New construction for US projects
The BREEAM New construction standards are used to assess the design, construction, intended use and future-proofing of new building developments, including the local, natural or human-created environment surrounding the building.
BREEAM International New construction, the standard used for new developments in the US, provides a framework to encourage clients and designers to strive for the most sustainable building within the constraints of the project.
Certificates can be issued at the Design Stage (noted as interim BREEAM rating based on the design) and Post-construction to confirm the final BREEAM rating for the as-built performance of the building after construction is complete.
Learn more about how BREEAM International New construction works for US projects
Adaptations for US projects
BREEAM International New construction provides a means of adapting section weightings to reflect the context specific to the country of assessment. There can be marked differences in environmental conditions in different countries, or even within regions of the same country and we aim to reflect that in the weightings process.
The US has been divided into 10 regions. The regions have been set after considering climate, energy use, transport availability, population density, ecology and other factors.
Each of these regions have their own environmental category weightings and approved standards which will account for the variations in standards adopted (such as the multiple versions of ASHRAE 90.1) and the regulatory baseline in place. Adopting this regional approach ensures that any BREEAM certified project exceeds regulations while still meeting international best practice.
Where weightings have not been set for a particular region in the US, BRE will work with Assessors to review and create the data set required to determine the weightings. Assessors should reach out to BRE when they have a BREEAM project in a region in which the weightings and standards have not been published.
Building types that can use BREEAM International New construction
BREEAM International New construction can be used to assess most types of new buildings, including residential and new-build extensions to existing buildings.
| Building type | Description |
|---|---|
| Office | · General office buildings · Offices with research & development areas (category 1 laboratories only) |
| Industrial | · Warehouse storage or distribution · Process, manufacturing or vehicle servicing |
| Retail | · Shop or shopping center · Retail park or warehouse · Over the counter service providers, e.g financial institutions · Showrooms · Restaurant, café and drinking establishments · Hot food take-out establishments |
| Education | · Preschools · K-12 schools · Community colleges · Universities · Other higher education |
| Residential Long stay | · Senior/ assisted living · Sheltered accommodation · On campus student accommodation · Military barracks |
| Residential Short stay | · Hotel, hostel, boarding and guest house · Secure training center · Residential training center |
| Residential | · Multifamily · Single homes |
Don’t see your project type? For new-build developments that do not fall within the scope of BREEAM International New construction, BRE offers a bespoke service. This involves tailoring criteria in the existing standards to the developments specific use, sustainability opportunities and its location. This tailoring takes place prior to the development being fully designed and constructed to maximize the benefit of its application. For more information regarding this process and whether it is a suitable option for your project, please read our Guidance Note BREEAM Bespoke Process.
Benefits of BREEAM New construction
The New construction standards benefit property investors, developers, owners and occupiers by:
Driving sales and rental values
Supporting routes to net zero
Contributing to ESG goals
Mitigating environmental impact
Reducing operational costs
Providing one assessment for multiple sustainability outcomes
Enhancing economic and social value
Supporting disclosures and reporting requirements
Providing independent, third-party assurance on asset performance and sustainability
Register to download the BREEAM USA New construction technical manuals
BREEAM USA case studies
Aligning ESG goals: LXP’s collaborative approach to Green Building Standards
China Basin – Achieving BREEAM Very Good rating on a waterfront Tech & Life Sciences Campus in San Francisco
WashREIT leverages green bond funding to achieve BREEAM certification of eight assets
DEKA USA Property TWO LP 3050 Gateway Distribution Center achieves BREEAM certification in efforts for continual progress
2840 Junction in the Silicon Valley achieves BREEAM Good rating on Metlife Investment Management and Cushman & Wakefield campus
A historic public garden leads green building into the future, Center for Sustainable Landscapes, Pennsylvania, USA
Contact BREEAM USA to start your sustainability journey today
To contact us, please call us on +14152981619 or share your contact details and one of our experts will be in touch.