From Reality Check to certification, without surprises.
Expert guidance with an assessor’s perspective. I help you determine what is feasible, what evidence is required, and whether certification makes sense — now or later.
When is Expert In-Use the right step?
Expert In-Use support is intended for situations where deciding alone is no longer sufficient and you need to take targeted action. This is usually the case when:
Certification is required
- An investor, tenant, or portfolio strategy requires a BREEAM In-Use certificate
- You need to demonstrably meet agreed sustainability targets
You know your starting point and want to realise it
- You have Certification Reality insight into a realistic BREEAM level through the Certification Reality Check
- The next step is to actually achieve this level, without surprises
You want to improve deliberately before (or during) certification
- You are unsure whether immediate certification is logical
- You first want to make targeted improvementswhile:
certifying now at a realistic level
and using the 3-year validity period to improve further
Expert In-Use support is intended for situations where deciding alone is no longer sufficient and you need to take targeted action. This is usually the case when:
What you get with Expert In-Use guidance
No loose advice or theoretical scores. You receive targeted, assessor-proof guidance towards a defensible certification.
- 1. Clear credit strategy
Which credits are achievable, which are not — and why.
- 2. Assessor-proof interpretation of requirements
No assumptions, but clarity on how an assessor will evaluate them.
- 3. Evidence structure & document check
What is required, at what level of detail, and where the risks lie.
- 4. Scope and expectation management
No surprises just before submission.
- 5. Support up to and including submission
Not letting go at 80%.
Expert & Assessor role: Netherlands versus international
The division of roles within BREEAM In-Use differs by country and scheme. By clarifying this from the start, we prevent delays, rework, and uncertainty later in the process.
Netherlands — BREEAM-NL In-Use
For projects in the Netherlands, I act as:
BREEAM-NL In-Use Expert
- OR BREEAM-NL In-Use Assessor
The formal assessor role is carried out by an independent, qualified assessor in accordance with the requirements of the BREEAM-NL scheme.
Thanks to my experience as both Expert and Assessor I know exactly what level of substantiation, quality, and wording is required for credits to be successfully assessed — even when the assessment is performed by another party.
International — BREEAM In-Use International
For international projects, I support as:
BREEAM In-Use Expert
AND BREEAM In-Use Assessor
This means that both the content guidance and the formal assessment can be carried out within one role. This ensures short lines of communication, consistent interpretation of credits, and an efficient certification process.
How the collaboration works
A BREEAM In-Use process does not have to be complex or unclear.
With a clear structure, we ensure the process remains manageable and that the required evidence is organised in time.
1. Intake & project definition
We discuss the building, the ambition, and any results from the Certification Reality.
Here we determine:
- the desired certification level
- the scope of the project
- the roles within the project team
This allows us to start with a realistic and controlled process..
2. Documentation & substantiation
The required evidence is collected, prepared, and structured in line with BREEAM In-Use requirements.
This includes, among other things:
- policy documents and procedures
- building data and technical documentation
- operational and management processes
Thanks to my experience as both Expert and Assessor the documentation is aligned with what an assessor actually accepts.
4. Future improvements & roadmap
A BREEAM In-Use certificate is valid for three years. Many organisations use this period to further improve their building.
Therefore, we also look at:
- which credits can be achieved later
- which improvements will have the greatest impact
- how a next certification cycle can be more efficient
This way, certification becomes not just a label, but a structural improvement of building performance..
3. Submission & assessment
Credits are prepared for submission and aligned with the involved assessor.
During this phase, we ensure that:
- the documentation is complete
- interpretations are correct
- any questions during assessment are resolved efficiently
The goal is a smooth and defensible certification without surprises..
Involved in BREEAM In-Use projects for offices and portfolios
I have supported BREEAM In-Use projects as both Expert and Assessor, in collaboration with consultants, owners, and facility teams.
Projects range from individual office buildings to international portfolios.
Collaborations include:
Projects I have contributed to as Expert or Assessor
A van Leeuwenhoekweg 37
BREEAM In-Use: Very Good
Rol: Expert
Type gebouw: Kantoor
Delta EMEA Headquarters
BREEAM In-Use: Very Good
Rol: Expert
Type gebouw: Kantoor
Treehouse - bouwdeel B, C en D
BREEAM In-Use: Very Good
Rol: Expert
Type gebouw: Kantoor
Mijn betrokkenheid varieert van strategische begeleiding als Expert tot formele beoordeling als Assessor, afhankelijk van het BREEAM-schema en de rolverdeling binnen het project.
Prefer a quick call first?
Not sure which route is most logical for your building?
In a short conversation, we’ll assess where your building currently stands, whether certification is realistic, and which approach is most efficient. I usually respond within two working days.
Want to move faster?
You can also email me directly at:
- tchillman@envirohill.com