If you’re developing a new residential property in the UK, there’s a good chance you’ve come across the term BREEAM — but what does it actually mean, and when do you need one?
What is BREEAM?
BREEAM stands for the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method. It’s the world’s leading sustainability assessment framework for buildings, and in the UK it’s become the standard benchmark for demonstrating a building’s environmental performance.
A BREEAM assessment looks at a wide range of factors including energy use, water efficiency, materials, ecology, and the health and wellbeing of occupants.
When is a BREEAM assessment required?
For residential developments, a BREEAM Homes assessment is typically required when:
- A local planning authority specifies it as a condition of planning consent
- You’re seeking Homes England funding or other grant funding with sustainability requirements
- You want to demonstrate green credentials to buyers or investors
It’s increasingly common to see BREEAM requirements in planning conditions for developments of 10 units or more, particularly in Scotland and parts of England.
What does the process involve?
A BREEAM Homes assessment runs alongside the design and construction process — it’s not something you do at the end. There are two key stages:
- Design Stage — carried out during design development, this produces an interim certificate and informs what needs to be built into the specification.
- Post-Construction Stage — carried out after the build is complete, this confirms what was actually delivered and produces the final certificate.
The ratings run from Pass → Good → Very Good → Excellent → Outstanding.
How can we help?
If you’re at the early stages of a residential project and unsure whether you need a BREEAM assessment — or what rating you’re likely to achieve — get in touch. We’re happy to have an initial conversation before you commit to anything.