BREEAM Green Building Certification
As the leading green building consultants in Central and Eastern Europe, our team has extensive experience with BREEAM, LEED, EDGE, WELL and other sustainability certification systems. As part of our comprehensive service package, we prepare gap analyses, compliance assessments, and life cycle analyses (LCA – Life Cycle Analysis, LCC – Life Cycle Costing), as well as energy and biodiversity studies, sustainable procurement guidelines and credit strategies, and transportation plans.
What is BREEAM?
The BREEAM system is the world’s leading building sustainability assessment method, developed by BRE (Building Research Establishment) in the United Kingdom in 1990. Its popularity is well demonstrated by the fact that among certified buildings in Hungary, BREEAM is the most widely used rating system.
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Within the BREEAM framework, certification is available for, among others:
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Newly constructed residential and commercial properties (BREEAM International New Construction)
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Newly constructed complex buildings with unique functions (BREEAM Bespoke, for which no standard assessment framework exists, e.g. sports facilities)
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Renovation or refurbishment projects (BREEAM International Refurbishment and Fit-Out)
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Existing commercial buildings (BREEAM In-Use International)
…which are assessed according to the following nine categories:
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Management
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Health & Wellbeing
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Energy
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Transport
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Water
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Materials
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Waste
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Land Use & Ecology
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Pollution
+1: Innovation
Although BREEAM is a European standard, it is present in more than 70 countries worldwide, often adapted to local conditions (e.g. BREEAM NL – Netherlands, BREEAM DE – Germany, BREEAM SE – Sweden).
Why is BREEAM certification a good investment?
BREEAM provides a clear quality and ESG benchmark for tenants and investors, demonstrating the building’s sustainability and operational performance. Certified properties enjoy a competitive advantage in leasing and sales, particularly in the premium office market.
BREEAM certification is often a prerequisite for green financing schemes, such as green loans or preferential bank products. Certification helps reduce financing risk.
Improved energy and water efficiency and more effective building operation.
Meeting BREEAM requirements results in lower energy and water consumption and more efficient operation, reducing operating expenses (OPEX) and improving the property’s total life cycle cost (LCC).
Why Greenbors?
Market-leading consultancy: As the leading independent consultancy in Central and Eastern Europe, we specialize in sustainability services for the real estate, infrastructure, and financial sectors.
Over 150 successful certifications: Our multidisciplinary team of experts has outstanding experience, having delivered more than 150 green building certifications over the past five years.
End-to-end services: We provide a comprehensive, project-spanning service package, from advisory services through to the preparation of supplementary studies.
Client base: Developers, property owners, general designers, operators, shopping centres, logistics facilities, and office buildings.
Trusted by
 TRIBE Budapest Stadium HotelBREEAM In-Use v6 certification scheme - Outstanding rating (partner: WING) |  TRIBE Budapest Airport HotelBREEAM In-Use v6 certification scheme Good rating (partner: WING) |  MOM Park building complexBREEAM In-Use v6 vertification scheme - Very Good rating (partner: OTP Real Estate Investment Fund Management Ltd.) |
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 F99 office buildingBREEAM In-Use v6 certification scheme - Excellent rating (partner: Proform Zrt.) |  Liget Center VitrumBREEAM In-Use v6 certification scheme - Very Good rating (partner: WING) |  BudapWest Office BuildingBREEAM In-Use v6 certification scheme - Excellent rating (partner: Vendere Kft.) |
How does a BREEAM project work?
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Project initiation, initial assessment and target setting
Definition of the target rating (Pass/Good/Very Good/Excellent/Outstanding
Identification of critical credits (Ene01, Wat01, Man01, etc.)
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Registration
Registration of the project in the BREEAM system
Appointment of a BREEAM Assessor - AP (Accredited Proffessional) is optional but recommended
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Gap analysis
Which credits can relistically be achieved
Design vs. construction dependencies
Risk assessment (e.g. energy, water, materials)
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Design State (DS) assessment
Review of design documentation
Calculations, concepts and specifications
Preparation and submission of the DS report to BRE
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DS Interim certificate (optional but common)
For market and financing purposes
"Design intent" level certification
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Post Construction (PC) assessment
As-built drawings
Declarations, records and photographic evidence
Comissioning, metering and site evidence
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Submission of PC documentation to BRE
Complete final evidence package
BRE quality assurance and response to any queries
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Award of the final BREEAM certificate
Final rating
Publicly available certification
Greenbors Services
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BREEAM pre-assessment and final certification (Design Stage + Post Construction)
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Design and construction consultancy
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Sustainability and technical studies
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LCA (Life Cycle Assessment), LCC (Life Cycle Costing) and energy reviews
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Coordination of external experts
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Project coordination
Frequently asked questions
What is BREEAM and why do we work with it? BREEAM is an internationally recognised sustainability certification system. We work with BREEAM because it has been proven to increase property value, improve lettability, and help meet investor, ESG and corporate sustainability requirements.
What BREEAM rating levels are available? The BREEAM rating levels are: Pass, Good, Very Good, Excellent and Outstanding.
For which project types do we provide BREEAM services? We provide BREEAM services for new construction projects (New Construction), newly built buildings with unique functions (Bespoke), refurbishment and fit-out projects (Refurbishment & Fit-Out), as well as existing buildings.
When should we be involved in a project? Ideally, as early as the concept or schematic design phase. The earlier we are involved, the more cost-effectively we can maximise achievable credits and ensure the seamless integration of sustainability solutions into the original technical scope.
Do we help define the target certification level? Yes. At the beginning of the project, we jointly determine a realistically achievable target rating, taking into account the budget, technical constraints and project schedule.
Do we provide BREEAM services for projects with existing designs? Yes. In such cases, we carry out a preliminary gap analysis to identify the achievable rating based on the current design and to highlight where modifications are required.
How does the BREEAM certification process work with us? The process starts with a credit strategy and gap analysis / deficiency and compliance assessment, followed by project registration, Design Stage assessment and interim certification, Post Construction assessment, and finally the achievement of the final certificate.
How long does a BREEAM project take? This depends on the size and complexity of the project, typically between 8 and 20 months. We support the project throughout the entire design and construction process.
Do we provide interim certification? Yes. At the end of the Design Stage, we apply for an interim certificate, which is often sufficient for financing, leasing or marketing purposes.
What costs should be considered for BREEAM certification? There are three main cost components: 1. BREEAM registration and certification fees 2. Consultancy / assessor fees 3. Costs of specialist calculations, assessments and additional studies +1: An accelerated certification process and translation services are also available for an additional fee.