Boosting Asset Value through BREEAM In-Use: A Sustainable Investment Perspective

The demand for sustainable buildings in the UK has never been higher. Tenants, investors, and regulatory bodies increasingly favour properties that demonstrate strong environmental credentials. For contractors, developers, principal designers, and architects, this shift presents both a challenge and an opportunity. Enter BREEAM In-Use certification—a powerful framework for assessing and enhancing the sustainability of existing buildings. Beyond meeting sustainability goals, it also delivers tangible financial and operational benefits, making it a strategic investment for asset owners.

BREEAM certification, whether for In-Use buildings or New Construction, aligns directly with the UK’s net-zero carbon targets and growing ESG priorities. It not only helps properties comply with legislation but also boosts their appeal in a competitive market, offering stakeholders the chance to turn sustainability into a core value proposition.

What Is BREEAM In-Use?

BREEAM In-Use provides a structured way to evaluate and certify the performance of existing buildings. Unlike its counterpart, BREEAM New Construction, which focuses on the design and build of new developments, BREEAM In-Use assesses operational assets. It’s designed to ensure buildings are not just fit-for-purpose but also meet evolving sustainability benchmarks throughout their lifecycle.

This certification covers three key areas:

1. Management: How effectively the asset is maintained and operated.
2. Building Performance: Its energy, water, and material efficiencies.
3. Occupant Impact: How the space contributes to the health and wellbeing of its users.

These areas are measured against metrics like energy use, carbon footprint, water consumption, and indoor air quality. For UK-based projects, this framework dovetails with national goals, local planning policies, and tenant demands for sustainable, comfortable spaces.

Why BREEAM In-Use Adds Value

The benefits of BREEAM In-Use certification go beyond meeting compliance requirements. For property professionals, it’s an investment that pays dividends across three core areas: value, appeal, and efficiency.

Enhanced Asset Value
Research consistently shows that BREEAM-certified buildings achieve higher market valuations. Certification reassures investors that an asset aligns with long-term sustainability trends, offering stable returns in an ESG-conscious world. Certified properties also attract premium tenants willing to pay higher rents for energy-efficient, sustainable spaces.

Investor and Tenant Appeal
With ESG reporting becoming a standard practice, investors are prioritising assets that can demonstrate measurable environmental and social benefits. BREEAM In-Use certification signals that a property is future-proofed and adaptable to upcoming regulations, making it an attractive choice for forward-thinking stakeholders. Meanwhile, tenants increasingly seek energy-efficient spaces that reduce operational costs while improving their working environments.

Operational Cost Savings
Sustainability often equates to efficiency. Certified buildings typically feature improved energy systems, efficient water use, and materials that minimise maintenance needs. These optimisations not only reduce overheads but also extend the asset’s lifecycle, providing long-term economic benefits.

Staying Ahead of Market and Legislative Pressures

In the UK, strict regulations are driving property owners to prioritise sustainability. The Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES), for instance, set out clear requirements for rental properties to meet specific energy performance benchmarks. Failing to comply risks not just fines but also the potential loss of marketability.

Similarly, the Building Safety Act places a renewed emphasis on health and wellbeing. Features like improved indoor air quality, access to natural light, and water-saving systems—all addressed in BREEAM In-Use certification—help meet these requirements while enhancing user satisfaction.

Market dynamics further emphasise sustainability. Buyers and tenants increasingly expect buildings to reduce their environmental impact and align with net-zero goals. Properties that meet these expectations are more likely to attract and retain occupants, keeping vacancy rates low.

Practical Steps to Achieve Certification

Achieving BREEAM In-Use certification begins with understanding the current performance of the asset. Engaging a qualified BREEAM Assessor early ensures a clear roadmap for improvement. Our services, which include BREEAM New Construction and BREEAM AP support, provide tailored guidance to maximise certification potential.

Key upgrades might include:

• Energy efficiency retrofits: Installing LED lighting or upgrading HVAC systems.
• Water-saving measures: Introducing low-flow fixtures or rainwater harvesting systems.
• Health and wellbeing enhancements: Implementing natural ventilation or improving air quality monitoring.

Taking a holistic approach that balances these upgrades with budget considerations ensures that even older properties can achieve significant improvements.

We always tailor recommendations to ensure that improvement measures are the most suitable option, and provide tangible benefits to the building and it’s users, along with improving the BREEAM score.

To take the risk out of the BREEAM In Use assessment process, we offer a BREEAM In Use pre-assessment service which allows us to review the current form of the building and advise on the potential rating that your asset could achieve. This allows us to give you the required information to make a decision as to whether undertaking a full BREEAM In Use assessment is a worthwhile exercise for your asset.

Addressing Challenges

It’s natural for stakeholders to have concerns about costs or the practicality of retrofitting older buildings. However, the long-term gains often outweigh the upfront investment. Articulating the value of certification—such as lower operating costs, higher tenant retention, and stronger marketability—can help align stakeholders’ goals.

For assets with structural constraints, innovation is key. Case studies show that even listed buildings have successfully achieved BREEAM certification through creative, sympathetic upgrades. Collaboration between contractors, designers, and assessors ensures these challenges are managed efficiently.

A Look to the Future

As technology evolves, tools like digital twins and IoT integration are set to transform how buildings are managed and certified. These innovations promise greater accuracy in performance monitoring, making it easier to achieve and maintain higher BREEAM In-Use scores.

The framework itself is also evolving. Updates to BREEAM In-Use reflect stricter carbon reduction goals and align with global best practices. With increasing pressure from financial institutions and regulatory bodies, sustainable assets will continue to dominate the market.

For contractors, designers, and developers, BREEAM In-Use offers more than a path to compliance—it’s a smart investment in a building’s future. By certifying assets, stakeholders can boost value, cut costs, and meet the growing demand for sustainability.

Now is the time to act. Whether you’re managing a portfolio or planning a retrofit, embracing BREEAM In-Use as a strategic tool will position your assets as leaders in a competitive, sustainability-focused market. Sustainable buildings are more than a regulatory requirement—they’re a hallmark of excellence, resilience, and profitability.