“Implementing sustainability in a way that is measurable, comparable, and economically successful”
Munich. With over a million certifications in more than 80 countries, BREEAM is one of the leading global sustainability standards for property. As National Scheme Operator (NSO), TÜV SÜD has been responsible for the national adaptation, quality assurance, training and market development of BREEAM in Germany, Austria and Switzerland for the past ten years.
BREEAM has become a crucial tool for the sustainable transformation of buildings. As National Scheme Operator (NSO), TÜV SÜD consistently aligns the national adaptation and further
development of the system with the needs of building owners, investors, asset managers, and occupants. The development of independent DACH adaptations, the introduction of new
system versions, and the continuous expansion of the network of auditors and experts have contributed significantly to establishing BREEAM in the DACH region as a recognized standard
for the assessment and continuous improvement of existing real estate.
As real estate markets become increasingly globalized, the comparability of sustainability performance is gaining in importance; transparent assessments based on internationally recognized standards are becoming a key success factor for institutional investors, international users, and global capital markets. “Against this backdrop, our task is not only to adapt the BREEAM standard to national requirements, but above all to strengthen the DACH region in international competition,” says Alexander Rüb, Head of the BREEAM National System Representation at TÜV SÜD. “Our goal is to combine global requirements and best practices with the high-quality standards and unique characteristics of the German-speaking markets.”
Trends in recent years show that the sustainable development of the real estate portfolio is becoming increasingly important. While new construction activity is slowing in many markets, issues such as decarbonization, ESG compliance, taxonomy compliance, and the long-term preservation of value in existing properties are gaining in significance. BREEAM offers a holistic framework that takes environmental, social, and economic aspects into account and covers the entire life cycle of a property.
An important strategic decision
The tenth anniversary of the National System Representation for BREEAM in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland also highlights an important strategic decision: As early as September
2025, the Building Research Establishment (BRE) – as the developer and standard-setter for BREEAM – and TÜV SÜD had agreed to extend their successful partnership, thereby laying
the foundation for the next phase of the sustainability standard in the DACH region. “The contract extension was a clear signal for the future of sustainable construction in Europe,” emphasizes Rüb. “Ten years after assuming the role of National Standards Organization (NSO), we can see how our shared vision has proven itself in practice. BREEAM has become established as a key tool for the sustainable transformation of real estate, particularly in the existing building stock, and significantly contributes to greater transparency, comparability, and quality in the market.”
BRE and TÜV SÜD will continue to consistently drive the further development of BREEAM in Europe, strengthen the transfer of knowledge between national and international markets, and
further expand the training of professionals. “Together, we are pursuing the goal of providing owners, investors, and project developers with practical tools that enable them to implement
sustainability in a way that is measurable, comparable, and economically successful,” emphasizes Rüb. “At the same time, we want to help ensure that the high quality and innovative strength of our construction and real estate industry remain visible and recognized in the face of international competition.”
TÜV SÜD Is the NSO for BREEAM in the DACH Region
Since 2016, TÜV SÜD Industrie Service GmbH has been the exclusive National Scheme Operator (NSO) for BREEAM in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. In this role, TÜV SÜD
develops and operates national BREEAM systems, is responsible for the training and licensing of experts, and oversees quality assurance and project certification in the DACH region. With
over one million certifications in more than 80 countries, BREEAM is one of the world’s leading sustainability standards for the entire life cycle of real estate.
For more information on BREEAM services offered by TÜV SÜD, visit us October 5–7, 2026, at EXPO REAL in Munich (Hall B1, Booth B1.532) or go totuvsud.com/en/services/management-system-certification/breeam-certification-for-green-
buildings.
