# BREEAM Rating System ## Table of Contents - [[#Overview]] - [[#History and Development]] - [[#Assessment Categories]] - [[#Management]] - [[#Health and Wellbeing]] - [[#Energy]] - [[#Transport]] - [[#Water]] - [[#Materials]] - [[#Waste]] - [[#Land Use and Ecology]] - [[#Pollution]] - [[#Innovation]] - [[#Category Weightings]] - [[#Rating Levels and Benchmarks]] - [[#Certification Process]] - [[#BREEAM Scheme Variants]] - [[#Comparison with LEED]] - [[#Practical Notes for Architects]] - [[#References and Standards]] --- ## Overview BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) is the world's longest-established green building rating system, first published in 1990 by the Building Research Establishment (BRE) in the United Kingdom. It provides a framework for assessing the environmental performance of buildings across their life cycle, from design through construction and operation. BREEAM has been applied to over 2.3 million registered buildings in more than 90 countries and is the predominant sustainability certification in Europe and the Commonwealth nations. --- ## History and Development - **1990**: BREEAM launched for new office buildings in the UK. - **2008**: BREEAM International introduced for projects outside the UK. - **2011**: Major revision aligning with EN 15978 life cycle assessment framework. - **2014**: BREEAM In-Use v6 released for operational buildings. - **2018**: BREEAM New Construction 2018 (SD5078) released with updated benchmarks. - **2023+**: Ongoing updates to align with net zero carbon targets and circular economy principles. --- ## Assessment Categories BREEAM assesses buildings across ten categories, each containing multiple assessment issues with associated credits. ### Management Addresses project management, stakeholder engagement, and life cycle cost planning. Key issues include: - Project brief and design - Life cycle cost and service life planning - Responsible construction practices - Commissioning and handover - Aftercare and seasonal commissioning ### Health and Wellbeing Focuses on occupant comfort, health, and indoor environmental quality: - Visual comfort (daylighting, glare, lighting design) - Indoor air quality (ventilation rates, VOC limits) - Safe containment in laboratories - Thermal comfort (PMV/PPD analysis per [[ASHRAE 90.1 Energy Standard]]) - Acoustic performance - Accessibility (aligned with local codes, see [[ADA Standards for Accessible Design]]) ### Energy The most heavily weighted category, addressing operational energy: - Energy performance modelling (NCM methodology or SBEM) - Prediction of operational energy consumption - Sub-metering of end uses - External lighting efficiency - Low/zero carbon technologies - Energy-efficient cold storage and transport systems ### Transport Evaluates accessibility and sustainable transport provisions: - Public transport accessibility index (PTAI) - Proximity to amenities - Cyclist facilities (storage, showers, changing) - Maximum car parking capacity - Travel plans ### Water Addresses water efficiency in building operation: - Water consumption targets (litres/person/day) - Water monitoring and leak detection - Water-efficient equipment and fittings - Greywater and rainwater harvesting potential ### Materials Evaluates responsible sourcing and environmental impact: - Life cycle impacts via [[Operational vs Embodied Carbon]] analysis - Responsible sourcing (BES 6001 or equivalent) - Insulation with zero ODP and low GWP - Designing for durability and resilience - Material efficiency and EPDs (see [[Sustainable Material Selection]]) ### Waste Addresses construction and operational waste: - Construction waste management plan - Recycled aggregates usage - Operational waste storage and recycling facilities - Speculative floor and ceiling finishes reduction - Design for disassembly and adaptability ### Land Use and Ecology Promotes ecological enhancement and responsible land use: - Site selection (previously developed land preferred) - Ecological value assessment and enhancement - Protection of ecological features during construction - Long-term biodiversity management plan - Achieving net biodiversity gain ### Pollution Controls emissions from building systems and materials: - Refrigerant GWP and ODP limits - NOx emissions from heating systems - Surface water run-off (SuDS design) - Reduction of night-time light pollution - Noise attenuation from