Green Building

BREEAM In-Use is a scheme to help building managers reduce the running costs and improve the environmental performance of existing buildings. It consists of a standard, an easy-to-use assessment methodology and an independent certification process that provides a clear and credible route map to improving sustainability. Parts 1 and 2 of the BREEAM In-Use Certification Scheme are relevant to all commercial, industrial, retail and institutional buildings. Part 3 of the BREEAM In-Use Certification Scheme is currently restricted to offices.

The biggest opportunity to address the environmental impact lies in better management and improvement of the existing building stock. BREEAM In-Use has been developed to recognise and encourage better building management and targeted investment in existing building stock.

The environmental performance of an organisation's built assets is a key factor in its sustainability credentials and carbon footprint. Operating a building also represents a major cost - with soaring energy prices and an uncertain economic outlook, cutting energy, water, waste and other such costs can be a relatively easy way of improving profitability. BREEAM In-Use is designed to:

• Reduce operational costs,
• Enhance the value and marketability of property assets,
• Provide a transparent platform for landlords, owners and tenants to identify and negotiate building improvements,
• Provide a route to compliance with environmental legislation and standards, including energy labelling and ISO 14001,
• Facilitate engagement with staff in the identification of productivity improvements and sustainable business practices,
• Provide a vehicle to evaluate and improve Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR),
• Provide genuine evidence of sustainability and CSR.

Getting a BREEAM Assessment

The BREEAM In-Use certification scheme enables organisations to assess the performance of individual buildings or a portfolio of buildings, and the effectiveness of their organisations. The scheme has a simple to use online system and uses licensed BREEAM In-Use Auditors to conduct audits, provide an independent perspective and help organisations maximise the benefits of the scheme. The online system enables building managers to conduct a pre-assessment to quantify the impact of their building, existing systems and initiatives, as well as the potential impact of proposed upgrades.

Auditors may give support and advice to help their clients with the pre-assessment process. Post-certification, Auditors may also offer consultancy to the client, directing improvements in relation to the asset and the occupying organisation’s sustainability performance, as demonstrated by the live updates offered by the online system.

Following a successful audit, licensed Auditors are able to issue reports and certificates on BRE Global’s behalf which highlight how well a building and organisation are performing and ways to improve.

To contact ERMS, a licensed BREEAM Assessor, please call +358 50 358 2570 or mail to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .