BREEAM enables buildings to demonstrate their environmental performance through an independently certified assessment and is increasingly required for planning and funding purposes.


BREEAM is an environmental assessment scheme that aims to quantify and improve the environmental performance of buildings by rewarding designs that take positive steps to minimise their environmental impact. Increasingly used for planning and funding purposes, BREEAM enables clients and their design teams to demonstrate the environmental credentials of their buildings through independent certification.


BREEAM can be used at any stage of a building’s life from design and construction through to refurbishment and even in operation.


Southfacing are licensed BREEAM assessors and we have extensive experience of supporting project teams through the assessment process on a wide range of building types. Our services include:


  • BREEAM pre-assessments - An early stage review that allows a building’s maximum potential to be established to offer a cost effective route to the required BREEAM rating. This is often carried out as part of the planning process
  • Formal BREEAM assessment – Carried out in two stages, a building’s performance is first evaluated at design stage (Interim certification) and is then confirmed post construction to gain Final certification
  • Design advice – Often offered in conjunction with the formal assessment to assist the design team and client in gaining the required rating in the most time efficient and cost effective manner

There are a number of different versions of BREEAM for different building types such as:


    Bespoke BREEAM – where a development does not fit into a standard scheme or where there are mixed uses within a building then a Bespoke BREEAM assessment is required. In these cases BRE develop BREEAM criteria to be developed specifically for a project.


    BREEAM Education – covers primary / secondary schools, sixth form colleges, further education / vocational colleges and university buildings.


    BREEAM Healthcare - covers teaching/specialist, general acute, community and mental health hospitals as well as other healthcare facilities such as GP surgeries and health centres/clinics.


    BREEAM International – can be used for the assessment of any building type outside the UK.


    BREEAM In Use – used for the assessment of existing buildings in operation to evaluate and improve their performance over time.


    BREEAM Offices – can be used for both speculative and fitted out office buildings and associated areas such as meeting and training rooms.