building services ### Innovation Awards additional credits for exemplary performance: - Up to 10 innovation credits for exceeding standard benchmarks - Approved innovation credits for novel sustainability measures - BREEAM Accredited Professional (AP) engagement --- ## Category Weightings Each category is assigned a percentage weighting that reflects its environmental significance. Weightings vary by building type and national context. | Category | UK New Construction (Typical) | |----------------------|-------------------------------| | Management | 12% | | Health and Wellbeing | 15% | | Energy | 19% | | Transport | 8% | | Water | 6% | | Materials | 12.5% | | Waste | 7.5% | | Land Use and Ecology | 10% | | Pollution | 10% | | Innovation | 10% (additional) | The final score is calculated as the weighted sum of percentage credits achieved in each category. Minimum standards must be met in certain issues regardless of overall score. --- ## Rating Levels and Benchmarks | Rating | Score (%) | |-------------|-------------| | Unclassified | < 30 | | Pass | ≥ 30 | | Good | ≥ 45 | | Very Good | ≥ 55 | | Excellent | ≥ 70 | | Outstanding | ≥ 85 | **Outstanding** is reserved for buildings demonstrating best practice and innovation. Fewer than 1% of assessed buildings achieve this level. --- ## Certification Process 1. **Registration**: Client registers the project with BRE Global. 2. **Appointment of Assessor**: A licensed BREEAM assessor is appointed. 3. **Design Stage Assessment (DS)**: Assessor evaluates design documentation, awards interim certificate. 4. **Post-Construction Assessment (PCA)**: Verification of as-built conditions, commissioning records, and construction evidence. 5. **Quality Assurance**: BRE Global audits the assessment report. 6. **Certification**: Final certificate issued with confirmed rating. Assessors must hold a valid BREEAM licence for the relevant scheme and building type. --- ## BREEAM Scheme Variants - **BREEAM New Construction**: For new-build non-domestic buildings. - **BREEAM In-Use**: For existing buildings in operation. - **BREEAM Refurbishment and Fit-Out**: For renovation works. - **BREEAM Infrastructure**: For civil engineering and public realm. - **BREEAM Communities**: For master-planning and neighbourhood scale. - **Home Quality Mark (HQM)**: Replaced the former Code for Sustainable Homes. --- ## Comparison with LEED | Aspect | BREEAM | [[LEED Certification System]] | |----------------------|--------------------------------------|--------------------------------------| | Origin | UK (1990) | USA (1998) | | Governing body | BRE Global | USGBC / GBCI | | Rating levels | Pass to Outstanding (6 levels) | Certified to Platinum (4 levels) | | Assessment method | Licensed third-party assessor | Self-documented, GBCI review | | Energy methodology | National Calculation Methodology | ASHRAE 90.1 Appendix G baseline | | Weighting system | Fixed category weightings | Equal credit point system | | Ecology emphasis | Strong (dedicated category) | Moderate (Sustainable Sites) | | Health focus | Comprehensive (15% weighting) | Addressed but less weighted | | Market dominance | Europe, Middle East, Commonwealth | Americas, Asia, global | Both systems are complementary and increasingly aligned. Dual certification is common on international projects. --- ## Practical Notes for Architects - Engage a BREEAM AP early in RIBA Stage 1 to maximise credit opportunities. - Energy modelling using Part L / NCM methodology is mandatory for Energy credits. - Material specifications must include responsible sourcing evidence (BES 6001, FSC, or equivalent). - Ecology credits require a Suitably Qualified Ecologist (SQE) appointed before site clearance. - Water consumption must be calculated using the BREEAM Wat 01 calculator tool. - Pre-assessment scoring at Stage 2 helps set realistic targets and informs cost planning. - Construction stage evidence (photographs, waste records, commissioning certificates) must be systematically collected. --- ## References and Standards - BRE Global, *BREEAM New Construction 2018 Technical Manual* (SD5078) - BRE, *BREEAM In-Use International Technical Manual* - BS EN 15978: Sustainability of Construction Works - CIBSE TM54: Evaluating Operational Energy Performance - [[LEED Certification System]] - [[GRIHA Rating System]] - [[WELL Building Standard]] --- #sustainability #breeam #greenbuilding #rating #BRE