In a world increasingly focused on sustainability and greener living, the significance of the BREEAM Awards cannot be overstated. These awards, an annual celebration of outstanding accomplishments in sustainable building design, development, and management, are a beacon of innovation and leadership within the built environment. This year, the spotlight shines once again on ActiveScore, the active travel accreditation system, which has been announced as the headline sponsor for the BREEAM Awards in 2025. I had the pleasure of speaking with Sarah Thompson, a project manager at ActiveScore, to delve deeper into this exciting partnership and what it means for the future of sustainable building practices.
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Sarah welcomed me with a warm smile as we settled into a quiet corner of the bustling ActiveScore office. Her enthusiasm for the subject was palpable, and as we began our conversation, it quickly became clear why ActiveScore’s collaboration with the Building Research Establishment (BRE) is so impactful.
“Partnering with BRE for the BREEAM Awards is incredibly meaningful for us,” Sarah began. “Last year was our first time sponsoring the event, and the positive response we received was overwhelming. It feels great to be back for a second year, especially with the added responsibility of using our methodologies to judge the Transport category.”
ActiveScore has been a pioneer in assessing and certifying active travel facilities globally since 2017. Their mission to create healthier, more liveable spaces aligns perfectly with BREEAM’s ethos of sustainability. Sarah explained that this partnership with BRE not only strengthens the credibility of ActiveScore but also enhances the impact of the awards themselves.
“The BREEAM Awards have always been about celebrating the best in sustainable design and construction,” Sarah noted. “By integrating our assessment systems with BREEAM’s, particularly in the Transport category, we’re able to spotlight projects that are truly pushing the envelope in reducing emissions and promoting green transport solutions.”
The conversation naturally turned towards the challenges and opportunities that the built environment faces today. Sarah highlighted that transport emissions remain a significant hurdle, contributing massively to air pollution. However, she was optimistic about the future.
“Our partnership with BRE is a testament to the progress being made,” she said. “The focus on transport solutions is crucial, and the BREEAM Awards provide a platform for innovative ideas and projects to be recognised. It’s an exciting time to be in this field.”
Sarah’s passion for sustainability and innovation was infectious, and it was clear that ActiveScore’s involvement with the BREEAM Awards is about more than just recognition. It’s about driving tangible change in the industry and inspiring others to follow suit.
“The awards are a celebration, yes, but they’re also a call to action,” Sarah emphasised. “We want to see more projects tackling emissions head-on, making our environment cleaner and greener for everyone.”
As our conversation came to a close, I asked Sarah about the future. What does she hope to see in the coming years for both ActiveScore and the broader world of sustainable building?
“We’re committed to expanding our impact,” she replied thoughtfully. “Our work with ModeScore, which started in March 2024, is a big part of that. By offering actionable advice to reduce real estate emissions, we’re helping portfolios improve their sustainability credentials.”
Sarah’s vision for the future is one where collaboration and innovation lead the way. She sees the BREEAM Awards as a key driver in this journey, with ActiveScore playing a pivotal role.
“In the end, it’s all about creating spaces that people love to live and work in,” Sarah concluded. “Spaces that are not only beautiful but also sustainable and environmentally responsible. That’s the legacy we hope to leave.”
As I left the ActiveScore office, I couldn’t help but feel inspired by the passion and dedication that Sarah and her team bring to their work. The partnership with BREEAM is a shining example of what can be achieved when like-minded organisations come together with a shared vision for a better, greener future. The 2025 BREEAM Awards promise to be an exciting milestone in this ongoing journey towards sustainability.
Marcia Snyder
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