BREEAM Certification Guide

For sustainable and high-performing buildings

Empowering your BREEAM project with the world’s leading science-based sustainability standard — from design to operation and beyond.

Introduction

What is BREEAM Certification ?

BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) is the world’s first and most widely used method of assessing, rating, and certifying the sustainability of buildings.

Developed in the UK by BRE, it provides a comprehensive framework to measure and reduce environmental impact at every stage of a building’s lifecycle — from new construction to operation and refurbishment.

Benefits

Why choose BREEAM ?

Choosing BREEAM isn’t just about sustainability — it’s a strategic decision that delivers lasting value for your assets, your people, and the planet.

Boost your brand & market value

Stand out in a competitive market by showcasing your environmental leadership and commitment to responsible construction.

Improve ESG & Regulatory Compliance

Align with national and international green building requirements, and strengthen your ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) strategy.

Reduce operational costs

Achieve long-term energy savings and resource efficiency through targeted improvements driven by BREEAM’s performance-based approach.

Attract sustainable finance

A BREEAM rating can support access to green loans and bonds, increasing your project’s financial appeal to investors and stakeholders.

The Key features

How does BREEAM work?

BREEAM evaluates buildings across a range of environmental and sustainability criteria, using a credit-based scoring system. Each project is assessed by an independent licensed BREEAM Assessor, ensuring transparent, reliable, and globally comparable results.

BREEAM Categories

Transport

Energy efficiency, carbon emissions, renewables

Water

Water efficiency and leak detection

Materials

Responsible sourcing, lifecycle impact

Waste

Construction waste management and recycling

Land Use & Ecology

Site ecology, biodiversity enhancement

Pollution

Air, water, light, and noise pollution mitigation

Management

Project planning, commissioning, and handover

Health and Well Beeing

Indoor air quality, natural lighting, acoustic comfort

BREEAM Rating

A BREEAM rating shows how a project performs against set standards, helping compare buildings and ensuring quality, value, and sustainability.

Ratings range from Acceptable to Outstanding and appear as stars on the certificate. Always check the BREEAM certificate or our listings to verify a project’s rating.

BREEAM Rating	Score (%)
Outstanding ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	≥85
Excellent ⭐⭐⭐⭐	≥70
Very Good ⭐⭐⭐	≥55
Good ⭐⭐	≥45
Pass ⭐	≥ 30
Unclassified	< 30

The process

Your Step-by-Step Guide to BREEAM Certification

From start to certification, here’s how the BREEAM journey unfolds. Whether you’re starting from scratch or upgrading an existing asset, this roadmap ensures you’re on the right track to meet your sustainability goals.

Appoint a Licensed BREEAM Assessor

Work with an accredited expert who will guide you through the entire certification process, from registration to final evaluation.

Choose the Right BREEAM Scheme

Select the most relevant scheme for your project: New Construction, In-Use, Refurbishment and Fit-Out, Communities, or Infrastructure.

Conduct a Pre-Assessment (Optional)

Identify potential performance improvements and credit opportunities early in the design or renovation phase.

Register Your Project

Your assessor will register the project with the BRE platform and guide you through the documentation process.

Design Stage Assessment

Submit your design documentation to demonstrate your sustainability strategies. Receive a Design Stage Certificate after review.

Post-Construction Assessment

Once construction is complete, submit on-site performance evidence. This step validates your implementation efforts.

Receive Your Final BREEAM Rating

Your project is awarded a BREEAM rating based on the total number of credits achieved across all categories.

Scheme

Which BREEAM Scheme is Right for You?

BREEAM offers specialized certification schemes tailored to different project types and lifecycle stages. Each scheme provides a structured approach to assessing environmental performance and delivering lasting value.

BREEAM New Construction

For new buildings in the design and construction phase. Helps create sustainable, energy-efficient, and future-proof assets from the ground up.

BREEAM Communities

Applies to master-planned developments and regeneration projects. Supports planners and developers in creating sustainable and resilient communities.

BREEAM Refurbishment & Fit-Out

Ideal for renovation projects and interior upgrades. Focuses on improving sustainability while maintaining occupant comfort and functionality.

BREEAM Infrastructure

Designed for civil engineering and infrastructure projects. Encourages ecological protection, resource efficiency, and community value.

BREEAM In-Use

For operational buildings. Enables owners and managers to improve performance, reduce costs, and benchmark sustainability in real time.

Key figures

BREEAM certification elevates building standards sustainability

BREEAM assessment registered

+ 0 M

countries use BREEAM

projects certified

CO₂ with BREEAM.

- 0 %

Our Work

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WATT The Firms : Europe’s one of the First Well Performance Rated Building

WATT The Firms, Belgium's first WELL Performance Rated Building, champions health with advanced air filtration, natural lighting, and spaces for mental well-being.

Discover the project

ONYX Building

Immogra's Park 7 project is committed to providing a healthy, sustainable and comfortable working environment, thanks to WELL Core and Shell certification. With 90% of time spent indoors, quality of life at work is a priority.

Discover the project

In the Yard

In The Yard stands out as an innovative workspace that goes beyond a traditional business center. This unique location emphasizes connection-building and prioritizes the well-being of its occupants, all within a modern and eco-friendly environment.

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BLOG

Stay WELL informed

Business man, serre la main - BREEAM Investissor

Improve well-being outcomes

70%

Attract + retain talent

50%

Increase engagement

40%

Unite stakeholders

25%

Demonstrate leadership

80%

Improve ESG Performance

50%

Gain efficiencies

30%

Attain WELL Achievement

90%

Benchmark performance

40%

Improve WELL Score

40%

Air

Mind

Community

Thermal Comfort

Water

Movement

Materials

Light

Nourishment

Sound

BREEAM Certification Guide For sustainable and high-performing buildings

What is BREEAM Certification ?

Why choose BREEAM ?

Boost your brand & market value

Improve ESG & Regulatory Compliance

Reduce operational costs

Attract sustainable finance

How does BREEAM work?

BREEAM Categories

Transport

Water

Materials

Waste

Land Use & Ecology​

Pollution

Management

Health and Well Beeing

BREEAM Rating

Your Step-by-Step Guide to BREEAM Certification

Appoint a Licensed BREEAM Assessor

Choose the Right BREEAM Scheme

Conduct a Pre-Assessment (Optional)

Register Your Project

Design Stage Assessment

Post-Construction Assessment

Receive Your Final BREEAM Rating

Which BREEAM Scheme is Right for You?

BREEAM New Construction

BREEAM Communities

BREEAM Refurbishment & Fit-Out

BREEAM Infrastructure

BREEAM In-Use

BREEAM certification elevates building standards sustainability

Our Work

Recently certified buildings

WATT The Firms : Europe’s one of the First Well Performance Rated Building

ONYX Building

In the Yard

Stay WELL informed

Green Building Certifications: A Strategic Investment for Property Owners

WELL Certification: Understanding the Key Players

Choosing the Right Air Quality Sensors for WELL Certification

CONTACT US

BREEAM Certification Guide

For sustainable and high-performing buildings

Land Use & Ecology