Can new or previously uncertified buildings join?

Yes, subject to the agreed scope and eligibility. Assets without valid certification require the standard full assessment process, including physical site assessment. The principal visit efficiencies generally arise for eligible subsequent assessments.

Does the Volume Approach remove the need for site visits?

No. BRE determines which assessments may use a virtual route and which require physical attendance. A virtual assessment still needs a robust verification record, and the assessor remains responsible for the evidence and credit decisions.

Can portfolio policies be used for every building?

Only where the applicable requirements permit them. Most criteria require asset-specific evidence, and central policies often need proof of local application or implementation. A portfolio maintenance policy, for example, does not replace an individual building’s maintenance records.

How much does the Volume Approach cost?

There is no single portfolio price. Costs depend on asset numbers, countries, assessment Parts, existing certificates, evidence quality and site requirements. Sustainalytica scopes its fees separately from BRE’s proposal so you can evaluate the programme’s overall cost.

What if our portfolio does not qualify?

You can still pursue a coordinated BREEAM In-Use certification programme. Our Asset Selection service helps determine which buildings to prioritise, while a Quick Scan provides an initial indication of assessment opportunities and gaps.

BREEAM In-Use Volume Approach

Portfolio certification across the UK and Europe. Senior-led expertise, coordinated delivery and a clear long-term programme.

Scale BREEAM In-Use certification across your property portfolio with Sustainalytica. We assess eligibility, coordinate the application to BRE and deliver asset-level assessments within a structured, multi-year programme.

For investment managers, asset managers and ESG teams, the BREEAM In-Use Volume Approach can provide clearer cost planning, more consistent delivery and fewer physical assessor visits for eligible recertifications.

Discuss your portfolio

What is the BREEAM In-Use Volume Approach?

The BREEAM In-Use Volume Approach is BRE’s formal route for coordinating certification across multiple existing buildings through a longer-term agreement.

The client contracts with BRE and appoints an Assessor Organisation to deliver the assessments. Together, the parties establish the assets, countries, assessment Parts and implementation programme.

Each asset retains its own assessment, rating and certificate. The efficiencies come from coordinated delivery and approved assessment arrangements; not from applying one building’s rating across the portfolio.

When does the Volume Approach make commercial sense?

The approach is particularly relevant to owners planning to maintain BREEAM In-Use certification across a substantial portfolio over successive certification cycles.

Its value depends on certificate status, geography, holding periods and management arrangements, not simply the number of buildings.

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Plan certification expenditure

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Bring registration, assessment and recertification into a coordinated programme. Understand the distinction between BRE charges, consultancy fees, site attendance and any improvement work before committing.

Reduce demands on property teams

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Use consistent evidence requests, clear local responsibilities and coordinated deadlines. This helps property and facilities managers understand what is required without repeatedly interpreting different assessment processes.

Capture eligible site visit efficiencies

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BRE may permit virtual assessments for selected existing assessments. These can reduce assessor travel and associated costs, while retaining formal verification and asset-specific evidence review.

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Connect certification with asset strategy

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Align certification timing with ownership plans, planned refurbishment and operational improvements. Use the findings to distinguish evidence gaps from genuine performance gaps and prioritise the next steps.

How many assets are required?

BRE’s September Volume Approach methodology identifies the following minimum commitments:

20 individual asset certifications in a single territory; or

50 individual asset certifications across multiple territories.

For European portfolios, the applicable certification route matters. Assets within National Scheme Operator territories should not automatically be counted towards a direct-BRE agreement.

Sustainalytica reviews the proposed asset list, certification status, assessment Parts and jurisdictions before supporting your application. We also consider planned acquisitions and disposals, helping you avoid a programme that depends on retaining exactly the minimum qualifying volume.

Review your portfolio’s suitability

How Sustainalytica delivers your programme

1. Establish eligibility and the business case

We review asset numbers, locations, certificate expiry dates, evidence readiness and investment plans. We identify whether the Volume Approach offers a practical advantage over a coordinated standard certification programme.

2. Coordinate the BRE application

We help prepare the Asset Details List and application information, clarify the proposed scope and support discussions with BRE. This includes identifying jurisdictional questions and agreeing a realistic mobilisation programme.

3. Organise evidence and asset assessments

We establish clear responsibilities across your central and local teams. Our assessors review each building’s evidence, undertake physical or BRE-approved virtual assessments and manage submissions and responses to quality-assurance queries.

4. Manage the ongoing certification cycle

We plan renewals, future site attendance and improvement priorities, supporting annual coordination with BRE. Changes in ownership, building use and scheme requirements are considered as the programme evolves.

Frequently asked questions

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