The developments Abra Homes (Vizcaya), Landako Homes (Vizcaya), Urban Homes (Vizcaya), Urduliz Homes (Vizcaya), San Roke Homes (Vizcaya) and Arbaizenea Homes (Guipuzcoa) in the Basque Country and La Marina de Badalona (Barcelona) and Sant Just Homes (Barcelona) in Catalonia, have recently obtained the BREEAM® certification (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Methodology) in the design phase. The number of developments in design phase with this certification amounts to 19 as of today.

Other developments in design phase with this certification are Ikasle Homes, Torresolo Homes, Ituribarri Homes and Irún Homes in the North, Dehesa Homes and Avenida Homes in the Centre, Aiguadolç Homes, Can Mates Homes, Diagonal 119 Homes and Pintor Alsamora Homes in the East, and Palacio Homes in the South.

Furthermore, Neinor Homes is currently applying for the certification of 17 developments. The company aims to achieve the BREEAM® certification in most of its projects to continue leading the change of the residential development sector in Spain towards a sustainable and responsible business model.

BREEAM is the world's leading sustainability assessment method for masterplanning projects, infrastructure and buildings. It addresses a number of lifecycle stages such as New Construction, Refurbishment and In-Use. Globally there are more than 561,600 BREEAM certified developments in 77 countries, and almost 2,264,200 buildings registered for assessment since it was first launched in 1990.

The BREEAM assessment process evaluates the procurement, design, construction and operation of a development against targets that are based on performance benchmarks. Assessments are carried out by independent, licensed assessors, and developments rated and certified on a scale of Pass, Good, Very Good, Excellent and Outstanding.

BREEAM measures sustainable value in a series of categories, ranging from energy to ecology. Each of these categories addresses the most influential factors, including low impact design and carbon emissions reduction; design durability and resilience; adaption to climate change; and ecological value and biodiversity protection. Within every category, developments score points – called credits – for achieving targets, and their final total determines their rating.

A BREEAM building benefits from lower energy costs

BREEAM was created as a cost-effective means of bringing sustainable value to development. It helps investors, developers, design and construction teams and occupiers to use natural resources more efficiently. According to BREEAM, a building with this certification can achieve 50%-70% lower energy costs and 40% lower water consumption costs. Operating costs can also be reduced with savings of 7%-8%.

In addition, this certification increases significantly the market value of real estate. With 7.5% premiums in exit values and 3% premiums in rents. Occupancy rates are also positively affected, with 3.5% premiums.

Neinor Homes joined the BREEAM Advisory Board in September 2015 to continue leading the change of the Spanish residential development.