Services03
BREEAM Certification
A structured approach to assessing and improving the sustainability performance of buildings.
- Used for
- Existing buildings, asset improvement programmes, ESG strategies, sustainability benchmarking and certification.
Asset → Analysis → Risk / opportunity → Action → Improvement
The whole building, assessed area by area
- Management
- Health & wellbeing
- Energy
- Transport
- Water
- Resources
- Resilience
- Land use & ecology
- Pollution
- Assessment
- Performance gaps
- Opportunities
- Action plan
- Better performance
| Finding | Action | Priority | Timing | Potential effect |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Energy use not tracked by area | Add sub-metering and monitoring | High | 0–6 months | Clearer energy management |
| Limited material and waste records | Set up a resources log | Medium | 6–12 months | Stronger evidence |
| Outdoor areas mostly hard surfaces | Plan planting and biodiversity | Longer term | 1–3 years | Better ecology score |
Illustrative example — demonstration data, not based on a specific building.
These results are indicative only and cover only part of the criteria considered in a full assessment. They do not constitute a complete assessment, certification or confirmation of compliance.
01 — What is it?
What is BREEAM?
BREEAM is one of the most widely used methods for measuring how sustainable a building is. It looks at a building as a whole: how much energy and water it uses, how comfortable and healthy it is for the people inside, how it is managed, what materials it is made of, how it handles waste and pollution, and how it relates to its surroundings.
Each topic is scored, and the scores add up to an overall rating from Pass to Outstanding. Different BREEAM schemes exist for new buildings, refurbishments and buildings already in use. The result is an independent, recognised rating that owners, investors and occupiers can understand and compare.
02 — Why does it matter?
Why it matters
- 01
Understand how a building really performs across energy, comfort, materials and management.
- 02
Identify practical improvements, from quick operational changes to longer-term upgrades.
- 03
Benchmark one asset against another, or against a whole portfolio.
- 04
Support wider sustainability objectives and investor or lender expectations.
- 05
Provide a recognised, independently verified certificate.
- 06
Use certification as a management tool that shows where investment can improve asset quality.
03 — When is it used?
Typical situations
- Existing buildings that need a clear picture of current performance.
- Asset improvement programmes and refurbishment planning.
- ESG strategies where certification is a target or a reporting requirement.
- Portfolio benchmarking before or after acquisition.
04 — Our approach
A clear sequence of steps
- 01Initial review
- 02Gap analysis
- 03Credit strategy
- 04Evidence review
- 05Improvement recommendations
- 06Assessment support
05 — Typical scope
Typical applications
- Existing buildings
- Commercial buildings
- Asset improvement
- ESG programmes
- Portfolio benchmarking
06 — Related services
Often combined with
Planning a BREEAM Assessment?
Tell us about your building or project and we will come back to you with a clear view of the next steps.