Part 1

Applicability – no occupied spaces - KBCN1551

Principle Where:

The scope of assessment covers no occupied spaces and,
There is no valid way to filter credits from that issue,

Credits specifically related to occupied space are not awarded. Outcome The tables below show how this principle applies to affected issues.

Y means all credits are available (unless the comments state otherwise). Standard filtering rules still apply, so some credits can be filtered out where allowed in the criteria.
N means all credits in the issue cannot be awarded. These credits are not filtered out.

Issue	Credits available		Scope
Part 1
Hea 01 Daylighting	Y		Only answer C is available.
Hea 02 Control of glare from sunlight		N
Hea 03 Internal and external lighting levels		N
Hea 04 Lighting control		N
Hea 05 Minimising flicker from lighting systems	Y
Hea 06 View out		N
Hea 07 User comfort control		N
Hea 08-13	Y
Part 2
Hea 14 Thermal comfort		N
Hea 15 Smoking policy	Y
Hea 16 Indoor air quality management	Y
Hea 17 Acoustic conditions		N
Hea 18 Legionella risk management	Y
Hea 19 Drinking water management	Y

16-Dec-2022 - KBCN title and scope updated for better visibility. Error in Hea 03 amended. Applicability of KBCN applied only to affected issues (N, or modified answer options) with to minimise header space in the UI. Original content on Resources moved to new KBCN.

Applicability – Resources – common areas only assessment - KBCN1557

In an assessment of common areas only - the scope of some issues are modified in the table below. Answers which are unavailable cannot be filtered out, and cannot be awarded by default.

Issue	Scope
Part 1
Rsc 02 Reuse and recycling facilities	Answers D and E are only available if occupants store waste in a central waste storage facility within the assessed common area. All other credits are available.
Part 2
Rsc 06 Optimising resource use, reuse, and recycling	Answer D is only available if occupants store waste in a central waste storage facility within the assessed common area. All other credits are available.

Applicability – tenanted assets with common areas - KBCN1593

Principle

Waste generated in common areas is the responsibility of building management.
Waste generated in tenanted areas is the responsibility of the tenant.
The asset as a whole meets the aim and criteria of the issue.

Common areas Common areas must include:

Bins for general waste AND
Bins for recycable waste. Segregated or commingled.

Mixing recyclable and non-recyclable waste in one bin is not acceptable, even if recyclable content is extracted later from the mixed waste. If the recyclable waste is commingled, the waste collector demonstrates that they separate commingled waste in the minimum number of waste streams defined in the methodology.

Tenant or building management controlled areas The issue criteria can be met through multiple storage areas, or a central store. Where there are multiple storage areas, the space requirements for Answer C or D can be calculated based on the combined area of all storage areas. The waste storage area requirements for tenants and building management must be calculated separately as stated in the manual.

Automatic control for basin taps – Multi-residential long-term stay assets - KBCN1587

Only taps that are specifically used in staff, communal or public hand washing basins are required to meet the automatic control requirements set out in Criterion 1. These requirements do not apply to residents’ private sanitary facilities in residential long-term stay assets.

Car sharing group - KBCN1510

The term, ‘car sharing group’, as a sustainable transport measure, may be interpreted differently. For the purposes of the BREEAM Standards, therefore, the following additional guidance should be applied, to support assessors’ understanding of the criteria, when determining compliance. Aim: The aim of this measure is that the asset’s management establishes, promotes and administers a process which encourages building users to share private car journeys to and from work, thus reducing the number of cars used for this purpose. Principles: A car sharing group will, generally:

Be available to all building users who normally travel to work by private car

A car sharing group is not:

A vehicle hire/loan scheme
Intended to offset journeys which would otherwise have been made by public transport or active travel modes (e.g. walking or cycling)

The criteria do not prescribe what terms and conditions should be implemented and, whilst the above principles should generally be followed, specific arrangements may vary. However, evidence and justification must always be provided to demonstrate that the above ‘Aim’ is met.

