If you hear the word BREEAM and wonder what it is, do not worry, the word can be confusing. To put it simply, it’s one of the most respected ways of measuring how environmentally friendly a building really is.
In this article, we will cut through the jargons and explore the key purpose of BREEAM, main areas it covers, different rating levels and how it actually works.
Key Purpose of BREEAM
So what is the key purpose of BREEAM—short for Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method—is essentially the report card for buildings, but instead of grading maths homework, it’s scoring how sustainable a structure is.
A little bit of boring backgorun, launched in the UK back in 1990, its purpose is simple: encourage buildings to be better for the environment and healthier for the people who use them. Whether it’s a school, office, hospital, or housing development, BREEAM looks at how efficiently it’s designed, built, and run—nudging everyone involved towards greener choices.
In essence, it’s not about punishing developers for every misplaced light bulb, but about inspiring them to think beyond the bottom line and deliver buildings that won’t have future generations shaking their fists in despair.
Main Areas It Covers
The BREEAM Assessment doesn’t just glance at a building and tick a few boxes—it takes a full-on deep dive. Some of its main areas include:
- Energy – How efficiently the building keeps warm in winter and cool in summer without guzzling power like there’s no tomorrow.
- Water – Encouraging sensible use of that precious clear liquid, with measures like low-flow taps and rainwater harvesting.
- Health and Wellbeing – From natural light to indoor air quality, BREEAM wants spaces that don’t feel like a fluorescent-lit dungeon.
- Transport – Is the building accessible by public transport, cycle paths, or foot? Bonus points if it doesn’t demand everyone arrive by car.
- Materials – Where do the bricks, timber, and tiles come from? Sustainable sourcing gets a gold star.
- Waste – Not just during construction, but over the building’s whole life—because landfill shouldn’t be the go-to retirement plan for materials.
- Ecology – Making sure local wildlife isn’t bulldozed into oblivion.
Put simply, it’s a whole-life approach—more Mary Poppins’ “practically perfect” than quick-fix lipstick on a pig.
Different Rating Levels
Like all respectable British systems, BREEAM uses a neat hierarchy of ratings rather than blunt “pass or fail” outcomes. They range from:
- Pass – You’ve met the minimum sustainability standards, but no one’s popping champagne.
- Good – A solid effort, you’ve done your homework, but there’s room for more.
- Excellent – High marks across the board; eco-warriors everywhere will nod approvingly.
- Outstanding – The crème de la crème. You’ve built something so green it’s practically photosynthesising.
These levels aren’t given out like free samples; they require genuine commitment. A project aiming for “Outstanding” isn’t just ticking boxes—it’s probably changing how the team thinks about construction altogether.
How BREEAM Assessment Improves Building Sustainability
How Scoring Works
BREEAM scores are based on credits earned across its assessment categories. Each area is weighted differently—energy, for example, carries more influence than, say, landscaping, because its long-term impact is more significant.
Your building might score brilliantly on water efficiency but slightly less impressively on transport links. The magic happens when those individual category scores are weighted, summed up, and translated into an overall percentage.
The thresholds for ratings roughly go like this:
- Pass – 30%
- Good – 45%
- Very Good – 55%
- Excellent – 70%
- Outstanding – 85%+
Think of it as an academic transcript where every subject matters, but some carry more marks than others. No single perfect score can carry you to “Outstanding” if you’ve neglected the basics elsewhere.
Why It’s Important
In an age where climate change is no longer the plot of an apocalyptic film but a daily news headline, sustainability in construction isn’t just a “nice to have”—it’s essential.
A BREEAM Assessment gives developers, investors, and occupants the reassurance that a building isn’t secretly an energy hog wrapped in glass. It also has tangible benefits:
- Market appeal – Eco-friendly buildings are increasingly in demand.
- Operational savings – Energy-efficient designs slash utility bills.
- Healthier spaces – Better air, better light, and better mood for the people inside.
- Future-proofing – Regulations are only going to get stricter; why not get ahead now?
And let’s not forget reputational benefits—few things polish a developer’s image like a glowing sustainability rating.
Conclusion
BREEAM can be difficult to understand, but it’s a genuine force for positive change. It pushes projects above and beyond. It drives projects into the territory of innovation, efficiency, and care for both people and planet.
So the next time someone mentions a BREEAM Assessment over coffee, you’ll know they’re talking about more than just a bureaucratic hurdle. They’re talking about a blueprint for buildings that work in harmony with the environment—proving that sustainability can be both sensible and stylish.
