Understanding BREEAM: The Benchmark for Sustainable Buildings
02-06-2025What is BREEAM?
BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) is an internationally recognised method for assessing the environmental performance of buildings. It differs from an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD), which focuses specifically on the environmental impact of a single product throughout its life cycle. While an EPD provides transparency at the product level, BREEAM evaluates whole buildings or projects, taking into account factors such as energy efficiency, materials, indoor environmental quality, water use, and management processes. During assessment, each category on a building project is assigned points (known as credits) which are weighted and combined into an overall score. The project will then receive a BREEAM rating ranging from Pass, Good, Very Good, Excellent, to Outstanding and a corresponding certificate.
Why is BREEAM Important?
BREEAM plays a vital role in the global push for sustainable construction. By providing a structured framework and clear benchmarks, it empowers developers and design teams to create buildings that are more energy efficient, healthier for occupants, and less impactful on the environment. A building designed with BREEAM in mind often sees long-term savings in operational costs, improved asset value, and a positive message to stakeholders and occupants about sustainability commitment.
How KE Fibertec contributes to BREEAM-compliant projects
At KE Fibertec we actively support projects working towards BREEAM certification through our sustainable textile based ventilation solutions.
Here's how our solutions contribute toward several key BREEAM criteria:
SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS: Our GreenWeave® and MultiWeave® fabrics are made from 100% recyclable polyester and are Cradle to Cradle certified. This supports project teams aiming to use responsibly sourced, circular materials in line with BREEAM targets for sustainable procurement.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY: Our textile ducts ensure even air distribution without draughts, improving thermal comfort and reducing the need for excessive heating or cooling. This can support energy performance goals, helping reduce operational energy use in line with BREEAM’s energy-related credits.
LOWER EMISSIONS: Thanks to efficient design, reduced material usage, and optimised air distribution, our systems can contribute to lower embodied and operational carbon—an important factor in achieving high BREEAM ratings.
WATER EFFICIENCY IN PRODUCTION: Our production processes are designed with sustainability in mind, including reduced water consumption compared to conventional ductwork manufacturing. This supports broader water management strategies across a building’s life cycle.
HEALTH AND WELLBEING: Good indoor air quality is essential to occupant health, a key BREEAM focus. Our fabric ducts contribute to improved air quality by ensuring consistent, low-velocity air delivery without draughts or dead zones.
TRANSPARENCY AND DOCUMENTATION: We provide robust documentation including Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), Cradle to Cradle certification, and product data sheets. This helps design teams justify material choices and demonstrate compliance with BREEAM’s evidence-based approach.
Conclusion
Incorporating our textile based ventilation solutions can significantly benefit buildings aiming for BREEAM certification. By improving energy efficiency, reducing emissions, and enhancing indoor air quality, our systems support sustainable building practices and help achieve higher BREEAM ratings, thereby promoting a greener, healthier, and more efficient built environment.
IIf you would like to see a wider comparison between application types, please click here to get our guide, "Textile Ventilation Systems or Metal Ventilation Systems - Which should you choose for your project?"