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Rhino BREEAM Credits & Utility Data - Part 1 A Practical Guide
Sustainability

BREEAM Credits & Utility Data - Part 1: A Practical Guide

Xander van Baarsen
Xander van Baarsen |

In today’s ESG-focused real estate industry, knowing how to gain BREEAM credits can give asset owners and managers a significant advantage. BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) is a leading green building certification that awards points (“credits”) for sustainability features in design, construction, and operation. Remote energy and utility monitoring platforms empower commercial real estate stakeholders to meet these criteria across all asset classes – from offices and logistics centers to retail and mixed-use developments. By providing accurate, real-time data on energy and water usage, as well as engaging both managers and occupants, these solutions make it self-sufficient to earn key BREEAM credits in categories like Energy (Ene 01, Ene 02), Water (Wat 01–03), Management (Man 02, Man 04), and even Innovation, often without needing third-party consultants. 

In this first part of the series, we explain how remote energy & utility monitoring solutions map to specific BREEAM schemes (New Construction, Refurbishment, and In-Use) and credit requirements, with official references and practical insights.

In Parts 2, 3, and 4 of this series, we explore how real-time utility monitoring directly supports the BREEAM criteria across the most impactful categories: Energy, Water, and Management. Each has been given its dedicated article — Part 2 focuses on Energy performance and sub-metering, Part 3 covers Water efficiency and leak detection, and Part 4 explains how data-driven management and occupant engagement earn critical Management credits. Together, they provide a practical roadmap to securing high-value BREEAM points across any building type or scheme.

 

Real-time Utility Data and BREEAM: An Overview

BREEAM certification is achieved by accumulating credits across various sustainability categories (What is BREEAM?). An all-in-one monitoring platform directly contributes to these credits by offering sub-metering, leak detection, automated reporting, and tenant engagement. Whether you’re pursuing BREEAM New Construction (NC) for a new development, Refurbishment and Fit-Out (RFO) for a major renovation, or BREEAM In-Use (BIU) for an existing building, solutions like Rhino (www.rhino.energy) provide the necessary infrastructure to capture data and optimize performance in real time. All asset types – office high-rises, shopping centers, warehouses, mixed-use complexes, and residential portfolios – can leverage these solutions to boost their BREEAM score. 

By integrating energy, gas, and water metering on a single platform, building owners eliminate the need for separate solutions for each utility. Importantly, it bridges design and operation: a building designed with monitoring in mind is better prepared to meet not only design-stage credits but also perform strongly in operation (aligning with BREEAM’s intent to verify actual performance). In short, real-time utility monitoring serves as a “digital backbone” for BREEAM compliance, ensuring that sustainability measures are not just planned on paper but actively managed and proven with data.

BREEAM Categories Covered by Real-time Energy & Utility Monitoring: The platform contributes to multiple BREEAM categories, primarily Energy, Water, and Management, which are core to a building’s environmental performance. These areas are heavily weighted in BREEAM’s scoring – for example, Energy and Management together can comprise over a quarter of the total score. By excelling in these, projects move closer to ratings like Very Good, Excellent, or Outstanding.

 

Innovation: Exceeding Requirements with a Cutting-Edge Approach

Beyond the standard categories, BREEAM offers Innovation credits as a way to reward projects that push the envelope of sustainable design and operation. Up to 10 additional credits can be earned through innovation, potentially boosting the building’s rating by an entire level if used wisely. Rhino’s advanced monitoring and analytics platform can be a key to unlocking these extra points in a couple of ways:

  • Exemplary Performance in Existing Credits: BREEAM awards innovation credits when a project far exceeds the normal credit requirements (known as exemplary level criteria). Rhino’s impact on energy and water performance can help reach these tougher benchmarks. For example, an exemplary level for Energy or Water might require a percentage reduction beyond the highest standard credit. By actively managing consumption with Rhino and engaging occupants to save more, a building might achieve an energy reduction or water use level that qualifies as exemplary. Consider the earlier case where tenants reduced energy use by 39% using Rhino’s app engagement – that kind of saving is well above typical targets and could translate into an exemplary outcome under the Ene 01 credit (operational energy improvement) or Man 02 (if exemplary criteria include exceptional occupant engagement results). Similarly, if Rhino’s leak detection and rapid response prevents water waste to an extent that the building’s water consumption is drastically lower than baseline, the project could pursue an exemplary performance in Wat 01. Essentially, Rhino helps you blow past the baseline goals, and BREEAM’s innovation system is designed to recognize such achievements.

