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
Plastic, recycling and its symbol
Student competition winning, M.C.Esher inspired Möbius strip design symbolising continuity within a finite entity.
Do you take the lead in a circular construction economy?
Help us develop and expand this wiki as a resource for academia and industry alike.
Warm Homes Plan Workforce Taskforce
Risks of undermining UK’s energy transition due to lack of electrotechnical industry representation, says ECA.
Cost Optimal Domestic Electrification CODE
Modelling retrofits only on costs that directly impact the consumer: upfront cost of equipment, energy costs and maintenance costs.
The Warm Homes Plan details released
What's new and what is not, with industry reactions.
Could AI and VR cause an increase the value of heritage?
The Orange book: 2026 Amendment 4 to BS 7671:2018
ECA welcomes IET and BSI content sign off.
How neural technologies could transform the design future
Enhancing legacy parametric engines, offering novel ways to explore solutions and generate geometry.
Key AI related terms to be aware of
With explanations from the UK government and other bodies.
From QS to further education teacher
Applying real world skills with the next generation.
A guide on how children can use LEGO to mirror real engineering processes.
Data infrastructure for next-generation materials science
Research Data Express to automate data processing and create AI-ready datasets for materials research.
Wired for the Future with ECA; powering skills and progress
ECA South Wales Business Day 2025, a day to remember.
AI for the conservation professional
A level of sophistication previously reserved for science fiction.
Biomass harvested in cycles of less than ten years.
An interview with the new CIAT President
Usman Yaqub BSc (Hons) PCIAT MFPWS.
Cost benefit model report of building safety regime in Wales
Proposed policy option costs for design and construction stage of the new building safety regime in Wales.
Do you receive our free biweekly newsletter?
If not you can sign up to receive it in your mailbox here.























