UK’s BRE and CEEQUAL join forces

BRE, the UK-based researcher for the built environment, and CEEQUAL, the sustainability assessment, rating and awards scheme for civil engineering, have announced plans to bring together two of their schemes – BREEAM and CEEQUAL.

BRE said the idea was to create a single, science-based sustainability standard and certification tool for civil engineering and infrastructure projects in the UK and around the world.

CEEQUAL will transfer its business operations to BRE Global, and CEEQUAL will be delivered by the BREEAM certification team with continued support from the CEEQUAL scheme management team.

The move is supported by the Institution of Civil Engineers and has been prompted by the industry’s desire for a single sustainability rating scheme that addresses the challenges that infrastructure clients, professions and contractors currently face in delivering more sustainable and resilient infrastructure, said BRE. The new scheme will also address the need for integration with building related schemes so that clients with mixed developments can have a single combined rating for their asset.

Peter Bonfield, CEO of BRE, said, “Our long-term aspiration with a single scheme is to bring together the significant experience and expertise behind the two rating systems. This will deliver enhanced environmental and social benefits for civil engineering works, and better economic outcomes that benefit society, and broaden up-take in the UK and international markets.”