BREEAM v7: Where are we now?

It has been announced by BRE Global that the latest version of BREEAM, v7, will be released in Summer 2025. BREEAM UK New Construction Version 7 was pre-released in July 2024 and is currently being finalised following consultation comments closing on September 2024.

Past versions (2011, 2024, 2028, and BREEAM v6) have had similar structures, principles, and practice. Version 7 will be a significant update to building certification, with a comprehensive overhaul to align with evolving global standards and the latest sustainability practices.

Key proposed changes include:

Closing performance gaps
Enhanced alignment with EU Taxonomy
Increased emphasis on operational and embodied carbon reduction
New and enhanced criteria for daylighting and comfort
Introduction of social value metrics
New benchmarks to align with Biodiversity Net Gain
Introduction of Operational Water Use credits
Pollution credits turning to the reduction of GHG and use of fossil fuels

What is BREEAM?

BREEAM stands for Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Methodology and was created by BRE Global in 1990. It is a metric-based sustainability assessment, which reviews the environmental impact of a building over many topics; from air quality to flooding, building operation to occupant comfort. The categories involved include management, Health and Wellbeing, Energy, Water, Material, Waste, Land Use and Ecology, and Pollution.

It is the most recognised and longest running sustainability certification method and is used across the globe as part of development projects. There are various schemes for commercial developments, including New Construction (UK), International, Refurbishment and Fit-Out, In-Use, Communities, and Infrastructure. BRE Global gas also release domestic / residential schemes such as Code for Sustainable Homes, Home Quality mark, and the new version – BREEAM Residential.

BREEAM differs from other schemes as certification is achieved through a qualified and licenced assessor, who is a part of the design team. As well as that, BRE Global is continuously researching building materials and systems, applies innovation to building design, and assist on advising on building regulations – which allows BREEAM to adapt to the market so quickly. Finally, BREEAM uses third-party validation to ensure the quality of materials, operational performance, and quality of life for occupants.

Closing performance gaps

To help close the performance gap, the rating boundaries are being closer aligned, the threshold for ‘pass’ and ‘good’ ratings have been lowered by 5%:

BREEAM rating	Percentage score (v6.1)	Percentage score (v.7)
Outstanding	≥85	≥85
Excellent	≥70	≥70
Very good	≥55	≥55
Good	≥45	≥40
Pass	≥30	≥25

Enhanced alignment with EU Taxonomy

EU Taxonomy Regulations are designed to support the transformation of the EU economy to meet its European Green Deal objectives. As a classification tool, it seeks to provide clarity for companies, capital markets, and policy makers on which economic activities are sustainable.

Key EU Taxonomy requirements have been included throughout the new BREEAM v7, particularly in:

Responsible Construction Management.
Commissioning and Handover requirements for buildings over 5,000m2.
Indoor Air Quality: stricter requirements for managing emissions from construction products and the implementation of a smoking ban within the building.
Energy and Carbon Performance of Building Services: Reporting outputs and evidence requirements has shifted away from demand metrics to performance outcomes, offering more flexibility in requirement methods.
Water: Reporting output requirements.
Building life cycle assessment: Reporting of Global Warming Potential (GWP) impacts to clients for considerations.
Construction Waste Management: reporting requirements, including the EU Construction and Demolition Waste Management Protocol.
Adapting to Climate Change: clearer using of climate change projection and implementing solutions.
Disassembly and Adaptability: use of ISO20887 to assess disassembly or adaptability of buildings.
Site Selection: promotes practices that minimise environmental impacts and align with ISO18400.

Emphasis on operational and embodied carbon reduction

The most significant updates to BREEAM v7 are the increased emphasis on carbon reporting and management. This change aims to make substantial progress in reducing both operational and embodied carbon throughout the building lifecycle.

Prediction of Operational Energy and Carbon
BREEAM V7 emphasises the prediction of a building’s operational energy use and carbon emissions. Credits are also available for third-party verification of energy models. The scoring system aligns with the methodology used in BREEAM In-Use and NABERS UK Guide to Design for Performance (DfP).

Embodied carbon – the emissions associated with construction materials and processes – now requires stricter measuring and reduction of emissions by aligning benchmarks with established framework such as CIBSE TM54 and NABERS UK to drive decarbonisation efforts and bridge the gap between a building’s design and operational performance.

The Mat 01 Building Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) has been completely rewritten to focus on calculating and reporting embodied carbon at each stage of a building’s lifecycle (concept design, technical design, and as-built). Credits are now awarded based on performance against embodied carbon benchmarks. By encouraging designs that incorporate lifecycle carbon assessments, BREEAM V7 helps project teams understand the long-term carbon impact of their material choices, construction methods, and operational practices.

A focus on daylighting and comfort

Enhanced Daylighting standards
This is more of an alignment with European standards. Daylighting requirements have shifted from using the average daylight factor (ADF) to focusing on average daylight illuminance, which aligns with the BS EN 17037:2018+A1:2021 standard, which provides more precise guidance on daylight quality based on room types and use.

Direct sunlight and view access
There are new criteria for direct sunlight exposure, particularly in healthcare and residential settings. Designs are encouraged to provide windows with adequate external views, to improve connection with the outdoors, and reduce the feeling of confinement.

Introduction of social value metrics

This is to assess a building’s impact on its surrounding community by using metrics that consider aspects such as local government opportunities, community engagement, and accessibility for more diverse populations. By including these metrics, a project can be reviewed on how it is socially beneficial to an area.

Use of Biodiversity Net Gain

Updates include new benchmarks to align with English Biodiversity Net Gain law and additional methodologies for sites with low or zero biodiversity baselines, encouraging developers to exceed minimum ecological requirements.

Click for more details

Le 04: Enhancing site ecology
Update benchmarks in line with BNG law. Option added for sites with low/zero biodiversity

Site Baseline >0.1 BU (Biodiversity Units)
≥10% Biodiversity Change – 1 Credit
≥29% Biodiversity Change – 2 Credits
≥39% Biodiversity Change – 3 Credits
≥43% Biodiversity Change – 3 Credits + Exemplary

Site Baseline <0.1 BU
BU per site area ≥1.50 or BU per 10m hedgerow ≥0.01 – 1 credit
BU per site area ≥2.00 or BU per 10m hedgerow ≥0.03 – 2 credits
BU per site area ≥2.50 or BU per 10m hedgerow ≥0.04 – 3 credits
BU per site area ≥3.00 or BU per 10m hedgerow ≥0.05 – 3 credits + exemplary

Introduction of Operational Water Use

A new credit which requires projects to predict water consumption based on expected occupancy rather than standard occupancy, promoting a more accurate assessment of water needs. Projects can earn up to two standard credits and two exemplary credits for accurately predicting water use, setting targets for in-use water consumption, and committing to measuring actual water use post-occupancy.

Pollution credits turning to the reduction of GHG and use of fossil fuels

Impact of refrigerants
In BREEAM V7 there is now a mandate that all refrigerant gases have zero ozone depletion potential as a prerequisite, highlighting the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from building operations. For projects seeking ‘Excellent’ and ‘Outstanding’ ratings, this is now a minimum standard, with refrigerants required to have an emissions rate lower than 1000 kgCO₂e per kW.

Local Air Quality
Further credits can be achieved for buildings with no onsite combustion (gas-free developments), encouraging a shift away from fossil fuel-based heating and cooling systems.

Bibliography

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