Understand what BREEAM is and how its sustainability ratings like 'Excellent' and 'Very Good' impact UK construction projects and building performance.
BREEAM is a UK-based environmental assessment method for buildings, rating their sustainability across categories. Certification levels like 'Excellent' (usually 70-85%) and 'Very Good' (55-69%) indicate how well a building meets these green standards.
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Part of our guide on what is a green home
Explore how BREEAM measures building sustainability and what different certification levels like Excellent and Very Good really mean for UK properties.
| BREEAM origin | UK |
|---|---|
| Assessment categories | 10-12 |
| Excellent score | 70-85% |
| Very Good score | 55-69% |
| Assessment time | Weeks to months |
Key takeaways
- BREEAM measures environmental impact in construction and buildings.
- 'Excellent' ratings require 70-85% of available credits.
- Assessments cover energy, water, materials, waste, and health.
- 'Very Good' is the common minimum for many projects.
- Certification involves an independent assessor and documentation.
What BREEAM is in construction
BREEAM stands for Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method. It is a sustainability assessment framework used primarily in the UK to evaluate the environmental performance of buildings throughout their lifecycle.
Developed in the early 1990s, BREEAM applies to new builds, refurbishments, and existing buildings. It sets benchmarks for sustainable design, construction, and operation by assigning credits in categories such as energy use, water management, materials, and waste.
The system works on a points basis. Buildings earn credits for meeting specific sustainability criteria. The total credits achieved determine a building’s BREEAM rating, which helps developers, investors, and occupants understand its environmental impact.
BREEAM's adaptability allows it to assess various building types beyond just residential or commercial properties, including industrial facilities, schools, and healthcare buildings. This flexibility ensures that sustainability benchmarks are relevant and tailored to the specific use and environmental impacts of different structures. We cover carbon footprint of building materials in its own article.
For example, in an office building, BREEAM might place a stronger emphasis on energy efficiency and indoor air quality, whereas a healthcare facility assessment could focus more heavily on waste management and infection control measures. This targeted approach improves the practical application of sustainability criteria across sectors.
What BREEAM certification means
BREEAM certification means a building has been independently assessed and verified for its sustainability performance following BREEAM standards. It provides a clear and trusted measure of environmental quality.
Certification levels include Pass, Good, Very Good, Excellent, and Outstanding. These reflect the percentage of available credits a project has achieved, generally ranging from 30% for Pass up to above 85% for Outstanding. It helps to understand levels of leed certification before going further.
For homeowners or landlords, a BREEAM certificate signals better energy efficiency, lower running costs, and enhanced environmental credentials, which can improve property value and appeal.
Certification requires documentation, design evidence, and a final assessment by a licensed BREEAM assessor who ensures that the project meets rigorous quality controls.
Achieving BREEAM certification also involves continuous improvement, as buildings can be reassessed to maintain or improve their rating over time. Some projects opt for post-occupancy evaluations to verify that performance matches design expectations, highlighting any operational issues that need addressing. If that sounds like your situation, read up on what is passivhaus next.
A practical example: a building rated Very Good at completion might implement further energy-saving retrofits and be reassessed within five years to achieve Excellent status, demonstrating ongoing commitment to sustainability. This iterative process helps ensure that BREEAM-certified buildings deliver real-world environmental benefits rather than just theoretical compliance.
The difference between BREEAM Excellent and Very Good
The key difference between BREEAM Excellent and Very Good lies in the percentage of credits earned during the assessment. Excellent ratings range from approximately 70-85%, while Very Good spans 55-69%.
Achieving Excellent demands more stringent sustainability measures, such as higher energy efficiency standards, better materials sourcing, and enhanced water conservation techniques. If that sounds like your situation, read up on what is a u-value next.
Very Good is the minimum rating for many commercial or public projects to meet regulatory or funding requirements. While it still represents strong sustainability performance, Excellent indicates a higher commitment to environmental quality and operational savings.
