What is BREEAM?

BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method), is the world’s longest established method of assessing, rating, and certifying the sustainability of buildings It is an assessment using scientifically based sustainability metrics and indices that covers a range of environmental issues. Its categories evaluate energy and water use, health and wellbeing, pollution, transport, materials, waste, ecology and management processes.

BREEAM has expanded from its original focus on individual new buildings at the construction stage to encompass the whole life cycle of buildings from Planning (RIBA stage 3) to In-Use (RIBA stage 7) and refurbishment. Its regular revisions and updates are driven by the ongoing need to improve sustainability, respond to feedback from industry and support the UK’s sustainability strategies and commitments.

Buildings are rated and certified on a scale of ‘Pass’, ‘Good’, ‘Very Good’, ‘Excellent’ and ‘Outstanding’. It is carried out by independent, licensed assessors.

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