BREEAM: Standards, Credit Structure and Lighting Requirements

How to set up a compliant lighting project: daylighting, controls, efficiency and reduction of light pollution.

The BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method), developed in the United Kingdom by  the Building Research Establishment (BRE) and introduced in 1990, represents the world's first system for assessing the sustainability of buildings. It is now internationally recognized as a reference standard and is applied in millions of projects around the world, with a particular diffusion in the European context. The main objective of the protocol is to evaluate and promote sustainable buildings, characterized by a low environmental impact and high levels of comfort and well-being for occupants. BREEAM defines performance criteria that make it possible to measure energy efficiency, the management of natural resources, the use of low-impact materials, proper waste management and indoor environmental quality. The system rewards design strategies capable of integrating environmental, economic and social aspects, guiding professionals towards balanced and responsible solutions.

The method adopts a credit structure that allows the overall sustainability of the building to be assessed in an integrated way. Each area — from project management to internal well-being, from energy to transport, from water to materials, from waste to biodiversity, up to pollution and innovation — is translated into specific technical criteria, the satisfaction of which generates weighted scores. The final result, expressed as a percentage, determines the level of certification: "Pass", "Good", "Very Good", "Excellent" or "Outstanding". The latter, which represents the maximum performance that can be obtained, requires the achievement of at least 85% of the total credits provided.

The BREEAM system is applicable to all types of buildings, including new constructions, renovations and existing buildings in operation. Its international versions allow the criteria to be adapted to local climate and regulatory specificities, while maintaining a consistent and comparable methodological approach. Thanks to this flexibility, BREEAM is now used in projects of very different scale and intended use, from offices to schools, from residences to public buildings. More than a mere certification tool, BREEAM is an operational guide for sustainable design, as it guides choices from the earliest stages of the building process. It promotes an approach based on the life cycle of the building (Life Cycle Assessment), encouraging the reduction of environmental impacts at every stage, the durability of materials and efficiency in operation. The main direct credits to be considered in a BREEAM lighting project are:

Hea 01 - Visual Comfort (up to 8 credits)

Daylighting BREEAM places great emphasis on daylighting, recognizing the benefits of natural light for well-being and reducing consumption. The Hea 01 credit requires adequate levels of natural lighting to  be guaranteed  in a significant percentage of the occupied rooms. In practice, minimum values of average daylight factor (ADF) are defined  for different types of rooms (e.g.  ~2% minimum ADF for offices, schools, etc.) to be achieved on at least 60–80% of the useful area concerned. Optimal design of the envelope (large glass surfaces, skylights, reflective interior atriums) and interior (light colours, light-obstructing furniture) is necessary to meet these requirements. BREEAM also requires a quantitative analysis (daylight simulation) to verify compliance with the parameters and award the corresponding credits. It is important that all relevant environments are compliant in order for the daylighting credit(s) to be recognised: the intent is to improve natural light in all relevant occupied areas.

Glare Control Getting plenty of natural light is good, but direct glare from the sun or excessive contrast should be avoided. BREEAM prescribes a glare control strategy for all spaces where sunlight or artificial light could disturb visual activities. This can include fixed devices (brise-soleil, sunshades, anti-glare films) and mobile devices (curtains or adjustable screens). The protocol requires that "the potential for glare be eliminated in all relevant areas" and that the screens  still maximize the entry of diffused light. Totally opaque screens are allowed  to block direct sunlight (e.g. roller blinds; venetian blinds with high external reflectance). It is essential that, in the presence of large glass surfaces,  a means is always provided to filter/darken the sun during critical hours, avoiding having to increase artificial lighting to compensate. The glare control strategy  must not lead  to increases in consumption (avoid solutions that force the lights on during the day).

View Out A criterion of Hea 01 is the view to the outside: a large part of the occupied spaces must have large windows close to the workstations, so that the occupants see the outside and benefit from light and visual connection. In practice, it is often required that 95% of ≥ surface area of each occupied area has adequate vision (e.g. distance ≤7 m from a window). The view is "adequate" if the external horizon is visible 1.2–1.3 m above the floor (eye level) while seated. This helps to relax/refocus the vision, reducing fatigue. Open-plan offices, classrooms, drawing rooms should provide low, wide windows or transparent glass surfaces  to maximize views. The criterion applies especially to fixed locations (corridors or passageways can be excluded).