Choosing between these levels means weighing the costs of additional sustainability measures against the benefits in reduced bills and marketability.
| Aspect | Very Good | Excellent |
|---|---|---|
| Credit score range | 55-69% | 70-85% |
| Energy efficiency | Above UK building regs | Significantly above regs |
| Materials | Sustainable sourcing encouraged | Rigorous sustainable sourcing required |
| Water efficiency | Moderate savings | High savings and reuse |
| Certification cost | Lower | Higher due to complexity |
What a BREEAM assessment involves
A BREEAM assessment starts with a pre-assessment to identify potential credits and strategies. Next, the design is reviewed for compliance, and evidence is collected. People in this spot often ask about how sap measures home efficiency as well.
During construction, ongoing monitoring and documentation ensure commitments are met. Finally, a licensed BREEAM assessor compiles the evidence, verifies claims, and submits for certification.
Assessment steps typically include: document review, site inspections, performance testing, and consultation with design and construction teams to ensure all standards are met.
The process can take from several weeks to months depending on project size and complexity, and requires early planning to integrate sustainability features effectively.
The assessment process also involves close collaboration across multiple disciplines, including architects, engineers, contractors, and facilities managers. Early involvement of all stakeholders helps integrate sustainability features effectively and avoid costly retrofits later.
During site inspections, the assessor checks tangible evidence such as installation of low-flow water fixtures or the presence of energy monitoring systems. For instance, confirming that LED lighting is installed and commissioning reports are available can secure credits in energy efficiency categories.
One common challenge is ensuring documentation is comprehensive and accurate throughout the project, as missing or incomplete evidence can delay certification or reduce the final rating. To mitigate this, regular audits and clear communication protocols are recommended.
- Initial pre-assessment to estimate achievable credits
- Design phase review and integration of sustainability measures
- Construction stage monitoring and evidence collection
- Final assessment by licensed BREEAM assessor
- Certification issuance upon successful verification
What BREEAM standards cover
BREEAM standards cover a broad range of environmental and social sustainability categories, typically 10 to 12 in number depending on the scheme version and building type.
Common categories include energy, water, materials, waste, pollution, health and wellbeing, transport, land use and ecology, and management.
Each category has a weighting and specific criteria. For example, energy might assess carbon emissions and renewable energy use, while materials look at sustainable sourcing and lifecycle impacts.
Addressing these standards leads to measurable benefits such as lower energy bills, reduced water use, improved indoor air quality, and enhanced biodiversity around the building.
- Energy: reducing carbon emissions and energy consumption
- Water: efficient fixtures and rainwater harvesting
- Materials: use of responsibly sourced, low-impact materials
- Waste: construction waste reduction and recycling
- Health and wellbeing: natural light, air quality, thermal comfort
- Ecology: protecting and enhancing local biodiversity
What is BREEAM
BREEAM is a method to assess and rate the sustainability of buildings and infrastructure. It helps UK homeowners, landlords, and developers achieve lower energy costs and better environmental performance.
The system provides a clear framework to measure sustainable design and construction against defined criteria, awarding points that add up to a final rating like Very Good or Excellent.
Understanding BREEAM means recognising its role in improving EPC ratings, qualifying for grants, and promoting healthier living spaces.
Those pursuing BREEAM certification should engage a licensed BREEAM assessor early and consider tools like energy modelling software to meet energy efficiency targets.
Questions people still ask
How long does a BREEAM assessment take for a typical UK home?
Assessment duration varies by project but typically runs from several weeks to a few months, depending on building size and complexity. Early engagement with a BREEAM assessor helps streamline the process.
Can BREEAM certification improve my property's EPC rating?
Yes, BREEAM focuses heavily on energy performance which aligns with EPC criteria, so achieving a higher BREEAM rating often correlates with improved EPC scores.
Is BREEAM certification mandatory for new homes in the UK?
While not mandatory for all new homes, many local authorities and funding schemes encourage or require at least a Very Good BREEAM rating as part of planning or grant conditions.
What is the role of a licensed BREEAM assessor?
A licensed assessor independently verifies the building meets BREEAM standards, reviews documentation, conducts site visits, and submits the project for official certification.
Does BREEAM consider the building’s operational phase as well as construction?
Yes, BREEAM assesses the whole building lifecycle including design, construction, and operational impacts such as energy use and maintenance.
