BREEAM Domestic Refurbishment Assessment

BREEAM Domestic Refurbishment is a sustainability assessment framework designed for existing residential dwellings undergoing renovation work. It evaluates performance across categories including energy, water, materials, health and wellbeing, and waste, awarding a rating from Pass to Outstanding based on the credits achieved. The scheme is commonly specified by registered providers, housing associations, and local authorities requiring evidenced sustainability improvements as part of refurbishment contracts or grant conditions.

The BREEAM Domestic Refurbishment scheme is the most widely recognised environmental rating for residential conversion 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.

The scheme – formerly Ecohomes – was launched on 11th June 2012, and BE was one of the first licensed organisations in the UK. Our assessors have delivered full Domestic Refurbishment assessments across various UK locations. To read more about one of our recently certified sites pop over to our Hoover Building page.

Our BREEAM Domestic Refurbishment Assessors are certified, experienced, friendly, and most of all passionate about the subject!

The assessment evaluates the environmental performance of a scheme based on a standard already applied to over 200,000 buildings worldwide – BREEAM certification.

The difference here is that domestic refurbishment exclusively deals with existing buildings where BREEAM traditionally only dealt with commercial and public buildings.

The new scheme allows designers to demonstrate the environmental credentials of their project, to a globally recognised standard which adds consistency, confidence and additional value for clients.

It also helps planners, asset managers (i.e social landlords) and regulators to set standards for refurbishment and provides a market focussed label for more sustainable and higher quality refurbishments.

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, with a full assessment following once consent is granted. 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. It replaced the former Ecohomes standard and was launched 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. The scheme is applied to over 200,000 buildings worldwide and is the recognised standard for demonstrating sustainable performance in residential refurbishment.

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

The scheme applies to existing residential buildings undergoing significant refurbishment or conversion works – including individual houses and flats, residential conversions (such as offices or warehouses converted to residential use), listed buildings, and large-scale regeneration schemes. It is not used for new-build residential, which is assessed under the Home Quality Mark 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. BREEAM Domestic Refurbishment is a much broader assessment covering nine environmental categories including water, materials, ecology, health and wellbeing and management processes, as well as energy. BREEAM certification demonstrates whole-life sustainability credentials, not just energy efficiency, and 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, typically a minimum rating of Very Good or Excellent. The scheme is also commonly required under Historic England and heritage funding conditions, and by registered social landlords and housing associations. We can check your local authority’s sustainability policies and advise whether certification is likely to be required for your scheme.