Carbon dioxide sensors – Erratum - KBCN1636

The question table for this issue should read as follows:

Credits	Answer	Select a single answer option
0	A	Question not answered
0	B	No
2	C	Yes, in occupied spaces subject to large and unpredictable or variable occupancy patterns
4	D	Yes, in all occupied spaces

This will be updated in the next reissue of the technical manual

Carbon monoxide detection – Combustion appliances located outside - KBCN1586

Where all combustion appliances are located outside in the open air, no flues pass through an occupied space and there are no enclosed parking areas, the associated credits can be filtered out as per Criterion 1.

Centralised air handling units (AHU) - KBCN0941

The requirements of the:

Second sub-metering credit (New Construction).
Issue (BREEAM In-Use).

do not apply to centralised AHUs, where it is not technically feasible to sub-meter energy use by separate functional, tenanted or floor areas. The credit(s) will be assessed based on the remaining applicable energy uses.

06-Mar-2024 - Scheme applicability extended to V6.

Clarification – access to daylight - KBCN1648

Q11 of this issue asks 'what percentage of lit asset floor area has access to daylight?' For this issue, 'access to daylight' means: Spaces daylit from the side

Is within 8m of a wall with openings that allow daylight in AND
Openings comprise ≥ 20% of the wall area, as viewed from the inside. For windows, the opening size is defined by the inside edge of the window frame, ignoring any transoms or mullions in the glazed area itself.

Spaces daylit from above

Any spaces, or parts of a spaces illuminated by overhead openings, light tubes, or other daylighting strategies. Where the daylighting strategy only covers part of a space, the assessor can use their judgement to define which areas have 'access to daylight' based on the specific design and lighting conditions.

Clarification – percentage of end uses - KBCN1650

This percentage is measured by the energy consumption (kWh) of significant energy uses, not by the number of end uses.

Combined sub-metering – electric space / water heating and small power - KBCN00068

For bedrooms and associated spaces in:

Multi-residential or residential institution building types (New Construction).
Hospitality or supportive housing asset types (BREEAM In-Use).

It is acceptable for an electric space or water heating system to be combined with lighting and small power, provided that sub-metering is provided for each floor plate or other appropriate sub-division. For these asset types, sub-metering electric heating in multiple bedrooms may be costly and technically challenging. Where occupants have individual control but are not responsible for paying the utility bills, the building manager may have little influence on their energy consumption. Therefore, sub-metering electric heating would provide little or no benefit in meeting the aim of the issue.

06-Mar-2024 - Scheme applicability extended to V6. 
15-Dec-2023 - Title updated to clarify that this approach can be applied to both space heating and domestic hot water heating, where appropriate.

Combined system for heating / cooling and domestic hot water - KBCN0329

It is permissible to have combined metering for a shared on-site or district system that combines heating / cooling, and domestic hot water generation. In all cases, justification is provided in the QA report for the combined metering, and explains why it is not technically feasible to provide separate meters.

21-Sep-2022 Applicability of KBCN added to BIU V6. Amended to include district heating and cooling networks.

Condition survey – refurbishment in the last 5 years - KBCN1522

Where an asset has been refurbished, refurbished elements listed in criterion 2 can be excluded from the condition survey if:

The refurbishment was carried out less than 5 years ago.
The refurbishment addressed any and all major defects with the element.
The records of the refurbishment allow asset management to effectively maintain that element.

The intent of Rsc 01 is to give asset management a complete understanding of the condition of the asset. The requirement for 5 years is to make sure that this information is relatively up-to-date, and allows effective maintenance of the asset and management of any minor defects. All example scenarios below assume that the refurbishment was carried out less than 5 years ago. Any refurbishment works carried out more than 5 years ago must follow the full criteria of this issue. [accordion] [accordion_block title="Scenario 1"] A major refurbishment to a Commercial asset covered and effectively documented refurbishment to: a. Structure. b. Mechanical components. c. Electrical components. d. Plumbing. e. Fire protection. It did not cover: f. Communications and life safety systems. g. Health and safety conditions. All major defects were resolved. Credits for the condition survey, and for rectifying defects are awarded based on elements f. and g. only. [/accordion_block][accordion_block title="Scenario 2"] A major refurbishment has covered and documented all items in criterion 2. All major defects were resolved, but there are some outstanding minor defects that are being monitored and maintained by asset management. BIU V6: This issue is filtered out as per criterion 1. BIU 2015: The relevant credits are awarded. Minor defects are common after major building or refurbishment works, and typical building contracts provide a period for the resolution of minor defects. As long as major defects are resolved by the refurbishment, and asset management are aware of and managing minor defects, these items can be excluded from the condition survey. [/accordion_block][accordion_block title="Scenario 3"] A major refurbishment covered all elements, but there is no record of the refurbishment of mechanical and electrical components. A condition survey covering these items is required. Relevant credits are awarded for surveying and addressing any defects for these elements. [/accordion_block] [/accordion]

