BREEAM New Construction — Structured, Clear, and Under Control
Expert-led BREEAM New Construction support, from early design to delivery — with clear roles, realistic targets, and assessor-ready documentation.
Start with a focused project design Quickscan — or discuss scope in a short intro call.
What is BREEAM New Construction?
BREEAM New Construction is a framework for embedding sustainability into the design, construction, and delivery of new buildings. It translates sustainability ambitions into concrete requirements across design decisions, material choices, construction processes, and handover — verified through independent assessment. When applied well, it provides structure, accountability, and a clear path from ambition to certified outcome. When used correctly, it prevents late redesigns, budget overruns, and certification surprises.
Why BREEAM New Construction Often Becomes Complex
BREEAM New Construction is most effective when it’s integrated early. In practice, many projects struggle because:
- Sustainability targets are set late or change mid-project
- Responsibilities between client, consultants, and contractors are unclear
- Evidence requirements are underestimated until delivery
- Credits are treated as checklists instead of design decisions
- Assessment pressure increases near handover
This is where experienced, structured BREEAM guidance makes the difference between controlled delivery and last-minute stress.
How you can proceed with BREEAM New Construction
If you’re still exploring BREEAM or want early insight without committing, Option 1 provides clarity during the design phase.
If your goal is certification and you want structured support from design through delivery, Option 2 is the right fit.
Option 1. Quick Scan
Fast overview. No pressure. Just clarity.
Perfect for early-stage planning, investor questions, or checking what’s missing.
- Design document review with BREEAM credits
- Feasibility scorecard
- Overview of the entire process
- Identification of potential additional credits
Best for:
- Owners or managers exploring opportunities without committing to full certification or large-scale changes
Option 2. BREEAM Support
Perfect for projects that have to commit to full certification
- Full BREEAM support across design and delivery
- BREEAM Project Management with design team and contractors
- Sustainable Manager role during construction
- Specialist studies (e.g. BENG, MPG) are coordinated with the design team where required.
Best for:
- Clients preparing for certification
How I Work — Embedded in Your Project Team
The BREEAM framework defines the requirements. The real difference is how those requirements are applied, communicated, and managed throughout the project lifecycle.
What it includes
- Clear roles, scope, and expectations throughout the project
- Responsive communication and short feedback loops
- Commitment to agreed timelines and deliverables
- Realistic targets — no overpromising to chase credits
Beyond BREEAM, I also work across the following certification schemes:
WELL Certification
Active WELL AP
LEED Certification
Active LEED AP (New Construction & Interior)
GPR Certification
Active GPR Expert
Interested in aligning multiple certification schemes efficiently, without adding complexity to your project team?
My Approach to BREEAM New Construction
1. Quickscan
Certification level, scope, roles, and risk points defined early. Including other certifications
2. Design Phase Support
Credit strategy, design reviews, coordination with the design team, and BREEAM evidence justifications.
3. Delivery Phase Guidance
Practical support during construction, BREEAM monitoring and evidence writing
4. Certification
Working with the appointed assessor to finalize and submit the BREEAM portfolio to DGBC
Scope, responsibilities, and expectations are always agreed upfront.
When Is BREEAM New Construction Support Most Valuable?
- Early design or tender phase
- Projects targeting Very Good, Excellent, or higher
- Teams working with multiple consultants or contractors
- Projects where certification certainty matters to stakeholders or investors
Or when an independent expert perspective is needed alongside existing BREEAM consultants.
Trusted by Consultants, Owners, and Project Teams
I’ve supported BREEAM projects in both Expert and Assessor roles, working alongside established consultants on assets ranging from single buildings to portfolios.
A little insight to the projects i have worked on:
Innocent - The Factory
Version: New construction
Score: Outstanding
Role: Expert (during my time at Deerns)
Function: Factory / Industry
Plus Ultra Utrecht
Version: New construction
Score: Outstanding
Role: Expert (during my time at Deerns)
Function: Office & Labs
RUN 1000
Version: New construction
Score: Excellent
Role: Expert (during my time at Deerns)
Function: Office & Labs
Prefer to talk it through first?
Ready to Bring Structure to Your BREEAM New Construction Project?
Book a short intake call to discuss scope, targets, and how BREEAM can be integrated smoothly into your project.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should i start with a BREEAM Quickscan?
Starting with a Quickscan helps clarify feasibility before committing to full certification. It provides early insight into likely BREEAM scores, key risks, missing evidence, and credit opportunities based on the current design. This allows sustainability targets to be aligned early, avoids late design changes, and gives confidence to clients, investors, and project teams before major decisions are locked in.
What’s the difference between Expert and Assessor roles in New Construction?
The BREEAM Expert supports the project team by defining strategy, interpreting credits, coordinating evidence, and guiding the project through design and construction. The BREEAM Assessor is an independent party responsible for verifying compliance and submitting the final assessment to the Dutch Green Building Council. Both roles are required, but they must remain independent to safeguard assessment integrity.
Can you act as both Expert and Assessor?
For BREEAM New Construction (NL), the Expert and Assessor roles must be independent and cannot be combined. I can support a project as an Expert while working with an external Assessor. For BREEAM International, combining roles may be permitted depending on the scheme and project setup.
How much effort does certification typically require from the project team?
The effort depends on the certification target and how early BREEAM is integrated. When aligned early, most evidence can be produced as part of normal design and construction processes. Late integration often increases workload due to retroactive evidence collection. My role is to minimise disruption by coordinating evidence efficiently and clearly assigning responsibilities across the team.
When should we involve BREEAM support in the design process?
Ideally during early design or tender phase. Early involvement allows sustainability ambitions to be translated into realistic credit strategies, prevents design rework, and clarifies responsibilities from the start. Involvement later in the project is still possible, but typically requires more effort to manage risks and close gaps.
How can you combine different certifications?
Where relevant, I align BREEAM requirements with schemes such as WELL, LEED, and GPR by identifying overlaps in evidence, design decisions, and documentation. This reduces duplication, limits additional workload, and helps teams achieve multiple certification goals in a structured and coordinated way—without fragmenting responsibilities across multiple consultants.
Still have questions? Book a short call to discuss your project—no obligations.