SABRE
BRE (Building Research Establishment) is an independent, research-based consultancy, testing and training organisation, operating in the built environment and associated industries.
SABRE (Security Assurance by the Building Research Establishment) is a security assessment and certification scheme for new and existing built assets such as buildings and infrastructure, owned by BRE Global Ltd (part of the BRE Group). It was developed as the result of fundamental scientific research funded by the BRE Trust.
SABRE recognises and rewards good practice and measures the performance of those involved in the construction and operation of built assets so they can make informed investment decisions, communicate their security credentials to interested parties and benefit from greater transparency. It adopts a risk-based framework to ensure a flexible approach, recognising all solutions that contribute to security. This avoids a checklist mentality that could stifle innovation and produce incomplete and ineffective security.
The SABRE assessment process follows a framework incorporating nine technical sections and 70 assessment issues. For each section there is an aim, and each technical issue includes criteria and metrics for demonstrating compliance. SABRE rates facilities on a sliding scale between ‘Acceptable’ (1 Star) and ‘Outstanding’ (5 Stars).
SABRE certification provides a broad range of benefits to industry stakeholders, including:
- Improved design and construction quality.
- Enhanced marketability.
- Improved operational effectiveness.
- Independent assurance.
- Value for money solutions.
- Benchmarking.
- Insurance incentives.
BRE Global train individuals to become SABRE Registered Assessors. Their role is to interpret the requirements of each issue in relation to a scheme, communicate these requirements to the client and liaise with the project team to collate evidence and prepare an assessment report to help their client achieve SABRE certification.
BRE Global are also introducing SABRE Registered Professionals. These are individuals who meet the competency requirements of the deliverables within the scheme including; threat assessments, risk assessments, security strategies, technical design and engineering and operational security plans.
Registered Assessors and Professionals are registered under Licence through their organisation who will be granted SABRE Licensed Company status. They will then be listed on http://www.redbooklive.com.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- BRE articles on Designing Buildings Wiki.
- BRE Buzz articles on Designing Buildings Wiki.
- BRE National Security Survey.
- BREEAM Safety and security.
- Building Research Establishment.
- Commercial security systems.
- Embedded security: Procuring an effective facility protective security system
- Global overview analysis of fire and security.
- Loss prevention standard.
- PAS 1192-5:2015 Specification for security-minded building information modelling, digital built environments and smart asset management.
- Security and the built environment.
- Security glazing.
- Security glazing: is it all that it's cracked up to be?
- Suitably Qualified Security Specialist.
- Security rating scheme.
- The role of planning in delivering a safe and secure built environment.
Featured articles and news
Professional practical experience for Architects in training
The long process to transform the nature of education and professional practical experience in the Architecture profession following recent reports.
A people-first approach to retrofit
Moving away from the destructive paradigm of fabric-first.
International Electrician Day, 10 June 2025
Celebrating the role of electrical engineers from André-Marie Amperè, today and for the future.
New guide for clients launched at Houses of Parliament
'There has never been a more important time for clients to step up and ...ask the right questions'
The impact of recycled slate tiles
Innovation across the decades.
EPC changes for existing buildings
Changes and their context as the new RdSAP methodology comes into use from 15 June.
Skills England publishes Sector skills needs assessments
Priority areas relating to the built environment highlighted and described in brief.
BSRIA HVAC Market Watch - May 2025 Edition
Heat Pump Market Outlook: Policy, Performance & Refrigerant Trends for 2025–2028.
Committing to EDI in construction with CIOB
Built Environment professional bodies deepen commitment to EDI with two new signatories: CIAT and CICES.
Government Grenfell progress report at a glance
Line by line recomendation overview, with links to more details.
An engaging and lively review of his professional life.
Sustainable heating for listed buildings
A problem that needs to be approached intelligently.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson apprentice award
Deadline for entries has been extended to Friday 27 June, so don't miss out!
CIAT at the London Festival of Architecture
Designing for Everyone: Breaking Barriers in Inclusive Architecture.
Mixed reactions to apprenticeship and skills reform 2025
A 'welcome shift' for some and a 'backwards step' for others.