Radisson Blu Bucharest Raises the Bar with BREEAM “Excellent” Certification
The Radisson Blu Hotel in Bucharest has reached a milestone that places it in rare company, both in Romania and internationally. The landmark five-star property has been awarded the BREEAM In-Use “Excellent” certification for both Asset…
The Radisson Blu Hotel in Bucharest has reached a milestone that places it in rare company, both in Romania and internationally. The landmark five-star property has been awarded the BREEAM In-Use “Excellent” certification for both Asset Performance and Management Performance, becoming the first luxury hotel in the capital to secure this prestigious sustainability accolade.
The certification follows a rigorous evaluation of the hotel’s 45,000 square meters of facilities. Out of only ten hospitality properties nationwide that currently hold BREEAM In-Use recognition, Radisson Blu Bucharest is the sole five-star hotel in the city to achieve “Excellent” scores in both categories.
What BREEAM Certification Means
BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) is one of the world’s most widely recognized sustainability assessment methods for buildings. First launched in the UK in 1990, BREEAM now operates in more than 80 countries, setting benchmarks across nine key categories: management, energy, water, resources, health & wellbeing, pollution, transport, land use & ecology, and resilience.
For existing properties, BREEAM In-Use provides a framework for assessing not just the physical asset but also the way it is managed. To reach the “Excellent” level, a building must achieve scores above 70%, reflecting best-practice performance across multiple sustainability dimensions.
In Radisson Blu Bucharest’s case, the hotel excelled in energy (82.6%) and resources (81.25%), showing lower operational costs and reduced environmental impact. It also scored strongly in health and wellbeing (75.38%), confirming better air quality, comfort, and safety for guests and staff.
Why This Certification Matters
Although certifications like BREEAM are often associated with office buildings or large commercial developments, their relevance to the hospitality sector is becoming increasingly clear. For hotels, the advantages extend far beyond an environmental badge.
At the most practical level, sustainability measures bring greater operational efficiency. Energy- and resource-saving initiatives, ranging from LED lighting and optimized HVAC systems to low-flow water fixtures, help reduce utility bills in an industry where margins are notoriously tight. These changes also insulate properties against the volatility of rising energy costs, giving them long-term resilience.
The guest experience also benefits. Healthier buildings with better air quality, natural light, and reduced noise create a more comfortable environment, often in ways that travelers may not immediately notice but still appreciate. When sustainability is integrated seamlessly, it enhances the overall sense of well-being without compromising on comfort or luxury.
