Why BREEAM In-Use is a practical way to improve building performance

Existing buildings need a practical sustainability plan

Most of the buildings that will be standing in 2050 are already built. Improving those existing assets is one of the most sensible ways to reduce environmental impact while protecting long-term value.

Investors, occupiers and regulators are paying closer attention to how buildings perform. Energy costs remain a concern for everyone, ESG reporting is becoming more detailed, and occupiers are asking more probing questions before choosing where to work.

Many organisations know they need to act, but the hard part is knowing where to begin.

Without a clear process in place, sustainability spending can become reactive, disjointed and costly. BREEAM In-Use gives building owners a structured way forward.

Better performance doesn’t always mean major spend

A common assumption is that sustainability improvements tend to need large capital investment, but that’s not always the case. A BREEAM In-Use assessment may identify practical measures, for example:

• ✔ Better energy monitoring and metering
• ✔ Improved maintenance procedures
• ✔ Stronger waste management processes
• ✔ Occupier engagement programmes
• ✔ Sustainable procurement policies
• ✔ Travel planning initiatives
• ✔ Improved environmental management systems
• ✔ Clearer performance tracking and reporting

Many of these can be introduced quickly and at a lower cost than major upgrades and also help organisations see where bigger investment is genuinely needed, reducing the risk of spending money in the wrong places and helping to focus budgets on changes that will deliver better returns.

Benefits for single buildings and portfolios

For a single building owner, BREEAM In-Use offers a clear plan for improving performance, reducing operating costs and making the asset more attractive to occupiers. It can potentially support leasing, improve tenant satisfaction and show that sustainability is being managed properly.

For portfolio owners and asset managers, the benefits go further. Using the same assessment method across several buildings makes it easier to compare performance, benchmark assets and decide which buildings should receive investment first, creating a more disciplined approach to asset management. Instead of relying on assumptions, portfolio managers can use measured performance to guide budgets and priorities.

The certificate is only one part of the value

A BREEAM In-Use certification ultimately delivers recognised evidence of environmental performance, but the assessment process itself can often be where the greatest value sits.

It shows organisations how a building is performing, where weaknesses exist and which improvements are likely to make the biggest difference. In many cases, the action plan created through the assessment process becomes more useful than the rating alone.

The result can be a practical route for ongoing improvements, rather than a one-off certification exercise.

Supporting EPC, ESG and Net Zero Plans

BREEAM In-Use also works well alongside wider asset improvement plans.

For buildings with weaker EPC ratings, the assessment will help owners understand where operational changes, fabric upgrades or building services improvements may support better energy performance. Alongside this, it can also provide useful evidence for ESG reporting, particularly where investors or occupiers need clearer data on energy, water, waste, management processes and environmental performance.

For organisations working to achieve net zero, BREEAM In-Use provides a structure for measuring progress at asset level. It helps turn carbon reduction targets into practical actions that can be tracked, funded and delivered over time.

Many organisations already collect some level of sustainability data, but the challenge is turning it into a clear improvement plan. BREEAM In-Use helps connect performance data with practical steps that support environmental and commercial goals.

Moving from assessment to action

A successful BREEAM In-Use strategy doesn’t stop at identifying the opportunities – ultimately improvements need to be planned, costed and delivered properly, which is where strong technical support matters.

Alongside BREEAM In-Use assessments, organisations will likely also need support with energy performance, EPC improvement strategies, thermal modelling, air quality, acoustics, lifecycle carbon assessments and wider sustainability goals. Bringing all of these services together helps make sure recommendations are practical, achievable and demonstrably connected to wider business priorities.