BREEAM is the BRE Environmental Assessment Method. It is a voluntary scheme that aims to quantify and reduce the environmental burdens of buildings by rewarding those designs that take positive steps to minimise their environmental impacts.
Projects are assessed using a system of credits in which those designs that take positive action to minimise their environmental impact are recognised. The credits are grouped within the issues listed to the left. The assessment process results in a report covering the issues assessed together with a formal certification giving a rating on a scale of PASS, GOOD, VERY GOOD, EXCELLENT and OUTSTANDING.