The BREEAM Rating System explained

January 3, 2025

One popular method of assessing the environmental performance of buildings is the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM). BREEAM is a sustainability rating system used in over 80 countries to evaluate buildings' environmental performance, predominantly in the United Kingdom. This article provides an overview of BREEAM, its benefits, the certification process, levels of certification, how to improve a rating, and more.

What is Breeam?

What are the benefits of Breeam?

What are the BREEAM categories?

Is Breeam mandatory?

How do you get certified under Breeam?

What are Breeam certification levels?

BREEAM In-use for existing buildings

Introducing BREEAM Version 7

How long does a Breeam certificate last?

How can you improve your Breeam rating?

How can building analytics improve a Breeam rating?

How many buildings are certified under Breeam?

What type of buildings can be rated under Breeam?

In what countries is Breeam used?

How does Breeam differ from LEED?

What is BREEAM?

BREEAM, which stands for Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method, is a sustainability rating system established in 1990 by the Building Research Establishment (BRE) in the United Kingdom. Unlike government-led initiatives such as MEES, ESOS, or commercial EPC scores, BREEAM is an independent system developed to assess and certify the environmental performance of buildings, infrastructure, and master planning projects.

The system evaluates sustainability across ten categories: energy, water, waste, pollution, transport, materials, health and well-being, management, land use and ecology, and innovation. Each category is weighted based on its environmental significance, and buildings are rated according to their overall performance.

To achieve BREEAM certification, a building must meet specific benchmarks and earn a sufficient score across all applicable categories. This certification promotes environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable buildings, prioritizing the well-being of occupants while minimizing environmental impact.

The BREEAM certification process encourages stakeholders—including developers, designers, and building owners—to incorporate sustainability considerations from the earliest design stages. This holistic approach supports the construction and operation of buildings that actively contribute to a sustainable future.

What are the benefits of BREEAM?

Complying with local and national sustainability regulations and requirements. In the UK, for example, up to 70% of local authorities currently require a BREEAM certification¹. Likewise, there is a requirement for government buildings as part of the UK government’s Construction Strategy to undergo an environmental assessment².
Demonstrating a commitment to sustainability and reducing environmental impact.
Improving the value of the building by increasing its marketability and attractiveness to tenants. BREEAM estimates that a certified building is 8-12% more valuable than a standard building.
Reducing operating costs through improved energy and water efficiency. BREAM can provide a framework that allows commercial building owners to understand how to make buildings more energy-efficient. This is especially important in light of the ongoing uncertainty around macroeconomic conditions and the rising cost of energy.
Improving indoor environmental quality, occupant health, and well-being. The value-add for tenants is significant, driving positive sentiment and lease renewal.

What are the BREEAM categories?

BREEAM is a comprehensive approach to assessing environmental performance across several categories, each focusing on a different aspect of environmental sustainability and building performance. Here's an overview of the BREEAM categories and what they entail:

1. Management

This category assesses the management processes used to minimize a building's environmental impact during construction and operation. It includes the management of health and safety, stakeholder engagement, and commissioning to ensure buildings are running as efficiently as possible.

2. Health and Wellbeing

Focusing on the health, wellbeing, and comfort of the building's occupants, this category examines aspects such as indoor air quality, lighting, thermal comfort, and acoustic performance. The goal is to create a healthy, safe, and productive environment for people who live or work in the building.

3. Energy

This category measures the efficiency of a building's energy use, including the implementation of energy-efficient systems and renewable energy sources. It aims to reduce carbon emissions and mitigate the building's impact on climate change.

4. Transport

Assessing the location of the building in relation to existing transport infrastructure and services, this category encourages reduced car use, promotes alternative modes of transport like cycling, walking, and public transport, and minimizes the environmental impact of transport-related activities.

5. Water

Here, the focus is on reducing water consumption and improving water efficiency within the building. This category covers the management of water use in landscaping, building appliances, and fittings, as well as the treatment and recycling of greywater and rainwater.

6. Materials

This category evaluates the environmental impact of building materials throughout their lifecycle, from extraction and processing to transportation, installation, maintenance, and disposal. It encourages the use of sustainably sourced, durable, and recyclable materials.

