BREEAM In-Use
The trusted BREEAM In-Use partner for real estate
BREEAM In-Use is not one of the things we do. It is what we are built around.
Sustainalytica provides senior-led BREEAM In-Use assessment, optimisation and certification for real estate investors, owners, asset managers and developers.
We combine deep BREEAM expertise with architectural, building-operations, GRESB and institutional real estate experience to understand the asset, the evidence and the investment strategy behind it.
Assess. Improve. Certify.
What is BREEAM In-Use?
BREEAM In-Use is the golden standard for assessing and certifying the sustainability performance of existing operational assets.
It provides investors, owners and managers with a recognised framework to benchmark performance, identify improvements and independently verify the outcome.
Part 1: Asset Performance
Assesses the physical asset, including its building fabric, services, systems and infrastructure.
Part 2: Management Performance
Assesses how the asset is operated, including the management practices, policies and procedures that influence ongoing performance.
1
Understanding BREEAM means understanding the building
BREEAM In-Use is an operational building assessment. Good assessment requires more than knowing the methodology.
Our architectural and technical background allows us to interrogate how the asset actually works.
That helps us distinguish between:
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a genuine performance deficiency;
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an operational issue;
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an evidence gap; and
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an existing measure that has simply not been recognised.
The distinction matters because the solution — and cost — can be very different
2
Minimum requirements can determine the BREEAM rating
BREEAM ratings are not determined by percentage score alone. Assets must also achieve the applicable minimum standards for the target rating.
For BREEAM In-Use International Commercial V6 Asset Performance, these include requirements relating to water monitoring, flood risk and reuse and recycling facilities at defined rating levels.
Management Performance has separate minimum requirements covering areas including sustainable procurement, fire risk management, environmental policies and management engagement.
We identify these constraints early, before effort or capital is directed towards improvements that cannot deliver the intended outcome.
3
Improve before you certify
We do not treat BREEAM In-Use as a retrospective scoring exercise.
We establish current performance, identify what is constraining the rating and determine which interventions are worth pursuing before certification.
That may involve:
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Evidence — recognising performance already present.
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Operations — improving management or maintenance practices.
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Planned works — integrating BREEAM into expenditure already planned.
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Capex — investing where the additional performance justifies the cost.
The objective is to turn BREEAM into a framework for asset improvement, not simply a certificate.
BREEAM In-Use across international portfolios
BREEAM In-Use operates internationally, with locally adapted schemes in:
D-A-CH · Netherlands · Spain
Outside these markets, the international BREEAM In-Use framework supports assessment globally.
Sustainalytica brings direct experience of BREEAM strategy and implementation across every BREEAM In-Use National Scheme Operator.
For international investors, this combines a consistent portfolio strategy with practical understanding of different BREEAM markets and jurisdictions.
BREEAM In-Use, GRESB and investment strategy
BREEAM certification often forms part of a wider investment and ESG strategy.
Sustainalytica brings experience delivering GRESB programmes covering more than £10 billion of real estate, allowing us to consider certification at both asset and portfolio level.
For Core assets, the priority may be maintaining certification and protecting existing performance. For Core+, targeted improvements may unlock a stronger outcome. For Value Add, planned refurbishment or repositioning can materially change both certification potential and timing.
The objective is not the highest BREEAM score at any cost. It is the right outcome for the asset and investment strategy.
Four ways we help clients apply BREEAM In-Use
Certify qualifying portfolios more efficiently using the formal BREEAM Portfolio Approach.
BREEAM In-Use Quick Scan
Understand likely performance, critical gaps and certification potential before committing to full assessment.
Why Sustainalytica?
Our approach combines:
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senior-led BREEAM delivery;
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deep technical understanding of buildings, operations and maintenance;
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experience across every BREEAM In-Use National Scheme Operator;
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£10bn+ of real estate covered through GRESB programme delivery;
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leadership of large-scale international certification programmes; and
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architectural and institutional real estate expertise.
We understand the building, the evidence and the investment context, allowing us to identify what an asset can realistically achieve and the most effective route to get there.