The BREEAM Certification

When it comes to real estate development, the BREEAM certification plays a crucial role. BREEAM stands for Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method. It is the green stamp you want when sustainability is a top priority. Whether you are designing a new building or renovating an existing property, it serves as a benchmark for environmental awareness and efficiency. While sustainability and profitability may sometimes seem at odds, the BREEAM certification can actually enhance the return on your real estate investment.

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What is BREEAM?

BREEAM is all about earning sustainability credits across different categories. There are nine categories: management, health, energy, transport, water, materials, waste, land use and ecology, and pollution. Each category has its own parameters for measuring a building’s sustainability. Within each category, there are subcategories where credits can be earned. A building can achieve a maximum of 100 credits in total. The number of credits a building ultimately receives depends on the type of building being developed. The assessment of these credits is carried out by independent assessors.

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BREEAM Thresholds

Pass (Voldoende): ≥ 30%
Good (Goed): ≥ 45%
The higher the number of credits you earn, the higher your BREEAM-NL score. It serves as tangible proof of your commitment to sustainability.
Very Good (Zeer goed): ≥ 55%
Excellent (Uitstekend): ≥ 70%
Outstanding (Geweldig): ≥ 85%

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Real estate returns vs. sustainable real estate returns

Sustainable buildings generally have lower long-term operating costs. Energy efficiency reduces electricity bills, while water-saving measures lower water costs. High-quality materials also require less maintenance, resulting in further savings. But that’s not the only benefit. Today, sustainable buildings have a higher market value than non-sustainable properties. Investors are willing to pay more for energy-efficient buildings. This means that sustainable real estate is not only financially advantageous in the long term, but also holds greater value in the property market.

Improving your BREEAM-NL score

Are you considering developing a property? By involving our expert, Sander Bank, at an early stage, we can help you make sustainable choices that maximize your BREEAM-NL score.

About the author

Sander Bank

Chief Executive Officer | Partner

Sander is partner and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at BESPARK, or as he prefers to call it: Team Captain. Standing at 2.12 meters tall and with ambitions just as big, Sander knew from a young age that he would one day run his own company. That dream started at CBRE and really took shape when Iwan de Leeuw asked him at the end of 2015 to help build iL Office together. One day later, Sander quit his job. The rest is history.

In addition to his role as CEO, Sander is a BREEAM expert in the field of new construction and renovation. Whenever necessary, he ensures that our designs comply with BREEAM guidelines.

Hard work pays off, and Sander works hard like no other. It’s like top-level sport and not for everyone. “Entrepreneurship has to suit you and give you energy; otherwise you won’t be able to keep it up,” says Sander. But the results speak for themselves.

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