BREEAM certification: How does it work and what are the benefits?
What is BREEAM?
BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) is an international assessment method for sustainable buildings. It measures and evaluates the environmental impact and sustainability of buildings based on various criteria, such as energy consumption, water management, material use, and the health and well-being of users.
A BREEAM certification demonstrates that a building meets high sustainability standards and has a minimal ecological footprint. It is globally recognized as the benchmark for sustainable construction and real estate management.
Why is BREEAM important?
- Lower energy costs – Implementing energy-efficient measures helps reduce consumption and costs.
- Sustainable image – A BREEAM-certified building strengthens your green reputation.
- Healthier working environment – Better air quality, daylight access, and climate control enhance productivity and well-being.
- Increased property value – Sustainable buildings have a higher market value and are leased or sold more quickly.
- Regulatory compliance – Governments and municipalities increasingly require sustainability standards for new construction and renovations.
The four different BREEAM certifications
BREEAM-NL offers four specific certifications, each focused on a different aspect of the built environment:
- New Construction and Renovation – For the sustainability of new buildings and major renovation projects.
- In-Use – Assesses existing buildings on management and use to encourage continuous improvement.
- Demolition and Dismantling – Evaluates sustainability during building deconstruction, with a focus on material reuse.
- Communities – Analyzes the sustainability of entire area developments, including infrastructure and communal facilities.
While each certification has its own scoring system and weighting, the certification process follows a similar method across all categories.
Difference between new construction and renovation projects
BREEAM certification distinguishes between new construction and renovation:
- New Construction → Focuses on integrating sustainability from the design phase, including energy efficiency, material choices, and water management.
- Renovation → Focuses on improving existing buildings, such as enhancing insulation, optimizing installations, and integrating circular materials.
Why is this distinction important?
In new construction, sustainability measures can be integrated from the start, while renovation projects must work around existing structures and systems.
How does the BREEAM certification process work?
BREEAM assesses buildings across nine sustainability categories:
1. Management – Sustainable management and policy implementation.
2. Health & Well-being – Indoor air quality, ventilation, and daylight access.
3. Energy – Energy efficiency and CO₂ reduction.
4. Transport – Accessibility and sustainable mobility.
5. Water – Water conservation and efficiency.
6. Materials – Sustainable building materials and reuse.
7. Waste – Management and reduction of construction and operational waste.
8. Land Use & Ecology – Preservation and enhancement of biodiversity.
9. Pollution – Reducing environmental impacts like noise and light pollution.
Each building receives a score per category and can achieve one of five BREEAM ratings:
- Pass – Basic level of sustainability
- Good – Above-average performance
- Very Good – High sustainability standard
- Excellent – Very sustainable building
- Outstanding – The highest and most prestigious BREEAM rating
Practical steps to achieve BREEAM certification
- Define your ambition – Establish the sustainability goals you aim to achieve.
- Choose the right certification – Select the BREEAM certification that fits your project (New Construction, Renovation, In-Use, etc.).
- Assemble a project team – Involve all stakeholders, including a certified BREEAM Expert.
- Gather evidence – Document all sustainability measures and achievements.
- Submit the dossier – A BREEAM Assessor will review your project and determine the certification score.
🔗 Learn more about the procedure via the BREEAM-NL certification guide.
The role of advisors and partners in the certification process
BREEAM certification is a complex process requiring specialized expertise. Engaging external experts can make the certification process much more efficient.
Which specialists are involved?
- BREEAM Experts – Guide the project team, advise on energy savings, and collect supporting evidence.
- BREEAM Assessors – Independent assessors who determine the building’s sustainability performance.
Looking for a certified BREEAM Expert?
🔗 Check the official BREEAM-NL expert list.
How an Energy Management System (EMS) supports BREEAM
An Energy Management System (EMS) like EnergyGrip plays a crucial role in achieving and maintaining BREEAM certification:
- Real-time energy monitoring – Stay on top of your sustainability performance.
- Reporting – Easily meet BREEAM reporting requirements without manual data collection.
- Optimization of energy efficiency – Reduce unnecessary energy use and increase your score in the Energy category.
Why choose EnergyGrip?
- BREEAM-compliant energy management – Provides accurate and reliable energy data.
- Cost savings on energy consumption – Helps companies use energy smarter.
- More efficient certification processes – Supports evidence gathering for your BREEAM certification.