BREEAM explained: A framework for sustainable development

1. What is BREEAM?

BREEAM (a very necessary abbreviation for ‘Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method’) is a leading methodology for assessing, rating and certifying the sustainability of buildings and infrastructure. It sets out a framework for measuring and grading environmental performance and supporting sustainable development across the built environment.¹
BREEAM sets standards for sustainable building design, construction and operation. Originally focused on new buildings, it now also applies to refurbishments, fit-outs and buildings in use, supporting sustainability across the life cycle of built assets. BREEAM is used in more than 80 countries and has certified over half a million buildings.²

2. Why is BREEAM important for sustainable development?

BREEAM offers a structured approach to improving environmental performance while meeting regulatory and stakeholder expectations. The built environment accounts for a significant share of national emissions and resource use, so structured approaches such as BREEAM help turn sustainability goals into real on-site actions and operational improvements.³
It also supports alignment with national policies such as net zero targets and biodiversity requirements, helping projects stay ahead of evolving regulations and market expectations.⁴

3. Who uses BREEAM, and why?

A wide range of organisations use BREEAM, including developers, investors, asset managers, architects, engineers and contractors. Developers and owners rely on certification to demonstrate performance and reduce operational risk, while occupiers increasingly see it as a sign of energy efficiency, wellbeing and resilience. Design teams use BREEAM to structure decisions and focus on measures that deliver measurable impact.³

4. How does BREEAM help embed sustainability?

BREEAM assesses buildings across multiple categories — management, health and wellbeing, energy, transport, water, materials, waste, ecology and pollution — using a credit-based system to measure performance^.3
Based on the number of credits achieved, buildings are awarded a rating: Outstanding (≥85%), Excellent (≥70%), Very Good (≥55%), Good (≥45%), Pass (≥30%) or Unclassified (<30%). This structure encourages teams to target the most meaningful sustainability improvements rather than treating environmental performance as an afterthought.
BREEAM certification can also enhance the economic performance of assets. Certified buildings often achieve stronger market valuations and attract higher tenant demand, reflecting growing awareness of sustainability’s role in investment risk and operational efficiency, as well as a more positive experience for a building’s users.⁵ Operational savings through energy and resource efficiency can strengthen long-term value, supporting both environmental and financial goals.

5. Where and when is BREEAM applied?

Developed in the UK, BREEAM is now used in many countries across sectors such as commercial, education, healthcare, industrial and residential projects. It can be applied at different stages of a project — from early design through construction and for buildings in use — allowing sustainability to be integrated throughout the life cycle of a development.² In practice, BREEAM is most effective when its principles are embedded from the earliest stages of a project. Applying it later can be more challenging and may limit the opportunities to achieve higher ratings.

6. Our BREEAM consultancy services

Nature Positive’s sustainability team has extensive experience in delivering BREEAM assessments across multiple sectors. We work closely with funders, architects, project managers, contractors and specialists to translate sustainability ambitions into practical outcomes.
Our support covers every stage of the assessment process — from early strategy and pre-assessments to final certification — helping clients achieve ratings that reflect both design goals and regulatory expectations.
BREEAM is most effective when considered early, at or even prior to the design stage, to allow time to properly integrate sustainability principles from the get-go; as with most sustainability topics, it works best when integrated rather than bolted on.
To learn more about our BREEAM services, please contact our team or visit our BREEAM service page.