A BREEAM assessor is a BRE-licensed professional who evaluates buildings against the BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) sustainability standard and issues BREEAM certificates. BREEAM is required by planning conditions on many commercial, educational and public sector developments, and increasingly on larger residential schemes. The assessor works alongside the design team from the earliest stages to ensure the building achieves the required rating, and carries out a post-construction assessment to issue the final certificate.
What they do
- Register projects with BRE and manage the BREEAM assessment process
- Advise the design team on BREEAM credits and target scores
- Carry out design stage (Interim) assessments
- Collect and review evidence from contractors and design team members
- Carry out post-construction (Final) assessments and site inspections
- Submit evidence to BRE for certification
- Advise on BREEAM In-Use assessments for existing buildings
- Discharge BREEAM planning conditions
When you need one
Appoint a BREEAM assessor at the very start of the design process - BREEAM credits are heavily influenced by early design decisions that are difficult or expensive to change later.
Typical costs (UK, 2025)
| Service | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| BREEAM Design Stage (Interim) assessment | £2,000 - £5,000 |
| BREEAM Post-Construction assessment | £1,500 - £3,500 |
| Full BREEAM design + post-construction package | £3,500 - £8,000+ |
| BREEAM In-Use (existing buildings) | £1,500 - £4,000 |
| Hourly rate | £70 - £120 / hr |
BRE registration fees are charged separately. Costs rise significantly for large or complex buildings. BREEAM Outstanding is substantially more demanding than Excellent and requires specialist advice.
Qualifications to look for
Only BRE-licensed assessors can carry out BREEAM assessments and issue BREEAM certificates. Assessors must be licensed for the specific scheme relevant to your project (New Construction, In-Use, etc.). Verify licence status at breeam.com.
A BREEAM AP works alongside the design team to advise on sustainability strategy and BREEAM credits. An AP is distinct from the assessor - both may be needed on complex projects. APs must also be registered with BRE.
Assessors typically have backgrounds in building services engineering, architecture, environmental science or sustainability consultancy. CIBSE and IEMA memberships are common. The BRE assessor training builds on these foundations.
How to find a reputable BREEAM assessor
Frequently asked questions
What is BREEAM?
Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method - the world's leading sustainability assessment method for buildings. It covers energy, water, health and wellbeing, transport, materials, waste, land use and ecology, pollution and management. Ratings range from Pass to Outstanding. BREEAM assessments are carried out by BRE-licensed assessors at design stage and after construction.
When is BREEAM required?
Many local authorities require BREEAM as a planning condition on larger residential and commercial developments - typically BREEAM Very Good or Excellent for commercial buildings and BREEAM Home Quality Mark or equivalent for residential. Public sector buildings including schools, hospitals and offices often have BREEAM requirements written into procurement briefs. Always check the local planning authority's sustainability supplementary planning document.
What is the difference between BREEAM and EPC?
An EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) only covers the energy efficiency of the building fabric and services, rated A to G. BREEAM is a much broader assessment covering ten sustainability categories including management, health and wellbeing, ecology, transport and materials. A building can have a good EPC rating but score poorly in BREEAM if it performs badly in other sustainability categories.