BREEAM vs LEED
BREEAM and LEED are two of the world’s most widely recognised sustainability assessment and certification systems for buildings. Both provide frameworks for measuring environmental performance, but their methods, scoring, and application differ.
This guide compares the current BREEAM and LEED frameworks, considers their relevance to UK commercial projects, and explains where lift specification fits within a wider sustainability strategy.
The Comparison at a Glance
BREEAM originated in the UK and remains particularly relevant to UK commercial development, while the US-developed LEED framework is used internationally. Both have evolved to place greater emphasis on carbon, resource use, and building performance.
| BREEAM | LEED | |
| Origin | UK, developed by BRE | US, developed by USGBC |
| Current framework | BREEAM New Construction V7.1 | LEED v5 |
| Certification levels | Pass, Good, Very Good, Excellent, Outstanding | Certified, Silver, Gold, Platinum |
| Assessment | Credits are assessed across defined sustainability categories, with category weightings contributing to the final score | Points are earned across defined credit categories and contribute to the final score |
| Geographical use | Used in the UK and internationally | Used in the US and internationally |
| UK relevance | Widely established for UK commercial projects | May be specified for UK projects, particularly where international requirements apply |
What Is BREEAM?
BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) is a sustainability assessment and certification system developed in the UK by the Building Research Establishment (BRE). First introduced in 1990, it is now used to assess buildings and infrastructure projects in the UK and internationally.
For new developments, BREEAM New Construction V7.1 assesses sustainability performance across areas including energy, water, materials, waste, transport, health and wellbeing, pollution, management, and land use and ecology. The current framework also places greater emphasis on whole-life carbon and the environmental impact of materials.
Projects earn credits against relevant assessment criteria, which contribute to an overall BREEAM score. For New Construction, the resulting certification levels are:
- Pass: 30% or above
- Good: 45% or above
- Very Good: 55% or above
- Excellent: 70% or above
- Outstanding: 85% or above
This gives project teams a recognised framework for assessing sustainability throughout the design and construction process.
What Is LEED?
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a sustainability certification system developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). Created in the United States, it is now used to assess building projects internationally, including developments in the UK.
The current LEED v5 framework assesses projects across a range of environmental and performance criteria, with points awarded towards an overall certification level. These are:
- Certified: 40–49 points
- Silver: 50–59 points
- Gold: 60–79 points
- Platinum: 80+ points, subject to additional LEED v5 requirements
LEED v5 places particular emphasis on decarbonisation, quality of life, and ecological conservation and restoration. For UK commercial projects, LEED may be relevant where it forms part of the client brief or wider international sustainability requirements.
How Do They Differ?
The main difference between BREEAM and LEED lies in how each framework assesses and certifies building performance.
- BREEAM uses credits across defined sustainability categories, with category weightings contributing to the project’s overall score. projects are assessed by a licensed BREEAM Assessor, who reviews the project against the relevant scheme requirements
- LEED uses a points-based system, with projects earning points by meeting specific prerequisites and credit requirements. Certification is based on project documentation submitted for independent review through the LEED certification process.
For design teams, the selected framework can influence decisions throughout a project, including material selection, energy performance, resource use, and building services.
Which Framework Applies to Your Project?
For UK projects, BREEAM is often the more familiar framework, but the choice may be determined by the client brief, planning conditions, development standards, or contractual requirements. LEED may be specified where a project forms part of an international portfolio or follows an organisation’s global sustainability requirements.
Neither framework should be confused with statutory compliance. BREEAM and LEED assess sustainability performance, while UK Building Regulations set legal requirements for building design and construction.
The relevant framework, and any target certification level, should therefore be established at the outset so the project team understands which assessment criteria apply.
What’s Changed in BREEAM V7.1 and LEED v5?
The latest versions of both frameworks reflect changing priorities in sustainable building design. BREEAM V7.1 places greater emphasis on whole-life carbon, including embodied and operational impacts, alongside updated approaches to materials and building performance.
LEED v5 similarly strengthens its focus on decarbonisation, while giving greater prominence to quality of life and ecological conservation and restoration.
Together, these updates reflect a broader move towards assessing environmental impact across the building lifecycle, rather than concentrating primarily on design-stage performance.
Can a Lift Contribute to a BREEAM or LEED Assessment?
There is no standalone BREEAM or LEED rating for a lift. Instead, its specification can contribute to the wider sustainability performance of the building.
Energy use is an obvious consideration, but it isn’t the only one. Materials, installation requirements, durability, and the resources needed to maintain or repair the lift can all influence its impact over its working life. Structural requirements may also be relevant, particularly where installation involves significant alterations to an existing building.
This makes the suitability of the lift just as important as individual sustainability features. Capacity, expected usage, and installation requirements should reflect what the building actually needs.
Any contribution ultimately depends on the project and the assessment criteria being applied. Specifiers should therefore be wary of products described simply as ‘BREEAM compliant’ or ‘LEED compliant’ – certification applies to the building, not the lift itself.
What Should Specifiers Consider When Selecting a Lift?
The right lift should reflect how the building will actually be used. Passenger demand, travel distance, available space, and accessibility needs will shape the specification, alongside any sustainability targets.
Over-specifying capacity or choosing a system that requires unnecessary structural work can add complexity to a project without improving its suitability. Considering lift requirements early gives architects and design teams more scope to integrate the right solution into the building, rather than adapting the design around it later.
Frequently Asked Questions
| Is BREEAM mandatory in the UK? | Not universally. However, a particular BREEAM rating may be required through planning conditions, development standards, a client brief, or contractual requirements. |
| Is LEED used in the UK? | Yes. Although LEED originated in the US, it is used internationally and can be applied to UK projects, particularly where organisations follow global sustainability standards. |
| Can a building be certified under both BREEAM and LEED? | Yes. BREEAM and LEED are separate certification systems, so a project may pursue both where this supports its objectives or requirements. |
| Is BREEAM better than LEED? | Neither system is inherently better. The appropriate framework depends on the project, its location, and any requirements set by clients, planning authorities, investors, or other stakeholders. |
| What is the highest BREEAM rating? | For BREEAM New Construction, Outstanding is the highest classification and requires a score of at least 85%. |
| What is the highest LEED rating? | Platinum is the highest LEED certification level. Under LEED v5, projects need at least 80 points and must satisfy additional requirements for Platinum certification. |
| Can a lift earn BREEAM credits? | A lift does not receive its own BREEAM rating. Aspects of its specification may, however, be relevant to criteria within the wider building assessment. |
| Are there BREEAM-certified lifts? | BREEAM certification applies to buildings and projects rather than individual lift products. Claims that a lift is simply ‘BREEAM certified’ or ‘BREEAM compliant’ should therefore be treated carefully. |
| Does lift energy consumption affect a BREEAM assessment? | Lift energy performance can be relevant within a BREEAM assessment, depending on the scheme and project. It should be considered alongside the wider sustainability performance of the building. |
Planning a Lift for a Sustainable Commercial Project?
Lift specification can form part of a building’s wider sustainability strategy. Our technical team can help you identify the most suitable solution.