BREEAM USA's 2024 Year in Review

Industry-leading green building platform achieves 43% cumulative growth in U.S. certifications, signaling robust demand for science-backed sustainability solutions

BREEAM, the globally recognized leader for sustainable building assessment and certification developed by BRE Global (‘BRE’), today released highlights from its 2024 calendar year while setting the stage for a marquee 2025.

The past year saw robust expansion across BREEAM’s North American portfolio, including a 43% increase in the number of assets certified by BREEAM in the region, reinforcing its critical role as the only science-backed certification tool tailored for the commercial real estate sector. At the state level, the platform saw significant growth across the U.S. as Missouri welcomed its first BREEAM-certified project and states like Massachusetts, South Carolina, and Nevada experienced 160%, 120%, and 67% growth, respectively.

Sector-specific progress was equally impressive, with emerging asset classes such as cold storage seeing year-over-year growth of 100% while other key asset classes such as data centers, student accommodations, healthcare, and hospitality each saw a marked 200% growth in annual certifications. This substantial growth was supported by BREEAM’s continued partnership with industry leaders like LXP Industrial, Metlife, and Iron Mountain to address critical challenges and drive measurable improvements across all sectors of the built environment. Notably, data centers emerged as a real estate sector darling in 2024, fueled by the rapid expansion of AI infrastructure and a surge in investment. The industrial sector also remains a standout market, with industrial properties accounting for nearly 70% of BREEAM’s 2024 certifications.

“In a year marked by economic uncertainty, financial market turbulence, and escalating environmental risks, tools that enhance building and community health while boosting resilience remain essential to safeguard long-term asset value amid a rapidly evolving global climate,” said Breana Wheeler, U.S. Director of Operations at BRE. “As companies adopt a more disciplined approach to sustainability, focusing on initiatives that protect and enhance asset value, we are proud to collaborate with forward-thinking partners who prioritize the value of science-backed performance assessments like BREEAM in fostering stronger, more resilient buildings.”

USA Map with certified BREEAM USA states identified

Beyond certification growth, BREEAM remains committed to empowering innovation, transparency, and measurable progress across the industry — as evidenced by its growing industry partnerships and educational programming. In 2024, the organization forged new, impactful connections, including its participation in a global alliance of green building organizations. Through this collaboration, BRE contributed to the publication of transformative, industry-first guides on key sustainability challenges and opportunities, such as financing net zero and decarbonizing buildings at scale. BREEAM also deepened a number of existing relationships last year, including its collaboration with GRESB to promote impactful, best-in-class sustainable strategies for commercial real estate stakeholders.

Throughout 2025, BREEAM will build on previous years of success to commence and advance insightful dialogues that serve as the cornerstone for ongoing progress. Bolstered by its expanded geographic reach and sector influence, the platform has entered the new year poised to empower owners, operators, investors, and other stakeholders to build a more resilient future. Through the consistent championing of intentional and impactful science-backed strategies, BREEAM will continue to cement its position as a leader at the forefront of a stronger, more sustainable industry.

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