  • Innovative Technology not Covered by Standard Credits: BREEAM also allows innovation credits for technologies or approaches that deliver sustainability benefits beyond what its standard criteria cover. A remote, AI-enhanced monitoring platform like Rhino could qualify as an innovation in building operation, especially if it’s not commonly used in the region or if it addresses a gap in the BREEAM framework. For instance, BRE (the organization behind BREEAM) sometimes approves “innovation applications” for specific solutions – the ABB example shows a cloud-based energy monitoring SaaS being noted in the context of innovation. Rhino offers a comparable, if not more expansive, service (covering multiple utilities and optional tenant engagement). A project team could apply to BRE for an innovation credit, citing Rhino’s platform as an innovative means of optimizing building performance and occupant behavior. With evidence like energy reductions, ESG-data automation, and integration of tenant experience, there’s a strong case that Rhino provides sustainability benefits beyond the conventional measures. If approved, each such innovation measure is worth one credit. Even without a formal application, the presence of a system that continuously commissions and optimizes the building could be written into the BREEAM assessment report to show leadership in facility management.

  • Synergies with Net-Zero and Wellness Goals: Another angle for innovation is how Rhino positions a building for future standards. BREEAM often encourages going beyond current requirements – for example, preparing for net-zero carbon operation. Rhino’s detailed data can feed into a Net Zero Carbon strategy by highlighting paths to further reduce emissions (which might not be explicitly covered under current credits). While not a direct innovation credit, tying your BREEAM narrative to net-zero using Rhino’s capabilities could strengthen an innovation application. Similarly, linking Rhino to occupant health (ensuring good thermal comfort, air quality through proper HVAC control, etc.) bridges into WELL certification territory. A holistic approach that uses one platform to achieve multiple sustainability and wellness certifications could be deemed innovative. Projects pursuing WELL, LEED, and BREEAM together often get noticed for innovation – Rhino’s ability to streamline data for all these makes it a catalyst for multi-certification synergy.

In practical terms, using Rhino de-risks the pursuit of Innovation credits. You have data to verify any bold claims and a mechanism to continue improving. Innovation credits require an assessor’s and BRE’s approval, but with Rhino, you can confidently demonstrate that, for example, “our building achieved a level of energy performance (or stakeholder engagement, or water efficiency) seldom seen, thanks to this innovative monitoring approach.” Because Rhino aligns economic incentives (cost savings) with environmental ones, investing in this innovation has a clear ROI for the building owner – an argument that certainly strengthens the case for any sustainability innovation.

Conclusion: Accelerating BREEAM Success with Real-Time Utility Data from Rhino

Rhino’s remote energy and utility monitoring platform is more than just a compliance tool – it’s a driver of genuine performance improvements that make achieving BREEAM certification credits simpler and more effective. By covering critical credits in Energy (from sub-metering to actual consumption reduction), Water (from metering to leak detection), and Management (from data-driven policies to occupant engagement), Rhino acts as a one-stop solution for many of BREEAM’s demands. It empowers asset managers and sustainability teams to move beyond checkbox compliance, using real-time insights to run buildings more efficiently and greener, which in turn secures the desired BREEAM rating. Importantly, the platform itself provides the functionality and evidence needed for the credits, and its outputs can be directly used in the BREEAM assessor’s report.

For any commercial real estate stakeholder aiming for BREEAM certification (be it a new development targetting Excellent or an existing portfolio aiming to improve its In-Use scores), Rhino offers peace of mind. You know that the essential monitoring systems are in place, data is being collected and reported automatically, and issues are flagged before they become problems – all of which BREEAM explicitly rewards. The result is not only a certified building but one that operates optimally by design.

In Part 2, we'll break down the BREEAM Energy Credits, showing how real-time utility data helps unlock performance-based credits by tracking energy use, improving sub-metering, and enabling carbon reduction strategies across both New Construction and In-Use schemes.

