Understanding BREEAM, LEED, and WELL: Leading Standards in Sustainable Building Certifications

Introduction

In an era where environmental responsibility is a core expectation, building sustainability certifications have become essential tools for organizations seeking to demonstrate their commitment to green practices. Among the most recognized systems globally are BREEAM, LEED, and WELL—each offering unique methodologies to assess and certify the performance and impact of buildings.

What Are BREEAM, LEED, and WELL?

These certification systems evaluate buildings based on various environmental, economic, and social criteria, with the shared goal of promoting healthier, more sustainable built environments.

BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method)

Launched in the UK in 1990, BREEAM is the world’s first green building rating system. It assesses projects based on a range of categories including:

•  Energy and water use
•  Health and well-being
•  Pollution and waste
•  Materials
•  Transport
•  Ecology
•  Management practices

BREEAM ratings range from Pass to Outstanding, and the system is known for its detailed, evidence-based assessment, conducted by trained assessors in collaboration with BRE (Building Research Establishment). BREEAM has also expanded globally, offering region-specific versions like BREEAM Gulf and BREEAM Europe to adapt to local environmental concerns and regulations.

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)

Created in the U.S. in 1998 by the U.S. Green Building Council, LEED is now one of the most widely adopted green building certification systems worldwide. It evaluates buildings in areas such as:

•  Sustainable site development
•  Water and energy efficiency
•  Material selection
•  Indoor environmental quality
•  Innovation in design
•  Regional priorities

Projects earn points across these categories, culminating in certification levels from Certified to Platinum. Unlike BREEAM, LEED does not require an official assessor on site, although involving a LEED Accredited Professional (AP) can contribute to the score.

WELL Building Standard

Introduced in 2014 by the International WELL Building Institute in the U.S., the WELL standard focuses specifically on human health and well-being within the built environment. It evaluates how buildings support occupant health across categories like:

•  Air and water quality
•  Nutrition
•  Light exposure
•  Fitness opportunities
•  Comfort and thermal control
•  Mental well-being

WELL certifications range from Silver to Platinum, making them especially relevant for organizations focused on workplace wellness and productivity.

What Do These Systems Have in Common?

Despite their differences, BREEAM, LEED, and WELL share core goals:

•  Promoting sustainable development
•  Reducing environmental impact
•  Improving occupant health and comfort
•  Encouraging responsible resource use
•  Enhancing building performance and operational efficiency

All three are internationally recognized and provide added value for stakeholders—from increasing property value and reducing utility costs to attracting tenants and improving corporate image.

Differences in Approach and Adaptability

Each system has unique strengths:

BREEAM is known for its rigorous, academic approach and adaptability. It allows assessors to tailor assessments through bespoke criteria and is deeply aligned with UK and European regulations.

LEED, with a simpler framework, is better suited for global application. It uses ASHRAE standards and offers regional priority credits, although these are typically available only for U.S.-based projects.

WELL sets itself apart by focusing on human-centric design and health metrics rather than traditional sustainability benchmarks.

While BREEAM requires post-construction reviews in its newer versions, this has always been standard practice with LEED. The certification process also differs: LEED submissions go directly to the U.S. Green Building Council, while BREEAM assessments are verified through BRE after initial evaluation by certified assessors.

Can They Be Combined?

Yes. In fact, many buildings pursue dual or even triple certification. For instance, a building might be certified with BREEAM or LEED for sustainability performance while also meeting WELL standards for occupant health. This integrated approach is becoming more common among global companies aiming to meet both environmental and wellness goals.

Why Pursue Certification?

Obtaining certification from BREEAM, LEED, or WELL can offer numerous advantages:

•  Enhanced building performance and energy efficiency
•  Reduced operating costs and environmental impact
•  Greater appeal to investors, tenants, and employees
•  Compliance with local and global sustainability standards
•  Increased property value and market competitiveness
•  Improved occupant satisfaction, health, and productivity

In government and commercial sectors alike, green certification is becoming not just a competitive edge, but a regulatory expectation.

Conclusion

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to which certification system is “best.” The choice depends on project goals, location, stakeholder priorities, and desired outcomes. BREEAM offers local depth and academic rigor, LEED excels in global consistency and brand recognition, and WELL leads in human-centered design.

By Paulina Stanislawczyk MSc CEng MCIBSE AMSoPHE