What’s the difference between LEED & BREEAM?
BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) and LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) are both widely recognized and used certification systems for assessing and promoting the sustainability of buildings. While they share common goals of encouraging environmentally responsible practices in construction and operation, distinctive variations exist between the two.
Origin and Location
BREEAM: Developed in the United Kingdom by the Building Research Establishment (BRE), BREEAM has its roots in British standards but has gained international recognition.
LEED: Developed by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC), LEED originated in the United States. It has since expanded its influence globally and is widely used in many countries.
Assessment Criteria
BREEAM: BREEAM assesses buildings based on various criteria, including energy and water use, materials, waste management, land use, ecology, pollution, and management processes.
LEED: LEED evaluates buildings in categories such as sustainable site development, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, indoor environmental quality, and innovation in design.
Global Applicability
BREEAM: BREEAM has a strong presence in Europe and the United Kingdom. It has also expanded to other parts of the world, adapting its criteria to suit different climates and regional priorities.
LEED: LEED is widely recognized and used globally, with projects certified in over 160 countries. It has adapted to different regions through the creation of specific rating systems like LEED for Homes and LEED for Neighborhood Development.
Scoring System
BREEAM: BREEAM uses a scoring system based on credits, and buildings are rated on a scale from “Unclassified” to “Outstanding,” reflecting the level of sustainability achieved.
LEED: LEED uses a points-based system where projects earn points for satisfying specific criteria. Certification levels range from Certified to Silver, Gold, and Platinum, indicating increasing levels of sustainability performance.
Documentation and Certification Process
BREEAM: BREEAM typically requires a thorough documentation process, with assessments conducted by licensed assessors. Certification is achieved by meeting a specific threshold of credits.
LEED: LEED follows a similar documentation process, with certification levels achieved by accumulating a certain number of points through compliance with various prerequisites and credits.
Flexibility and Adaptability
BREEAM: BREEAM allows for flexibility in the assessment process, enabling projects to address regional or project-specific considerations.
LEED: LEED is adaptable to various building types and projects but has a standardized set of prerequisites and credits.
While BREEAM and LEED share the overarching goal of promoting sustainability within commercial real estate, the differences lie in their origins, assessment criteria, global applicability, scoring systems, and certification processes. The choice between BREEAM and LEED often depends on project location, stakeholder preferences, and the specific priorities of the building or development.
Disclaimer: The information provided is intended for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, readers are urged to independently verify details and seek professional advice tailored to their specific situations. The content does not constitute professional advice, and any decisions made based on the information presented are the sole responsibility of the reader. The author and the platform disclaim any liability for the consequences of actions taken or decisions made in connection with the content of this post. Additionally, the comparison between LEED and BREEAM and any subsequent changes to their criteria or certification processes may not be reflected in this post. Readers are advised to consult official documentation and relevant experts for the latest and most accurate information.
