BREEAM and NABERS UK

They answer different questions. BREEAM assesses a building against a broad set of sustainability criteria — energy, water, materials, health, ecology and more — at design, construction or in operation. NABERS UK rates measured operational energy performance of offices using actual metered consumption. One is a multi-criteria certification; the other is an in-use energy rating.

The practical differences

• Scope — BREEAM covers ten credit categories; NABERS UK rates energy performance in use.
• Basis — BREEAM assesses evidence against credit criteria; NABERS UK uses metered consumption over a period of operation.
• Timing — BREEAM can certify before occupation; a NABERS UK rating requires operational data, with a design-for-performance route used to target it from the outset.
• Building types — BREEAM covers most building types and masterplans; NABERS UK is focused on offices.

When developers use both

On prime UK office developments, increasingly both: BREEAM for the planning, funding and investor requirement, and NABERS UK to commit to measured energy performance that occupiers and investors can verify after handover. They are complementary rather than alternatives — and neither replaces a net zero carbon strategy.

What this means for your project

If a rating is required by planning or funding, that is normally BREEAM, and the scheme and target should be fixed at pre-assessment. If your leasing story depends on demonstrating real energy performance, plan for measured performance from design stage. See also BREEAM for office developments and BREEAM vs LEED.

Deciding between or combining certifications?

Tell us the building type and what is driving the requirement, and we will set out which certification route delivers it and what each costs.

Book a BREEAM assessment or request a fixed-fee quote — we reply the same working day with the scheme, timeline and fee for your project.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is NABERS UK a replacement for BREEAM?

No. BREEAM is a multi-criteria certification covering energy, water, materials, health and more, while NABERS UK rates measured operational energy performance of offices. Many developments use both.

Can a building have both BREEAM and NABERS UK ratings?

Yes, and on prime office schemes that is increasingly common — BREEAM for the certification requirement and NABERS UK for verified in-use energy performance.

Which one do planners ask for?

Planning conditions in the UK normally specify a BREEAM rating. Always read the condition wording, because it fixes the scheme, version and rating you must achieve.

Related BREEAM pages

• BREEAM guidance hub — every scheme, category and rating explained
• BREEAM assessment cost — what drives your fee
• BREEAM pre-assessment — score forecast before design freeze
• How to achieve BREEAM Excellent
• BREEAM glossary — schemes, categories and credit references