Control of glare from sunlight – hotel rooms - KBCN1087

The primary function attributed to hotel rooms is that of a bedroom and as such, lighting and resultant glare are not considered to be problematic for these spaces. The only exception to this is where designated additional office space is provided. In these circumstances it is the role of the assessor to determine if individual spaces should be determined as ‘relevant building areas’ in accordance with guidance provided. Glare control criteria apply to building areas where lighting and resultant glare could be problematic for users.

01 Nov 2023 - Applicability to BIU V6 Commercial confirmed
This KBCN aligns with KBCN0666 from UKNC 2014

Cycle facilities – Separate showers within shared gender-specific (single gender) facilities - KBCN1601

Cultural norms and expectations in relation to privacy may vary. The guidance on providing separate showers in the above situation is, therefore, clarified as follows: Where showers are not divided into individual cubicles, or are only partially separated, this does not preclude compliance. However, the assessor must be satisfied and provide justification that the arrangements are in line with local custom and appropriate to the building type and the demographic of building users.

Cycle spaces – Minimum and maximum requirements - KBCN0637

These remain applicable where the 50% reduction allowed for building locations with a high level of public transport accessibility is in effect. This means that, for instance, a large retail will still need to provide at least ten customer cycle storage spaces and could meet compliance with a maximum of fifty.

22-Nov-2023 Scheme applicability updated.
18-May-2017 Previous KBCN on large retail adapted to include any minimum requirement for cycle storage spaces.

Cycle storage – 50% reduction applies to all users - KBCN1631

Where a 50% of reduction in required cycle storage spaces is allowed for any reason (for instance, for meeting a threshold for good public transport accessibility), this applies to all asset users. This includes staff, and any applicable users such as customers, visitors or residents. However, any minimum or maximum requirements remain the same. See KBCN0637. This principle aligns with BREEAM New Construction and Refurbishment and Fit-Out.

Cycle storage – Multi-residential long-term stay - KBCN1592

For the purposes of calculating the cycle storage requirements, residents should be considered as 'staff'.

Cyclists’ facilities – Combining different facilities - KBCN0683

Cyclists' facilities can be combined, provided that all relevant compliance requirements are met and it is demonstrated that there is no conflict impacting on their use. For example, compliant showers can be combined with compliant lockers in one room, subject to the principle below. For combined facilities to count as multiple facilities, they must be capable of being used independently of each other at the same time (where relevant) with reference to any space requirements, access, gender and privacy issues.

11 Jan 2023 - Applicability to BIU V6C confirmed
10 Feb 2022 - Updated to clarify that facilities can be combined where there is no conflict.

Cyclists’ facilities – Matching additional cycle spaces - KBCN00093

The minimum number of showers/lockers/changing facilities required for BREEAM compliance is determined by the minimum number of compliant bicycle spaces required, not by how many total compliant bicycle spaces have been provided. Where more than the minimum number of compliant cycle spaces has been provided, there is no requirement to provide more than the minimum number of showers/lockers/changing facilities.

01 Feb 2022 - Wording clarified and applicability to BIU V6C confirmed

Cyclists’ facilities – Multi-residential / residential institutions - KBCN0967

Where there is a BREEAM requirement for residents, compliant facilities within their accommodation can be considered as cyclists' facilities. Separate facilities for staff must be provided as required to achieve compliance.

