Driving sustainable design and certification through expert guidance and robust coordination
What is BREEAM?
BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) is the UK’s foremost environmental assessment method for buildings. It evaluates a development’s sustainability performance across environmental, social, and economic dimensions. The assessment covers a wide range of criteria including energy use, water efficiency, occupant wellbeing, biodiversity, materials, waste, pollution, and innovation.
Projects are rated on a scale from Pass to Outstanding, based on the number of credits achieved across these categories. Types of BREEAM assessments vary according to project scope, including New Construction for commercial and public buildings, Refurbishment and Fit-Out (RFO), In-Use for operational buildings, and Communities for large-scale developments or masterplans.
Why is it important?
Planning and Policy Compliance
Many local authorities require BREEAM certification as part of their planning conditions, often expecting ratings of “Very Good” or “Excellent.” This is especially common for commercial, public sector, and mixed-use developments, as well as projects situated in urban centres or on strategic sites. In London, compliance with the London Plan frequently involves achieving specific BREEAM ratings.
Environmental Impact and Corporate Responsibility
BREEAM encourages reductions in carbon emissions, water use, and overall resource consumption while enhancing occupant health and wellbeing. Achieving BREEAM certification helps organisations meet ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) goals, demonstrate sustainability leadership, and improve asset value and marketability.
Performance-Driven Design
Beyond compliance, BREEAM fosters a holistic design approach. It promotes thoughtful site layouts, passive design principles, low-energy systems, responsible sourcing of materials, and circular economy strategies. It also supports improvements in internal environmental quality, such as acoustics and daylighting, contributing to better occupant experience.
In Summary
BREEAM assessments are a vital tool for embedding sustainability throughout the design, construction, and operational phases of a building. Early engagement through pre-assessments and effective evidence gathering can streamline certification and deliver measurable environmental, social, and financial benefits.
Need support navigating BREEAM assessments and certification?
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