BREEAM

BREEAM
Name	BREEAM
Caption	Logo of the BREEAM certification system.
Developer	Building Research Establishment
Type	Sustainability assessment method
Sector	Built environment
Founded	1990
Website	https://breeam.com

BREEAM. It is the world's first and most widely used sustainability assessment method for the built environment, providing a framework to measure and certify the environmental, social, and economic performance of buildings and infrastructure projects. Developed by the Building Research Establishment in the United Kingdom, it sets benchmarks for best practice in sustainable design and has become a de facto standard for green building certification. The system evaluates performance across a range of categories, awarding ratings that signal a project's overall sustainability credentials to investors, occupiers, and planners.

Overview

The framework is designed to mitigate the lifecycle impacts of buildings on the environment, influencing projects from masterplanning through to construction and operation. It assesses a wide spectrum of criteria, including energy efficiency, water consumption, health and wellbeing, pollution, transport, materials, waste, ecology, and management processes. By setting rigorous benchmarks, it drives innovation in sustainable architecture and construction engineering, encouraging the specification of low-carbon technologies and responsible sourcing. Its influence extends across various asset types, from offices and retail spaces to industrial facilities and entire communities.

History and development

The methodology was launched in 1990 by the Building Research Establishment, an organization with a long history in construction research dating back to the aftermath of World War I. Its creation was a pioneering response to growing global awareness of environmental issues, predating other major systems like LEED. The first version assessed new office designs, but it rapidly expanded to cover other building types and life stages. Major updates, such as BREEAM 2008 and the 2018 version, have continually raised standards in alignment with evolving science, UK Building Regulations, and international agreements like the Paris Agreement.

Assessment methodology

Assessments are conducted by licensed BREEAM Assessors who evaluate a project against a series of environmental sections. Each section contains several individual issues, such as reducing CO2 emissions, enhancing biodiversity, or minimizing NOx emissions. Projects earn credits based on performance, which are then weighted according to the importance of each section; for example, Energy typically carries the highest weighting. The assessment process occurs at defined stages, such as Design and Procurement and Post-Construction, with verification provided by the Building Research Establishment. The system also offers tailored versions for specific contexts, like BREEAM In-Use for existing buildings.

Rating levels and certification

The total percentage of credits achieved determines the final rating level. The benchmarks range from Acceptable (In-Use scheme only) and Pass, through Good and Very Good, to Excellent and the highest classification, Outstanding. An Outstanding rating signifies world-leading, innovative sustainable performance. Certification provides a recognized label that can enhance property value, satisfy planning policy requirements from bodies like the Greater London Authority, and help secure investment from funds with Environmental, Social, and Governance criteria. The formal certificate is issued by the Building Research Establishment following independent quality assurance.

Comparison with other systems

As the first of its kind, it has significantly influenced other global rating tools, including the American LEED system and Germany's DGNB. While LEED is often seen as more flexible and prescriptive, the original framework is frequently described as more performance-based and rigorous in its technical requirements. Other notable systems include Green Star in Australia, CASBEE in Japan, and HQE in France. Each system reflects regional priorities, such as seismic design or water scarcity, but all share the common goal of transforming the global construction industry toward greater sustainability.

Impact and adoption

Its adoption has been extensive, with over half a million buildings certified and millions more registered for assessment across more than 70 countries, including Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, and Norway. It has shaped UK government policy, being mandated for all new public sector buildings and referenced in the National Planning Policy Framework. The system has driven measurable reductions in operational carbon, water use, and construction waste, while also raising standards in indoor air quality and sustainable sourcing. Its ongoing evolution continues to address emerging challenges like climate resilience and the principles of the circular economy.

Category:Sustainable building