Illuminance levels and light quality BREEAM requires compliance with good practice standards. In Europe: EN 12464-1:2021 (Workplace lighting – Interior), which defines average illuminances, UGRs, CRIs and uniformity for visual tasks. Examples: 500 lx on the worktop with UGR ≤19 for offices; 300 lx for areas with VDUs (CIBSE LG7 recall). The design must achieve the required lux, with uniformity and glare control. Simulations or measurements are under review. For spectral quality, CRI ≥80 (higher where critical) is a well-established best practice.

Flicker and electronic power supply BREEAM historically requires components that  eliminate perceptible flicker. With modern LEDs and quality drivers, the requirement (former fluorescent with HF ballasts) is met: stable emission, without flickering, to prevent visual fatigue.

Zoning and occupant controls Interior lighting must be divided into controllable zones: the user must be able  to adjust or at least on/off small areas (guideline: ~40 m² or ~4 open-plan workstations). In a 200 m² office, 5–6 independent zones are better than  a single master control. BREEAM enhances user controllability (comfort, waste reduction). In passage/service rooms, automatic (sensors) is acceptable without local manual controls.

Sensors and intelligent management Integrating presence sensors (PIR) and daytime sensors improves efficiency (Ene 01/Ene 03) and comfort (unnecessary switch-offs). In intermittent spaces, PIRs switch off after absence; in areas with natural light, daylight sensors allow automatic dimming (daylight harvesting). Rows of luminaires near windows dim with the sun, avoiding waste and excess light.

Ene 01 – Energy Performance of the Building (up to 12 credits)

Energy efficiency and the role of lighting The Ene 01 credit  of the BREEAM protocol has as its main objective the reduction of operational energy consumption and CO₂ emissions associated with the operation of the building. It assesses the overall performance of the building in terms of efficiency, including the contribution of all technical systems – including the lighting system, which represents one of the main items of electricity consumption in tertiary buildings. Lighting design therefore plays a decisive role in achieving high energy performance. An efficient lighting system makes it possible to significantly reduce the Lighting Power Density (LPD), optimize the use of natural light and integrate intelligent control systems that modulate power according to real needs. BREEAM recognizes these strategies as fundamental elements for the achievement of Ene 01 credits, which directly affect the energy classification and the final score of the certification. In the design phase, it is necessary to demonstrate that the proposed solution allows to reduce consumption compared to a reference building that complies with the minimum legal requirements (e.g. EPBD Directive and national transposition decrees). The energy calculation model must include data relating to the lighting system, including  the weighted average efficiency of the luminaires, duration of switch-on, usage profile and control strategies adopted.

High-efficiency lighting design To make a significant contribution to the Ene 01 credit, the lighting designer must adopt a series of solutions aimed at optimising performance and reducing losses. Firstly, it is essential to use high-efficiency light sources (typically the latest generation LEDs with values ≥ 120 lm/W) and luminaires that ensure good thermal management and a high-efficiency electronic driver (≥90%). Luminaires must be selected taking into account not only the initial efficacy, but also the maintenance of the luminous flux (L80 or L90), to ensure constant performance over time and correct sizing of the average illuminance levels maintained. It is good design practice to adopt a  low installed power density: for office environments, for example, the recommended values are around 7 W/m², while for transit areas and technical rooms they can be reduced to 3–4 W/m². Compliance with these values, in line with the recommendations of UNI EN 15193-1:2017 (LENI method), helps to demonstrate the compliance of the project with the objectives of BREEAM Ene 01. The design integrated with the building envelope and natural light is another key element: the combined use of daylighting and adaptive artificial lighting makes it possible to reduce consumption while maintaining the levels of visual comfort required by Hea 01. In particular, the rows of luminaires near the windows should be controlled by daylight sensors, in order to automatically attenuate the flux when natural light is sufficient.

Intelligent control and management systems In addition to the quality of the sources, BREEAM emphasizes the importance of intelligent control systems that regulate the operation of lighting according to the presence and supply of daylight. Recommended control strategies include:

• Presence sensors (PIR or HF) for automatic switch-on only in the presence of users and switch-off in the absence of movement after a defined time interval;
• Daylight sensors, which adjust the level of dimming according to the amount of natural illuminance available;
• Hourly programming or astronomical timers to ensure that the lights are turned off after hours of use;
• Manual or digital zone controls, which allow occupants to independently manage the lights of a limited area (e.g. 4 stations or ~40 m²).

