BREEAM is a sustainability rating scheme published by the Building Research Establishment. BREEAM certification confirms that a building has been assessed against the BREEAM standard assessment procedure, measuring environmental, social and operational performance across the full property lifecycle. Performance is tested against clear BREEAM assessment criteria within defined BREEAM assessment categories, including energy, water, materials, waste, health and wellbeing, transport, land use and ecology, pollution and management. Scores across each category feed into the BREEAM rating system, which determines the final certification level achieved.
BREEAM-rated buildings provide a clear benchmark for asset performance and enable property investors to understand how a building may perform in operation rather than on design intent alone. Certification allows property investors, occupiers and asset managers to compare buildings consistently, assess operational risk and make informed decisions around refurbishment, maintenance and long-term use. By driving efficient resource use and stronger operational controls, BREEAM assessments also support reduced carbon emissions and improved building performance over time.