BRE and CIBSE collaborate
As demand has grown for credible assessment and demonstrable competence, BRE Academy has collaborated with CIBSE to make high-quality sustainability training even more accessible across the built environment.
Integrated training
This collaboration has brought together complementary expertise to streamline education on whole life carbon. Through integrated training pathways and reciprocal booking incentives, professionals are supported to develop the skills needed to respond confidently to evolving regulatory, client, and market expectations.
As standards continue to expand beyond operational carbon, the collaboration recognises the need for joined-up learning; connecting certification, whole life carbon assessment, and emerging standards into a clear and coherent development pathway.
BRE Academy are proud to be able to offer CIBSE members a 10% concession on any BREEAM or BIM course, to find out more please contact us below.
- BREEAM Assessors and APs, who hold a BREEAM credential are eligible to receive a 10% concession on the CIBSE Whole Life Carbon Assessor Course.
Why Whole Life Carbon Matters
Whole life carbon is a flagship topic in climate transition of the built environment — shaping regulation, procurement decisions, and competitive advantage.
At BRE, we empower leaders to demonstrate and accelerate, supporting organisations to meet net zero carbon goals and contribute to a sustainable, resilient, and regenerative economy. Whole life carbon is central to this credible climate action.
The UK Net Zero Carbon Building Standard and  BREEAM  both promote a broader view of climate action, extending beyond operational energy across the full life cycle of buildings. As operational performance improves, the relative importance of upfront and embodied carbon continues to grow. This is reflected in our shift towards embodied carbon in BREEAM New Construction Version 7.
This direction is being reinforced internationally. Under the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, all member states must establish whole life carbon roadmaps by 2027, with mandatory whole life carbon reporting expected by 2030. While UK requirements continue to evolve, market demand is already moving ahead of regulation.
Aligned learning
Major contractors, (particularly in London and other high-density markets) report that whole life carbon performance is now a key factor in winning work. Minimising upfront carbon, demonstrating robust methodologies, and evidencing competence are increasingly differentiators in competitive tenders.
As interest grows, so does the need for quality, consistency, and credibility. Whole life carbon assessment is not just a technical exercise — it requires trained professionals who understand standards, methodologies, and how carbon decisions influence design, procurement, and delivery.
Through aligned training pathways, BRE Academy and CIBSE are enabling professionals to:
- Develop recognised, in-demand skills
- Apply whole life carbon principles with confidence
- Support clients in meeting emerging standards and expectations
- Lead on one of the most critical challenges facing the built environment
This collaboration supports not just compliance, but capability, helping shape the world we want, now and for future generations.
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