The integration of these devices allows dynamic light regulation ("light-on-demand"), ensuring constant visual comfort and reducing energy consumption. In environments of intermittent use (meeting rooms, corridors, bathrooms), the use of automatic controls can lead to reductions of up to 40% in consumption compared to fixed switch-ons. The most advanced management systems, such as DALI-2, KNX or BACnet, also allow bidirectional communication between the devices and the supervision system (BMS), allowing the status of the appliances to be monitored in real time, consumption data collected and automatic energy optimization strategies to be applied. This integration is particularly enhanced by BREEAM in synergy with the Ene 02 (Energy Monitoring) credit.

Performance verification and energy modelling For certification purposes, BREEAM requires documenting the contribution of the lighting system to the overall performance of the building by means of a detailed energy model, based on simulations that comply with national standards. In Italy, the main reference is UNI/TS 11300-1 and -2, integrated by  the LENI method for the lighting part. The latter calculates the energy consumption index for lighting (kWh/m²·year) taking into account switch-on times, usage factors and control strategies adopted. The verification can be carried out with certified software or through specific reports that demonstrate:

• the total installed power and the average per square meter;
• the percentage difference in consumption compared to the reference building;
• the use of LED technologies compliant with ENEC/CEI EN 60598 standards;
• the presence of intelligent controls with logic diagrams and operating diagrams.

The achievement of Ene 01 credits is proportional to the degree of reduction in energy consumption compared to the baseline: in high-performance buildings, scores equivalent to a reduction of 25–40% in total consumption compared to the regulatory minimum can be obtained.

Ene 02 – Energy Monitoring (up to 2 credits)

Objective and importance of energy monitoring The Ene 02 – Energy Monitoring credit  of the BREEAM protocol is dedicated to the issue of monitoring energy consumption, considered an essential tool to ensure that the building maintains the performance expected in the design phase over time. The underlying principle is that "what is not measured cannot be improved": the mere design of an efficient system does not in itself ensure low consumption if it is not supported by a control system that makes it possible to analyze, verify and correct usage behavior over time. In the lighting context, monitoring makes it possible to: 1) quantify the actual electricity consumption of luminaires and drivers; 2) identify anomalies or unnecessary switch-ons; 3) optimize control logics based on actual times of use; 4) plan predictive maintenance according to operating hours. BREEAM requires that the electricity consumption of lighting be measured separately from other services (heating, cooling, sockets, lifts, etc.), so as to make it possible to make a specific and timely assessment of the energy behaviour of the lighting system.

Structure of the monitoring system A lighting design compliant with Ene 02 must provide an articulated and readable measurement architecture, capable of providing useful data for management. The system must include:

• sub-meters dedicated to lighting, installed in the area or floor electrical panels;
• a centralized data collection system, integrated into the Building Management System (BMS) or an equivalent platform;
• Standardized communication interfaces, such as DALI-2, KNX, Modbus or BACnet, to enable dialogue between measuring devices and control systems;
• an energy dashboard that allows you to view consumption in real time and generate periodic reports (daily, weekly, monthly).

The separation of lighting circuits is a key requirement: in complex buildings, BREEAM recommends dividing circuits by function of use or area (e.g. offices, common areas, technical rooms, outdoor lighting), so that any deviations are easily identifiable. The level of detail required must allow the operator to quickly identify which areas or equipment have abnormal consumption or inefficiencies.

Data collection and transmission To ensure effective monitoring, BREEAM requires that energy data be: collected automatically, without the need for frequent manual interventions; recorded on a regular basis (preferably hourly or sub-hourly); transmitted and stored in a system accessible to energy managers. A modern lighting system based on DALI-2 or equivalent protocols makes it possible to detect not only the energy consumed, but also advanced parameters such as: hours of switching on and average dimming level; status of individual luminaires (faults, disconnections, exceeding thermal thresholds); usage profile over time. This information is essential to carry out a comparative analysis between the expected behavior in the project and the real behavior in operation, and to calibrate the control logics (for example, adjust the sensitivity threshold of the presence sensors or the dimming curve based on natural brightness).

