BREEAM Certification as Part of Retta Management’s Sustainability Services

Sustainability and environmental performance are becoming increasingly important elements of our property management services. Through these, we help our clients enhance the environmental efficiency and responsibility management of their properties. Retta Management carries out BREEAM certifications as project-based assignments supporting clients’ sustainability and development initiatives. 

BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) is an international environmental assessment system used to evaluate a building’s sustainability, energy efficiency, and operational quality. The certification helps identify development opportunities that support sustainable property management and long-term asset value. 

This article is based on the BREEAM In-Use International v6 framework, the latest assessment standard for existing buildings. 

BREEAM In-Use – The Assessment Framework for Existing Buildings 

There are several BREEAM versions depending on a building’s lifecycle stage. BREEAM In-Use is intended for buildings in operation. It evaluates a property’s physical and technical characteristics as well as management and maintenance practices, providing metrics that support improvements in sustainability and operational efficiency. 

In addition, BREEAM New Construction focuses on new developments, enabling sustainability criteria to be integrated into the design and construction phases; and BREEAM Refurbishment and Fit-Out is applied to renovation and modernization projects. 

The BREEAM In-Use v6 framework is divided into three parts, of which the first two are most commonly used: 

  • Part 1: Asset Performance – physical characteristics, energy efficiency, resource management, and environmental performance of the building 
  • Part 2: Building Management – maintenance and management practices, monitoring, and documentation 
  • (Part 3: Occupier Management evaluates the sustainability practices of building users, but is applied less frequently than the asset and management sections.) 

The table below shows the BREEAM rating levels. For many existing buildings, a realistic target level is Very Good, demonstrating that the property is environmentally efficient and responsibly managed. This ensures alignment with the key requirements of investors, tenants, and regulatory authorities. 

Common Measures in BREEAM Certification Projects 

Retta Management supports clients in achieving their selected BREEAM rating level with practical, site-specific actions. Typical measures for meeting the Very Good level include climate and flood risk assessments, as well as the installation of leak detection systems and water-saving fixtures. Additional actions may include resource inventories, biodiversity-enhancing solutions, and condition assessments. 

These measures support not only environmental objectives but also cost-efficiency and energy performance, improving maintenance processes and occupant satisfaction. The chosen measures vary depending on the property’s characteristics, but the common goal is to reduce environmental impact and strengthen the long-term value of the asset. 

Collaboration and Audit Process 

BREEAM projects are carried out in close cooperation with various specialist partners. A broad expert network ensures that each stage of the certification is executed professionally and with high quality. Retta Management oversees coordination and alignment throughout the process to ensure a smooth and well-managed experience for the client. 

The actual audit is always conducted by an external, independent third party, ensuring neutrality and transparency in the evaluation. 

Benefits of BREEAM for Property Owners 

BREEAM certification provides property owners with a wide range of added value: 

  • Increased value and attractiveness: Sustainable and energy-efficient buildings attract investors and tenants. 
  • Cost-efficiency: Systematic monitoring of energy, water, and resource use generates savings. 
  • Risk management and regulatory preparedness: BREEAM helps anticipate future energy-efficiency and climate-related requirements. 
  • Support for sustainability reporting: Certification provides comparable data for ESG reporting, GRESB assessments, and EU taxonomy compliance. 

Managed Delivery from Start to Finish 

BREEAM certification is a multi-stage process requiring strong coordination, documentation, and technical understanding. In our experience, successful certification depends on effective process management and clear sequencing. When responsibilities, schedules, and documentation practices are well-defined, the certification proceeds efficiently and delivers concrete value for both the environment and the property owner. 

Retta Management’s clients can choose to implement their BREEAM project on a turnkey basis, with Retta Management managing the entire process on their behalf. We understand the typical challenges and improvement areas in BREEAM projects and provide practical solutions that ensure the certification progresses smoothly and in a controlled manner. 

A Tool for Continuous Improvement 

BREEAM functions as a tool for assessing and developing sustainable property management. Through certification, property owners gain a clear overview of a building’s environmental impacts and a concrete foundation for long-term development. 

Sources 

BREEAM In-Use International Technical Manual, BRE Global 
GRESB – Guidance on the use of BREEAM data in ESG reporting 
BRE Global – EU Taxonomy Alignment and Sustainable Finance Guidance