BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) is one of the most widely used certification standards for assessing the sustainability of buildings. Initially developed in the UK, it is now used worldwide to measure the environmental impact and performance of buildings in terms of their energy efficiency, resource management and user well-being.

BREEAM certification is based on a scoring system that assesses criteria such as energy consumption, indoor air quality, water usage, waste management and impact on biodiversity. The level achieved depends on the total score across the different categories, with ratings from Pass to Outstanding.

For a building to be certified, the project must be assessed by an independent, accredited assessor. The process begins with a pre-assessment to determine the building's level of sustainability and identify the necessary actions to improve its performance. During the building’s construction, the assessor verifies compliance with the requirements and collects the technical documentation needed to assign the final score.

The certification is recognised by institutions and investors as a key indicator of quality and sustainability.

Nytorget 1 in Stavanger: BREEAM Excellent certification is the goal

Nytorget 1 is a real estate development project located in the heart of Stavanger, Norway, involving TRETEC BYGGSYSTEMER AS (manufacturer), VEIDEKKE (general contractor) and RUBICON AS (façade specialist).

It is designed to set a benchmark for urban sustainability and architectural quality, with the aim of achieving BREEAM Excellent certification.

The project covers 2400 m² of office space, spread over three floors, with a particular focus on energy efficiency and indoor comfort.

The project forms part of a broader transformation of the Nytorget area, which includes the creation of a new urban park and the restoration of historic buildings. A synergy between the redevelopment of existing heritage and the construction of new, sustainable buildings, serving as a model for the future of urban development.

The decision to pursue BREEAM Excellent certification reflects the ambition of the project’s stakeholders to ensure high sustainability standards and respond to the growing market demand for environmentally sound buildings.

From past to future: The redevelopment of the Nytorget area

The Nytorget area has a long history tightly interwoven with Stavanger’s urban development. Today, the district lies at the centre of an ambitious urban renewal project that aims to preserve the site’s historical legacy while integrating new functions and public spaces.

A key feature of the redevelopment is the Art Nouveau-style wall, a symbol of Nytorget’s historical identity. During the community consultation process, emphasis was placed on the importance of its preservation, with the project responding to this need by ensuring the wall's protection and integration with the new park.

Nytorget park will serve as a versatile green space, featuring playgrounds, areas for outdoor events and pedestrian paths surrounded by rich greenery. New trees will be planted, and areas with permeable paving will be created to enable sustainable rainwater management. The use of recycled materials and the preservation of historic façades will help maintain the area’s authentic character.

The role of Rothoblaas: Certified solutions for energy efficiency and safety

With a view to achieving BREEAM Excellent certification, Nytorget 1 has employed construction solutions ensuring high performance in terms of energy efficiency and safety.
Two Rothoblaas products in particular contribute to achieving these goals:

TRASPIR EVO UN 115: a highly breathable monolithic membrane that ensures high watertightness and excellent weather resistance thanks to its special mix.
Its flame-retardant performance is certified as Euroclass B-s1, d0 for reaction to fire according to EN 13501-1. It is an exceptional membrane also in terms of its cost-performance ratio, and comes complete with an LCA – Life Cycle Assessment.

SPEEDY BAND: a universal tape without release liner that reduces installation time and waste during construction. SPEEDY BAND can be easily torn thanks to its serrated edges and is one of the Rothoblaas products tested by the PassiveHouse Institut as a certified component for airtightness, as well as being approved by the Norwegian certification body, SINTEF.

Both of these solutions are BREEAM approved, ensuring compliance with the sustainability requirements for the building’s certification.

Another key aspect is the industrialisation of construction. Nytorget 1 employs prefabricated modules for the façade, produced off-site under strict quality and moisture control. This approach reduces on-site assembly times, minimises the exposure of elements to weathering and ensures more precise and efficient installation.

A comparison between BREEAM, LEED and DGNB: Choosing the right certification

In addition to BREEAM, there are also other international standards for certifying a building’s sustainability, including LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and DGNB (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Nachhaltiges Bauen).
An overview of the main differences:

Origin and diffusion: BREEAM was developed in the UK and is widely used across Europe. LEED originated in the US and is predominant in the Americas. DGNB was introduced in Germany and focuses on the German and European markets.

Approach to sustainability: BREEAM and LEED focus primarily on environmental and energy-related aspects. DGNB takes a more comprehensive approach, including assessments of the building’s socio-cultural, economic and technical qualities.

Assessment system: LEED assigns points across different categories, with certification levels such as Certified, Silver, Gold and Platinum. BREEAM uses a weighted credit score for each category. DGNB assesses six main categories, assigning percentages that determine certification levels such as Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum.

The choice of certification depends on various factors, including the project’s location, specific sustainability goals and the demands of the target market.

Costs and timelines: The impact of BREEAM certification on budget and scheduling

Obtaining BREEAM certification involves both financial and time-related considerations.
Costs vary depending on the size and complexity of the project. For example, in residential projects in the US or Canada, registration fees start at $1,750, with additional assessment costs ranging from $30 to $50 per housing unit, depending on the total number of units. (breeam.com)

The cost of implementing measures to meet BREEAM criteria should also be considered. This may include sustainable materials, energy-efficient technologies and specialised consultancy services, making it crucial to identify products with an excellent cost-performance ratio.

In terms of timing, the certification process can also impact project scheduling. It is crucial that BREAM requirements be integrated from the early stages of design to avoid delays.

Beyond BREEAM: Rothoblaas’ commitment to sustainability

In addition to offering products that can be certified under a range of standards – from Passive House to BREEAM – Rothoblaas takes an integrated approach to sustainability, investing in the environmental transparency of its products through Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs).

EPDs provide detailed information on the environmental impact of materials throughout their entire life cycle, from production to disposal. This enables designers and builders to make informed decisions, opting for solutions that reduce CO₂ emissions and resource consumption.

Rothoblaas’ approach is based on three key principles:

Durability: products designed to withstand the test of time, reducing the need for frequent replacements and maintenance.

On-site efficiency: solutions that simplify installation processes and reduce waste.

Recyclability: materials compatible with end-of-life recovery processes, for more circular construction.

BREEAM certification is an important step in this direction, but true change comes with a long-term vision, where every construction detail is designed for a more sustainable future.

Want to know more about Rothoblaas’ efforts? You’ll find the full list of actions on page 8 of our catalogue:
https://issuu.com/rothoblaas/docs/tapes-membranes-sealants-and-fire-protection-20-en?mode=embed

What is BREEAM certification and how is it obtained?