BREEAM Accredited Professional (AP)

A BREEAM Accredited Professional (AP) is a licensed practitioner who supports a project team in achieving a specific BREEAM rating. BRE introduced the AP role to improve credit delivery. It embeds assessment expertise directly within the design and construction process, rather than relying solely on a third-party assessor reviewing evidence after the fact. Early AP appointment, ideally at RIBA Stage 2, means you can integrate BREEAM obligations into design decisions from the outset. This reduces risk and rework as the project progresses.

Appointing a BREEAM Accredited Professional (BREEAM AP) is one of the most effective ways to reduce project risk and secure more BREEAM credits. Early appointment also improves sustainability performance across all categories.

At Build Energy, our accredited professionals work directly with your design team to guide your project through the BREEAM process, from concept to completion.

In practice, a BREEAM AP is responsible for:

A BREEAM AP is an experienced sustainability consultant holding BRE accreditation (Building Research Establishment). Their role is to help your team plan, implement and deliver a BREEAM-certified development efficiently and effectively.

BREEAM APs contribute to:

• Setting realistic and achievable sustainability targets
• Coordinating actions across the design and build team
• Ensuring the team gathers evidence and documentation correctly
• Avoiding delays, missed credits, and rework

Appointing a BREEAM AP can also earn your project additional credits under the ‘Management’ section (Man 01 and Man 03) of the BREEAM scheme.

Bringing in a BREEAM AP at RIBA Stage 1 or 2 is the most effective approach. It helps the project team embed sustainability objectives from the very start. Early input helps to lock in credits before the team makes key design decisions, preventing expensive design changes later in the project.

Input from an AP can also strengthen planning applications by showing environmental leadership, and improve coordination across disciplines, saving time and reducing admin.

Our team can help you shape your strategy early – ensuring your BREEAM goals are clear, achievable, and fully aligned with the project scope.

At Build Energy, our BREEAM APs provide hands-on, practical support across all project stages. We work as part of your team, helping you stay on track and deliver your sustainability goals.

Our BREEAM AP service includes:

• Design workshops and planning sessions
• Credit feasibility reviews and progress tracking
• Advice on innovation credits and sustainable technologies
• Support through the construction and post-completion phases
• Coordination with your BREEAM Assessor and the wider design team

We provide regular updates and highlight any risks or missed opportunities so that your project stays on course.

While the BREEAM AP supports your project team from the inside, the BREEAM Assessor acts as an independent reviewer, submitting your formal assessment to BRE.

Build Energy can provide both roles, ensuring joined-up support, faster progress, and fewer delays.

Our BREEAM APs have supported successful projects across a wide range of sectors, including:

• St Paul’s Place, Sheffield – BREEAM Very Good
• North Brent Secondary School – BREEAM Excellent
• Watford County Court – BREEAM Very Good

Every one of these schemes benefited from early AP involvement and a clear, coordinated strategy.

The BREEAM AP role works alongside the BREEAM Consultant to maximise credit allocation. Other services include Building User Guides and guidance on what is BREEAM. Return to the BREEAM hub.

What is a BREEAM Accredited Professional?

A BREEAM Accredited Professional (AP) is a sustainability consultant who holds BRE accreditation and supports the BREEAM assessment process. Unlike the assessor who evaluates evidence, the AP works proactively with your design and construction team to set realistic sustainability targets, coordinate actions across disciplines, and ensure the team gathers the right evidence correctly and on time. Appointing an AP also earns BREEAM credits directly under the Management category.

How many BREEAM credits does appointing an AP earn?

Appointing a BREEAM Accredited Professional can earn up to two credits. These fall under the Man 02 (Commissioning and Handover) and Man 01 (Project Brief and Design) categories, depending on the scheme and timing of appointment. To earn these credits, the project team should appoint the AP early enough to meaningfully influence the design – typically RIBA Stage 2 or earlier.

What is the difference between a BREEAM AP and a BREEAM assessor?

The assessor is an independent professional who formally evaluates your project against the BREEAM standard and submits evidence to BRE. The AP is an advisory role working on behalf of the project team. They plan the credit strategy, coordinate evidence and pre-check submissions before they reach the assessor. At Build Energy our APs hold assessor-level accreditation. This means they understand exactly what the assessor needs to see and can significantly reduce the risk of rejected evidence.

When should you appoint a BREEAM AP?

For maximum benefit and to secure the available AP credits, appoint the AP at RIBA Stage 2 or Stage 3, before key design decisions are finalised. Early involvement allows the AP to shape the sustainability strategy from the outset, influencing materials and systems choices and establishing clear responsibilities across the project team. We can also provide AP services at later stages for projects that need to recover an assessment that has lost momentum.