There are a number of elements that determine the overall performance of a new construction project assessed using BREEAM, these are as follows:
How these elements combine to produce a BREEAM rating is summarised on the following pages. This is followed by a description and example describing the methodology for calculating a rating.
The BREEAM rating benchmarks for new construction projects assessed using the 2011 version of BREEAM are as follows:
Table 1 BREEAM rating benchmarks
BREEAM Rating | % score |
---|---|
OUTSTANDING | ≥ 85 |
EXCELLENT | ≥ 70 |
VERY GOOD | ≥55 |
GOOD | ≥ 45 |
PASS | ≥ 30 |
UNCLASSIFIED | < 30 |
The BREEAM rating benchmark levels enable a client or other stakeholder to compare an individual building’s performance with other BREEAM rated buildings and the typical sustainability performance of new non-domestic buildings in the UK.
In this respect each BREEAM rating level broadly represents performance equivalent to:
An unclassified BREEAM rating represents performance that is non-compliant with BREEAM, in terms of failing to meet either the BREEAM minimum standards of performance for key environmental issues or the overall threshold score required for formal BREEAM certification.