Integration with the Building Management System (BMS) BREEAM strongly enhances the integration of energy monitoring with an automated building management system (BMS). Through the BMS it is possible to: control lighting, HVAC, blinds and shading in a coordinated way; correlate energy data with environmental data (temperature, CO₂, natural lighting); activate adaptive optimization strategies (e.g. reduction of light intensity when CO₂ levels or temperature indicate low occupancy); generate  automatic summary reports, which allow compliance with the energy performance envisaged in Ene 01 to be verified. To be fully compliant, the monitoring system must allow  the operator or facility manager to consult the data, including operational training for the use of the interface and the interpretation of the metrics. This requirement is directly linked to the Man 04 – Commissioning and Handover credit, which requires the client to be given an operational and maintenance (O&M) manual that also contains the monitoring procedures.

Documentation and checks required For the Ene 02 credit check, BREEAM requires the presentation of a series of technical evidence attesting to the presence and functionality of the measurement system. Among the main documents required:

• single-line diagrams of the system with indication of the measurement points and sub-meters;
• functional diagram of the data acquisition system;
• technical specifications of the meters (accuracy class, communication protocol);
• user and maintenance manual of the monitoring system;
• training reports provided to management staff;
• declaration by the designer or system integrator certifying compliance with the requirements of Ene 02.

During the audit phase, the BREEAM assessor may request the practical demonstration of the data reading or the display of an extract of the energy dashboard, to verify that the system is operational and usable.

Ene 03 – Outdoor Lighting (1 credit)

Efficiency and control of outdoor lighting The Ene 03 – External Lighting credit  of the BREEAM protocol has as its main objective the reduction of energy consumption associated with outdoor lighting systems, encouraging the use  of high-efficiency luminaires and automatic control systems capable of adapting the luminous flux to the actual needs of safety and use. This credit applies to all light sources located outside the heated building volume, i.e. façade lighting, entrances, pedestrian paths, driveways, car parks and service areas. BREEAM clearly distinguishes functional outdoor lighting, linked to safety and mobility, from purely decorative or architectural lighting, which – unless justified for safety reasons – is discouraged and can compromise the obtaining of the credit. The goal is to guarantee the necessary amount of light and nothing more, reducing the energy impact and ensuring visual comfort, orientation and safety at night.

Luminous efficiency criteria To be compliant, outdoor lighting must be designed with the latest generation of LED luminaires and guarantee a high initial average luminous efficacy of at least 70 lumens per watt (lm/W), calculated as a weighted average value over the entire system. This threshold is a minimum requirement, but in practice modern LED luminaires for outdoor use (e.g. street lamps, asymmetrical floodlights or shielded bollards) reach values between 100 and 150 lm/W, ensuring a wide margin of performance. The goal is not only to reduce electricity consumption, but also to ensure durability and simplified maintenance, thanks to LEDs with a long useful life (≥ 100,000 hours L80B10) and high-efficiency drivers. The choice of photometric distribution plays a strategic role: luminaires with asymmetrical optics, flat glass and ULR=0% allow the light to be directed only on the surfaces to be illuminated, reducing waste and dispersion upwards or beyond the boundaries of the site. This technical approach is directly linked to  the Pol 04 credit, relating to the containment of light pollution.

Control and timing systems BREEAM requires that each outdoor lighting system be equipped with automatic control devices, capable of avoiding ignition in unnecessary conditions and adapting operation to the actual use of the area. Permitted controls include:

• Twilight sensors, which activate the system only when the level of natural lighting falls below a predetermined threshold (typically 20–50 lux);
• Astronomical timers, which adjust on and off according to daylight saving time and geographical location;
• Presence sensors (PIR or radar), which can be used in parking lots, secondary avenues and sporadic traffic areas, capable of bringing light levels to 100% only in the presence of people or vehicles;
• Programmed dimming systems, which reduce the luminous flux to a fraction of the nominal value (e.g. 30%) during low traffic hours.

In line with good lighting practice defined by the ILP (Institute of Lighting Professionals), BREEAM requires that all non-essential lights be switched off or dimmed between 23:00 and 07:00, except for safety requirements. The only exceptions allowed are:

• permanent emergency or security lighting, necessary for surveillance or for anti-intrusion reasons;
• mandatory signs for regulatory or road safety reasons.

In this case, the safety lights will also have to be optimized, for example by maintaining a minimum level of flux or limiting their extension to the strictly necessary perimeter.

