BREEAM Infrastructure
BRE Group
BREEAM Infrastructure rates eco-friendly building projects.
The BREEAM Infrastructure costs $5,000 USD, takes approximately 52 weeks, and requires around 200 hours of study. Over 500 buildings have earned this program worldwide. Renewal costs $2,000 USD.
Key Strengths
- Internationally recognized sustainability standard with decades of credibility
- Comprehensive assessment covering environment, social, and economic sustainability
- Structured rating tiers from Pass to Outstanding provide clear performance benchmarks
- Widely accepted by public sector clients and procurement bodies in the UK and Europe
- Supports whole-lifecycle thinking from design through construction and operation
- Aligns with major sustainability frameworks and reporting standards
Ideal For
BREEAM Infrastructure is best suited for civil engineers, infrastructure developers, and project managers working on large-scale public or private infrastructure projects such as roads, railways, utilities, and flood defenses. It is particularly valuable for organizations seeking internationally recognized sustainability credentials, responding to public procurement requirements, or aiming to demonstrate environmental and social responsibility on complex infrastructure schemes.
Target Audiences
Relevant Roles
Industries
Alignment & Recognition
Accrediting Body
Building Scope
Overview
BREEAM Infrastructure, part of the BREEAM family, is a comprehensive sustainability assessment method designed for infrastructure projects. Originating in the UK, BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) has been a global standard since 1990. BREEAM Infrastructure evaluates projects on various sustainability metrics, including energy efficiency, environmental impact, health, and resource management.
Projects are rated based on their performance, with scores ranging from Pass to Outstanding. This program helps real estate professionals and developers create sustainable, resilient, and high-performing infrastructure.
Key clients and partners include public and private sector organizations such as Transport for London and the Dutch Green Building Council. By offering detailed technical standards and a structured rating system, BREEAM Infrastructure aids in enhancing the sustainability and efficiency of large-scale infrastructure projects.
Requirements & Verification
Evidence Requirements
Projects must compile a detailed evidence file demonstrating performance against BREEAM Infrastructure categories including energy, transport, water, materials, waste, ecology, pollution, and management. Evidence typically includes design drawings, specifications, calculations, management plans, and third-party reports. A licensed BREEAM Assessor reviews and submits the evidence to BRE for verification and certification.
Prerequisites
Assessment Process
BREEAM Infrastructure uses a staged assessment process conducted by a licensed BREEAM Assessor. The assessor collects and reviews evidence against each category credit, submits the evidence file to BRE Global for quality assurance review, and BRE issues the formal certification. Assessments are typically conducted at the design stage and again post-construction. There is no written exam; the process is documentation-based with independent third-party verification by BRE.
Renewal & Compliance
BREEAM Infrastructure certifications are typically issued at design and/or post-construction stages. There is no formal annual renewal cycle; however, projects certified at design stage must undergo a separate post-construction assessment to confirm that sustainability measures were implemented as designed. BRE may update technical standards periodically, and projects are assessed against the version current at registration.
Accountability Model
Impact & Outcomes
Salary & Market Value
BREEAM certification is widely recognized in the UK and European construction and infrastructure sectors and can enhance the commercial value and marketability of infrastructure projects. For professionals holding BREEAM Assessor credentials, the qualification can command a salary premium of 10–20% over non-certified peers in sustainability and engineering roles, though specific data for BREEAM Infrastructure project certification is not publicly published.
Employer Recognition
Consider Alternatives If...
Organizations working on small-scale or residential projects may find BREEAM Infrastructure's scope and cost disproportionate to their needs. Teams without dedicated sustainability resources or budget for third-party assessment may struggle with the documentation and audit requirements.
Alternative Programs
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick Facts
Rating
English
2009
500
