The update will see many improvements to the current program and include an expansion of its capabilities to assess all types of Residential properties. This includes both Multifamily developments, such as apartment blocks, and individual homes. BRE has been coordinating with key clients and partners in the USA and Europe to develop the expanded scope to provide a science-based sustainable improvement solution and certification for residential buildings that are not currently covered by existing international green building programs. 

The updates will enable clients for the first time to assess the performance of their entire residential portfolios using the same methodology available for other property types, allowing for easy comparability, demonstrating its sustainability directly and through other benchmarks such as GRESB. The extension of the program’s scope comes in response to growing demand from clients and the investor community for a holistic, credible and science-based approach to performance assessment.

The update will streamline the BREEAM USA In-Use process for all building types undergoing assessment, delivering the value associated with BREEAM USA In-Use certification more efficiently. It will also allow the BREEAM USA In-Use program to better respond to market drivers, such as the need to assess and certify the sustainability performance of operational residential buildings and align with other certification and reporting systems. Additionally, the standard will be updated to reflect advances in building science to further deliver sustainable solutions, encourage a more holistic approach to sustainability based on sound science that measures what is important, further improve building performance and deliver sustainable value. The release will bring clients and assessors a fully updated technical manual and refreshed digital platform.

Shamir Ghumra, BREEAM Director, says: “The update will help BREEAM USA In-Use and BREEAM In-Use around the world take the next leap forward not only in terms of different asset types but also in the growth of international adoption. The updated platform will be easier to use and provide more value through insights to clients, investors and users of the program.”

The development of the BREEAM standards is driven by science and research. A draft version of the new standard will be made available for public comment for a 4-week period, beginning in Summer 2019. This and all current BREEAM consultations can be found at https://www.breeam.com/engage/research-and-development/consultation-engagement/