How BREEAM can support your journey to net zero carbon

With organisations across the building sector increasingly committing to net zero carbon goals, it’s crucial to have a robust framework for translating ambitions into tangible outcomes. That’s where BREEAM, the world’s leading sustainability assessment method for buildings, projects and infrastructure, can play a pivotal role. Our new guide BREEAM for net zero carbon organisations explains how.

The guide explains how nearly 50% of available credits in BREEAM directly target carbon reduction, covering essential construction aspects such as energy efficiency, material sourcing, waste management, and circularity. This structured approach ensures that every stage of an asset’s life contributes positively towards your organisation’s goal of net zero carbon.

Key carbon reduction features of BREEAM standards:

• Holistic assessment: BREEAM provides a comprehensive framework for minimising carbon emissions across your asset’s entire lifecycle, enabling significant reductions in operational energy use and encouraging the adoption of low-carbon technologies.
• Scientific rigour: with a strong emphasis on scientific evidence, BREEAM’s standards offer a robust basis for achieving net zero carbon, backed by third-party assurance of emission reductions.
• Future-ready: the upcoming enhancements in BREEAM Version 7, including dedicated net zero carbon modules and in-depth carbon reporting, illustrate a forward-thinking approach to sustainability.

The building sector plays a pivotal role in reducing global emissions, accounting for an estimated 38% of global emissions. Our net zero guide highlights the critical importance of leveraging BREEAM to make practical contributions towards achieving economy-wide net zero targets in a cost-effective manner.

As 92% of building sector professionals identify net zero as a key opportunity for economic growth, the guide underscores the sector’s potential to lead by example in the global fight against climate change.

Read the full guide to understand how BREEAM’s integrated, scientific approach to carbon management can accelerate your organisation’s net zero journey.