BREEAM, WELL, & LEED Explained: Understanding the Leading Sustainability Standards

Introduction to the standards

Here’s a short introduction to each standard looking at how the standards were created, where they’re mostly used, and any other key features. 

BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Methodology)

BREEAM is the world's longest-standing method for assessing, rating, and certifying the sustainability of buildings. It was created in 1990 by the UK's Building Research Establishment (BRE). BREEAM was designed to measure and improve the environmental performance of buildings across the entire project lifecycle. BRE was originally a UK government national laboratory, which is now owned by the BRE Trust, a charitable organisation. BREEAM has set the benchmark for sustainability with over 590,000 certifications globally and is especially popular in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and other parts of the world.

WELL Building Standard

WELL was launched in 2013 by the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI). The WELL Building Standard focuses primarily on the health and well-being of building occupants. Unlike BREEAM or LEED, which are more focused on environmental sustainability, WELL dives into the design and operation elements that affect human health. It evaluates buildings across 10 key categories. These concepts are known as; Air, Water, Nourishment, Light, Movement, Thermal Comfort, Sound, Materials, Mind, and Community. 

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)

LEED, launched in 1994 by the non-profit U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), is a global standard designed to measure a building's sustainability and energy performance. LEED is widely recognised across 185 countries, with over 105,000 LEED-certified buildings and 205,000 LEED-accredited professionals worldwide. It is particularly well-used in regions such as North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Like BREEAM, LEED focuses on environmental performance but has a strong emphasis on energy efficiency, water conservation, waste reduction, and the use of sustainable materials.

Beyond the Numbers: Additional Psychological Benefits

Plants affect us in other profound ways

Community Building

• Green spaces foster a sense of community and respect for the environment.

• Urban areas with plants typically experience less vandalism.

Improved Focus

• Studies show that plants can enhance concentration and memory retention.

Therapeutic Effects

• Horticultural therapy is used to help people recover from trauma and mental health issues.

• Plants can improve symptoms of neurological conditions like ADHD and dementia.

Conclusion

The impact of plants on our psychological well-being is extensive and profound, touching every aspect of our mental health and overall happiness. From reducing stress and anxiety to improving focus and fostering a sense of community, the benefits of incorporating plants into our lives are clear and scientifically supported.

As we continue to face mental health challenges in our modern world, perhaps it's time to look to nature for some of the answers. By surrounding ourselves with plants, we can tap into a powerful, natural way to boost our mental health and overall quality of life.

Ready to learn more?

Our CPD sessions will help your team learn more about how plants can impact physical and mental health.