In Part 3: We’ll look at Water Credits — including leak detection, water-saving fixtures, and best practices for potable water reduction across BREEAM schemes.

In Part 4: We’ll explore Management Credits — covering policies, procedures, and reporting practices that support ESG compliance and operational excellence across both BREEAM New Construction and In-Use schemes.

Ready to your BREEAM score and operational efficiency?

Contact Rhino today to learn how our solution can be tailored to your portfolio’s needs and help you achieve the likes of “Excellent” or even “Outstanding” certification. With Rhino as your partner, you’ll turn sustainability targets into tangible results – and earn recognition for it through BREEAM. Unlock your building’s potential by scheduling a Rhino demo or consultation now, and take the first step towards a smarter, greener, BREEAM-certified asset.

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Explore the full series:

Part 2: Energy Credits

One of the most impactful ways a remote energy & utility monitoring solution supports BREEAM is through the Energy category.

Read Part 2

Part 3: Water Credits

Water efficiency is another pillar of BREEAM, where Rhino adds substantial value.

Read Part 3

Part 4: Management Credits

BREEAM’s Management category focuses on the policies, procedures, and stakeholder engagement that underpin the sustainable operations of a building. 

Read Part 4

 

What types of properties can use Rhino to earn BREEAM credits?

Rhino’s monitoring platform is designed for versatility across all commercial real estate sectors. It works for office buildings, logistics warehouses, retail centers, mixed-use developments, residential complexes – you name it. BREEAM itself applies to virtually all building types (new or existing), and Rhino provides value in each context by tracking energy, water, and more. For example, in offices, Rhino can separate tenant-floor energy usage; in retail or hospitality, it can monitor individual units or equipment; in industrial facilities, it can capture process utilities. If your property is pursuing BREEAM New Construction, Refurbishment, or In-Use, Rhino’s solution can be implemented to cover the necessary monitoring requirements. Many global real estate firms already use Rhino across diverse portfolios (offices, residential blocks, data centers, etc.), so it’s proven to adapt to different asset classes. In short, any property aiming for sustainability certification can leverage Rhino – it’s not limited by building size or function.

Do I still need a BREEAM assessor or consultant if I use Rhino?

You will still need a licensed BREEAM Assessor to conduct the formal assessment and submit your certification application – Rhino doesn’t replace the certification process itself. However, you may not need as many specialist consultants or separate systems. Rhino acts as a “consultant in a box” for areas like energy monitoring, water management, and occupant engagement. For instance, rather than hiring an engineer to design a sub-metering strategy and a controls specialist to implement a leak detection system, you can deploy Rhino, which already includes these capabilities (and will produce the documentation or outputs the assessor needs as evidence). The assessor will use Rhino’s data printouts, screenshots, or reports as evidence to award credits, and since those come straight from an objective platform, it simplifies verification. That said, some BREEAM credits (e.g. thermal comfort modeling, acoustics, life-cycle costing) are outside Rhino’s scope and still require experts. But the credits Rhino covers can be achieved with minimal additional input, saving time and consultancy fees. Think of Rhino as significantly reducing the workload: your project team can focus consultants on design optimization while Rhino handles the ongoing performance proof. So, yes, you need an assessor to get certified, but Rhino will make both the assessor's and your job easier by automatically packaging much of the required evidence. It’s also worth noting that Rhino’s platform helps maintain performance after certification, whereas a consultant’s job might end at certification – so you’re better prepared for future re-certifications (especially for BREEAM In-Use, which is ongoing) with Rhino in place.

What ongoing benefits does Rhino provide beyond just earning BREEAM credits? 

Implementing Rhino isn’t just about ticking boxes for BREEAM – it delivers continuous operational benefits.

First, there are significant cost savings: by identifying inefficiencies (like equipment running overnight or peak demand charges), Rhino helps cut energy and water bills. Many users see substantial savings (on the order of 10-30% in utility costs) after acting on Rhino’s insights.

Second, preventive maintenance and risk reduction: Rhino’s alerts for anomalies can catch issues like a failing motor or a water leak early, avoiding costly damage or downtime.

Third, tenant satisfaction and comfort: engaged tenants who can see and manage their consumption tend to be happier and more cooperative in sustainability initiatives. Also, by monitoring conditions, building managers can ensure better comfort (for example, noticing if one area is consistently too warm or cool based on HVAC energy patterns). Fourth, compliance and ESG reporting: beyond BREEAM, data from Rhino can feed into ESG frameworks like GRESB, LEED, or local energy audit laws. It essentially future-proofs your asset against emerging regulations by keeping a detailed log of performance.

Lastly, Rhino drives a culture of continuous improvement – the transparency it provides tends to encourage staff and tenants to be more mindful, leading to a virtuous cycle of sustainability improvements. In summary, while BREEAM certification might be the immediate goal, Rhino continues to pay dividends year after year in operational excellence, cost reduction, and stakeholder engagement.

Is a monitoring platform like Rhino necessary for achieving a BREEAM Excellent or Outstanding rating?

“Necessary” depends on your building, but in practice, high BREEAM ratings strongly benefit from tools like Rhino. BREEAM Excellent or Outstanding requires you to score very high points and meet strict minimum standards. For example, for Excellent, you must hit certain Energy performance levels and have key management practices in place, and for Outstanding, even more so (including 2 credits in Water consumption, advanced monitoring, etc.). Rhino directly helps meet many of those thresholds: it ensures you get the easy points (like metering credits that are actually mandatory at higher ratings – Ene 02 is a must for ≥ Very Good, Wat 02 is required at least in part, etc.), and it maximizes your performance in tougher areas (like actually reducing consumption for Ene 01 and Wat 01, which you’ll need to do to reach Outstanding). While it might be technically possible to achieve a high rating through alternative means, not using a platform like Rhino means you’re leaving several credits on the table and risking performance slippage. Remember that Outstanding ratings often involve demonstrating exemplary practices – something much easier to do when you have detailed performance data and active management in place. Moreover, higher ratings usually undergo more scrutiny. If you’re aiming that high, assessors will look for evidence that the building isn’t just theoretically efficient but is set up to be managed efficiently in the long term. Rhino provides that confidence. So, while you could achieve Excellent results without it, Rhino significantly boosts your chances and streamlines the process. It practically becomes necessary if you want an operations-driven certification like BREEAM In-Use Outstanding, which demands ongoing excellence. Many top-scoring BREEAM projects use smart monitoring systems as part of their strategy. In essence, Rhino is your secret weapon for high ratings – not mandated by BREEAM, but incredibly valuable to meet and exceed the criteria consistently.

How does Rhino’s platform actually help earn BREEAM credits?

Rhino helps earn BREEAM credits by providing the features and evidence that specific BREEAM criteria ask for. Concretely, this means: (1) Sub-metering and Monitoring – BREEAM expects you to meter significant energy uses and all water use; Rhino provides the hardware integration and software to do this, satisfying credits like Ene 02 (Energy Monitoring) and Wat 02 (Water Monitoring) fully. (2) Consumption Reduction – For credits that target performance (Ene 01 reducing energy, Wat 01 reducing water), Rhino’s real-time analytics help you identify waste and optimize usage, directly contributing to better performance scores. (3) Leak Detection and Alerts – BREEAM Wat 03 requires an automatic leak detection system; Rhino’s continuous water monitoring and alerting fulfils this without needing a separate leak system, earning that credit. (4) Management and Engagement – Credits like Man 02 (especially in BREEAM In-Use) require occupant engagement and management feedback loops; Rhino facilitates this through its dashboards and optional tenant app, demonstrating active engagement and data sharing. (5) Reporting and Policies – Rhino automates utility data reporting, which can be used as evidence for BREEAM requirements (e.g. proving that you have an environmental management process under Man 04 by showing regular energy report emails sent to staff). Essentially, instead of manual logs, spreadsheets, or one-time studies, Rhino provides a continuous stream of data and reports. This not only earns the credits but often exceeds their minimum requirements. By installing Rhino, you’re effectively checking off multiple BREEAM criteria at once with a single integrated system – something that would otherwise require a combination of submeters, BMS extensions, third-party audits, and occupant surveys to achieve.

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