In order to demonstrate compliance with the relevant BREEAM criteria, the performance of specific products or materials must generally be considered in the context of each assessed building.
BREEAM is a building level certification scheme and as such, there are no “BREEAM certified” products. BREEAM recognises processes that evaluate/test the environmental performance or responsible sourcing of specific products. BREEAM provides credits where the process, and in some cases the performance, meet a specific standard. It does not recognise specific products as “BREEAM compliant”.
There are, however, credits available under the Materials category, where projects include products covered by a verified Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) that was produced in line with ISO 14025, ISO 21930 or EN 15804. For example, BRE’s Verified Environmental Product Declaration Scheme meets EN 15804, so an EPD from this program would be deemed to meet the relevant requirements. EPDs created under other schemes that utilise ISO 14025 or ISO 21930 would also be deemed to meet the requirements. This approach could also support requirements for specific products to not exceed VOC emission levels, under Hea 02 Indoor air quality, in either the New Construction or Refurbishment & Fit-Out standards.
Manufacturers and product specifiers are encouraged to review the Materials and Health and Well-being categories in the BREEAM standards to understand the requirements and work with a BREEAM Professional to better understand how their product supports clients pursuing BREEAM certification.
BREEAM is a whole building-based assessment scheme and BRE does not endorse or approve products or materials as ‘BREEAM compliant’
04/02/2022 - Updated to provide additional guidance
