How to achieve a BREEAM outstanding certification rating

Achieving a BREEAM outstanding rating is the pinnacle of sustainable building design and performance. But it’s a rare accomplishment, with only a handful of projects meeting its stringent criteria annually. 

In August 2024, a UK project was awarded a 100% outstanding BREEAM rating. The fact that we’ve only just seen a UK project achieve 100% highlights just how rigorous the criteria are, and why early input from an expert sustainable buildings consultancy is so essential.

At Encon Associates, we understand what it takes to meet this benchmark. In this article, we’ll explore the key considerations for achieving an outstanding BREEAM certification rating, so you can plan and design your project with the highest BREEAM standards in mind.

Understanding the BREEAM rating system

BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) is one of the most widely recognised sustainability assessment methods for buildings across the world. It evaluates a building’s performance across several key categories such as energy, health and wellbeing, transport, materials, waste, water and ecology. You can read about the BREEAM categories in our dedicated blog post. 

Projects are awarded a score based on the number of credits achieved against each category. The BREEAM certification levels are:

• Pass: 30% or above
• Good: 45% or above
• Very good: 55% or above
• Excellent: 70% or above
• Outstanding: 85% or above

Why aim for a BREEAM outstanding rating?

Pursuing a BREEAM outstanding rating offers several benefits across a building’s entire lifecycle. As our Director, Glenn Miles, remarks, “securing BREEAM outstanding status distinguishes your project as a leader in sustainability, elevating it above others in terms of environmental performance and design excellence.” 

Other benefits include:

• Reduced carbon footprint throughout construction and occupation
• Significant energy and cost savings for building occupants
• Improved health and wellbeing of occupants
• Enhanced asset value and appeal to investors
• Showcases your commitment to sustainability and responsible development

How to secure a BREEAM outstanding score

1) Engage with a BREEAM specialist early

Working with a licensed BREEAM Assessor or Accredited Professional (AP) from the outset is crucial. Our expert BREEAM Assessors have over 18 years’ experience in conducting BREEAM assessments, writing reports for submission to the BRE, and applying for certification. By partnering with us, you stand the best chance of achieving a BREEAM outstanding rating.

2) Integrate sustainability into your design brief

As our Director, Glenn Miles continues, “The BREEAM outstanding rating demands careful planning and integration of sustainability principles from the early stages of design.” You need to ensure that your design team are all working towards BREEAM criteria, and set clear performance targets. This is especially useful when making design decisions based around energy efficiency and material selection.

3) Prioritise energy performance

Energy efficiency is a high-scoring category in all types of BREEAM assessments. Multiple points are available within BREEAM’s energy category, potentially boosting your score by up to 16%, with an additional 5% available within the innovation sector for energy. Consider implementing energy-saving measures such as efficient HVAC and lighting systems, and on-site renewable energy sources (i.e. solar panels and ground-source heat pumps). 

4) Identify opportunities for innovation

Credits are awarded to projects that demonstrate innovation throughout the design and construction stages – so, if you’re looking to achieve an outstanding score, you’ll need to think outside the box. For example, you could consider incorporating intelligent water reuse systems or making major green infrastructure improvements i.e. designing green roofs.

5) Conduct a thorough life cycle assessment

A life cycle assessment evaluates a building’s environmental impact throughout every stage of its life cycle, providing valuable insights into embodied and operational carbon emissions. Over 10% of the available BREEAM credits are attributed to life cycle assessments, making it essential for achieving an outstanding BREEAM score.

6) Embrace the circular economy model

BREEAM awards points across several categories to buildings that prioritise smart material selection, resource efficiency, and waste reduction. Choose materials that are responsibly sourced and/or fully recyclable, such as recycled aluminium and low-carbon concrete, and ensure that you take steps to reduce waste throughout construction.

7) Design your building with the user in mind

When designing your building, you should always consider the health and wellbeing of future occupants. Credits are awarded to buildings that incorporate natural lighting and demonstrate good acoustic performance and indoor air quality. As well as boosting your BREEAM score, creating a more comfortable environment for building users will greatly increase the value of your project.

8) Plan for ongoing monitoring

Post-occupancy monitoring is essential for ensuring that your building operates as designed. It allows you to verify that sustainability systems are performing as expected and identify any performance gaps. BREEAM awards credits to buildings that plan to actively monitor and continuously improve its performance over time.

Start your journey towards a BREEAM outstanding score

Achieving a BREEAM outstanding rating is no easy feat. But by partnering with an expert team of BREEAM Assessors, it is entirely achievable.

At Encon Associates, we offer a comprehensive range of BREEAM assessment services for all new and existing building types. We work closely with architects, developers, and facility managers just like you to help them achieve the highest BREEAM assessment score possible. But don’t just take our word for it – view our recent BREEAM projects and get inspired to set a new benchmark in sustainability.

Are you ready to begin your journey to BREEAM certification? Contact our expert team today to book your BREEAM pre-assessment.