The updated BREEAM V7 scheme for New Construction has been released, introducing the most substantial changes to methodology, structure and regulatory alignment in recent years.
Here we provide a concise overview of the key updates, with particular focus on the new minimum standards and technical requirements for decarbonisation, indoor air quality and daylighting.
For Eight Versa’s detailed Technical Analysis of BREEAM V7 (including strategic guidance and cost/risk implications), please contact us directly.
A Significant Evolution of the Scheme
BREEAM V7 raises performance expectations in several critical areas: performance prediction, embodied carbon, indoor environmental quality and the reduction of operational fossil fuel use. These changes reflect BRE’s clear commitment to driving measurable sustainability outcomes across the built environment.
Key Changes Introduced in V7
- New and strengthened minimum standards
- Additional credit issues and revised scoring criteria, including non-visual effects of light, demand-flexible response, advanced controls and annual climate-based daylight modelling
- A new BREEAM Platform providing greater visibility of assessment progress and lifecycle performance
- Stronger alignment with EU Taxonomy, the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard and Biodiversity Net Gain requirements
- A more structured evidence schedule to improve clarity for design teams and assessors
The Main Changes in Detail
1. Raised Minimum Standards
The requirements for achieving Very Good, Excellent and Outstanding ratings are now more demanding, with several criteria moving from optional to mandatory.
2. Greater Emphasis on Decarbonisation
- Excellent and Outstanding ratings require Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and operational energy predictions to be updated and resubmitted at RIBA Stage 6
- Operational fossil fuel use must be eliminated to achieve an Outstanding rating
- Eight Versa’s Building Physics and Sustainability team provide LCA reporting, operational energy modelling and embodied-versus-operational carbon optimisation at every project stage.
3. Indoor Air Quality Requirements Strengthened
- An Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Plan is now mandatory for a Very Good rating
- Outstanding projects must significantly design out refrigerant use
- We prepare tailored IAQ Plans that cover both design and construction phases to secure the required performance.
4. Daylighting Requirements Updated
- Compliance with minimum natural-lighting standards is mandatory for Outstanding
- Annual climate-based daylight modelling replaces average daylight factor calculations
- Our daylight consultants deliver compliant modelling, optimised glazing ratios and façade strategies that enhance occupant wellbeing.
5. Operational Energy and Water Performance
- New minimum standards and dedicated credits for predicted operational energy and water use
- Exemplary-level credits for commitments to measure and disclose actual in-use performance
- We offer predictive energy and water modelling, compliance reporting and pathways to NABERS or BREEAM In-Use certification.
6. Improved Regulatory Alignment
- Built-in capability to generate EU Taxonomy reports
- Ecology credits aligned with Biodiversity Net Gain metrics
- Our ecologists and sustainability consultants integrate statutory and BREEAM ecology requirements from the outset.
7. The New BREEAM Platform
Clients and key project team members can now access live assessment data and lifecycle performance metrics for individual assets, masterplans or entire portfolios.
We assist clients with platform registration and help maximise the strategic value of the data it provides.
How Eight Versa Can Support You
Our accredited assessors, building physicists, ecologists and sustainability specialists are already applying BREEAM V7 on live projects and are available to help you integrate the new requirements efficiently and cost-effectively.
Request the Full Technical Analysis
Our comprehensive report examines every methodological change, strategic consideration and cost/risk implication in detail. It is available exclusively to clients and partners.
Please contact us for your copy and for a tailored discussion on the implications of BREEAM V7 for your current and future projects.
