CEEQUAL
CEEQUAL assesses sustainability performance in civil engineering and public realm projects
CEEQUAL is the evidence-based sustainability assessment, rating and awards scheme for all types of civil engineering, infrastructure, landscaping and public realm projects. Launched in 2003, it was established to deliver improved specification, design and construction of works in those areas, and challenges and encourages people to adopt more sustainable living solutions. Project managers may be better able to recognise good sustainability outcomes the earlier they engage with the scheme.
CEEQUAL uses rigorous evidence-based assessment criteria and external verification to provide a result that can be made public and used in publicity. In addition, integration of CEEQUAL in the development of projects and contracts can positively influence design and construction management and often leads to significantly better outcomes than would otherwise have been the case.
The scheme can deliver:
- More sustainable projects in civil engineering;
- Performance improvements;
- Better value and cost reductions;
- Commitment to sustainability best practice;
- Enhanced team collaboration and
- Benchmarking and knowledge sharing.
Developed originally by a team led by the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) and financial support from the UK Government and ICE, the original development was managed by Crane Environmental with support from government departments and agencies. Leading civil engineering consultants and contractors, as well as industry associations, also supported the scheme’s development, including CIRIA, the Association for Consultancy and Engineering (ACE) and the Civil Engineering Contractors’ Association (CECA).
The scheme was launched following industry-wide consultation and trialling, and went public in June 2004 with the publication of Version 3 of the Assessment Manual for Projects. CEEQUAL has since become an accepted UK industry scheme for assessing environmental and sustainability performance in civil engineering and public realm projects.
In 2011, CEEQUAL for International Projects was launched, as was CEEQUAL for Term Contracts which made the methodology available for all civil engineering, infrastructure, landscaping and public realm works. CEEQUAL launched an upgraded and extended version 5 in summer 2012
In November 2015, CEEQUAL became part of the BRE Group and operates alongside BREEAM, another leading sustainability assessment method for buildings, master planning and infrastructure. The move gives CEEQUAL a clear association with the BREEAM family of schemes.
In June 2019, BRE Global launched CEEQUAL Version 6 to support infrastructure project teams’ sustainability goals. It combines the technical content of the CEEQUAL and BREEAM Infrastructure methodologies, and builds upon the well-proven processes of the CEEQUAL approach to assessment.
The launch of Version 6 marks the closure of both BREEAM Infrastructure (Pilot) and CEEQUAL Version 5 schemes. To aid transition, teams already working on CEEQUAL but who have not yet registered have until 30 September 2019 to register their projects to Version 5. Those who have already registered on these schemes are able to continue on them.
For more information see: CEEQUAL version 6.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Building Research Establishment.
- BRE articles.
- BRE Trust.
- BREEAM.
- BREEAM and CEEQUAL.
- BREEAM and Tracker Plus.
- BREEAM associate online training.
- BREEAM In-Use International.
- BREEAM USA.
- BREEAM: Value multiplies while costs plummet.
- CEEQUAL version 6.
- Code for Sustainable Homes.
- Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.
- Passivhaus.
- Ska rating.
- Sustainable Infrastructure Group's sustainable development goals workshop.
- WELL and BREEAM align.
Featured articles and news
Boiler Upgrade Scheme and certifications consultation
Summary of government consultation which closes 11 June 2025.
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.
Barratt Lo-E passivhaus standard homes planned enmasse
With an initial 728 Lo-E homes across two sites and many more planned for the future.
Government urged to uphold Warm Homes commitment
ECA and industry bodies write to Government concerning its 13.2 billion Warm Homes manifesto commitment.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.
The emancipation of women in art.
CIOB Construction Manager of the Year 2025
Just one of the winners at the CIOB Awards 2025.
Call for independent National Grenfell oversight mechanism
MHCLG share findings of Building Safety Inquiry in letter to Secretary of State and Minister for Building Safety.
The Architectural Technology Awards
AT Awards now open for this the sixth decade of CIAT.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson awards
Deadline for submissions Friday 30 May 2025.
The benefits of precast, off-site foundation systems
Top ten benefits of this notable innovation.
Encouraging individuals to take action saving water at home, work, and in their communities.
Takes a community to support mental health and wellbeing
The why of becoming a Mental Health Instructor explained.
Mental health awareness week 13-18 May
The theme is communities, they can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and a sense purpose.
Mental health support on the rise but workers still struggling
CIOB Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025 shows.
Design and construction material libraries
Material, sample, product or detail libraries a key component of any architectural design practice.
Construction Products Reform Green Paper and Consultation
Still time to respond as consultation closes on 21 May 2025.
Resilient façade systems for smog reduction in Shanghai
A technical approach using computer simulation and analysis of solar radiation, wind patterns, and ventilation.