Refurbishment & fit-out for US projects
The BREEAM Refurbishment & fit-out standards are used to assess the renovation of an asset or tenant improvements within an asset.
Renovations are projects undertaken to improve the performance, function and overall condition of an existing building. Tenant improvements are alterations to the interior to fit tenant needs whether in a newly constructed or existing building.
BREEAM International Refurbishment & fit-out provides a framework that encourages the retention of as much of the asset and its systems as possible. The assessment criteria and process focus on four building structure elements from the concept stage right through to a fully completed project: building envelope and structure, core systems, local services, and interior design.
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 Refurbishment & fit-out works for US projects
Adaptations for US projects
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.
Weightings not available for your project’s region? Email the BREEAM USA team to start the process.
Building types that can use BREEAM International Refurbishment & fit-out
BREEAM International Refurbishment & fit-out can be used to assess renovations and tenant improvement projects in 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 |
Don’t see your project type? For projects that do not fall within the scope of BREEAM International Refurbishment & fit-out, BRE offers a bespoke service. Criteria is tailored to the project type and use allowing the project to identify the relevant sustainability opportunities for the specific project. Learn more about this approach in our Guidance Note BREEAM Bespoke Process.
Benefits of BREEAM Refurbishment & fit-out
Clients choose BREEAM certification because it helps them deliver and validate the sustainability value of their assets cost effectively and to an internationally recognized and robust standard, tried and tested since it was first launched in 1990.
By considering impacts and costs from a lifecycle perspective, investors, developers, owners, and occupiers can benefit from the Refurbishment and fit-out standards:
Driving sales and rental values
Supporting routes to net zero
Contributing to ESG goals
Mitigating environmental impact
Reducing operational costs
Retaining, improving, and future proofing existing assets
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 Refurbishment and fit-out 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.