An introduction to BREEAM
BREEAM standards are the world’s leading science-based frameworks for assessing, validating and certifying sustainability in the built environment.
Start your sustainability journeyDeveloped by BRE, BREEAM standards provide robust, independent and internationally recognised benchmarks to help organisations create high-performing, future-proof assets, whilst meeting their environmental, social and governance (ESG) goals.
Whether you’re working on a new or existing building, a community masterplan or an infrastructure project, BREEAM standards provide a consistent way to measure sustainability across the asset lifecycle.
BREEAM standards cover every stage of the built environment, from design and construction through operation to refurbishment, and can be used anywhere in the world. The BREEAM standards are:
BREEAM New construction
The BREEAM New construction standards provide a framework to deliver high performing and sustainable newly built assets. This standard support’s the asset’s commercial success while creating positive environmental and social impact.
BREEAM In-use
The BREEAM In-Use standards provide a framework to enable property investors, owners, managers and occupiers to assess the sustainability of their assets and drive sustainable improvements. This creates opportunities for benchmarking, assurance and validation of operational asset data.
BREEAM Infrastructure
BREEAM Infrastructure (formerly CEEQUAL) is the world’s first sustainability rating scheme for civil engineering, infrastructure, landscaping and public realm projects and contracts. It supports clients, designers and contractors in the sustainable design, construction, maintenance and refurbishment of infrastructure assets.
BREEAM New Construction Residential
BREEAM UK New Construction Residential (previously known as HQM) is the badge of a better home. It enables house builders to showcase the quality of their homes, and to distinguish them from other houses on the market, by providing impartial information from independent experts.
BREEAM Communities
The BREEAM Communities standard provides a framework to support planners, local authorities, developers and investors to integrate and assess sustainable design in the masterplanning of new communities and regeneration projects. It ensures that large-scale developments deliver long-term environmental, social and economic sustainability objectives.
BREEAM Refurbishment and fit-out
The BREEAM Refurbishment and Fit Out standards support developers, owners and project teams in delivering high-performing, sustainable refurbishments, and fit outs of new and existing buildings. They provide a clear structure to minimise environmental impact, improve efficiency, and enhance social and economic value.
BREEAM New Construction Residential
BREEAM UK New Construction Residential (previously known as HQM) is the badge of a better home. It enables house builders to showcase the quality of their homes, and to distinguish them from other houses on the market, by providing impartial information from independent experts.
Download the technical manuals
Find out more about BREEAM UKNCR
BREEAM In-use
The BREEAM In-Use standards provide a framework to enable property investors, owners, managers and occupiers to assess the sustainability of their assets and drive sustainable improvements. This creates opportunities for benchmarking, assurance and validation of operational asset data.
Download the technical manuals
More about BREEAM In-useBREEAM Infrastructure
BREEAM Infrastructure (formerly CEEQUAL) is the world’s first sustainability rating scheme for civil engineering, infrastructure, landscaping and public realm projects and contracts. It supports clients, designers and contractors in the sustainable design, construction, maintenance and refurbishment of infrastructure assets.
Download the technical manuals
More about BREEAM Infrastructure
BREEAM Communities
The BREEAM Communities standard provides a framework to support planners, local authorities, developers and investors to integrate and assess sustainable design in the masterplanning of new communities and regeneration projects. It ensures that large-scale developments deliver long-term environmental, social and economic sustainability objectives.
Download the technical manuals
More about BREEAM CommunitiesBREEAM Refurbishment and fit-out
The BREEAM Refurbishment and Fit Out standards support developers, owners and project teams in delivering high-performing, sustainable refurbishments, and fit outs of new and existing buildings. They provide a clear structure to minimise environmental impact, improve efficiency, and enhance social and economic value.
Download the technical manuals
More about BREEAM Refurbishment and fit-out
Why Choose BREEAM Standards?
Organisations around the world use BREEAM standards to:
- Improve asset performance and long-term resilience
- Deliver commercial value Reduce lifecycle costs and operational risks
- Contribute to net zero carbon and biodiversity goals
- Enhance health, wellbeing and social value
- Provide independent, third-party assurance of sustainability performance
- Support disclosure, reporting and ESG requirements
- Enable consistent benchmarking across portfolios
BREEAM training from BRE Academy
BRE Academy provides training in all of the BREEAM technical standards. Whether you’re looking for introductory learning or an advanced qualification, we have the training solution for you. Our BREEAM training courses teach you to use the world’s leading green building tool to achieve sustainability success.
Explore BREEAM training courses
BREEAM Case studies
See how organisations worldwide have used BREEAM standards to achieve sustainability success:
BREEAM Infrastructure: Oslo’s sustainable tunnelling excellence
Jonas, Amsterdam IJburg, achieves BREEAM Outstanding for mixed-use development
Carmila Cap Saran Achieves BREEAM In-Use Excellent
Get Started with BREEAM Standards
Whether you’re planning a new development, improving an existing asset, or looking to meet ambitious ESG and net zero carbon targets, our standards provide the framework you need. Speak to our team today.