1.2 Sustainable Transport Options

Cycle spaces – Compliant types of storage - KBCN0257

Due to the number of different types of cycle storage facility available and the variation in site conditions, BREEAM New Construction is less prescriptive about the dimensions and type of cycle parking which can be used to demonstrate compliance. The Assessor is expected to exercise their professional judgement to determine whether the cycle parking spaces meet the aims of the Issue and the requirements listed in the compliance notes. BREEAM is used to certify buildings, not products. Cycle parking systems cannot, therefore, be considered inherently 'BREEAM compliant'. These must be assessed in context with reference to their location and the intended user profile.

29/01/2024-made applicable to HQM

Cycle storage – provided in a garage or shed - KBCN1562

Cycle storage in a garage Where cycle storage is provided in a garage, adequate space must be provided to store both the bicycle(s) and the car(s) at the same time. For double garages, it must be assumed that each garage space is occupied by a car. Storage areas above must be added to the typical minimum garage sizes below: • 2.4 m × 4.9 m for a single garage • 5 m × 5.2 m for a double garage Cycle storage in a shed Where cycle storage is provided in a shed, adequate space must be provided to store both the bicycle(s) and garden tools at the same time. A minimum of 1m² is required for garden tools. Additional space required for cycles The minimum storage area required to store cycles on the floor, as defined by the New Metric Handbook, which includes space to allow the cycles to be moved independently. Where a proprietary storage or hanging system is provided, the space requirements are flexible but the system must allow each cycle to be removed independently and meet all other criteria.

The technical manual will be updated accordingly at the next re-issue.

Electric vehicle charging points – Communal parking – fast-charging infrastructure - KBCN1480

For 0.25 points, compliance may be demonstrated by installing all the necessary fast-charging infrastructure and not the EVCP itself, i.e. capacity in the connection to the local electricity distribution network and distribution board (minimum 7kW to each EVCP). Additionally, sub-surface ductwork to receive cabling to parking spaces must be installed, thus enabling the simple installation and activation of charging points at a future date.

Erratum: ‘Cycle storage requirements’ definition - KBCN1641

There is an error in the dimensions in point 1. 2. and 3 of the 'Cycle storage requirements' definition as follows: The distance between each cycle rack and surrounding obstructions(e.g. walls) allows for bikes to be easily stored and accessed. Cycle racks must be a minimum of: 1. 2m long ×0.75m wide for one bike. 2. 2m long ×1.5m wide for two bikes. 3. 2m long ×2.5m wide for four bikes. Please refer to KBCN0257 instead of the above.

Private parking – number of Electric Vehicle Charging Points (EVCPs) per home - KBCN1374

Where electric vehicle charging points are provided for private parking, at least one private space per home with an EVCP must be provided to be able to award credits in accordance with table 4 (found in the HQM ONE manual).

Safe pedestrian routes – Definition, measurement and verification - KBCN0238

Definition Safe pedestrian routes include pavements and safe crossing points, which may be controlled or, for example, be identified by tactile paving, a crossing island or a dropped kerb. An element of judgement may be required, in which case justification should be provided. Measurement Distances could be measured, for example, along a pavement, across a road at a safe crossing point and along the pavement on the other side. The distance should not be measured diagonally across a road, following the most direct route. Verification The assessor’s site inspection is an important aspect of the assessment and may help to confirm that all relevant information is current and can include photographs of any key areas. This can also help to identify safe crossing points or hazards which may not be apparent from a desktop study. Alternatively, web-based map data may be used to satisfy the evidence requirements at both Design and Post-Construction Stage, provided that the assessor is satisfied that this clearly demonstrates compliance and that the evidence is robust and up to date. Where web-based navigation maps (e.g. Google Maps/Street View) are used as evidence, this must include: • Dated and marked-up site plan or a web-based navigation map viewer highlighting: • Current location and type of transport nodes and local amenities. • Current route and distance from the building via a safe pedestrian route. • Plan or map scale. When relying on web-based evidence for post-construction stage, the assessor must, additionally, provide verification that the information provided for the nodes/amenities is still accurate and up to date.

16 Sep 2025 - Wording relating to verification updated to clarify the intent.
29 Aug 2025 - Approach to web-based map data at post-construction stage updated and related wording amended accordingly
07 Mar 2024 - No changes have been made. This appears as 'updated' due to an administrative error.
11 Jan 2024 - Wording re-structured for clarity
19 Dec 2023 - Applicability to BIU V6 confirmed

Shared cycle storage between two apartment blocks - KBCN1323

In principle, it is possible for cycle spaces within two or more separate buildings (e.g. apartment blocks) can be shared for the purposes of adequate cycle storage if the following can be assured:

if it is being assumed that cycle spaces within one block will be used by occupants from another, these spaces must be clearly dedicated to these occupants only, and this needs to be clearly communicated (e.g. signage)
All cycle spaces must be within a close proximity (see definition) to the home or communal entrance and are accessible via a safe pedestrian route.

Please note that these scenarios need to be assessed on a case by case basis. Please raise a technical query with details and plans that demonstrate how the above points have been addressed, for further consideration.