Sustainability rating schemes BREEAM and CEEQUAL are to merge over proposals to create a single certification tool for infrastructure projects, according to the Building Research Establishment (BRE).

CEEQUAL is to transfer its business operations to BRE Global and in future will be delivered by the BREEAM certification team.

It is understood the merger will generate a single sustainability standard/certification tool for civil engineering and infrastructure projects in both the UK and around the world.

Supported by the Institution of Civil Engineers, the move has been prompted by industry demand for a scheme which addresses the challenges infrastructure clients, professions and contractors face in delivering sustainable infrastructure.


BRE Group added the scheme will address the need for integration with building related schemes so that clients with mixed developments can have a single combined rating for their asset.

BRE Chief Executive Peter Bonfield said: "Our long term aspiration with a single scheme is to bring together the significant experience and expertise behind the two rating systems to 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."

BREEAM will now launch an open pilot of its new BREEAM infrastructure methodology.

This, together with the development work and new metrics behind the planned upgrade of CEEQUAL, will inform the next generation scheme which BRE plans to launch in 2017.

(LM/MH)