Functional illuminance and design verification The lighting design must ensure that the lighting levels are adequate for the purpose, avoiding oversizing. For pedestrian areas, car parks and entrances, the reference values are those indicated by UNI EN 12464-2:2014 – Lighting of outdoor workplaces, which establishes the average levels, uniformities and glare limits for each type of environment. For example:

• 5–10 lux for walkways and residential parking lots;
• 20 lux for main entrances and loading areas;
• 50 lux for specific activity or surveillance zones.

It is a good design practice not to exceed the minimum recommended levels, as excessive external lighting increases consumption and environmental impact. The calculation must be carried out using photometric simulation software (Dialux, Relux, Litestar), documenting the illuminance, uniformity and luminance values. During the audit, BREEAM requires the presentation of the calculation reports and technical data sheets of each luminaire installed.

Special cases and exclusions In the event that a project does not include outdoor lighting or is limited to that necessary for reasons of minimum safety, BREEAM allows you to obtain the credit by default, provided that the choice is justified and does not compromise usability or compliance with local regulations. For example, a residential building in a private area with well-lit internal access can avoid the installation of outdoor street lights and still obtain the credit, as long as it documents the absence of risk to users and compliance with safety regulations. Conversely, if the project maintains existing systems that are not compliant, they must be adapted to efficiency and control standards: it is not allowed to include obsolete equipment or equipment with discharge sources (e.g. sodium or metal halogens) without technological updating.

Pol 04 – Reduction of Night Light Pollution (1 credit)

Objective and general principles The Pol 04 – Reduction of Night-time Light Pollution credit  of the BREEAM protocol aims to limit the environmental impact of outdoor lighting at night, safeguarding the quality of the starry sky, the natural perception of the landscape and the well-being of human and animal communities. Light pollution is defined as the emission of artificial light outside the areas and directions for which it is needed, resulting in dispersion upwards or towards irrelevant areas (spill light). BREEAM, in line with the principles of the Institute of Lighting Professionals (ILP) and the Commission Internationale de l'Éclairage (CIE), promotes a design that guarantees efficiency, directionality and optical control, avoiding glare and dispersion that alters night vision and interferes with the ecosystem. The credit applies to all permanent external sources within the project boundary, including those installed for safety, viability, street furniture or architectural enhancement. In the event that the building does not provide superfluous or non-functional outdoor lighting, the credit can be obtained by default, as long as this choice is justified and does not compromise the safety of users.

Design scope and logic BREEAM adopts an approach based on  the quantitative assessment of the lighting impact, requiring that the design respects the luminance and illuminance limits defined by authoritative technical documents such as:

• ILP GN01:2021 – Guidance Notes for the Reduction of Obtrusive Light, the main reference of the protocol;
• CIE 150:2017 – Guide on the Limitation of the Effects of Obtrusive Light, which defines photometric parameters and evaluation methodologies;
• CIE 126:1997 – Guidelines for Sky Glow Calculations, relating to the dispersion towards the sky;
• UNI 10819:2021, for the Italian regulatory context, and Ministerial Decree 27/09/2017 (CAM Public Lighting), by analogy with the minimum environmental criteria.

These guidelines classify the territory into environmental zones (from E0 to E4) according to the light sensitivity of the context:

• E0 – Astronomical or environmental protection areas (absence of artificial light);
• E1 – Natural or rural areas (low luminance);
• E2 – Suburbs and residential areas;
• E3 – Standard urban areas;
• E4 – High-brightness city or shopping centers.

Each category has maximum limits for the following parameters:

• ULR (Upward Light Ratio): percentage of flux emitted above the horizontal;
• Ev (Vertical Illuminance): maximum vertical illuminance allowed on the windows of adjacent buildings;
• L (Luminance): apparent luminance of the source towards distant observers;
• TI (Threshold Increment): percentage increase in permissible glare for drivers or pedestrians.

Strategies for reducing light spill A lighting design compliant with Pol 04 must demonstrate that light is directed only where it is needed, with zero or negligible emission upwards and towards non-functional areas. The main strategies to be adopted include:

