7R Glossary
BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method)
What should you know?
The BREEAM rating is awarded based on a point-based assessment across more than a dozen key categories. These include, among others, energy efficiency (reduction of CO₂ emissions), sustainable water management, indoor environmental quality (employee health and comfort), selection of building materials, waste management, and minimizing the project’s impact on the local ecosystem.
Today, BREEAM certification has become the de facto standard in the commercial real estate market. Buildings with high BREEAM scores not only guarantee lower operating costs for tenants but also meet the ESG criteria required by international investment funds and financial institutions.
BREEAM in Practice 7R
At 7R, BREEAM certification is an integral part of our ESG strategy. It is standard practice in all our new development projects to aim for BREEAM International New Construction certification at the Excellent or Outstanding. We implement solutions such as photovoltaic systems, rainwater harvesting systems, employee relaxation areas, flower meadows, and advanced utility metering (BMS), providing tenants with operational savings and support in achieving their own sustainability goals.
BREEAM Certification Levels
| Criterion | Required score | Market standard for Class A warehouses |
|---|---|---|
| Pass | ≥ 30% | Rarely found in newly constructed buildings |
| Good | ≥ 45% | Basic level for older buildings after renovation |
| Very Good | ≥ 55% | The current market standard |
| Excellent | ≥ 70% | The Current Standard for Newly Developed 7R Parks |
| Outstanding | ≥ 85% | The highest possible level, reserved for the most environmentally friendly flagship projects |
Frequently Asked Questions
Tenants benefit primarily from lower energy and water bills (by as much as 20–30% compared to uncertified buildings), greater comfort and safety for staff (better air quality, natural light), and the ability to meet their own ESG reporting requirements for investors and business partners.
Both multi-criteria systems evaluate the sustainability of buildings; however, BREEAM originated in the United Kingdom and is the most popular standard in Europe, while LEED is a system developed in the U.S. BREEAM places greater emphasis on construction process management, site ecology, and British and European building codes, while LEED places slightly more emphasis on American ASHRAE standards.