7. Waste

Focusing on minimizing waste production during construction and operation, this category encourages the reuse and recycling of materials. It assesses waste management strategies to reduce landfill use and promote circular economy principles.

8. Land Use and Ecology

This category aims to protect and enhance the site's ecology and biodiversity. It assesses the impact of the development on the existing natural habitat, promotes ecological value, and encourages sustainable land use and landscaping practices.

9. Pollution

Reducing pollution from noise, light, air, and water, this category addresses the building's contribution to local pollution levels. It includes measures to minimize contamination of the surrounding environment and protect water and air quality.

10. Innovation

Recognizing innovative practices and technologies that push the boundaries of sustainable building design and operation, this category awards credits for exceptional performance and pioneering solutions that are not covered in other categories.

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Is BREEAM mandatory?

BREEAM certification is not mandatory for all buildings in the UK. However, it is often required by local planning authorities for certain types of developments, especially for large commercial or public buildings. This can vary by location and project type, so it's always important to check with the local planning authority.

In addition, certain funders, clients, or other stakeholders may require BREEAM certification as a condition of their involvement in a project. For example, the UK's central government has required BREEAM certification for its own buildings and for those where it contributes significant funding.

How do you get certified under BREEAM?

Achieving BREEAM certification is a structured process that demonstrates a building's sustainability performance against the world's leading design and assessment method for sustainable buildings. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to navigate the certification process, ensuring your project not only meets but exceeds the rigorous standards set out by BREEAM:

Pre-Assessment Planning: The journey begins with a thorough understanding of BREEAM's criteria and requirements. This phase involves engaging with a licensed BREEAM assessor who can provide invaluable guidance on the certification process and help set realistic goals based on the project's specifics.
Select a Licensed BREEAM Assessor: A crucial step in the certification process is selecting a licensed BREEAM assessor. These professionals are trained and approved by the Building Research Establishment (BRE) to evaluate projects against BREEAM standards. The assessor will work closely with the project team to ensure all BREEAM criteria are understood and met throughout the design, construction, and operational phases.
Registration: Early in the project lifecycle, it's important to register your project with BRE. Registration officially enters your project into the BREEAM certification process and provides access to essential resources and support from BRE.
Evidence Gathering: Under the guidance of your BREEAM assessor, the project team will collect and compile evidence demonstrating compliance with BREEAM's sustainability criteria. This evidence can include design documents, construction practices, material specifications, and operational strategies.
Assessment Submission: Once the evidence is gathered and compiled, your BREEAM assessor submits the assessment to BRE for review. This submission includes detailed documentation of how the project meets or exceeds the various sustainability criteria within BREEAM.
Verification and Site Visit: BRE reviews the submitted assessment, and a verification process follows. This may include a site visit by the assessor to confirm the accuracy of the submitted evidence and ensure that the project's sustainability features have been implemented as described.
Certification and Rating: After a successful review and verification, BRE issues a BREEAM certification to the project. The certification includes a rating that reflects the project's sustainability performance, ranging from "Pass" to "Outstanding."
Post-Certification: After receiving BREEAM certification, it's important to maintain and monitor the building's performance to ensure ongoing compliance with BREEAM standards. Recertification may be required or sought after to demonstrate continued commitment to sustainability.

What are BREEAM certification levels?

The levels of BREEAM certification are as follows:

Outstanding: Represents pioneering best practice and denotes an exemplary sustainability performance. This level is awarded to projects that achieve 85% or more of the available assessment score.
Excellent: Indicates best practice and is awarded to projects that achieve 70% or more of the available assessment score.
Very Good: Represents advanced good practice and is awarded to projects that achieve 55% or more of the available assessment score.
Good: Denotes intermediate good practice and is awarded to projects that achieve 45% or more of the available assessment score.
Pass: Indicates that the assessed project meets acceptable sustainability standards. This level is awarded to projects that achieve 30% or more of the available assessment score.
Unclassified: Projects that do not meet the minimum standard to achieve a Pass rating fall into this category.

Each certification level reflects how well the project meets the BREEAM sustainability criteria, covering a wide range of environmental and sustainability issues. The aim is to encourage developers, designers, and building managers to prioritize sustainability in their projects and to provide a recognized measure of a building's environmental performance.

