BREEAM NC V7 update

Latest update from the BRE, the long awaited BREEAM New Construction Version 7 lands.

The release of BREEAM New Construction Version 7, represents the most substantial revision to the scheme in over a decade. This iteration shifts the emphasis from design intent to verified performance, incorporating higher benchmarks, more rigorous minimum standards, and new credits aimed at reducing whole-life carbon emissions, enhancing operational efficiency, and safeguarding biodiversity.

Importantly, the update aligns BREEAM with key sustainability and investment frameworks, including ESG reporting, the English Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) legislation, and the EU taxonomy. For developers and design teams, this signifies the need for earlier engagement, more integrated strategies, and a focus on measurable outcomes.

Significance of these changes

These modifications to BREEAM V7 extend beyond technical refinements; they signify a fundamental shift in how sustainability is quantified and realized within the built environment. Instead of concentrating solely on design plans, the current focus emphasizes actual building performance to ensure genuine environmental benefits.

For developers, design teams, and investors, this entails:

– Collaboration: Embedding sustainability from project inception.

– Targets: Establishing clearer, data-driven objectives to minimize carbon emissions and resource consumption.

– Alignment: Achieving better conformity with regulatory and investor demands.

– Credibility: Enhancing market credibility and future-proofing against increasingly stringent standards.

By understanding and proactively preparing for these changes, stakeholders can maintain a competitive edge, mitigate risks, and capitalize on new opportunities for sustainable development.

The following outlines the most notable modifications, including revised scoring thresholds, stricter minimum standards, and new requirements concerning whole-life carbon and environmental performance.

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)

LCA has become mandatory for all assessments rated as Excellent or Outstanding. The Mat 01 Life Cycle Assessment requirement has been expanded across the conception, technical, and post-construction phases.

There is also an increased emphasis on reducing emissions related to operational activities, embodied carbon, refrigerants, and transportation throughout all project stages.

The submission window for the LCA tool has been extended to within 20 working days following the submission of the planning application.

Water

Benchmarking standards have been elevated, making it more challenging to attain 3 credits (requiring a ≥45% improvement, up from 40%).

Additionally, the new Wat 05 requirement, “Prediction of Operational Water Consumption,” incentivizes projects to estimate operational water use, establish performance targets, and monitor consumption based on projected occupancy.

Indoor Air Quality Plans

Indoor Air Quality plans are now a mandatory requirement for achieving a Very Good rating.

Furthermore, they are eligible for one credit even in Shell/Shell and Core Assessments, where previously they served only as a prerequisite.

 Ecology

The ecology section has been revised to align with the English BNG legislation. A 10% BNG improvement now yields a single credit (reduced from a maximum of four), encouraging projects to surpass the legal minimum to garner additional credits.

Energy

The energy category has been expanded to include 10 additional credits for measures such as advanced energy controls, flexible demand systems, and performance monitoring. Early engagement during the design phase is essential to capture these opportunities.

Management

A briefing document must be completed prior to concept design, outlining project objectives, client requirements, sustainability targets, timelines, budget, key stakeholders, and constraints.

A new exemplary credit rewards projects that develop Zero Carbon Transition Plans, especially for those not on track to attain net-zero carbon emissions.

Health and Wellbeing

A new credit titled “Non-visual Effects of Light” supports circadian rhythm health in fully fitted projects.

Additional Considerations & Key Updates

Outstanding projects must eliminate on-site fuel combustion and attain at least one credit for natural light.

Pass and Good thresholds have been reduced by 5%, leading to an average score decrease of 3-5% across UK projects.

All refrigerants now must demonstrate zero Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP).

Smoking bans and Indoor Air Quality Plans are mandated within the asset for achieving Very Good ratings or higher.

EV charging infrastructure must incorporate at least 10% active (7kW+) and 20% passive charging spaces, with fast charging (7kW or higher) being recognized.

Version 7 permits projects to incorporate up to five additional asset types within a single building without necessitating a separate BREEAM assessment.

Conclusion

These updates signify a pivotal transformation in how sustainability is appraised and incentivized within the BREEAM framework, emphasizing carbon mitigation, operational excellence, and ecological stewardship.