BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) assesses the performance of buildings in the following areas:

• management: overall management policy, commissioning site management and procedural issues
• energy use: operational energy and carbon dioxide (CO2) issues
• health and well-being: indoor and external issues affecting health and well-being
• pollution: air and water pollution issues
• transport: transport-related CO2 and location-related factors
• land use and ecology: ecological value conservation and enhancement of the site
• waste: reducing construction generated waste
• materials: environmental implication of building materials, including life-cycle impacts
• water: consumption and water efficiency

Clients and designers are encouraged to consider these issues at the earliest opportunity to maximise their chances of achieving an excellent BREEAM rating. In general, the earlier a BREEAM assessment is undertaken then the easier and more cost effective it is to achieve a higher rating. The BREEAM assessment of the project however should be underway by working drawings stage. A post completion review of an existing school can be done at any time after the expiry of the defects liability period.

Credits are awarded in each category according to performance. A set of environmental weightings then enables the credits to be added together to produce a single overall score. The building is then rated on a scale of PASS, GOOD, VERY GOOD, EXCELLENT or OUTSTANDING and a certificate awarded.

BREEAM's success stems from its unique ability to cover a wide range of environmental issues within one assessment, and to present the results in a way that is widely understood by those involved in property procurement and management