BREEAM certification for green buildings

BREEAM, or Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method, is a leading sustainability rating system used to masterplan projects, infrastructure, and buildings. Originally from the United Kingdom, the BREEAM rating system has since evolved into a global standard for evaluating the sustainability performance of buildings.

A project undergoing BREEAM certification is assessed based on its environmental, social, and economic impacts. The BREEAM rating system evaluates built structures based on various sustainability criteria, including energy, water, health and well-being, pollution, transport, materials, waste, ecology, and management processes.

One of the advantages of BREEAM certification is that it can be applied at different stages of a structure’s lifecycle, whether it’s a new construction, an in-use building, or a refurbishment project.

At TÜV SÜD, we offer technical advisory services and green facilitation services that ensure buildings become BREEAM compliant.  Our interdisciplinary experts leverage their combined industry knowledge and experience to provide comprehensive green building services to our clients. 

We work with companies to help them meet the various criteria of the BREEAM rating system, thereby improving their chances of obtaining the BREEAM certification. Make your real estate portfolio more attractive with the inclusion of BREEAM-certified buildings.

BREEAM certification advances sustainability in built environments, fostering innovation and encouraging best practices in building design, construction, and operations. The advantages of BREEAM certification cut across different dimensions, ranging from environmental impact to regulatory compliance.

• Improved environmental performance – The BREEAM rating system promotes sustainable building practices, significantly reducing carbon emissions, energy consumption, and waste production. Over the long term, these practices contribute to climate change mitigation and resource conservation.
• Increased economic value – Buildings with BREEAM certification often have lower operational costs due to efficient energy and water use. They also command higher rental and resale values because of their green building status.
• Enhanced quality of life – Aside from sustainability, the BREEAM rating system prioritises the health and well-being of building occupants. It pushes designs that improve indoor air quality, natural lighting, and other environmental factors that enhance comfort and productivity.
• Stronger market differentiator – For building developers and owners, one of the advantages of BREEAM certification is that it can also be a valuable marketing tool. A BREEAM certification mark distinguishes green buildings, attracting environmentally conscious tenants and investors.
• Continued compliance with global standards – Some regulatory bodies and local governments in certain regions may require and even incentivise BREEAM certification. Adhering to the BREEAM rating system helps projects align with national and international sustainability standards.

As the BREEAM rating system covers many sustainability issues, the BREEAM certification process requires extensive knowledge of various environmental factors, including energy, water, materials, and even ecology. It also demands substantial documentation to provide evidence demonstrating compliance with BREEAM standards, which can be time-consuming and resource intensive.

Our dedicated BREEAM Assessor works closely with you to make sure all required documentation is accurate, complete, and submitted on time. We also help companies benchmark against successful BREEAM-certified projects to apply best practices and other lessons learned.

At TÜV SÜD, we can help you:

• Ensure your project is ready for BREEAM certification at the design stage. Our BREEAM Accredited Professionals (AP) offer advisory services on all aspects of green buildings covering energy efficiency, reliability of MEP systems and preparation of documents for BREEAM assessment.
• Work alongside certified BREEAM Assessors who will audit the design of your project and gather sufficient evidence for BREEAM certification. Our assessors are well-versed in the BREEAM rating system, providing additional expertise to your project.
• Obtain a high level of acceptance for your project with our proven track record of independence and engineering excellence. With our expertise, we can guide you in incorporating various BREEAM criteria into the design of your project, enhancing its sustainability and acceptance.
•  Evaluate all relevant structural and technical considerations objectively with our third-party impartiality. We provide an unbiased view of your project against the BREEAM certification requirements, helping you meet the highest standards of sustainability.

On top of working with a dedicated BREEAM Assessor from the start of your project, we also provide the following services that can help your buildings obtain BREEAM certification:

• Project management – We plan projects together with clients to break down the BREEAM rating system based on criteria, milestones, and deadlines. Using project management tools, we track progress and ensure the timely completion of tasks. Throughout the project, we conduct regular audits to promptly address emerging issues and verify continued compliance with BREEAM standards.
• Training – We provide comprehensive training for all the team members involved in the project, helping them better understand their roles, the requirements, and the advantages of BREEAM certification.
• Site-specific solutions – We analyse project sites to identify opportunities, discover possible constraints, and address specific challenges that might impact BREEAM certification. These site-specific factors may include biodiversity enhancement, transport links, and resource availability.
• Performance monitoring and evaluation – We implement systems to monitor building performance to certify that it meets BREEAM standards throughout its lifecycle. We also conduct post-occupancy evaluations to gather feedback and make the necessary adjustments to improve performance.
• ESG data management – Our Lime data management platform allows continuous monitoring of ESG data to meet ESG reporting goals, making decision making and monitoring easier.