BREEAM Domestic Refurbishment Assessment

BREEAM Domestic Refurbishment covers existing residential buildings undergoing renovation or conversion. Assessors evaluate performance across categories including energy, water, materials, health and wellbeing, and waste, awarding a rating from Pass to Outstanding based on credits achieved. In particular, registered providers, housing associations, and local authorities commonly specify the scheme as a condition of refurbishment contracts or grant funding.

The BREEAM Domestic Refurbishment scheme holds the leading environmental rating for residential conversion and refurbishment projects.

Our accredited BREEAM assessors handle domestic refurbishment projects across England and Wales. Return to the BREEAM services hub for a full overview of our certification services.

BRE launched the scheme – formerly Ecohomes – in June 2012. Build Energy was among the first licensed assessor organisations in the UK, and our assessors have delivered full Domestic Refurbishment assessments at sites including the Hoover Building in Perivale.

Over 200,000 buildings worldwide carry BREEAM certification – making it the global standard for environmental building assessment.

In contrast, the Domestic Refurbishment scheme covers existing residential buildings – extending BREEAM beyond its traditional commercial and public building scope.

Designers can demonstrate the environmental credentials of their project to a globally recognised standard. This adds consistency, confidence, and additional value for clients and funders.

Additionally, the scheme helps planners, asset managers, and regulators set standards for refurbishment. It also provides a market-focused label for more sustainable, higher quality work.

At Build Energy we work with clients from the earliest concept stages right through to post-construction. This typically starts with a pre-assessment to accompany a planning application. Once planning consent is received, the full assessment follows. The full assessment comprises a design phase and a post-construction review once the build is complete.

Projects range from single dwelling renovations through to the conversion of large commercial offices, warehouses and factories.

What is the BREEAM Domestic Refurbishment scheme?

BREEAM Domestic Refurbishment is the BRE’s environmental assessment standard for existing residential buildings undergoing refurbishment or conversion. BRE replaced the former Ecohomes standard when it launched the scheme in 2012. The assessment evaluates performance across categories including energy, water, materials, waste, health and wellbeing, and management. Buildings achieving certification receive a rating from Pass through to Outstanding. Over 200,000 buildings worldwide use the scheme, making it the recognised standard for sustainable performance in residential refurbishment.

What types of residential project can be assessed under BREEAM Domestic Refurbishment?

The scheme covers existing residential buildings undergoing significant refurbishment or conversion. This includes individual houses and flats, residential conversions (such as offices or warehouses converted to residential use), listed buildings, and large-scale regeneration schemes. New-build residential projects use the Home Quality Mark instead, or for social housing, the former Code for Sustainable Homes. If you are unsure which scheme applies to your project, we can advise at no cost.

How is BREEAM Domestic Refurbishment different from an EPC?

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) measures only the energy performance of a building based on its construction and heating system. In contrast, BREEAM Domestic Refurbishment covers nine environmental categories – including water, materials, ecology, health and wellbeing, and management – as well as energy. As a result, BREEAM certification demonstrates whole-life sustainability credentials rather than just energy efficiency. It also carries significant weight with planning authorities, funders and grant bodies.

Is a BREEAM Domestic Refurbishment assessment required by planning?

Planning requirements vary by local authority. Some councils require BREEAM Domestic Refurbishment certification for larger residential conversion schemes as a planning condition. The typical minimum rating specified is Very Good or Excellent. Additionally, Historic England and heritage funding bodies commonly require the scheme, as do registered social landlords and housing associations. We can check your local authority’s sustainability policies and advise whether your scheme will need certification.