The number of North American assets certified by BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Methodology), the standard for sustainable building assessment and certification developed by BRE Global (BRE), rose 43% year over year in 2024, the organization announced.
At the state level, Missouri welcomed its first BREEAM-certified project and states like Massachusetts, South Carolina and Nevada experienced 160%, 120%, and 67% growth, respectively.
Sector-specific progress saw emerging asset classes such as cold storage seeing year-over-year growth of 100% while other key asset classes such as data centers, student accommodations, healthcare and hospitality each saw 200% growth in annual certifications. Industrial properties accounting for nearly 70% of BREEAM’s 2024 certifications.
“In a year marked by economic uncertainty, financial market turbulence and escalating environmental risks, tools that enhance building and community health while boosting resilience remain essential to safeguard long-term asset value amid a rapidly evolving global climate,” said Breana Wheeler, U.S. director of operations at BRE. “As companies adopt a more disciplined approach to sustainability, focusing on initiatives that protect and enhance asset value, we are proud to collaborate with forward-thinking partners who prioritize the value of science-backed performance assessments like BREEAM in fostering stronger, more resilient buildings.”