1. Use of full cut-off devices, with horizontal flat glass and ULR = 0%, which prevent emission above the horizontal.
   These luminaires ensure that the entire luminous flux is directed towards the ground, reducing both the Sky Glow (sky light) is the spill light.
2. Tilt control: Headlamps and headlights must be installed with Tilt angle ≤ 10°, unless documented necessary.
   Excessive tilt is one of the main causes of dispersion and glare.
3. Anti-glare screens and visors: optical accessories that limit lateral emission and reduce direct visibility of the source from points outside the site.
4. Time regulation and night switch-off: all non-safety lights must be switched off or dimmed between 23:00 and 07:00. Operation must be managed via an astronomical timer, twilight sensor or logic integrated in the BMS, ensuring that they are switched on only during the necessary hours.
5. Flux and contrast limitation: avoid excessive luminance differences between contiguous areas and control the TI value  within ILP/CIE limits (e.g. TI ≤ 10–15% in E2). The use of low luminance (cd/m²) luminaires improves visual comfort and reduces the perception of glare.
6. Moderate color temperature: Choose LEDs with CCT ≤ 3000 K, to reduce the blue component of the spectrum responsible for Rayleigh scattering and disturbance to nocturnal wildlife.

Verification criteria and documentation To demonstrate compliance with the requirements of Pol 04, the lighting designer must provide:

• Technical report with description of the design criteria adopted (ULR, glare control, timetables, color temperature);
• Photometric simulations that highlight the vertical illuminance levels at the site boundaries and the visible direct luminances;
• Photometric distribution diagrams (curves I–γ) of the luminaires used;
• Technical data sheets with ULR declaration and optical classification;
• Functional diagram of time controls and presence sensors;
• Environmental map with indication of the E0–E4 reference zone , taken from official documentation or environmental analysis.

During the verification, the BREEAM assessor may request proof of the operation of the automatic controls (e.g. twilight sensor test or time simulation) and documented confirmation that the installed luminaires comply with the indicated emission limits.

Interrelation with other receivables The Pol 04 credit  works in close synergy with Ene 03 – Outdoor lighting, which focuses on energy efficiency. In practice, the two criteria are complementary:

• Ene 03 assesses how much energy consumption is needed to illuminate outdoor areas;
• Pol 04 checks how and where the light is distributed, ensuring that it does not go out of range.

A Pol 04-compliant system  is almost always also compliant with Ene 03, since the reduction of light dispersion implies a more efficient use of flux and, consequently, lower consumption. Conversely, an energy-efficient project but with inclined projectors or unshielded sources does not satisfy Pol 04 and does not contribute to environmental sustainability.

In addition to the BREEAM credits that directly deal with the aspects of visual comfort, energy efficiency and light pollution (Hea 01, Ene 01–03, Pol 04), there are other credits that — although not primarily dedicated to light — involve lighting design in  a complementary or transversal way. These criteria influence the overall environmental coherence of the project and require coordination between the lighting designer, the energy team and the figures responsible for sustainability. They concern issues such as thermo-visual comfort, safety of outdoor spaces, sustainable mobility, calibration and verification of the system, management of the life cycle of materials and the enhancement of innovation. The conscious integration of these requirements makes it possible to:

• consolidate the synergy between lighting performance and environmental comfort;
• promote efficient maintenance and monitoring in operation;
• strengthen the overall BREEAM score with technical and perceptual contributions from lighting design.

The credits analyzed below do not necessarily require photometric simulations, but involve Compliance Documentation, Functional checks e Consistent design choices with the philosophy of sustainability promoted by the protocol. The main indirect loans to be considered in a lighting project BREEAM are:

 Hea 04 – Thermal Comfort (1 credit) concerns the assessment of the thermal comfort perceived by the occupants, in relation to the operating temperature of the rooms. Although not a directly lighting credit, BREEAM requires that the sources of heat and light radiation do not generate thermal discomfort or radiant asymmetries. From the point of view of lighting design, this implies particular attention to:

• the correlated color temperature (CCT) and the perceptual effect of "visual warmth" produced by warm-toned sources (<3000 K);
• the reflection factor of the surfaces, which affects the light distribution and the radiant thermal sensation;
• the thermal contribution of the lighting fixtures, negligible with LED technology but to be considered in retrofits of traditional systems.

The design must ensure that the light contributes to the overall environmental comfort, without generating disturbances or localized overheating.

Hea 06 – Security Lighting (1 credit) falls into the Health & Wellbeing category  and concerns the perceived safety of users in outdoor spaces. BREEAM provides for the adoption of dedicated outdoor lighting for entrances, pedestrian paths, car parks or common areas, capable of ensuring visibility and recognition at night. The project must be consistent with the Pol 04 credit, guaranteeing: absence of direct or diffuse glare; limitation of light dispersion; uniformity of illuminance levels to avoid shadows or excessive contrasts. The lighting designer must define minimum vertical illuminance levels for facial recognition and personal safety, in accordance with: CIE 136:2000 – Guide to Lighting for Security, BS 5489-1 – Road lighting – Part 1: Design of lighting for roads and public amenity areas.

