Achieving BREEAM certification can significantly enhance the value, sustainability, and marketability of your building project. Whether you’re developing a commercial office, residential complex, or educational facility in the UK or elsewhere, understanding the BREEAM process is essential.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key steps to get BREEAM certified — and how ERKE Sustainability Consultancy can support you at each stage.
Step 1: Define Your Project Scope
Start by identifying:
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The building type (new construction, refurbishment, or in-use)
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The location
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The desired certification level (Pass, Good, Very Good, Excellent, or Outstanding)
Understanding your goals early helps shape your sustainability strategy and timeline.
Step 2: Appoint a Licensed BREEAM Consultant
Working with a qualified BREEAM Consultant is critical. They’ll:
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Advise on achievable targets
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Provide a pre-assessment
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Coordinate documentation and communication with the BRE (Building Research Establishment)
At ERKE, our team has delivered BREEAM assessments for various sectors, from healthcare to commercial buildings.
Step 3: Pre-Assessment Report
The BREEAM consultant prepares a pre-assessment report, evaluating:
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Current design performance
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Potential credits to target
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Areas needing improvement
This document helps decision-makers plan smarter and align stakeholders from the start.
Step 4: Design & Construction Stage Evidence
BREEAM assesses environmental performance across categories such as:
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Energy
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Water
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Materials
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Waste
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Health & Well-being
Design teams must gather and submit evidence—calculations, reports, photos, policies, etc.—for each credit.
Your consultant ensures that this process is well-documented, efficient, and meets BRE’s criteria.
Step 5: Formal Submission & Certification
Once documentation is complete, the consultant submits everything to the licensed BREEAM Assessor, who reviews and sends it to BRE for approval.
After successful review, BRE awards the certification level you’ve achieved — and your project becomes officially BREEAM-certified!
For detailed technical information on BREEAM New Construction assessment criteria, visit the official BREEAM New Construction technical standards page by BRE.
Why Choose ERKE for BREEAM?
ERKE Sustainability Consultancy offers:
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Local UK expertise with global experience
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Turnkey project support: from pre-assessment to certification
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Guidance on dual certifications (e.g., LEED + BREEAM)
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Transparent processes and timeline management
Ready to Start Your BREEAM Journey?
Let ERKE help you streamline your path to certification. Whether you’re starting from scratch or improving an existing design, our expert team will lead you every step of the way.
👉 Get in touch with us today to begin your BREEAM certification journey.
