- BREEAM certification is internationally recognised as one of the primary tools for demonstrating a commitment to sustainable construction.
- With the certification of 13 stores, Leroy Merlin will represent over 20% of BREEAM certifications carried out in the retail sector in Portugal.
- BREEAM certification is important for enhancing the value of real estate assets.
Helexia Portugal, a company specialised in the development and implementation of decarbonisation projects, is supporting Leroy Merlin, a company specialised in the sale of products and services in the DIY, construction, decoration, and gardening sectors, in implementing BREEAM Certification in 13 stores of the brand. In Portugal, besides the mandatory energy certificate, there are other more comprehensive certification forms for properties that, in addition to evaluating energy performance, seek to assess a building’s sustainability from various perspectives, BREEAM Certification being one of them.
BREEAM Certification (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) evaluates the environmental performance of buildings in various categories such as energy, water, materials, waste, health and well-being, transport, land use, and ecology. The goal is to promote sustainable construction practices and reduce the environmental impact of buildings throughout their life cycle, from planning to construction, operation, and maintenance. It is one of the main tools used by architects, engineers, real estate companies, and building owners to demonstrate a commitment to sustainable construction.
According to a study by Cushman & Wakefield, there is an increasing number of companies nationwide investing in such sustainable certifications, with BREEAM certifications being the most prominent, with around 117 certified buildings, 90% of which are related to buildings in use and almost half pertaining to the retail sector. Based on these figures, Leroy Merlin will represent over 20% of retail certifications in Portugal.
Although not mandatory, Leroy Merlin has decided to implement it with the help of Helexia in 13 brand stores. Currently, seven stores are already certified: Leiria, Albufeira, Loulé, Braga, Funchal, Alta de Lisboa, and Setúbal; two stores have ongoing certification processes: Aveiro, Sintra; and four more stores are about to start the process: Gaia, Matosinhos, Alfragide, and Gondomar. In the Albufeira and Funchal stores, Helexia worked together with Cushman & Wakefield, which acted as an advisor in carrying out these certifications.
This commitment to sustainability not only benefits the environment but also contributes to the long-term positioning and success of Leroy Merlin in the Portuguese market.
“At Helexia, we support all companies on the path to decarbonisation, which also includes these types of certifications. We analyse all parameters that can be improved and work hand in hand with companies to implement the personalised project we develop, thus ensuring that they achieve the desired certification. With this certification, Leroy Merlin reinforces its position as a retail store concerned about its ecological footprint.”
Marta Jordão,
Business Line Manager of Energy Services at Helexia
“At Leroy Merlin, we firmly believe that the success of our business is intrinsically linked to our commitment to environmental sustainability and social responsibility. This partnership with Helexia not only allows us to achieve the environmental goals we have set out to achieve but also strengthens our position as retail stores committed to a greener and more sustainable future, helping us differentiate ourselves from our main competitors.”
Edgar Malato,
Responsible for Technical Projects, Maintenance, and Security at Leroy Merlin Portugal.