Tra 01 – Transport Assessment and Travel Plan (up to 2 credits) aims to promote sustainable and safe mobility for pedestrians and cyclists. Although not directly connected to light, the lighting of pedestrian and cycle paths contributes to night safety, readability of the route and usability of urban space. The lighting designer can support the achievement of the credit by guaranteeing: adequate lighting levels for pedestrian and cycle paths, uniformity and light continuity between public and private areas, reduction of glare and compliance with the Pol 04 limits. The reference technical standards include: EN 13201-2:2015 – Street lighting – Project lighting classes;  EN 12464-2:2014 – Workplace lighting – Exteriors.

Man 04 – Commissioning and Handover (up to 4 credits) requires the functional verification and commissioning of technical installations, including lighting and control systems. It is mandatory to carry out a commissioning plan that ensures the correct calibration of the devices, the compliance of light levels and the programming of the sensors. For the lighting part, the designer must guarantee: the photometric and functional testing of the system; the verification of the dimming, presence and daylight settings; the delivery to the customer of the O&M (Operation & Maintenance) Manual with the programming parameters; a training session for the management staff. This credit reinforces the requirements of Ene 02 – Energy Monitoring and Hea 01 – Visual Comfort, ensuring that the designed performance is maintained in operation.

Man 05 – Aftercare (up to 3 credits) introduces a post-employment verification system  aimed at monitoring the real operation of the systems and user satisfaction. It also concerns light, requiring the evaluation of perceived visual comfort and the collection of feedback from occupants. To obtain credit, the manager or designer must: conduct a Post-Occupancy Evaluation (POE) after 6–12 months; verify that lighting comfort levels (illuminance, glare, uniformity) are maintained; analyze any deviations between simulation and reality. In buildings with an Excellent or Outstanding rating, this phase is essential to validate the declared performance and improve control or maintenance strategies.

Mat 01 – Life Cycle Impacts (variable score) assesses the environmental impact of the materials used in the building throughout their entire life cycle. When the lighting system is included in the LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) analysis, it is necessary to consider: the materials of the lighting fixtures (aluminium, polycarbonate, glass, steel); the useful life of the LED sources and the number of replacements envisaged; the possibility of recycling and updating the optical or electronic components. The choice of devices  that can be disassembled, upgraded and with recyclable components helps to improve the credit score, in line with the principles of Circular Economy promoted by BREEAM.

Wst 01 – Construction Waste Management (variable score) promotes the reduction and sustainable management of construction site waste, including WEEE (Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment). The lighting project must include indications for: the recovery and correct disposal of discarded lighting fixtures; the separation of materials during uninstallation; the return of components to the manufacturer or to the authorized WEEE circuit. In retrofit projects, it is good practice to draw up a plan for the dismantling and reuse of existing appliances, documenting the expected waste quantities and flows.

Inn 01 – Innovation allows you to obtain up to 10 additional points by rewarding solutions that exceed the BREEAM minimum standards. In the lighting sector, strategies that introduce: circadian systems based on melanopic metrics (EML or MEDI), compliant with CIE S 026:2018; smart lighting adaptive with predictive algorithms or artificial intelligence;  sustainable optical materials (recycled, biocompatible) or dynamic light envelopes that contribute to perceptual comfort; human-centric solutions derived from the WELL protocol. The credit enhances projects that integrate research, technological innovation and perceptual quality, generating both environmental and cognitive benefits.

On the international scene, BREEAM joins other voluntary protocols such as LEED and WELL. While sharing LEED's credit structure and the goal of improving environmental performance, BREEAM stands out for a more balanced approach that combines energy efficiency and attention to the well-being of occupants. WELL, on the other hand, focuses exclusively on human health and comfort aspects, being complementary to environmental standards. The integration between BREEAM, LEED and WELL makes it possible to holistically address the sustainability of the built environment, combining ecological responsibility with the centrality of the human experience.

In conclusion, BREEAM represents an essential tool for lighting and environmental designers, as it promotes an interdisciplinary and scientifically based vision of sustainable design, oriented towards efficient, comfortable and environmentally friendly buildings.