BREEAM The Cost and Value of Sustainability

A growing body of research evidence is challenging the perception, still held by many, that
sustainable buildings are significantly more costly to design and build than those that simply adhere
to regulatory requirements. Research by the Sweett Group[5] into projects using BREEAM, for
example, demonstrates that sustainable options often add little or no capital cost to a development
project. Where such measures do incur additional costs, these can frequently be paid back through
lower running expenses, ultimately leading to saving over the life of the building.

Research studies have also highlighted the enhanced value and quality of sustainable buildings.
Achieving the standards required by BREEAM requires careful planning, design, specification and
detailing, and a good working relationship between the client and project team – the very qualities
that can produce better buildings and better conditions for building users.[6] A survey commissioned
by Schneider Electric and undertaken by BSRIA[7] examined the experiences of a wide range of
companies that had used BREEAM. The findings included, for example, that 88% think it is a good
thing, 96% would use the scheme again and 88% would recommend BREEAM to others.

The greater efficiency and quality associated with sustainability are also helping to make such
building more commercially successful. There is growing evidence, for example, that BREEAM-rated
buildings provide increased rates of return for investors, and increased rental rates and sales
premiums for developers and owners. A Maastricht University document, published by RICS
Research,[8] reported on a study of the effect of BREEAM certification on office buildings in London
from 2000–2009. It found, for example, that these buildings achieved a 21% premium on transaction
prices and an 18% premium on rents.Energy

Health & wellbeing

Transport

Water

Materials

Waste

Land use and ecology

Pollution

Home Quality Mark was launched in 2015 as part of the BREEAM family of schemes. It rates new
homes on their overall quality and sustainability, then provides further indicators on the homes
impact upon the occupants 'Running costs', 'Health and wellbeing' and 'Environmental footprint'.