New Construction
Certification
Multi-criteria sustainability assessment for your new construction projects according to the international standards of the Building Research Establishment.
What is BREEAM?
BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) is the world's most established sustainability certification for buildings. Managed by the Building Research Establishment (BRE), it assesses the environmental and social performance of new buildings using a multi-criteria approach.
IRICE acts as an independent third party in accordance with ISO/IEC 17065 for BREEAM New Construction assessments. Our auditors evaluate your project across nine key sustainability areas.
BREEAM certification publicly recognizes your project's commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility to investors, tenants, and stakeholders.
International Reference Framework
BREEAM Certification Levels
Pass
Score ≥ 30%
Compliance with sustainability standards
Good
Score 45-54%
Above-average performance
Very Good
Score 55-69%
Excellent environmental performance
Excellent
Score 70-84%
World-class performance
Outstanding
Score ≥ 85%
Leadership in Sustainable Real Estate
The 9 BREEAM Assessment Domains
Management
Project management, quality control procedures, commissioning and monitoring during the operational phase.
Health & Wellbeing
Indoor air quality, thermal comfort, acoustics, lighting and safety for occupants.
Energy
Energy efficiency, CO₂ emission reduction, renewable energy and energy monitoring.
Transportation
Accessibility to public transport, parking for bicycles, electric vehicles and carpooling.
Water
Water consumption efficiency, rainwater harvesting and water discharge management.
Materials
Selection of responsible, recycled, sustainable and low-environmental-impact materials.
Waste
Construction waste management, sorting and recycling, waste reduction during the operational phase.
Land Use & Ecology
Preservation of biodiversity, responsible landscaping and ecological management of the site.
Pollution
Reduction of atmospheric emissions, prevention of water pollution and management of pollutants.
⚠️ Important: BREEAM Accreditation
BREEAM is an international certification. IRICE acts as an independent third party according to ISO/IEC 17065.
IRICE acts as an independent third party to conduct the BREEAM assessment. Certification is awarded by the Building Research Establishment (BRE), which is responsible for the BREEAM standard internationally. Effinature focuses specifically on biodiversity.
IRICE acts as an independent third party in accordance with ISO/IEC 17065 for the BREEAM assessment. Certification is issued by BRE Global.
BREEAM and Effinature: A Complementary Approach
BREEAM offers a multi-criteria assessment covering nine areas of building sustainability. Effinature focuses specifically on the biodiversity and ecology of your project.
The two certifications are complementary :
- — BREEAM = Holistic vision of sustainability (energy, water, materials, transport, health, etc.)
- — Effinature = In-depth expertise in biodiversity and ecology
Combining the two certifications demonstrates your commitment to global and enhanced sustainability to ESG investors and stakeholders.
Comparative Table
| Criteria | BREEAM | Effinature |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Multi-criteria | Biodiversity |
| State Recognition | No | Yes |
| Reference document | BRE | IRICE Reference Framework |
Our Evaluation Process
Initial Diagnosis
Audit of your project according to BREEAM criteria
Action Plan
Improvement recommendations tailored to your project
Continuous assessment
Verification of compliance with BREEAM criteria at each phase of the project
Decision
Review of the file and certification decision by BRE — subject to compliance
Evaluate your BREEAM Project
Have your project assessed by an independent third party according to ISO/IEC 17065.
Frequently Asked Questions
BREEAM is an international sustainability certification for real estate, managed by the Building Research Establishment (BRE). It assesses new construction projects according to nine criteria: management, health/well-being, energy, transport, water, materials, waste, land use/ecology and pollution.
BREEAM is widely recognized and used in Europe to demonstrate a project's commitment to environmental and social performance.
IRICE conducts BREEAM assessments as an independent third party in accordance with ISO/IEC 17065. Our experts analyze your project according to the nine BREEAM sustainability areas and provide a detailed report.
The certification is issued by the Building Research Establishment (BRE), which is responsible for the BREEAM standard internationally.
No. BREEAM is not covered by the IRICE accreditation scope.
IRICE acts as an independent third party, in accordance with ISO/IEC 17065, to conduct BREEAM assessments. The Building Research Establishment (BRE) issues the certification according to its internationally recognized standard.
Cofrac accreditation no. 5-0655, Certification of products, processes and services, scope available on www.cofrac.fr .
BREEAM offers a multi-criteria assessment covering nine sustainability areas (energy, water, materials, biodiversity, transport, health, etc.). Effinature focuses specifically on the project's biodiversity and ecology.
The two certifications are complementary: BREEAM for a holistic approach to sustainability, and Effinature for in-depth expertise in biodiversity. Together, they demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive and enhanced real estate sustainability.
Explore Other Services
Effinature
Biodiversity certification issued by IRICE, an independent certification body.
Learn moreInvesting in Sustainable Real Estate
Discover how ESG investors use IRICE certifications to strengthen their real estate portfolio and achieve their SFDR and CSRD objectives.