Catherine Harker
Senior Consultant
ESG Consulting

In this piece we’ll identify what a BREEAM accreditation is, the key benefits, and how our licensed professionals guide clients through the process and offer bespoke advice to achieve the best possible BREEAM certification, and top sustainability credentials.
Understanding BREEAM Certification
BREEAM or the Building Research Establishment’s Environmental Assessment Method was originally developed in 1990 by the UK’s Building Research Establishment (BRE) but has since evolved to include a family of schemes which take a holistic approach to sustainability. And has established itself as the world’s leading method of environmental assessment.
BREEAM assessments cover a wide range of elements, including reducing carbon emissions and energy use, minimising water use, responsibly sourcing materials and reducing waste, improving sustainable transport, boosting biodiversity, and improving whole life performance.
Here at Hollis, we assess projects under the BREEAM In Use, New Construction, and Refurbishment & Fit Out schemes. Projects are scored for their performance in each category and their final score determines the overall rating, from Pass, Good, Very Good, and Excellent, to the highest rating, Outstanding.
Benefits of BREEAM Certification
Achieving a BREEAM certification brings significant benefits for owners, occupants and, of course, the environment. Certified buildings showcase a commitment to sustainability by reducing carbon emissions, preserving resources, and minimising waste. These energy-efficient designs and sustainable practices also lower operational costs throughout the building’s lifecycle.
Here are some key benefits for owners, occupants and the environment:
Asset owners:
BREEAM-Certified buildings offer tangible financial benefits. They offer higher rents, retain tenants for longer, and have fewer unoccupied periods. With more businesses aligning with net zero targets, demand for sustainable buildings will rise, giving certified buildings a competitive advantage.
Occupants:
BREEAM-certified buildings enhance occupant health and wellbeing benefits, allowing for a more comfortable environment. Features include; improved safety and security, improved indoor air quality, good natural daylight levels, reduced pollution levels, great acoustics, thoughtful accessibility, and active travel facilities create a comfortable and productive environment. These benefits boost occupant satisfaction and reduce absenteeism.
The Environment:
High-scoring BREEAM buildings deliver measurable environmental benefits. They reduce carbon emissions by integrating renewable energy and promote biodiversity with green roofs, walls and enhanced landscaping, which have the added benefit of reducing local stormwater flooding. Additional features such as Electric vehicle chargers, cycle shelters and cyclist facilities all aim to reduce traffic and improve air quality.
Ultimately, these buildings are more resilient to the impact of climate change, ensuring long term sustainability.
How can we help?
Clients often aren’t sure where to start with green certifications. We can talk them through benefits and find the scheme that suits their asset. With early involvement we can ensure that sustainability is built into the design.
We have decades of experience and know what works. Whether you have well-established ESG goals or are interested in moving beyond merely meeting compliance, we can talk you through the process and advise you on the best solution.
With a proven track record of translating ESG goals into actions across a range of sectors, our team of licensed professionals are helping clients achieve top sustainability credentials and certifications, including BREEAM, Fitwel and ActiveScore, on standalone assets and across international portfolios in a timely manner.
Want to know what BREEAM Outstanding looks like? Check out our recent project that achieved a BREEAM Outstanding rating on behalf of our client SEGRO. Which resulted in an asset that meets the highest benchmark for sustainable industrial refurbishments in the UK.
For advice on how to achieve sustainability certifications, including BREEAM, get in touch with our ESG team: Deepshikha Mittal, Catherine Harker, and Mia Cousins for UK and Ireland projects, Rodrigo Garcia for Spain, and Suzi Warren for the Netherlands.