BREEAM USA New construction - BREEAM
BREEAM USA New construction
The BREEAM New construction standards are used to assess the design, construction, intended use and future-proofing of new building developments. This includes the local, natural or human-created environment surrounding the building.
BREEAM International New construction
The BREEAM International New construction standard is used for new developments in the US. This standard provides a framework to encourage clients and designers to strive for the most sustainable building within the constraints of the project. Certificates can be issued at the design stage (noted as interim BREEAM rating based on the design) and post-construction to confirm the final BREEAM rating.
Adaptations for US projects
BREEAM International New construction provides a means of adapting section weightings to reflect the context specific to the country of assessment. There can be marked differences in environmental conditions in different countries, or even within regions of the same country and we aim to reflect that in the weightings process.
The US has been divided into 10 regions. The regions have been set after considering climate, energy use, transport availability, population density, ecology and other factors.
Each of these regions have their own environmental category weightings and approved standards which will account for the variations in standards adopted (such as the multiple versions of ASHRAE 90.1) and the regulatory baseline in place. Adopting this regional approach ensures that any BREEAM certified project exceeds regulations while still meeting international best practice.
Where weightings have not been set for a particular region in the US, BRE will work with Assessors to review and create the data set required to determine the weightings. Assessors should reach out to BRE when they have a BREEAM project in a region in which the weightings and standards have not been published.
Building types that can use BREEAM International New construction
BREEAM International New construction can be used to assess most types of new buildings, including residential and new-build extensions to existing buildings.
For new-build developments that do not fall within the scope of BREEAM International New construction, BRE offers a bespoke service. This involves tailoring criteria in the existing standards to the developments specific use, sustainability opportunities and its location. This tailoring takes place prior to the development being fully designed and constructed to maximize the benefit of its application.
For more information regarding this process and whether it is a suitable option for your project, please read our Guidance Note BREEAM Bespoke Process.
Benefits of BREEAM New construction
The New construction standards benefit property investors, developers, owners and occupiers by:
- Driving sales and rental values
- Supporting routes to net zero
- Contributing to environmental, social and governance (ESG) goals
- Mitigating environmental impact
- Reducing operational costs
- Providing one assessment for multiple sustainability outcomes
- Enhancing economic and social value
- Supporting disclosures and reporting requirements
- Providing independent, third-party assurance on asset performance and sustainability
