LEED vs BREEAM: Which is Best?

We have already explored LEED and BREEAM initially. But many times, it is hard to understand the differences between them. It is even harder to recollect what they stand for. Let us explore LEED vs BREEAM and try to understand the primary differences between both the certification methods.

In short, LEED and BREEAM both are certification programs that signify a certain level of environmental-friendly design achievement of a building. There is a significant difference in how a structure acquires certification and what the certification means.

The Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) green building rating system is gaining momentum in the UK, but the question is, can it challenge the dominance of BREEAM, the UK’s design and assessment method for sustainable change? There has been a considerable increase in the number of LEED surveys especially from multinational organizations looking for consistency across global portfolios.

LEED Certification

It means Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design and is presently a leading building rating system. LEED has certified more than 13.8 billion square feet of building space until now.

A non-profit US Green Building Council (USGBC) administers the program and comprises a set of rating systems for building design including design construction and operation to the maintenance of homes as well as neighborhoods. Most US federal agencies, along with state and local governments reward LEED Certification.

It unveiled many good ideas. Building owners only get recognition when the building is completed as well as they are liable to get additional credits for including creative ideas. BREEAM took around ten years to take notice of these ideas. LEED dominates BREEAM in construction market everywhere, except for the UK. According to the report, LEED has over 40,000 certified projects in the US and BREEAM has none.

BREEAM Certification

It is an acronym for Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Methodology. It is a prolonged certifying method of buildings sustainability. BREEAM has spread its roots in the UK. There are more than 2300 BREEAM certified buildings and only 130 LEED buildings. LEED is gaining grounds in the UK.

Unlike LEED, it is no longer run by a non-profit organization, and thus the program is criticized by many industry professionals as it tends to charge significant fees for building certification.

Key Differences Between BREEAM and LEED

It is tough to pick out the differences between LEED and BREEAM, though it is often the case that a building that ranks well under LEED is very likely to score well under BREEAM.

So, what could be the difference? The fundamental difference between the two is the process of certification itself.

In BREEAM certification process, it has licensed examiners who analyze the evidence against the credit criteria and forward the report to BRE (Building Research Establishment). BRE then reviews the reports and further issues the certificate if they feel the building meets their requirements.

LEED, on the other hand, does not gather the evidence whereas, the design team does the work. They then forward the data to USGBC, who further analyze it and issues the certificate if the building meets their demands.

How do the two certifications compare?

A few buildings have received dual certification, but there does not seem to be much correlation between the two certifications. A project in the UK is targeting a LEED ‘Platinum’ and a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating. Well, it is challenging to compare the two certifications as it depends on the building site and the experience of the project team in the two assessment methods.

BREEAM is more stringent as it sets more absolute targets, While LEED sets relative percentage reduction targets. BREEAM water credit focuses on the cubic meters per person per year, while LEED sets a percentage on water usage. A 40% decrease in water use gains maximum credits under LEED and achieves only one or two under BREEAM.

Is BREEAM Best or is LEED Better?

There are positives and negatives to both certification systems. LEED is a worldwide leader everywhere except the UK but gaining grounds in Britain as well. BREEAM has its downsides like more structure to design process.

Both the certifications need to improvise their understanding of whether a high rating brings an improvement in the building’s operational performance. They both rate the building and does not consider building’s operation in reality.

Both LEED and BREEAM are measurement tools and do not stand for poor designs. The design process should come forward and indicate which certification method works best in a specific situation.

LEED is ahead of the game whereas BREEAM is dominant in the UK because it is better adapted to the UK legislation and standards and is proving cheaper to apply. But still, LEED is gaining ground and is more globally recognized.

To conclude, if LEED gains increased adaption in the UK market, then it will further open up for the fierce competition against BREEAM. But the race should only help to improve both the certification schemes.