Sustainability is now one of the defining conversations in the built environment. This is no surprise, given that the building and construction sector accounts for 36% of energy consumption worldwide and 40% of CO2 emissions, according to the International Energy Agency. Recognising this urgency, Ireland became the second country in the world to declare a climate and biodiversity emergency in 2019.

For clients, investors, and occupiers, it is a central consideration in how buildings are designed, constructed, and operated. Yet with a range of frameworks and accreditations in circulation, it can be difficult to understand what each one measures and why it matters. That’s why we’re starting this series by unpacking one of the most established: BREEAM.

What is BREEAM?

BREEAM – the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method – is the world’s longest running sustainability assessment method for buildings. First launched in the UK in 1990, it is now applied in over 90 countries and has become a widely recognised benchmark for sustainable building performance.

How it works

BREEAM assessments evaluate buildings against nine categories, reflecting the many dimensions of sustainability and wellbeing:

• Health and wellbeing – the comfort, safety, and productivity of occupants.
• Materials – sourcing and responsible use of products.
• Water – efficiency and conservation.
• Waste – minimising environmental impact during construction and operation.
• Ecology and land use – protecting and enhancing biodiversity.
• Management – the quality of processes from design through to occupation.
• Energy – assessing energy use, carbon emissions, and efficiency of systems.
• Transport – encouraging sustainable travel and accessibility for building users.
• Pollution – minimising a building’s contribution to air, water, noise, and light pollution.

Each element contributes to a final score, which translates into a rating of Unclassified, Pass, Good, Very Good, Excellent, or Outstanding.

Why it matters

BREEAM’s strength lies in its holistic approach. It goes far beyond energy efficiency, encouraging project teams to consider the long-term social, environmental, and economic impacts of a building. From designing healthier spaces for people to embedding principles of circularity and resource efficiency, BREEAM helps raise standards across the industry.

Benefits of achieving BREEAM:

• Reduced running costs – Energy-efficient systems and responsible resource use help cut ongoing utility and maintenance expenses.
• Increased property value – Sustainable buildings are increasingly attractive to tenants and investors, supporting higher yields and long-term value.
• Quicker tenant uptake – Demand for sustainable, well-performing spaces means certified buildings are often occupied faster.
• Built for the future – BREEAM standards ensure buildings stay aligned with evolving environmental regulations and market expectations.
• Healthier, happier workplaces – Improved air quality, natural light, and thermal comfort contribute to wellbeing and productivity.

Steps to Achieve a BREEAM Accreditation:

Opportunities and challenges

The framework is widely respected, but it is not without its challenges. Some see the process as complex and resource-heavy, particularly on smaller projects. However, many in the industry view this rigour as essential: it ensures sustainability is addressed meaningfully, rather than treated as a box-ticking exercise.

Looking ahead

As expectations around corporate responsibility grow and regulation continues to tighten, BREEAM provides clarity in a shifting landscape. Its evolving focus on climate resilience, net zero carbon, and occupant wellbeing points to the issues that will shape the future of the built environment.