Frequently Asked Questions
What type of buildings does BREEAM cover?
Can I have access to the BREEAM Extranet?
At what stage of the project should I appoint a BREEAM Assessor?
How do I find a BREEAM Assessor?
How long does it take to have an assessment carried out?
Who can become a BREEAM Assessor?
What fee will an Assessor charge?
How much does BRE Global charge to carry out a BREEAM International Bespoke Assessment?
Can I adapt BREEAM for my country?
Can I use local building regulations or standard when doing an assessment that is outside the UK?
Where can I find more information on BREEAM Innovation Applications?
What is BREEAM?
BREEAM is the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method for buildings. It sets the standard for best practice in sustainable design and has become the de facto measure used to describe a building's environmental performance.
What type of buildings does BREEAM cover?
BREEAM can be used to assess any type of building anywhere in the world. Standard schemes have been developed for the most popular building types e.g. offices, retail developments, education, healthcare buildings etc. BREEAM Bespoke and BREEAM International Bespoke (part of the BREEAM Other Buildings family of schemes) can be used to assess building types that are 'non-standard', i.e. bespoke projects or buildings limited in the number that are likely to be developed.
Which countries use BREEAM?
BREEAM is used to assess buildings in many countries around the world. In several countries (e.g. UK, Netherlands, Spain) National Scheme Operators operate country specific versions of BREEAM. Where there is no National Scheme Operator BREEAM Europe Commercial (applicable to retail, office and industrial buildings only) or BREEAM International Bespoke is used.
What is the BREEAM Extranet?
The BREEAM Extranet is an online portal used by licensed BREEAM Assessors to access all relevant BREEAM tools and documents.
Can I have access to the BREEAM Extranet?
The BREEAM Extranet is only available to qualified and licensed Assessors.
At what stage of the project should I appoint a BREEAM Assessor?
It is recommended that a BREEAM Assessor is appointed at the concept design stage. Involving the Assessor at this early stage will make it easier to obtain the desired rating cost effectively, in some cases at no extra cost. Appointing an Assessor at a later stage will reduce the influence that they and BREEAM can have on the project and may result in the desired rating being unobtainable, or being obtainable only through additional investment.
How do I find a BREEAM Assessor?
If you wish to contact a BREEAM Assessor please visit www.greenbooklive.com where all licensed Assessment organisations for all BREEAM schemes are listed.
How long does it take to have an assessment carried out?
The time taken to complete a BREEAM Assessment will vary from project to project. It must be remembered that BREEAM certification is based on building performance confirmed by the Assessor through the collation of rigorous and credible evidence of building compliance.
Assessment and certification therefore depends on when the Assessor is appointed, the stage in the design process and the availability and format of information. Interim design stage certification would typically take place between the end of the detailed design stage and the beginning of operations on site. Final certification, which relies on 'as built' evidence of compliance with BREEAM, will occur toward the end of operations on site and handover of the building. It can therefore be said that a BREEAM Assessment will take as long as the project.
I am a product manufacturer and want to find out if my product can be used in a BREEAM assessment to help achieve credits?
Credits are awarded in BREEAM for the use of construction products that have a low environmental impact and are responsibly sourced.
The environmental impact is determined using BRE Global's Green Guide. To view the Green Guide online please click here If you are interested in obtaining the environmental impact assessment and rating specfic to your product please visit our Environmental Profiles page for further details.
If you would like to obtain certification for your product to demonstrate that it has been responsibly sourced please visit our Responsible Sourcing of Construction Products for further details.
Who can become a BREEAM Assessor?
BREEAM Assessors training courses are currently open to all. Training will be of interest to those:
- Designing or specifying buildings for low environmental impact,
- Delivering BREEAM or other environmental Assessments,
- Satisfying professional CPD requirements,
- Wanting to gain a recognised qualification.
What fee will an Assessor charge?
The Assessor's fee will vary depending on what services you require from them. You may wish for them to offer BREEAM related consultancy advice in addition to carrying out and guiding you through the formal BREEAM assessment and certification process. To contact a licensed BREEAM Assessor organisation to discuss your requirements and assessment fees please visit www.greenbooklive.com
Which BREEAM scheme should I use if my project does not fall into any of the existing standard scheme categories?
For projects in the UK that cannont be assessed using the standard BREEAM schemes, BREEAM Other Buildings would be used.
Various schemes exist for the assessment of buildings internationally. When a National Scheme Operator is present (e.g. Spain, Netherlands) they will operate a country specific BREEAM scheme which may be appropriate for your building. Elsewhere, BREEAM Europe Commercial can be used to assess office, retail and industrial buildings throughout Europe. BREEAM International Bespoke can be used to assess all other buildings worldwide.
How much does BRE Global charge to carry out a BREEAM International Bespoke Assessment?
If your project cannot be assessed using one of the standard BREEAM schemes and should be assessed using BREEAM International Bespoke there will be a registration fee and certification fee. A fee sheet can be found on the BREEAM Assessor Extranet detailing the current fees applicable. If you are not a licensed Assessor and do not have access the BREEAM Assessor Extranet please contact a licensed Assessor for more information (for a list of BREEAM Assessors please visit www.greenbooklive.com)
For further information about the BREEAM International Bespoke scheme, please visit the Schemes page using the link at the top of the page.
Can I adapt BREEAM for my country?
Country-specific BREEAM schemes can be developed and implemented by National Scheme Operators. If you are interested in becoming a National Scheme Operator please visit the BREEAM Around the World page for more information by selecting the 'About BREEAM' link at the top of this page.
Can I use local building regulations or standard when doing an assessment that is outside the UK?
Yes, international BREEAM schemes allow the use of local codes and standards where they are equivalent or more onerous than the European or UK standards. There is a process in place for assessors to follow with regards to this.
Where can I find more information on BREEAM Innovation Applications?
Information on BREEAM Innovation Applications can be downloaded from the ‘Resources’ section of the BREEAM website. You can also find further information in the BREEAM Scheme Documents, from BREEAM Assessors or BREEAM Accredited Professionals, or by contacting our Helpdesk – breeam@bre.co.uk.
