At BREEAM Assessment, we specialise in officiating the recognised method of evaluating the environmental performance of new and existing buildings. 

Whether you’re developing commercial premises, refurbishing existing space, or constructing residential units, BREEAM certification helps demonstrate your commitment to sustainability, efficiency, and best practice in construction.

As an internationally respected framework, BREEAM offers measurable benchmarks across a range of sustainability categories. 

It supports developers, architects, and contractors in meeting environmental goals while increasing asset value and reducing running costs.

Request a free consultation with our BREEM assessment officials today.

What Is a BREEAM Assessment?

A BREEAM assessment is a formal evaluation of how well a building performs in terms of sustainability, covering areas such as energy use, materials, waste, water management, and occupant health.

The assessment uses a scoring system across categories like transport, pollution, innovation, and management. 

A qualified BREEAM assessor gathers documentation, inspects site processes, and provides a score that results in a rating from Pass to Outstanding.

As it applies across building types and stages, BREEAM is widely used in commercial, education, healthcare, and residential developments.

How Much Does a BREEAM Assessment Cost?

The cost of a BREEAM assessment starts at around £2,500 to £4,500 for a smaller project.

Full assessments for large commercial schemes ranging between £5,000 and £15,000+.

Costs depend on the type and scale of development, the stage of assessment (Design Stage or Post Construction), and the level of support required. Additional fees may include registration with BRE, evidence collation, and consultant hours.

As each project is unique, pricing is determined following a project brief or scope of work.

What Types of Buildings Require a BREEAM Assessment?

BREEAM assessments apply to a wide range of building types, including new commercial and office developments, refurbishment and fit-out projects, education and healthcare facilities, multi-residential and student accommodation, and industrial and logistics units.

While not always mandatory, BREEAM is often required by local planning authorities, government frameworks, or funding bodies.

As early-stage planning often includes sustainability targets, appointing an assessor from the design phase is strongly recommended.

What Are the BREEAM Rating Levels?

The BREEAM rating system includes five levels based on the number of credits achieved, including a pass (≥30%), good (≥45%), very Good (≥55%), excellent (≥70%), and outstanding (≥85%)

Credits are awarded for meeting specific criteria under categories such as energy efficiency, transport accessibility, ecology, and waste management. 

The final rating reflects how well the building performs against environmental and sustainability goals.

As different projects have different priorities, scores are weighted based on project type and location.

What Is the Role of a BREEAM Assessor?

A licensed BREEAM assessor provides guidance and carries out the formal assessment of a development’s sustainability performance.

The assessor works with your design and construction team to identify credit opportunities, verify evidence, and submit documentation to BRE for certification. 

This includes pre-assessment reports, design stage evaluations, and post-construction reviews.

As the process is detailed and evidence-driven, early engagement with a qualified assessor ensures smoother certification and higher scoring potential.

What Are the Benefits of a BREEAM Assessment?

A BREEAM assessment offers long-term value to both the environment and the building owner. 

Key benefits include:

• Reduced energy and operating costs through sustainable design
• Improved building performance and occupant well-being
• Stronger environmental credentials for tenders and funding bids
• Higher asset value and marketability for commercial properties
• Demonstrable compliance with planning and regulatory frameworks
• Recognition from clients and stakeholders for sustainable practice
• Long-term cost savings through better water, energy, and waste management

Is BREEAM Certification Mandatory in the UK?

BREEAM certification is not legally mandatory, but it is often required by local planning authorities, funding bodies, or public sector clients.

Many local councils include sustainability targets in their planning conditions, and achieving a specific BREEAM rating is a common way to demonstrate compliance. For commercial developments or public buildings, BREEAM is frequently requested at the tender stage.

As it provides third-party assurance of environmental performance, certification is increasingly expected across various sectors.

When Should I Appoint a BREEAM Assessor?

A BREEAM assessor should be appointed as early as possible, ideally during the planning or concept design phase.

This ensures you can integrate sustainability measures into the design from the outset and avoid missing credits that can only be achieved at early stages. Waiting until construction has begun often limits available credits or results in lower ratings.

As early involvement improves outcomes, we recommend engaging with an assessor before submitting detailed design plans.

What Happens During the Design Stage Assessment?

During the design stage, the BREEAM assessor reviews your plans and specifications to identify which sustainability criteria are being met.

You will be asked to submit architectural drawings, energy reports, material schedules, and supporting documentation. The assessor verifies these against the relevant BREEAM scheme and produces a design stage report with a predicted rating. This is then submitted to BRE for interim certification.

As this stage sets the foundation for your final rating, accurate and timely documentation is essential.

What Is the Difference Between the Design Stage and Post-Construction Stage?

The Design Stage assessment evaluates your building’s proposed performance based on drawings and documentation, while the Post Construction Review confirms whether those sustainability measures were implemented.

At the post-construction stage, the BREEAM assessor visits the site and reviews installation records, photographs, and final specifications. This is used to verify compliance with your earlier claims and issue your final certified rating.

As both stages are required for full certification, consistent documentation across the project is important.

How Long Does a BREEAM Assessment Take?

The full BREEAM assessment process takes between 8 and 24 weeks, depending on the scale and complexity of the project.

The Design Stage assessment is usually completed within 4 to 12 weeks, depending on how quickly design documents can be provided. The Post Construction Review can take a similar amount of time, particularly if evidence needs to be collected after handover.

As timelines depend on team responsiveness, clear communication between stakeholders is essential.

Can I Still Achieve BREEAM Certification on Refurbishment Projects?

BREEAM certificate can be achieved on major refurbishment and fit-out projects.

The BREEAM Refurbishment and Fit-Out (RFO) scheme is specifically designed for upgrades to existing buildings and assesses categories such as energy efficiency, water use, indoor environmental quality, and responsible materials sourcing.

As the scope of assessment varies by project type, a pre-assessment with your BREEAM assessor can clarify what’s achievable.

Get Expert Support for BREEAM Assessments

At Breem Assessment, we provide professional BREEAM assessment services, supporting architects, developers, and project managers in achieving certification across all building types. 

Whether you’re aiming for a “Very Good” or “Outstanding” rating, we help guide you through the entire process,  from feasibility to submission.

Contact us today to discuss your development and request a tailored quote for BREEAM assessment support.

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