BREEAM in Use Part 2 – Management Performance

The BREEAM In-Use certification scheme is a globally recognised assessment framework designed to improve the sustainability performance of existing buildings. It is divided into two distinct parts: Part 1, Asset Performance, which evaluates the physical characteristics of a building, and Part 2, Management Performance, which assesses the policies, procedures, and strategies implemented to ensure efficient building operations. While the two parts complement each other, they can also be assessed independently, allowing organisations to focus on areas of highest priority.

An effective management system not only enhances a building’s sustainability credentials but also contributes to lower operational costs, improved occupant well-being, and compliance with evolving environmental regulations. By focusing on the internal policies and procedures that drive performance, this certification empowers building owners and facility managers to make informed decisions that lead to tangible benefits. BREEAM In-Use Part 2 certification helps enhance operational efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and create healthier, more sustainable spaces for occupants. Strong management policies ensure resource optimisation, risk mitigation, and long-term resilience against climate and operational challenges. This scheme also boosts market competitiveness and enables portfolio-wide standardisation.

In recent years, there has been an increase in interest from organisations seeking to improve their management policies. This trend is evident in both individual assets and across entire property portfolios. Companies recognise the importance of robust policies in driving sustainability outcomes, reducing carbon footprints, and enhancing the resilience of their assets.

The BREEAM In-Use Part 2 framework provides a roadmap for continuous improvement, encouraging organisations to adopt best practices and refine their policies over time. The recertification process, which occurs every three years, allows for the quantification of progress and the identification of areas for further enhancement.

The Part 2 certification scheme covers 8 categories:

• Management – Promotes sustainable practices by ensuring both technical and non-technical stakeholders have guidance to optimise building performance.
• Health & Wellbeing – Encourages safe, comfortable, and accessible environments for occupants.
• Energy – Recognises efficient buildings with lower energy consumption and carbon emissions while rewarding improvements in operational energy performance and reduction target setting. This encourages overall energy use optimisation and greenhouse gas emissions reduction.
• Water – Supports sustainable water use and reduction of potable water consumption through long-term strategies.
• Resources – Advocates for responsible, circular resource use, sustainable procurement, and waste repurposing.
• Resilience – Assesses risk mitigation for climate, security, and environmental hazards to enhance asset and community resilience.
• Land Use & Ecology – Encourages strategies to improve ecological value and minimise environmental impact.
• Pollution – Focuses on pollution prevention and control, reducing negative impacts on surrounding communities and ecosystems.

BREEAM In-Use Part 2 can only be undertaken if the building has been occupied for at least 12 months prior to the start of the assessment – this is because the consumption data for at least one year is necessary to evaluate its efficiency against benchmarks held by the BRE.

With a structured three-year recertification process, BREEAM In-Use Part 2 drives continuous improvement, helping assets achieve their full potential while demonstrating a commitment to responsible building management. This is accomplished by evaluating key aspects such as operational procedures, performance targets, and sustainable practices that influence efficiency and long-term viability.

Envision has extensive experience supporting asset teams in achieving their goals related to management policies, procedures, and sustainable practices, all in line with the BREEAM in-Use Part 2 requirements. Our work has helped numerous management teams implement these practices throughout the asset’s operation, leading to certifications with top ratings of Excellent and Outstanding. Notably, Envision’s advice helped the emblematic 20 Fenchurch Street (Walkie-Talkie) building in London to reach this performance, the only British skyscraper to be awarded an ‘Outstanding’ Part 2 rating.

The BREEAM in-Use Part 2 ‘Management Performance’ scheme provides a valuable opportunity to develop a strategy aligned with environmental regulations. We encourage building owners and facility managers to focus not only on asset performance but also on the management operation to ensure a lasting positive environmental impact throughout the asset’s use.

If you want to know more, please contact us – contact@envisioneco.com