Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Methods (BREEAM) is an assessment and certification scheme that is widely considered best practice in sustainable building design. The assessment measures environmental performance in categories ranging from energy to ecology. It encourages ecological surveying of development sites prior to construction, facilitating early identification of sensitive habitats or species and incorporation of ecological considerations at an early stage of design and development.

BREEAM ecology reports must be carried out by a ‘Suitably Qualified Ecologist’ (SQE) i.e. a person who is educated and trained in ecology and conservation principles and holds full membership of a suitable professional body.  BEC Consultants staff qualify as SQEs and are experienced in this methodology, having completed a BREEAM assessment for an extension to the Midlands Prison in Portlaoise, County Laois.