BREEAM – Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (let’s stick with BREEAM) – is the world’s longest-established method of assessing, rating and certifying the sustainability of buildings.   

Around 550,000 buildings have been BREEAM certified, so if you’re looking to add your building project to that list, there are a few things you need to know first.   

Our guide to BREEAM is a great starting point.   

Below, we cover: 

• What is BREEAM? 
• How is BREEAM calculated?
• What are the different BREEAM schemes? 
• What are BREEAM standards?
• What are BREEAM credits?
• What are BREEAM ratings?
• How does BREEAM certification work?
• Is BREEAM a legal requirement?
• Is BREEAM worth it?

In short, BREEAM is the standard for best practice for sustainable buildings and their design, construction and operation.  

Launched in 1990 by the Building Research Establishment (BRE), BREEAM is a sustainability assessment method that sets standards for the environmental performance of buildings, through design, specification, construction and operation phases.

To achieve BREEAM certification, your building project must undergo a comprehensive assessment process that involves various categories, each with specific criteria. 

In this guide, we talk more about the different BREEAM schemes, standards, categories, criteria and ratings.

BREEAM has a suite of schemes, which include various frameworks tailored to specific types of buildings and projects:  

BREEAM New Construction

Aimed at new buildings. Assesses the environmental performance of various types of construction projects, including commercial, residential, industrial, and public buildings. 

BREEAM In-Use

Focuses on the operational phase of existing buildings. Assesses the sustainability and environmental performance of the building in terms of management, energy, water, and other key factors. 

BREEAM Refurbishment and Fit-Out

Specifically designed for existing buildings undergoing refurbishment or fit-out projects. Evaluates the environmental impact of renovation and improvement activities. 

BREEAM Communities

Assesses the sustainability of large-scale developments, including residential, commercial, and mixed-use projects. It considers the environmental, social, and economic aspects of the entire development.

BREEAM standards refer to the specific criteria and guidelines set by BRE (Building Research Establishment) for assessing and certifying the environmental performance of your building.  

The assessment focusses on a range of categories, including: 

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

Each category addresses factors such as low-impact design and carbon emissions reduction, design durability and resilience, adaptation to climate change, and biodiversity protection.   

Within each category, there are specific criteria and performance benchmarks that a building must meet to earn BREEAM credits (see below).

Points are awarded to your building project during a BREEAM assessment. These points are known as BREEAM credits.  

Building projects earn credits based on how well they meet or exceed the specified criteria.  

To achieve a specific BREEAM rating (see below), your building project must accumulate a minimum number of credits.

BREEAM ratings range from Acceptable, to Pass, Good, Very Good, Excellent to Outstanding. They are reflected as stars on your BREEAM certificate.

The BREEAM process can be broken down into the following stages: 

1. Find a licensed BREEAM assessor 
2. Register your project  
3. Undertake the BREEAM assessment 
4. Quality Assurance check of the assessment  
5. BREEAM certification

The BREEAM process can be broken down into the following stages: 

1. Find a licensed BREEAM assessor 
2. Register your project  
3. Undertake the BREEAM assessment 
4. Quality Assurance check of the assessment  
5. BREEAM certification

With the growing need to prioritise sustainability in construction, you may wonder if BREEAM is mandatory or a planning requirement for new buildings.  

However, BREEAM is not a legal requirement – it’s an entirely voluntary certification. 

Sources:  

• Build Energy – https://www.buildenergy.co.uk/services/breeam/what-is-breeam/  
• BRE Group – https://bregroup.com/products/breeam/how-breeam-works/  
• NBS – https://www.thenbs.com/knowledge/what-is-breeam 

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