A BREEAM rating is a globally recognised and respected benchmark used to assess and rate the sustainability credentials of a building. Developed by the Building Research Establishment (BRE), the BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) rating system reviews and scores buildings on a variety of key environmental criteria including energy use, water use, pollution, materials, waste, land use, and ecology.
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What is BREEAM?
BREEAM was born out of BRE's dedication to enhancing the environmental, social, and economic sustainability of buildings globally. BRE has always had a rich heritage of pioneering cutting-edge development, and it's this ongoing commitment to innovation that led to the creation of the BREEAM rating system in 1990. It has set the standard for making sure sustainability is one of the core factors and considerations in the development and design of buildings.
The BREEAM Process
The BREEAM process is meticulous, requiring a comprehensive understanding of sustainability best practices. It begins with a pre-assessment phase where the specific sustainability objectives for the project are defined. Following this, a BREEAM assessor works closely with the project team to collect the necessary evidence for assessment against BREEAM’s set criteria. The final stage is an independent verification of the assessment by BRE, culminating in the certification of the building's performance. This rigorous process ensures that buildings achieving a BREEAM rating truly meet the highest standards of sustainability, making them not just better for the environment, but better for those who inhabit them as well.
How are the buildings rated?
In the BREEAM rating process, buildings are evaluated on their sustainability across 12 different categories. Each category is scored using credits. These credits are then weighted and combined to produce a single overall percentage score. The process is carried out by a licensed BREEAM assessor, this is then independently verified by the BRE to ensure all standards have been met. The final BREEAM rating therefore provides a credible and impartial assessment of a building's sustainability credentials.
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What are the benefits of BREEAM?
BREEAM is synonymous with sustainability. Achieving a BREEAM rating is a perfect way of demonstrating not only a commitment to sustainability but also leads to many tangible benefits for building owners, developers and occupiers.
Benefits to Building Developers
For building developers, a BREEAM rating offers them a competitive advantage within the market. It showcases their commitment to sustainability, enhancing their reputation amongst potential clients, partners, and investors. Moreover, a BREEAM certification can help streamline the planning permission process, as local authorities are more likely to favour sustainable projects. Additionally, buildings with a high BREEAM rating can command higher sale prices, offering an opportunity for increased revenue.
Benefits to Building Owners
Building owners also stand to gain significantly from BREEAM-rated buildings. These buildings are more energy-efficient, leading to lower operation costs. Furthermore, a BREEAM rating can enhance the market value of the building, attracting premium tenants and buyers who prioritise sustainability. Owning a BREEAM-rated building also minimises risks related to future environmental regulations, ensuring the building remains compliant even as standards evolve.
Benefits to Building Occupiers
For building occupiers, BREEAM-rated buildings offer a healthier and more productive environment. These buildings prioritise occupant health and well-being, incorporating features that enhance indoor air quality, natural light, and noise control. Research has shown that these factors lead to a healthier and happier workforce increasing staff productivity and reducing absenteeism.
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What are the different BREEAM ratings?
The BREEAM rating system ranks buildings into six categories to indicate their level of environmental, social and economic sustainability. The categories are as follows:
Unclassified: Buildings that do not meet the standard for a 'Pass' are unclassified. They may still be taking steps towards sustainability, but have not yet reached the minimum BREEAM standards.
Pass: For buildings that achieve a score of >30%
Good: For buildings that achieve a score of > 45%
Very Good: For buildings that achieve a score of > 55%
Excellent: For buildings that achieve a score of >70%
Outstanding: For buildings that achieve a score of >85%
BREEAM assessment criteria
To achieve their BREEAM score, buildings are assessed on their sustainability performance across different categories including;
Management
Energy
Water
Transport
Health & wellbeing
Resources
Resilience
Land use & ecology
Pollution
Materials
Waste
Innovation
Each category is scrutinised under rigorous standards that ensure a holistic evaluation of a building's sustainability. For example, the health and well-being category evaluates lighting, air quality, and acoustics, aiming to create a comfortable environment for occupants. The energy category will evaluate the building's energy efficiency and steps taken to minimise CO2 emissions. The higher a building scores across these categories, the higher its BREEAM rating will be.
Is BREEAM mandatory?
While BREEAM is not mandatory, it is highly encouraged and increasingly becoming the norm in the construction industry, especially for public buildings and large commercial projects. The legislation does not specifically require BREEAM certification; however, many local planning authorities across the UK encourage or even insist on a certain BREEAM rating as a condition for granting planning permissions. Furthermore, BREEAM certification can be a requirement in lease agreements, with tenants increasingly demanding sustainable buildings. Thus, while not strictly obligatory, obtaining a BREEAM rating is often a prerequisite for market competitiveness and future-proofing a building.
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BREEAM FAQs
What does BREEAM stand for?
BREEAM stands for Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method.
How common is BREEAM?
Since it first launched in the 90s, BREEAM is now widely recognised and used in over 70 countries with over 535, 000 buildings completing the process to be certified.
How to achieve a BREEAM outstanding level?
Achieving a BREEAM 'Outstanding' level requires an exceptional commitment to sustainability. Buildings must integrate cutting-edge technologies and design principles that significantly reduce environmental impact, surpassing regulatory standards by at least 85%. This might include utilising renewable energy, advanced waste management systems and water conservation measures.
Buildings in London with a high BREEAM Rating
In the era of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) and BCorps, BREEAM ratings hold immense significance for businesses. They offer a tangible, credible measure of a company's commitment to sustainability, which is increasingly being scrutinised by investors, customers, and prospective employees. Being bases in a building with a high BREEAM rating can enhance a business's reputation, align with ESG goals and meet BCorp standards, making it an invaluable asset in today's environmentally conscious business world. Here are just a few examples of office spaces in London located in a building with an ‘Excellent’ or ‘Outstanding’ BREEAM rating;
X+Why, a leading BCorp workspace supplier have offices available to rent in 1 Great Cumberland Place. This building which is part of the Portman Estate was designed with a focus on sustainability and wellbeing. Everything has been thought about, from the low-energy light fittings to the photovoltaic panels on the roof. The building is also right on the corner of Hyde Park allowing its occupants quick access to acres of green space.
20 Farringdon Street is another great example. The building has an ‘Excellent’ BREEAM rating. HubHub operates a few floors of the building and has multiple offices currently available to rent.
Office Space at HubHub 20 Farringdon Street rated BREEAM Excellent
