BREEAM thermographic surveys should be conducted during colder months when there is a sufficient internal-to-external temperature difference (typically a minimum of 10°C). The best time for a survey is late at night or early in the morning, avoiding solar radiation effects on building surfaces. This ensures accurate detection of insulation defects, air leakage, and thermal bridging.

BREEAM thermographic surveys are essential for property developers, architects, facilities managers, housing associations, and commercial building owners. Any organisation aiming for BREEAM certification must provide a thermographic report as part of their energy performance and thermal efficiency assessment. These surveys are also beneficial for existing buildings undergoing refurbishment to improve sustainability and compliance.

A BREEAM thermographic survey must comply with BS EN 13187, the European standard for thermal performance assessment of buildings. This ensures that the survey is conducted using controlled conditions, calibrated infrared cameras, and proper temperature differentials (typically a minimum of 10°C between internal and external conditions). The survey must also be carried out by a Level 3 Certified Thermographer to guarantee accuracy and compliance.

A thermographic survey is required under BREEAM to assess thermal efficiency, insulation continuity, and air leakage in a building’s fabric. It helps to ensure the building meets energy efficiency and thermal comfort standards outlined in BREEAM credits Ene 01, Hea 04, and Man 04. The survey helps to identify heat loss, thermal bridging, and air leakage, ensuring the building performs as expected before final certification.

BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) is the world’s longest-established sustainability assessment method for buildings. It evaluates a building’s environmental performance across categories such as energy efficiency, water use, materials, waste, and occupant well-being. Achieving BREEAM certification demonstrates a commitment to sustainable building design, lower carbon emissions, and operational efficiency, making it a key standard for developers, investors, and businesses aiming to improve sustainability credentials.