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
There are plenty of sources with the potential to be redeveloped.
Change of use legislation breaths new life into buildings
A run down on Class MA of the General Permitted Development Order.
Solar generation in the historic environment
Success requires understanding each site in detail.
Level 6 Design, Construction and Management BSc
CIOB launches first-ever degree programme to develop the next generation of construction leaders.
Open for business as of April, with its 2026 prospectus and new pipeline of housing schemes.
The operational value of workforce health
Keeping projects moving. Incorporating unplanned absence and the importance of health, in operations.
A carbon case for indigenous slate
UK slate can offer clear embodied carbon advantages.
Costs and insolvencies mount for SMEs, despite growth
Construction sector under insolvency and wage bill pressure in part linked to National Insurance, says report.
The place for vitrified clay pipes in modern infrastructure
Why vitrified clay pipes are reclaiming their role in built projects.
Research by construction PR consultancy LMC published.
Roles and responsibilities of domestic clients
ACA Safety in Construction guide for domestic clients.
Fire door compliance in UK commercial buildings
Architect and manufacturer gives their low down.

















