What are the risks of failing to achieve a targeted BREEAM or LEED rating?

Failing to achieve a targeted rating can have both commercial and compliance-related consequences. In some cases, planning approval may be conditional on achieving a specific BREEAM rating, so falling short could lead to issues with sign-off or occupation.

Beyond compliance, there’s also reputational risk. Many organisations promote sustainability credentials as part of their brand, so underperformance can impact stakeholder confidence.

There may also be financial implications—reduced asset value, lower tenant demand, or missed opportunities for green financing incentives.

In short, it’s not just a “nice to have” anymore. These ratings are increasingly tied to real-world outcomes.