BREEAM In-use: BREEAM for Existing Buildings

While BREEAM is widely recognized for its role in assessing and certifying new buildings, it's equally important to highlight its applicability and significance for existing buildings through the BREEAM In-Use certification. This aspect of BREEAM presents a critical opportunity for building owners, asset managers, and tenants to evaluate, improve, and certify the sustainability performance of their buildings, regardless of their age or condition.

The flexibility of the BREEAM In-Use certification makes it an invaluable tool for improving the sustainability performance of older buildings. By identifying specific areas for improvement, building owners and managers can prioritize investments in retrofitting and upgrades that yield the highest environmental and financial returns. Whether it's upgrading lighting systems to energy-efficient LEDs, improving insulation and HVAC systems, or implementing water conservation measures, BREEAM In-Use provides a structured framework for enhancing the sustainability of existing buildings.

Watch our webinar to learn more about BREEAM in-use.

‍Introduction of BREEAM Version 7 (V7)

BREEAM Version 7 (V7), set for release in early 2025, represents a significant evolution in sustainability standards for the built environment. With a focus on addressing modern environmental challenges, V7 incorporates key updates to align with net-zero carbon goals, biodiversity priorities, and emerging industry practices.

Key Enhancements in V7

Net Zero Carbon Alignment: V7 introduces a comprehensive framework for whole life carbon assessment, enabling projects to better align with net-zero carbon pathways.
Updated Energy Benchmarks: Energy performance metrics have been revised to reflect decarbonization efforts and advancements in renewable energy adoption.
Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG): New credits support compliance with BNG legislation, encouraging developments that enhance local ecosystems.
Harmonized Metrics Across Schemes: To improve consistency, V7 aligns measurement criteria across New Construction, In-Use, and Refurbishment and Fit-Out schemes, facilitating clearer comparisons of carbon performance.

Collaborative Development

In 2024, BREEAM invited public feedback on its pre-release technical manuals and country-specific weightings to ensure V7 reflects regional needs and scientific advancements. This collaborative approach aims to make V7 a robust, globally relevant sustainability framework.

By addressing critical sustainability issues and integrating stakeholder input, BREEAM Version 7 aims to drive impactful change across the building lifecycle, setting new benchmarks for sustainable construction and operation.

How long does BREEAM certification last?

The BREEAM In-Use certification is valid for a 3-year period after the certification date. By enabling cyclical reassessment and recertification, BREEAM enables continual monitoring, reporting and improvement of sustainability performance over time.

How can you improve your BREEAM rating?

Improving a BREEAM rating requires careful consideration of several factors that influence the environmental performance of a building. Here are some ways to improve a BREEAM rating:

Energy Efficiency: Reducing energy consumption through the use of efficient building services, such as HVAC, lighting, and appliances, can have a significant impact on the BREEAM rating.
Water Efficiency: Using efficient plumbing fixtures and fittings and recycling rainwater can help reduce water consumption, which can improve the BREEAM rating.
Materials and Waste: Choosing sustainable materials, reducing waste through recycling and reuse, and implementing construction waste management plans can all contribute to a higher BREEAM rating.
Transport: Encouraging the use of public transport, bicycles, and electric vehicles can reduce carbon emissions and improve the BREEAM rating.
Ecology and Biodiversity: Incorporating green spaces, wildlife habitats, and green roofs can enhance the biodiversity of a building site and improve the BREEAM rating.
Pollution: Reducing pollution through measures such as air filtration systems, low-emission vehicles, and monitoring of indoor air quality can contribute to a higher BREEAM rating.
Health and Wellbeing: Promoting occupant health and well-being through measures such as natural light, access to outdoor spaces, and ergonomic design can also improve the BREEAM rating.

It's worth noting that the specific strategies to improve a BREEAM rating will vary depending on the building type, location, and other factors, so it's important to consult a qualified BREEAM assessor to develop a customised plan.

How can building analytics improve a BREEAM rating?

