In the UK’s rapidly evolving real estate and construction sector, sustainability has become a critical priority. Whether you’re developing a commercial office, a residential complex, or a public facility, BREEAM certification provides a globally recognised benchmark to measure and enhance your project’s environmental performance.
This comprehensive guide will walk you step-by-step through the BREEAM certification process. In addition, we’ll highlight key benefits and explain how ERKE Sustainability Consultancy can support your journey from concept to certification.
What is BREEAM?
To begin with, BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) is the world’s longest-established method of assessing, rating, and certifying the sustainability of buildings.
It evaluates buildings in key categories including:
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Energy efficiency
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Water usage
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Health & wellbeing
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Waste management
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Pollution control
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Transportation options
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Material selection
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Land use and ecology
The system awards a final rating based on performance, ranging from:
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Pass (≥30%)
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Good (≥45%)
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Very Good (≥55%)
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Excellent (≥70%)
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Outstanding (≥85%)
By achieving higher ratings, developers can demonstrate leadership in environmental responsibility.
Why Is BREEAM Important in the UK?
Across the UK, councils and regulatory bodies are increasingly prioritising sustainable development. As a result, BREEAM certification has become a powerful tool to:
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Gain faster planning permission
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Access green finance and grants
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Enhance your asset’s market value
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Reduce long-term operating costs
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Improve tenant retention and satisfaction
According to the UK Green Building Council, green-certified buildings can save up to 30% on energy costs compared to non-certified counterparts.
How to Get BREEAM Certification: Step-by-Step
1. Appoint a Licensed BREEAM Assessor
Your journey begins by hiring a BRE-licensed BREEAM assessor. ERKE’s qualified professionals work closely with your design and construction teams to guide the entire certification process.
2. Conduct a Pre-Assessment
At this stage, we organise a pre-assessment workshop. This session helps your team understand the criteria, estimate achievable scores, and plan actions accordingly. As a result, you can make proactive decisions before costly changes become necessary.
3. Register the Project
The assessor then registers your project via the BREEAM Projects portal. This formal step assigns a unique reference number to your building. Registration fees vary based on the project type and scale.
4. Design Stage Evaluation
Once registered, your team submits architectural plans, system specifications, and material data. The assessor reviews all documentation and assigns preliminary credit scores based on compliance.
5. Post-Construction Assessment
After construction, the assessor visits the site and reviews on-site documentation. This ensures that the built environment matches the original sustainability commitments.
6. Certification Issued by BRE
BRE carefully reviews the final report. Once approved, they issue your official BREEAM certificate. Typically, the full certification cycle takes 4 to 6 months, depending on the project complexity.
Types of BREEAM Schemes
Your project may qualify for one of several BREEAM schemes:
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New Construction: For new non-residential developments
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Refurbishment and Fit-Out (RFO): For renovated or retrofitted buildings
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In-Use: For operational buildings improving performance
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Communities: For large-scale developments or mixed-use masterplans
Choosing the right scheme from the beginning helps avoid delays and confusion during assessment.
How ERKE Consultancy Supports Your Certification Process
ERKE Sustainability Consultancy offers end-to-end support for projects across the UK. Our experienced team helps you:
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Identify the most suitable BREEAM scheme
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Create a strategy to maximise credit opportunities
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Facilitate workshops and technical support
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Communicate effectively with BRE and assessors
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Prepare all necessary documentation for certification
In addition to BREEAM, we also offer expert LEED Consulting — ideal for international or dual-certification projects.
Success Case: London Mixed-Use Development
Let’s look at a real-world example.
In 2024, ERKE supported a mixed-use development in East London. Through smart HVAC design and advanced materials, we helped the client achieve a BREEAM Excellent rating. As a result, the project received £120,000 in low-carbon grant funding from a UK government scheme.
Key Benefits of BREEAM Certification
BREEAM is more than a badge — it’s a strategic investment. Here’s what you gain:
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Higher property value and occupancy rates
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Reduced energy and water costs
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Smoother regulatory approvals
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Enhanced ESG and CSR reporting
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Improved occupant wellbeing and productivity
Expert Tips to Maximise Your BREEAM Score
To ensure success, follow these tips:
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Start early — integrate sustainability in the concept phase
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Educate stakeholders — ensure every contractor knows their role
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Track progress — use online BREEAM tools to monitor credits
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Avoid rework — get expert help before submitting documentation
A proactive approach not only saves money but also improves your final rating.
Ready to Begin Your Certification?
In conclusion, BREEAM certification represents a long-term commitment to responsible building. Although the process may seem complex, ERKE helps you navigate each step with clarity and confidence.
📩 Let’s talk. Contact us now for a free 30-minute consultation to evaluate your building’s BREEAM potential.
