The Building Research Establishment’s Environmental Assessment Method, better known as BREEAM, is the UK’s leading method for assessing and benchmarking sustainability in construction projects. For construction businesses, understanding and implementing BREEAM is crucial—not only for compliance but also for delivering environmentally responsible projects that clients and communities value.
In this article, we provide a comprehensive guide to BREEAM, its benefits, assessment criteria, and what it means for construction businesses operating in the UK.
What is BREEAM?
BREEAM is a certification scheme designed to evaluate the sustainability of building projects. It sets clear standards for environmental performance, helping designers, builders, and property owners create more sustainable, efficient, and environmentally responsible buildings.
The correct pronunciation of BREEAM rhymes with “gleam” (not “brim” or “Bre-AM,” common mistakes even industry veterans sometimes make).
A Brief History of BREEAM
BREEAM was developed in the late 1980s by the Building Research Establishment (BRE Group), launching officially in the UK in 1990. BRE itself, established in 1921, originally aimed to research construction methods and materials.
Today, BRE has evolved into the BRE Group, encompassing BRE Global (for certification) and BRE Trust, continually promoting global sustainability standards in construction.
Where is BREEAM Used?
BREEAM is applicable to a wide range of projects, from residential and commercial buildings to educational facilities, healthcare centres, retail spaces, and infrastructure developments. It applies to:
- New builds
- Major refurbishments
- Renovations
- Master planning and infrastructure projects
The UK Government has mandated that all publicly funded construction projects achieve a minimum BREEAM rating of "Excellent." Local planning authorities may also require BREEAM certification as part of planning conditions.
Why is BREEAM Important for Construction Businesses?
Implementing BREEAM principles offers several significant benefits:
- Reduces environmental impact of construction projects.
- Demonstrates your business’s commitment to sustainability, improving your competitive edge.
- Enhances the reputation of your construction firm with clients and stakeholders.
- Supports long-term operational efficiency, energy savings, and overall cost reduction.
What Does BREEAM Assess?
BREEAM assessment is carried out by independent, qualified assessors who evaluate projects against ten specific sustainability criteria:
- Energy: Improving efficiency and reducing carbon emissions.
- Land Use and Ecology: Protecting and enhancing ecological value.
- Water: Minimising water consumption and waste.
- Health and Wellbeing: Enhancing occupant comfort and safety.
- Pollution: Reducing risks from air, water, noise, and land pollution.
- Transport: Encouraging sustainable travel options.
- Materials: Promoting sustainable sourcing and responsible resource use.
- Waste: Minimising waste during construction and throughout the building’s lifecycle.
- Management: Ensuring sustainable practices during design, construction, and operation.
- Innovation: Recognising projects that surpass basic sustainability requirements.
The BREEAM Certification Process
BREEAM certification typically follows three stages:
- Pre-Assessment (optional): Helps the design team identify and address gaps in meeting BREEAM targets.
- Stage 1 (Design stage): Assessment at the design stage; interim certificates can be issued.
- Stage 2 (Post-construction stage): Final assessment resulting in an official BREEAM rating and certification.
Understanding BREEAM Ratings
Projects are awarded certification based on how many credits they achieve in the assessment. The ratings are:
- Acceptable
- Pass
- Good
- Very Good
- Excellent
- Outstanding
Each assessment category contains specific benchmarks and targets. Achieving a higher BREEAM rating demonstrates your commitment to sustainability and excellence, improving your marketability and project value.
How Construction Businesses Can Successfully Implement BREEAM
To achieve successful BREEAM certification, construction businesses should:
- Engage early with sustainability consultants or BREEAM assessors.
- Clearly integrate sustainability into design and project specifications.
- Train your team on BREEAM principles, methods, and criteria.
- Continuously monitor progress against BREEAM requirements throughout construction.
Why Your Construction Business Should Embrace BREEAM
Construction businesses that proactively embrace BREEAM certification differentiate themselves in the marketplace. Demonstrating sustainability commitment not only meets regulatory expectations but positions your company as a responsible, forward-thinking industry leader, which clients increasingly seek out.
In short, adopting BREEAM standards helps your business:
- Win more tenders (especially in the public sector).
- Increase client confidence and satisfaction.
- Boost your brand reputation through demonstrable sustainability credentials.
Conclusion
BREEAM is more than just a certification—it's a strategic tool for construction businesses to improve sustainability performance, enhance market competitiveness, and deliver lasting value to clients and communities.
Embracing BREEAM now ensures your construction business is ready for the sustainable future ahead.
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Claim Mine!Claim Mine!Frequently asked questions
What is BREEAM?
BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) is the UK’s leading method for assessing, rating, and certifying the sustainability of construction projects. It provides clear benchmarks for environmental performance across a wide range of building types.
How do you pronounce BREEAM?
BREEAM rhymes with “gleam.” It is not pronounced “brim” or “Bre-AM,” which are common mispronunciations.
Who developed BREEAM and when?
BREEAM was developed by the Building Research Establishment (BRE Group) and officially launched in 1990. BRE itself was established in 1921 to research building methods and materials.
Where is BREEAM used?
BREEAM applies to a wide variety of construction projects, including:
- New builds
- Major refurbishments
- Renovations
- Master planning and infrastructure projects
It is widely used in residential, commercial, education, healthcare, retail, and infrastructure developments. Publicly funded UK construction projects are often required to achieve a minimum BREEAM rating of “Excellent.”
Why is BREEAM important for construction businesses?
Implementing BREEAM principles helps your business:
- Reduce environmental impact
- Improve energy efficiency and operational costs
- Demonstrate commitment to sustainability
- Strengthen your reputation with clients and stakeholders
- Gain a competitive edge in tenders, especially for public sector projects
What does BREEAM assess?
BREEAM assessments cover ten core categories:
- Energy – Efficiency and carbon reduction
- Land Use and Ecology – Ecological protection and enhancement
- Water – Conservation and management
- Health and Wellbeing – Comfort and safety for occupants
- Pollution – Reducing environmental risks
- Transport – Promoting sustainable travel
- Materials – Sustainable sourcing
- Waste – Minimisation and management
- Management – Sustainable project practices
- Innovation – Recognising outstanding sustainability efforts
How does the BREEAM certification process work?
The process usually follows three stages:
- Pre-Assessment (optional): Identifies gaps early in the design phase
- Design Stage: Interim assessment and provisional certification
- Post-Construction Stage: Final assessment and official BREEAM rating
What are the possible BREEAM ratings?
BREEAM awards ratings based on credit achievements:
- Acceptable
- Pass
- Good
- Very Good
- Excellent
- Outstanding
Higher ratings reflect a stronger commitment to sustainability and can significantly boost project value and client trust.
How can construction businesses implement BREEAM successfully?
To effectively implement BREEAM:
- Engage early with sustainability consultants or BREEAM assessors
- Embed sustainability into design and planning
- Train teams on BREEAM standards and criteria
- Monitor and review progress against assessment benchmarks throughout the build
What are the benefits of BREEAM for my business?
By embracing BREEAM, your construction company can:
- Win more public and private sector work
- Improve brand reputation and client confidence
- Demonstrate clear sustainability credentials
- Deliver environmentally responsible buildings that stand the test of time
Is BREEAM just a certification?
No. BREEAM is a strategic business tool that helps you embed sustainability into your operations, stand out in a competitive market, and prepare for a future increasingly shaped by environmental responsibility.
This article has been provided for information purposes only. You should consult your own professional advisors for advice directly relating to your business or before taking action in relation to any of the provided content.
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