, local scheme operators provide country-specific BREEAM standards, such as in Germany, Norway, and Sweden. 

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What is the difference between BREEAM and LEED?

BREEAM and LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) are both widely recognised green building certification systems, but they have some differences. BREEAM originated in the UK and is more commonly used in Europe, whereas LEED was developed in the US and has a broader international presence. 

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Both certifications require an assessment of performance across categories such as energy, water, materials, pollution, ecology, and occupant health and well-being. However, BREEAM and LEED have different rating systems and certification levels, reflecting varying regional priorities and regulatory contexts.

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How to apply for BREEAM certification?

Applying for a BREEAM certification is a multi-step process. Here’s how you can apply:

1. Find a licensed BREEAM accessor.
2. Register your project with the accessor.
3. Undertake the assessment.
4. Go through a quality assurance check of the assessment (done by BRE).
5. Receive the BREEAM certification based on the rating.

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