BREEAM Accredited Professionals and why timing is everything (Insight)

At Create, we support a broad range of developments where BREEAM certification is a central project objective. BREEAM is typically an Assessor-led process, requiring the design team to submit detailed evidence against strict sustainability criteria. However, the level of specialist knowledge needed to meet these requirements often goes beyond the expertise of a typical design team.

This is where a BREEAM Accredited Professional (AP) adds real value. Our APs combine deep knowledge of sustainability and environmental design with a strong understanding of the BREEAM assessment process, helping to bridge the gap between technical delivery and certification success.

One of the most common challenges we see is sustainability being considered too late in the design process. By the time a BREEAM AP is appointed, many key decisions have already been made and opportunities for innovation and efficiency missed. This can lead to costly, time-consuming design changes further down the line.

We help clients avoid these pitfalls by promoting early engagement with a BREEAM AP – because when it comes to embedding sustainability into a project, timing is everything.

WHY EARLY APPOINTMENT MATTERS

A BREEAM AP plays a vital role in helping projects not only meet but potentially exceed their sustainability goals. Their value is greatest when they’re involved from the outset.

Early involvement allows sustainability principles to be embedded into the fabric of the project, leading to better alignment with planning policy, more efficient evidence gathering, and a smoother overall certification process.

Early appointment also enables the project to secure up to three valuable BREEAM credits:

• Two credits at the Design Stage
• One credit at Post-Construction

More importantly, it reduces delays, mitigates compliance risks, and ensures better coordination across the design and delivery teams.

Sustainability is not a checkbox at the end of a project; it shapes energy use, building performance, health and wellbeing, climate resilience, and social value. These are design fundamentals, and they should influence decisions from day one.

THE VALUE OF A BREEAM AP AT THE CONCEPT STAGE

When we’re brought on board early – particularly at RIBA Stages 0–2 – our BREEAM APs offer strategic input that shapes a more sustainable, cost-effective and deliverable project. This includes:

• Embedding clear and achievable sustainability targets into the project brief
• Advising on document requirements for RIBA Stages and completing these as necessary
• Influencing site layouts, building orientations, and passive design approaches
• Guiding decisions around materials, energy strategies, and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)
• Identifying low-cost, high-impact BREEAM credits
• Leveraging smart technologies to enhance building performance
• Minimising risks of non-compliance, design rework, and costly late-stage changes

With early input, we’re able to set projects up for success by making the BREEAM journey more efficient, cost-effective, and meaningful.

A COLLABORATIVE, PROACTIVE APPROACH

Our BREEAM APs adopt a hands-on, team-focused approach. From day one, they work alongside architects, planners, engineers, and contractors to align technical, commercial, and sustainability priorities.

Our team includes professionals who are dual-qualified as BREEAM APs and Assessors, allowing us to provide both strategic input and technical delivery under one roof. These two distinct roles complement one another, ensuring seamless support throughout the project lifecycle.

THE BENEFITS OF EARLY APPOINTMENT ACROSS SECTORS

Our BREEAM APs can impact a project in various ways by tailoring their sustainability and environmental advice to the requirements and operational needs of the sector.

Commercial & Retail

We future-proof assets by aligning BREEAM targets with commercial goals. From optimising HVAC and daylighting to balancing flexibility with carbon performance, we help deliver healthy, high-performing spaces that stand out to occupiers and investors.

Defence

We support secure, durable and adaptable developments that meet high environmental standards without compromising operational needs in a high-risk, security-critical environment. Our BREEAM APs ensure sustainability is aligned with Ministry of Defence (MoD) or Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) requirements and future climate demands.

Education

We support clients through funding and procurement processes, ensuring design choices reduce long-term operational costs, align with ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) goals, and deliver healthier learning environments. Our support helps meet tight planning and reporting deadlines while demonstrating social value.

Environment

We help projects enhance their environmental performance, from managing flood risk and drainage to securing high Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) scores. Our input supports wider policy goals around climate adaptation, green infrastructure, and ecological resilience.

Healthcare

We help design energy-efficient, low-carbon facilities that actively support healing and wellbeing. Our BREEAM APs align sustainability with NHS Net Zero targets, estate strategies, and clinical requirements – ultimately ensuring long-term value and performance.

Industrial & Energy

From site planning to embodied carbon, we help industrial projects meet compliance while maximising operational efficiency. Our advice supports cost-effective BREEAM credits and builds resilience into fast-paced, future-focused developments.

Residential

We support developers in meeting local sustainability policies, delivering cost-effective credits, and enhancing biodiversity. From site-wide energy strategies to daylight, comfort and green space – our input shapes better homes and healthier places to live.

Strategic Land

We guide clients in embedding sustainability at the earliest stages of land promotion and masterplanning. Our advice shapes energy, water, biodiversity, and mobility strategies that align with local plans, unlock value, and support a smooth planning process.

Sport, Leisure & Hospitality

We help create engaging, efficient environments that support user wellbeing and brand sustainability goals. From energy optimisation to health and comfort, we align BREEAM with commercial objectives and design aspirations across diverse uses and occupancy patterns.

Transport & Infrastructure

We support major infrastructure and multimodal transport schemes in reducing environmental impact and improving social value. From low-carbon materials to sustainable travel planning, we help clients embed best practice into infrastructure design and delivery.

READY TO BUILD BETTER?

If you’re planning a project targeting BREEAM certification – or simply want to deliver a more sustainable development – we’d love to speak with you. The earlier we’re involved, the greater the impact we can have.

Contact Sunanda Swain and our Sustainability team today to discuss how our BREEAM APs can support your next project.

ABOUT ‘INSIGHT’

‘Insight’ is our way of discussing ongoing challenges and issues facing our industry. These posts will be separate from our usual news and project updates and identified via the ‘Insight’ tag. Our thought pieces will range from discussions on regulations and legislation, to laws and governance, and national strategy through to local policy.