BREEAM In-Use (for Existing Buildings)
About
BREEAM, managed by BRE, evaluates the holistic performance of new and existing buildings, infrastructure, and master planning projects.
BREEAM is the world’s first sustainability certification, launched in 1990
2.3 million registered buildings
89+ countries
155% Growth (2022 U.S. certifications)
BREEAM USA
BREEAM adapted their certification for the U.S. market to assess any existing commercial building with no barriers or prerequisites.
Why certify with BREEAM In-Use?
Real estate development must focus on making existing buildings energy-efficient and adopting renewable energy to cut greenhouse gas emissions. Rating systems like BREEAM are designed to improve a building's impact throughout its lifespan.
✓ Costs less and certifies faster compared to other sustainability rating systems.
✓ Provides consistent, credible means to define impact and performance.
✓ Uses robust science to determine environmental quality.
✓ Improves asset and portfolio value while reducing risk.
Key Sustainability Categories
BREEAM USA In-use covers major environmental issues that affect buildings throughout their operational life.
BREEAM In-USE Benefits for Owners
✓ Meets ESG and corporate goals while improving asset and portfolio value.
✓ Benchmark or compare portfolio performance using data to determine environmental impact.
✓ 3rd-party verification provides credibility in ESG reporting and marketability.
✓ Certifications boost brand reputation and attract stakeholders who value sustainability, health, and well-being.
✓ Streamline property and management metrics while identifying improvements and managing risks
Assessment Rating System for BREEAM USA In-Use
Scores have six ratings from acceptable to outstanding.
Category scores are weighted and summed for the overall Assessment Rating.
Weightings define the relative impact of environmental issues in the methodology.
Assessment Rating reflects an asset's overall performance.
Category scores highlight areas targeted for improvement.
The Assessment Rating is determined by adding up scores from different categories, each given a certain importance (weight). These weights show the significance of holistic sustainability factors, and the scores point out where improvements are needed.
BREEAM Timeline: 90 – 105 days
Register building or portfolio
Complete online assessment
Receive unverified score instantaneously
Certification is obtained with a licensed Assessor
Registration: $1,200 per asset
Certification:
Part 1 Asset Performance: $1,500
Part 2 Management Performance: $1,500
Assessor Fee:
Negotiated between Client and Assessor
Certification at Scale
Portfolios with 20 or more assets benefit from the BREEAM In-Use Volume program
BREEAM Volume Benefits
Reduced fees (registration, certification, and assessor)
No admission fee
Methodology to create evidence-collection efficiencies
Innovative approach to address recertification
Adaptable to accommodate a wide range of project performance levels
An on-site Assessor visit is needed once every three certification cycles (9 years).
How GAIA Supports Clients with BREEAM In-USE
As your BREEAM Consultant
GAIA supports performance assessment, score improvement, oversees evidence accumulation, manages online BREEAM submissions, strategizes targets and measures performance.
As your BREEAM Assessor
GAIA conducts on-site visits to verify evidence submissions and asset performance for credit award justification. We liaise with the BRE America Quality Assurance team, provide ongoing support for the annual assessor review, and manage the process for 3-year recertification.
