How BREEAM Certification Adds Value to Commercial Properties

In commercial real estate, where returns hinge on asset performance and long-term resilience, every square metre must work harder. If you’re a landlord, developer, or investor looking to increase the value of your portfolio, you’re likely balancing cost efficiency with market appeal. And that’s precisely where BREEAM certification steps in—not as another green label, but as a real asset enhancer.

Here’s the bottom line:
BREEAM-certified buildings rent faster, command higher premiums, and cost less to operate.

Let’s break down exactly why that matters and how you can capitalise on these benefits today.

What Is BREEAM and Why Should Commercial Property Stakeholders Care?

The Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) is the world’s longest-established method of assessing, rating, and certifying the sustainability of buildings.

But this isn’t about greenwashing or ticking boxes.

It’s about reducing operational costs, future-proofing assets, and improving tenant demand—all while complying with increasing ESG and regulatory pressures.

If you’re leasing, selling, or holding property, you’re in a value game. BREEAM gives you the playbook.

1. Direct Financial Benefits: Lower Operating Costs, Higher Yields

Energy efficiency isn’t just ethical—it’s economical.

BREEAM-certified buildings are designed to consume significantly less energy and water than their non-certified counterparts. That means:

• Lower utility bills
• Reduced maintenance costs
• Increased NOI (Net Operating Income)

A study by BRE found that BREEAM Excellent-rated buildings cut energy consumption by up to 40%, which translates directly into value appreciation.

Commercial tenants notice the savings too, which makes your property that much more attractive.

💡 Key takeaway: Lower OPEX = higher long-term value.

2. Attracting Premium Tenants in a Competitive Market

In an era where corporate ESG targets shape leasing decisions, sustainability is no longer optional.

Fortune 500 tenants now prioritise green buildings that align with their environmental strategies. BREEAM certification demonstrates performance across areas like:

• Indoor air quality
• Daylight access
• Thermal comfort
• Low-carbon construction materials

These features aren’t just buzzwords. They translate into:

• Higher lease rates
• Lower vacancy periods
• Longer tenant retention

BREEAM-rated buildings achieve rents 8-10% above the market average in some urban centres. That’s not opinion—it’s documented by RICS-backed research.

3. Regulatory Risk Mitigation: Staying Ahead of Compliance

New energy performance regulations are tightening across the UK and Europe.

As of April 2023, commercial properties in England and Wales must achieve EPC Band E or above to be legally leased—and that’s just the beginning. Future updates will push requirements to Band C and beyond.

BREEAM provides a structured path to meet (and exceed) these standards before they become legal liabilities. That future-proofing adds serious weight to your investment strategy.

Think of BREEAM as an insurance policy against regulatory obsolescence.

4. Capital Value Appreciation: The Long Game

When it’s time to sell or refinance, valuation matters. A building’s green credentials now play a direct role in:

• Bank lending criteria
• Buyer interest
• Exit price multipliers

Investors are favouring sustainable assets in their portfolios. According to CBRE, certified sustainable buildings command 21% higher transaction prices on average.

Combine that with lower holding costs and tenant premiums, and BREEAM becomes more than certification—it becomes a multiplier.

📈 Critical insight: Green buildings aren’t a trend. They’re becoming a benchmark.

5. BREEAM as a Marketing Differentiator in Crowded Cities

In overbuilt urban markets like London, Manchester, or Birmingham, every edge counts.

A BREEAM Outstanding or Excellent plaque isn’t just for show. It communicates that your asset:

• Aligns with ESG mandates
• Offers lower operational risk
• Enhances employee wellbeing for tenants

For agents and developers, this is a powerful story to tell—and BREEAM gives it credibility.

At BREEAMAssessment.co.uk, our assessments help commercial developers turn compliance into a competitive advantage.

6. ESG Reporting and Investor Confidence

Institutional investors are scrutinising environmental performance more than ever.

Whether you’re preparing for a REIT IPO or pitching to pension funds, having BREEAM certification embedded into your asset strategy sends a clear signal:

• You manage climate risk proactively
• You prioritise long-term asset health
• You meet evolving investor expectations

BREEAM isn’t just an add-on—it’s a measurable, reportable performance indicator that helps you stand out in ESG disclosures.

7. Real-World Example: How BREEAM Paid Off for a London Office Redevelopment

A mid-sized commercial developer worked with BREEAMAssessment.co.uk to target a BREEAM Excellent rating for a Central London office retrofit.

The result?

• £650,000 annual savings in operational costs
• 9% rental premium over comparable buildings in the postcode
• 2x more leasing enquiries in the first 30 days post-certification

The initial investment in green upgrades paid back in under four years—and repositioned the property as a market leader.

🏢 Your takeaway: Green pays—and faster than you might think.

8. Why Choose BREEAMAssessment.co.uk as Your Partner

Unlike generic assessors, we specialise exclusively in BREEAM certification and advisory for commercial properties.

Here’s what sets us apart:

• Deep expertise in urban commercial buildings
• End-to-end support from pre-assessment through final certification
• Strategic advisory that turns BREEAM into ROI—not red tape
• Hands-on project management to minimise disruption and speed up approvals

Our goal? To make sustainability profitable for you.

9. How to Get Started with a BREEAM Assessment

If you’re thinking about BREEAM certification for a new or existing commercial property, here’s how the process works:

1. Pre-assessment: We review your asset and recommend a target rating.
2. Gap analysis: Identify what’s needed to meet or exceed your goals.
3. Implementation: Work with your project team or facility managers to align plans with BREEAM standards.
4. Final assessment and certification.

We handle the heavy lifting. You collect the benefits.

Final Thoughts: BREEAM Isn’t Just About Sustainability—It’s About Profitability

BREEAM certification benefits go far beyond green credibility. It’s a smart investment strategy that delivers:

• Lower costs
• Higher rental income
• Stronger asset resilience
• Increased capital value
• Greater investor and tenant confidence

If your portfolio isn’t already BREEAM-aligned, you’re not just leaving ESG points on the table—you may be leaving serious money there too.

The market is moving. Are your properties moving with it?

Ready to certify your commercial property with BREEAM?

Start your assessment with us today →

FAQs

1. How much does BREEAM certification cost?

Costs vary depending on the building type, size, and desired rating. Our team at BREEAMAssessment.co.uk offers transparent, upfront pricing tailored to your asset.

2. What’s the ROI of BREEAM certification?

Typical ROI comes from operational savings, tenant premiums, and value appreciation. Many buildings recover certification costs in 3-5 years.

3. Can existing buildings be BREEAM-certified?

Yes. BREEAM In-Use is specifically designed for operational commercial properties. We specialise in retrofits and refurbishments.

4. What rating should I aim for—Very Good, Excellent, or Outstanding?

That depends on your goals. For most commercial properties, Excellent strikes the right balance between cost and benefit.

5. How long does the certification process take?

Anywhere from 3 to 12 months depending on the building’s condition and scope of improvements. We help streamline the process from day one.