BREEAM Refurbishment and fit-out
BRE Group
BREEAM sets standards for eco-friendly building refurbishments.
The BREEAM Refurbishment and fit-out costs $2,500 USD. Over 550,000+ buildings have earned this program worldwide. Renewal costs $0 USD.
Key Strengths
- Globally recognised sustainability standard with over 30 years of credibility
- Covers a wide range of sustainability categories including energy, water, health, and ecology
- Third-party verified assessment ensures rigorous and credible ratings
- Applicable to diverse building types: commercial, residential, and mixed-use
- Tiered rating system (Pass to Outstanding) allows incremental improvement
- Supports compliance with ESG reporting and green finance requirements
Ideal For
Best suited for building owners, developers, and real estate professionals undertaking refurbishment or fit-out projects on existing commercial, residential, or mixed-use buildings. Ideal for those seeking to demonstrate sustainability credentials, attract tenants, meet investor ESG requirements, or comply with local planning and regulatory standards.
Target Audiences
Relevant Roles
Industries
Alignment & Recognition
Accrediting Body
Building Scope
Overview
BREEAM Refurbishment and Fit-Out provides a framework to improve the sustainability of existing buildings during renovation. It addresses energy efficiency, water use, health, and well-being among other factors. BREEAM began in 1990 and has been widely adopted globally, with over 2.2 million buildings registered. Key clients include major property developers and real estate professionals looking to enhance building performance and value.
The program offers ratings for different types of projects, including commercial, residential, and mixed-use buildings. Real estate professionals often use BREEAM ratings to attract tenants, secure investments, and meet regulatory requirements. It involves third-party assessment to ensure standards are met. Partners include construction firms, architects, and local governments working towards creating buildings that are less harmful to the environment and healthier for occupants. This comprehensive approach ensures a balance between practicality and sustainability in building refurbishments.
Requirements & Verification
Evidence Requirements
Project teams must compile and submit documentary evidence across all assessed sustainability categories (energy, water, health & wellbeing, materials, waste, ecology, transport, pollution, and management). Evidence typically includes design drawings, specifications, commissioning records, energy performance calculations, waste management plans, and contractor/supplier documentation. A licensed BREEAM Assessor reviews all evidence and submits to BRE for quality assurance and certification.
Prerequisites
Assessment Process
There is no exam for the building owner or developer. A licensed BREEAM Assessor (accredited by BRE Global) conducts the assessment by reviewing documentary evidence submitted by the project team across all sustainability categories. BRE Global performs a quality assurance check on the assessor's submission before issuing the final certificate and rating. On-site visits may be conducted by the assessor during design and post-construction stages to verify compliance.
Renewal & Compliance
BREEAM ratings are tied to the specific project at the time of assessment and do not require periodic renewal. However, if a building undergoes further significant refurbishment or fit-out, a new assessment would be required to reflect updated works. There are no ongoing continuing education or renewal fees for the building rating itself.
Accountability Model
Impact & Outcomes
Salary & Market Value
BREEAM-certified buildings typically command rental premiums of 5–10% and higher asset valuations compared to non-certified equivalents, according to industry research. For professionals holding BREEAM Assessor accreditation, the credential is associated with higher consulting rates and stronger employability in sustainable construction and real estate sectors.
Employer Recognition
Consider Alternatives If...
If your project is a new-build rather than a refurbishment or fit-out, consider BREEAM New Construction instead. Organisations with very limited budgets or small-scale minor works may find the assessment costs and documentation requirements disproportionate to the project scope.
Alternative Programs
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick Facts
Rating
English
2010
550K+
Available
