BREEM New construction
BRE Group
BREEAM sets standards for sustainable building design.
The BREEM New construction costs $2,500 USD, takes approximately 104 weeks, and requires around 200 hours of study. Over 550,000+ buildings have earned this program worldwide. Renewal costs $0 USD.
Key Strengths
- World's first and most established green building rating system, founded in 1990
- Recognized in 77+ countries with over 550,000 certified buildings globally
- Science-driven methodology aligned with latest energy, carbon, and EU Taxonomy standards
- Holistic assessment covering energy, health, ecology, materials, pollution, and more
- Tiered rating system (Pass to Outstanding) allows incremental improvement
- Version 7 update aligns with Net Zero Carbon and whole-life carbon science
Ideal For
BREEAM New Construction is best suited for property developers, architects, and sustainability consultants working on new commercial, residential, or mixed-use building projects who want internationally recognized certification of their building's environmental performance. It is particularly valuable for those seeking to meet investor ESG requirements, comply with planning conditions in the UK and Europe, or demonstrate alignment with EU Taxonomy criteria.
Target Audiences
Relevant Roles
Industries
Alignment & Recognition
Accrediting Body
Building Scope
Overview
BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) New Construction is a framework developed to ensure buildings are environmentally sustainable. Established in 1990 by the Building Research Establishment (BRE), it was the world's first sustainability assessment method.
BREEAM evaluates buildings across various factors like energy use, health and wellbeing, and pollution. Projects earn credits in these areas, leading to a final rating from 'Pass' to 'Outstanding'. Over 550,000 buildings in 77 countries have been BREEAM-certified.
Key clients include homebuilders and commercial property developers seeking to lower environmental impact. The program is also used by governments and city planners for smart urban development. Notable partners include architecture firms and construction companies aiming for high sustainability standards in new buildings. It serves as a guide for designing, constructing, and operating buildings that balance engineering and environmental concerns effectively.
Requirements & Verification
Evidence Requirements
Projects must submit detailed documentation demonstrating compliance across BREEAM categories including energy performance modelling, materials specifications, ecology assessments, health and wellbeing strategies, and pollution mitigation measures. A licensed BREEAM Assessor collects and verifies evidence at design stage and post-construction stage. Evidence typically includes design drawings, specifications, calculations, commissioning records, and third-party reports. A post-construction review confirms that design-stage commitments were delivered on site.
Prerequisites
Assessment Process
BREEAM New Construction is assessed in two stages: a Design Stage assessment and a Post-Construction Stage assessment. A licensed BREEAM Assessor (accredited by BRE Global) conducts both assessments by reviewing submitted documentation, design drawings, specifications, and calculations against BREEAM criteria across categories such as energy, health, ecology, materials, and pollution. Credits are awarded for each compliant issue, and the total score determines the final rating (Pass, Good, Very Good, Excellent, or Outstanding). BRE Global's quality assurance team reviews the assessor's submission before issuing the final certificate.
Renewal & Compliance
BREEAM New Construction certifications are issued at design stage and post-construction stage and do not require periodic renewal — the rating is tied to the building at the time of assessment. However, buildings seeking to maintain or update their sustainability credentials may pursue BREEAM In-Use certification for ongoing operational performance. Assessors and licensed professionals must maintain their own BREEAM Assessor accreditation separately through BRE.
Accountability Model
Impact & Outcomes
Salary & Market Value
BREEAM certification is widely recognized by institutional investors and developers across Europe and the UK, and BREEAM-certified buildings typically command rental premiums of 5–10% and higher asset valuations compared to non-certified equivalents. For sustainability professionals and BREEAM Assessors, holding BREEAM expertise is a valued skill that can increase consulting rates and career opportunities in the green building sector.
Employer Recognition
Consider Alternatives If...
Consider alternatives if your project is located primarily in North America, where LEED or ENERGY STAR may offer stronger market recognition and local code alignment. Also avoid if your project timeline or budget cannot accommodate the documentation, third-party assessment fees, and ongoing compliance requirements that BREEAM entails.
Alternative Programs
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick Facts
Rating
English
1990
550K+
Available
