BREEAM and LEED are both international programs that measure and certify the environmental performance of buildings. BREEAM is a UK-based program while LEED is based in the United States. The main differences between the two programs are:
1- International Coverage: LEED has a wider international coverage than BREEAM and is used in more countries around the world.
2- Focus: BREEAM focuses on European-wide local goals, particularly energy efficiency, water conservation, environmental stewardship, health and well-being, while LEED focuses on all aspects of green building.
3- Scoring System: BREEAM scores based on building characteristics, while LEED scores based on a number of categories, including building design, building materials, operating methods, and building use.
4- Energy Performance: BREEAM has more precise targets for building energy performance and has higher energy efficiency targets. LEED takes a more flexible approach to building energy performance.
5- Management Process: BREEAM has a stricter management process in the certification process, while LEED offers more freedom.
As a result, both programs have similar aims and both work to assist in the development and dissemination of green building design. However, the differences between BREEAM and LEED present different approaches to construction industries in different regions and countries, which have different needs and goals for building design and certification.