Building analytics can help improve a building's BREEAM rating by providing insights into its environmental performance and identifying areas for improvement. Typically, a building analytics tool will tap into your building management system to gain access to your property's operation data. Here are some ways building analytics can be used to improve BREEAM rating:

Energy Consumption: Building analytics can monitor energy usage and identify areas where energy is being wasted. This information can be used to optimise building systems and reduce energy consumption, which can improve the BREEAM rating. Think of a traditional building energy management system's benefits, but with an added fault detection and diagnosis component.
Indoor Air Quality: Building analytics can track indoor air quality parameters such as temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide levels. This information can be used to optimise ventilation systems and maintain healthy indoor air quality, which can contribute to a higher BREEAM rating.
Water Management: Building analytics can monitor water usage and detect leaks, which can help reduce water consumption and improve the BREEAM rating.
Waste Management: Building analytics can track waste generation and identify opportunities to reduce waste through recycling and reuse. Effective waste management can help improve the BREEAM rating.
Occupant Comfort: Building analytics can monitor factors that impact occupant comfort, such as temperature, lighting, and noise levels. This information can be used to optimise building systems and enhance occupant comfort, which can contribute to a higher BREEAM rating.
Renewable Energy: Building analytics can assess the potential for renewable energy generation, such as solar or wind power, and help identify opportunities to incorporate these technologies into the building design. This can help reduce carbon emissions and improve the BREEAM rating.

How many buildings are certified under BREEAM?

As of January 2025, over 1 million buildings have been certified under BREEAM, with more than 2.9 million registered for certification across 103 countries. This widespread adoption underscores BREEAM's global influence in promoting sustainable building practices.

What types of buildings can be rated under BREEAM?

BREEAM applies to a wide range of buildings, including:

Commercial buildings: Offices, retail centers, industrial facilities, hotels.
Residential buildings: Apartments, student housing, single-family homes.
Public/community buildings: Schools, hospitals, museums, libraries.
Infrastructure: Airports, roads, bridges.
Mixed-use developments: Combining residential, retail, and office spaces.
Existing buildings: Retrofits, refurbishments, operational assessments.
Master planning: Large-scale urban and community projects.

This versatility makes BREEAM suitable for various project types and lifecycle stages.

In what countries is BREEAM used?

BREEAM is used in over 100 countries worldwide, making it one of the most widely adopted sustainability rating systems. While it originated in the United Kingdom, it is now applied globally, including:

Europe: UK, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Germany, France, Spain, and more.
North America: Canada, with some applications in the United States.
Asia: China, India, Japan, Singapore, and others.
Middle East: UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar.
Oceania: Australia and New Zealand.
Africa: South Africa and expanding regions.

BREEAM’s adaptability allows it to be tailored to local regulations, climates, and cultural contexts, promoting sustainable practices across diverse regions.

How does BREEAM differ from LEED?

When comparing BREEAM vs LEED, these two leading green building certification systems showcase unique characteristics, regional strengths, and processes. BREEAM is predominantly used in Europe, where it has become a benchmark for sustainability, while LEED originated in North America and enjoys widespread international recognition.

The certification processes of BREEAM and LEED are notably different. With BREEAM, licensed assessors evaluate the building’s compliance with specific credit criteria and submit their findings to BREEAM’s parent organization, the Building Research Establishment (BRE), for final certification. In contrast, LEED requires the project team to gather and submit evidence directly to the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). Certification is granted once the project meets LEED’s established standards.

The certification levels also differ. BREEAM uses a scale that ranges from Pass to Outstanding, reflecting varying degrees of sustainability achievement. LEED, on the other hand, categorizes certified projects as Certified, Silver, Gold, or Platinum, based on their sustainability performance.

Another key difference lies in their scoring systems. BREEAM employs a weighted system that assigns different sustainability categories varying levels of importance, ensuring that high-priority environmental issues carry more influence in the final score. LEED uses a straightforward point-based system, with projects needing to meet a specific point threshold to achieve certification.

Understanding the nuances of BREEAM and LEED helps stakeholders select the system that aligns best with their sustainability goals, project location, and regional standards. Both systems play crucial roles in driving greener, more sustainable buildings worldwide.

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For more information on LEED, check out our blog: “The LEED Rating System Explained.”

For more information, head to BREEAM.