BREEAM is an environmental sustainability assessment methodology developed in 1988 by the Building Research Establishment (BRE).

The BREEAM code consists of a set of strategic principles and requirements that define an integrated approach for the design, construction, management, evaluation and certification of the different factors that affect the environmental, social and economic impact throughout the life cycle of the building under consideration. The system is based on meeting prerequisite requirements and awarding weighted “credits” for each requirement. The sum of credits allows 6 levels of certification to be achieved: Unclassified, Pass, Good, Very Good, Excellent and Outstanding.