Understanding BREEAM: What Landlords Need to Know

As the demand for sustainable buildings continues to rise, obtaining a green building certification like BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) can significantly enhance property value, marketability, and compliance with environmental regulations. This blog post aims to provide landlords with a comprehensive understanding of BREEAM, its benefits, the certification process, and how it can impact their properties.

What is BREEAM?

BREEAM is one of the world’s leading sustainability assessment methods for master planning projects, infrastructure, and buildings. It recognizes and reflects the value in higher performing assets across the built environment lifecycle, from new construction to in-use and refurbishment.

Developed by the Building Research Establishment (BRE) in the UK, BREEAM sets benchmarks for the sustainability performance of buildings through rigorous assessment criteria covering various categories such as energy, water, materials, waste, ecology, and health and wellbeing​.

Key Benefits of BREEAM Certification

1. Enhanced Property Value: BREEAM-certified buildings often have higher market values and rental rates due to their recognized sustainability and efficiency standards. Investors and tenants are increasingly looking for properties with proven environmental credentials, making BREEAM certification a valuable asset​​.

2. Improved Energy Efficiency: BREEAM encourages the use of energy-efficient designs and technologies, which can lead to significant cost savings in energy consumption. This not only reduces operational costs but also minimizes the environmental impact of the property​​.

3. Health and Wellbeing: BREEAM places a strong emphasis on the health and wellbeing of building occupants. Certified buildings are designed to provide better indoor air quality, natural lighting, and comfortable thermal environments, which can enhance tenant satisfaction and productivity​​.

4. Compliance and Risk Management: With growing regulatory demands for sustainability, BREEAM certification helps ensure compliance with local and international environmental standards. This can mitigate risks associated with non-compliance and enhance the property’s reputation​.

The BREEAM Certification Process

1. Pre-Assessment: The process begins with a pre-assessment to identify the potential BREEAM rating and key areas for improvement. This involves reviewing the building design and specifications against BREEAM criteria.

2. Design Stage Assessment: At this stage, evidence is gathered to demonstrate compliance with BREEAM criteria during the design phase. This includes documentation such as building plans, specifications, and environmental strategies.

3. Post-Construction Review: Once the building is constructed, a post-construction review is conducted to verify that the building meets the BREEAM criteria established during the design stage. This involves site inspections and reviewing final documentation.

4. Certification: After successful verification, the building is awarded a BREEAM rating, ranging from Pass to Outstanding, based on the number of credits achieved in various assessment categories.

Impact on Landlords

1. Market Differentiation: BREEAM certification sets properties apart in a competitive market by highlighting their commitment to sustainability and quality. This can attract environmentally conscious tenants and investors​.

2. Long-Term Savings: Investing in BREEAM certification can lead to long-term savings through reduced energy and water consumption, lower maintenance costs, and increased tenant retention due to improved living conditions​.

3. Positive Public Perception: BREEAM-certified properties are often viewed more favorably by the public, enhancing the landlord’s reputation as a responsible and forward-thinking property owner .

4. Enhanced Asset Performance: By adhering to BREEAM standards, landlords can ensure their properties are resilient, future-proofed, and capable of adapting to evolving sustainability requirements​​.

BREEAM certification offers substantial benefits for landlords, from increased property value and marketability to significant operational savings and enhanced tenant satisfaction. By understanding and investing in the BREEAM certification process, landlords can position their properties as leaders in sustainability and quality, meeting the growing demand for greener, more efficient buildings.

For more detailed guidance on achieving BREEAM certification and its benefits, visit the BREEAM website and consult with certified BREEAM assessors to begin your journey towards a more sustainable property portfolio.