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
A case study and a warning to would-be developers
Creating four dwellings... after half a century of doing this job, why, oh why, is it so difficult?
Reform of the fire engineering profession
Fire Engineers Advisory Panel: Authoritative Statement, reactions and next steps.
Restoration and renewal of the Palace of Westminster
A complex project of cultural significance from full decant to EMI, opportunities and a potential a way forward.
Apprenticeships and the responsibility we share
Perspectives from the CIOB President as National Apprentice Week comes to a close.
The first line of defence against rain, wind and snow.
Building Safety recap January, 2026
What we missed at the end of last year, and at the start of this...
National Apprenticeship Week 2026, 9-15 Feb
Shining a light on the positive impacts for businesses, their apprentices and the wider economy alike.
Applications and benefits of acoustic flooring
From commercial to retail.
From solid to sprung and ribbed to raised.
Strengthening industry collaboration in Hong Kong
Hong Kong Institute of Construction and The Chartered Institute of Building sign Memorandum of Understanding.
A detailed description from the experts at Cornish Lime.
IHBC planning for growth with corporate plan development
Grow with the Institute by volunteering and CP25 consultation.
Connecting ambition and action for designers and specifiers.
Electrical skills gap deepens as apprenticeship starts fall despite surging demand says ECA.
Built environment bodies deepen joint action on EDI
B.E.Inclusive initiative agree next phase of joint equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) action plan.
Recognising culture as key to sustainable economic growth
Creative UK Provocation paper: Culture as Growth Infrastructure.





















