BREEAM Certification

BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) is the UK’s leading sustainability assessment method for new buildings.
The BREEAM New Construction scheme measures environmental performance across categories such as energy, water, health, transport, materials, waste, and ecology – resulting in a certified rating from Pass to Outstanding.
It provides a framework to design and build better-performing, lower-carbon, and more efficient buildings.

Many UK local authorities now require a minimum BREEAM rating (typically Very Good or Excellent) as part of planning approval, especially for non-domestic or mixed-use developments.
Achieving certification demonstrates environmental responsibility, supports planning compliance, and can also increase asset value and occupier appeal.

BREEAM New Construction is assessed in three key stages:

• Pre-Assessment – initial and informal, this is often required though does not form part of the formal BREEAM Assessment
• Design Stage – demonstrating predicted performance before construction begins (required for planning).
• Post-Construction Stage – confirming that the design intent has been achieved on site, with evidence submitted to BRE for certification.

Most local authorities require:

• Very Good for smaller commercial projects or refurbishments.
• Excellent for new-build developments or larger public-sector buildings.
  Your target rating will depend on planning policy, building type, and client goals.
  Our assessors advise on achievable targets early in the design process to balance performance, cost, and practicality.

Evidence typically includes architectural drawings, specifications, SAP/SBEM outputs, commissioning plans, and material data sheets.
BREEAM is evidence-based – meaning every credit claimed must be supported by verifiable documentation.

BREEAM’s Energy section (ENE 01) is closely tied to Part L compliance and SAP/SBEM calculations.
It rewards efficient building fabric, low-carbon technologies, and renewable energy integration.
Our in-house team ensures energy modelling, thermal bridging, and overheating analysis align with your BREEAM targets – maximising credits while maintaining compliance.

Beyond planning compliance, BREEAM delivers tangible benefits:

• Reduced running costs and carbon emissions.
• Healthier, more comfortable environments for occupants.
• Enhanced investor and tenant confidence.
• Improved marketability and ESG credentials.

Many clients now view BREEAM as a key part of their corporate sustainability strategy.

Fees depend on building type, size, and target rating.
For typical commercial or mixed-use buildings, BREEAM assessment costs start from around £5,000–£7,000 + VAT, excluding BRE certification fees.
Energy Report Limited provides transparent, fixed-fee proposals tailored to each project, including pre-assessment reports for early-stage planning submissions.

Early engagement is key.
Many credits can be achieved through design-stage coordination rather than expensive add-ons — such as optimised daylighting, efficient fabric U-values, responsible sourcing, or low-VOC materials.
Our assessors work collaboratively with your design team to target high-value credits efficiently, improving your score while managing project cost.

As a BREEAM Licensed Assessor and multi-discipline compliance specialist, Energy Report Limited offers:

• Full BREEAM New Construction assessments (Design + Post-Construction).
• Integrated energy modelling (SAP/SBEM) and thermal bridging analysis for ENE 01 credits.
• Support with sustainability statements, overheating studies, and MEES strategy.
• Clear, actionable reporting and design-stage collaboration to keep your project on track for certification.