BREEAM
World-leading sustainability certification for built environment
EMAS
EU voluntary scheme for environmental management and audit
Quick Verdict
BREEAM certifies sustainable built environments via credits and ratings for global projects, while EMAS mandates verified environmental management and public statements for EU organizations. Companies adopt BREEAM for asset value uplift and EMAS for compliance credibility.
BREEAM
Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method
Key Features
- Third-party BRE audited certification process
- Weighted credits across 10 core categories
- Lifecycle schemes for new, in-use, infrastructure
- Continuous KBCN updates for compliance clarity
- Aligns with EU Taxonomy and net zero
EMAS
Regulation (EC) No 1221/2009 Eco-Management and Audit Scheme
Key Features
- Verified legal compliance proof
- Mandatory public environmental statements
- Core performance indicators required
- Independent verifier validation
- Continuous improvement mandate
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
BREEAM Details
What It Is
BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) is a science-led sustainability certification framework for the built environment. Developed by BRE in 1990, it assesses environmental, health, and resilience performance across buildings, infrastructure, and communities using a credit-based, weighted scoring methodology producing ratings from Pass to Outstanding.
Key Components
- 10 core categories: Management, Health & Wellbeing, Energy, Transport, Water, Materials, Waste, Land Use & Ecology, Pollution, Innovation
- Credits earned via evidenced compliance; categories weighted by impact
- Scheme-specific manuals, KBCNs for updates, third-party BRE audits
- Certification via licensed assessors and BRE Global QA
Why Organizations Use It
Drives ESG alignment, net zero readiness, asset value uplift (up to 30% premiums), operational savings (22-33% energy), regulatory support (e.g., EU Taxonomy). Mitigates risks, enhances marketability, builds stakeholder trust through verified performance.
Implementation Overview
Phased: pre-assessment, design integration, construction evidence, certification. Applies globally with local adaptations; suits all sizes via schemes like New Construction, In-Use. Requires early assessor/AP appointment, evidence management, BRE certification.
EMAS Details
What It Is
EMAS (Eco-Management and Audit Scheme) is the EU's voluntary environmental management regulation under Regulation (EC) No 1221/2009. It promotes continuous environmental performance improvement through structured systems, evaluation, and transparent reporting. Scope covers all sectors and organization types, using a PDCA cycle enhanced with verification and public disclosure.
Key Components
- **PillarsPerformance (core indicators), Transparency (environmental statements), Credibility (independent verification).
- Aligns with ISO 14001 EMS plus additions like initial review, legal compliance proof, employee involvement.
- 6 core indicators: energy, materials, water, waste, biodiversity, emissions.
- Registration model via national Competent Bodies after verifier validation.
Why Organizations Use It
- Drives efficiency gains, risk reduction via verified compliance.
- Meets voluntary incentives, procurement advantages.
- Builds stakeholder trust, supports ESG/CSRD reporting.
- Enhances reputation in regulated sectors.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: review, policy/programme, EMS, audits, verification, registration.
- Applies to SMEs (derogations) to multisite corporates, EU-focused.
- Requires verifier audits, annual statements (179 words).
Key Differences
| Aspect | BREEAM | EMAS |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Built environment sustainability across lifecycle stages | Organizational environmental management and performance |
| Industry | Construction, real estate, infrastructure globally | All sectors, EU-focused with global eligibility |
| Nature | Voluntary third-party certification scheme | Voluntary EU Regulation with registration |
| Testing | Licensed assessor audits and BRE QA | Licensed verifier validation and audits |
| Penalties | Loss of certification, no legal penalties | Registration suspension or deletion |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about BREEAM and EMAS
BREEAM FAQ
EMAS FAQ
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