New construction for US projects

 

The BREEAM New construction standards are used to assess the design, construction, intended use and future-proofing of new building developments, including the local, natural or human-created environment surrounding the building.

BREEAM International New construction, the standard used for new developments in the US, 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 for the as-built performance of the building after construction is complete.

 

Learn more about how BREEAM International New construction works for US projects

To find out more about BREEAM USA New construction, please call us on +14152981619 or share your contact details, and one of our experts will be in touch.

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.

 

Building typeDescription
Office· General office buildings
· Offices with research & development areas (category 1 laboratories only)
Industrial· Warehouse storage or distribution
· Process, manufacturing or vehicle servicing
Retail· Shop or shopping center · Retail park or warehouse
· Over the counter service providers, e.g financial institutions
· Showrooms
· Restaurant, café and drinking establishments
· Hot food take-out establishments
Education· Preschools
· K-12 schools
· Community colleges
· Universities
· Other higher education
Residential Long stay· Senior/ assisted living
· Sheltered accommodation
· On campus student accommodation
· Military barracks
Residential Short stay· Hotel, hostel, boarding and guest house
· Secure training center
· Residential training center
Residential· Multifamily
· Single homes

Don’t see your project type? 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 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

Register to download the BREEAM USA New construction technical manuals

BREEAM USA case studies

aerial view inside a shopping centre with people walking around an atrium with a high ceiling

The Oaks Mall – The First BREEAM USA Certification

Located in Thousand Oaks, California, The Oaks is a 1.3 million square foot shopping mall chosen by Macerich to be ...
The oldest new building in San Francisco, Landmark at One Market Street, USA

The oldest new building in San Francisco, Landmark at One Market Street, USA

The Landmark shows the sustainability performance that existing buildings, including those with historic features, can deliver. The brick façade is ...
Pursuing BREEAM USA at LORD Green Strategies headquarters, Dallas, Texas

Pursuing BREEAM USA at LORD Green Strategies headquarters, Dallas, Texas

The LORD Green Real Estate Strategies, Inc. headquarters is a 6,663 square foot building located nine miles northeast of downtown ...
2880 Junction, USA another BREEAM Good certified building within Silicon Valley

2880 Junction, USA another BREEAM Good certified building within Silicon Valley

MetLife Investment Management uses its buildings’ sustainability certifications to provide a foundation and help guide current and future sustainability initiatives ...
3050 Zanker, USA achieves BREEAM Good with building located in Silicon Valley

3050 Zanker, USA achieves BREEAM Good with building located in Silicon Valley

3050 Zanker is a 2 story Class A commercial R&D office building located in the San Jose submarket of Silicon ...
The first office building with a verified score under BREEAM In-Use in the US, Three Ballston Plaza

The first office building with a verified score under BREEAM In-Use in the US, Three Ballston Plaza

Built in 1990, this 342,280 square foot Class A multi-tenanted office building is located in just 5 miles from the ...

Contact BREEAM USA to start your sustainability journey today

To contact us, please call us on +14152981619 or share your contact details and one of our experts will be in touch.