BREEAM Europe Commercial 2009

We are delighted to announce the release of the updated BREEAM Europe Commercial 2009 scheme.  After four months of consultation with clients, assessors, experts and technical researchers, the new scheme combines the 2008 versions of BREEAM Europe Offices, Retail and Industrial.   Key changes to the Commercial 2009 scheme include:  

• Introduction of minimum standards specific to Europe
• Introduction of exemplary level requirements specific to Europe. Other types of innovation credits will not be available in Europe at this point in time.
• Post Construction Stage assessment is now mandatory like in the UK in order to get the final certificate.
• New shell only approach as in UK BREEAM v3.0 Schemes applicable.
• The manual is now be freely available for download on the website for anyone to access.

We have allowed a transition stage for projects to continue to be registered under the 2008 schemes until 31 December 2009 as well as allowing BREEAM International assessors to register under the new BREEAM Europe Commercial 2009 scheme.  Please be aware that as of 1st January 2010, the BREEAM Europe Commercial 2009 scheme will be the only scheme available in Europe and the 2008 schemes will be obsolete and no further registrations will be accepted.