22 Aug 2023 Applicability to BIU V6 Commercial confirmed.

District heating / cooling / hot water – entering data into the Online Platform - KBCN1536

For assets which use district heating / cooling / hot water, information on the district systems are entered into Ene 09a and 09b. In Ene 05 / 06 / 09, answer 'no' to first question "Is space heating / cooling / hot water generated on-site?" then navigate to:

Ene 09a to answer questions on district cooling.
Ene 09b to answer questions on district heating and hot water. A district heat network will also provide hot water, so information on the system which provides both is entered into Ene 09b.

The Online Platform differs from the manual structure, however it does not affect scoring in any way. All data entered contributes to the asset energy calculator. Assets with on-site and off-site systems Only answer questions on the system which provides the most signifcant heating or cooling to the asset. If an asset includes both on-site and off-site systems, choose the one which delivers the most energy annually.

Durable and resilient features – Features not present - KBCN1547

The requirements of Rsl 04 aim to minimize the frequency of building component replacement. Options D, E and F relate to specific features that are vulnerable to damage through the building's operation. Therefore, if it can be demonstrated that an asset does not include any such features, this requirement can be considered met, because there is nothing to protect. Evidence confirming the above must be referenced and provided in the assessment. It is unlikely that Option C will not apply in a commercial asset. However, if an assessor believes this to be the case, they should contact BREEAM Technical with full details and justification.

20 Oct 2023 - Applicability to BIU V6 Residential removed - Options can be filtered out where not applicable.
14 Dec 2022 - Updated to include Options D and E, in addition to the reference to Option F.

Electric vehicle charging stations – Availability - KBCN1128

This option requires the number of electric vehicle recharging stations (EVCS) to be based on a percentage of the total car parking for the building. To meet compliance, the intent is that recharging stations be available to all building users, including customers and visitors. However, where overall parking numbers are low, it may be difficult to effectively distribute the EV charging spaces between general users and priority groups. In such cases, the design team must provide evidence that this aspect has been considered when locating the EV spaces, however, the decision on how to distribute these may be made by the client or, for speculative development, by an appropriate member of the design team. In situations where parking is limited to priority spaces only, the above guidance still applies.

11 Jan 2023 - Applicability to BIU V6C confirmed
17 Sep 2022 - Updated to allow more flexibility in relation to how EV spaces are allocated

Emergency lighting - KBCN0185

Maintained systems featuring emergency light fittings which are also used for normal operation, are assessed for this issue. Non-maintained lighting which is only activated in an emergency can be excluded from the assessment. NC / RFO / BIU V6 Ene 17: The aim of these credit(s) is to encourage and recognise energy-efficient fittings. Non-maintained emergency lighting will very rarely be activated and in such extremes the emergency requirements must not be compromised. BIU V6 Hea 05: Flicker is eliminated from maintained systems only.

24-Jan-2024 - Scheme applicability updated to include BIU V6.

Erratum – scope of issue - KBCN1498

Criterion 1 states: "Where external lighting or car park lighting are not necessary from a safety perspective, the associated credits can be filtered out of the assessment." What this means is:

Where external lighting does not exist, filter out the relevant credits.
Where car park lighting does not exist, filter out the relevant credits.
Whether or not the lighting exists for safety reasons has no effect on credit filtering.

The inclusion of the word 'safety' in this criteria is misleading and will be removed in future versions.

28-Feb-2024 - Wording clarified.

Erratum – up to V6 – methodology – no default energy assumptions - KBCN1630

The scope of the issue applies only to systems with significant energy use. The methodology section states that the online platform will calculate default values, and use this to indicate which systems are in scope. This is incorrect, as default values are not automatically calculated. The energy use of each system will need to be manually estimated. This can be done based on:

Typical benchmark values, and / or,
Estimates based on the capacity of equipment, and annual equivalent full load hours of use.

Erratum – up to V6.0.0 – Ecological features – Answer D – planters - KBCN1543

Outdoor planters and traditional planted areas can be considered as one feature for the purposes of Answer D, provided there is enough planting on the site to meet the intent of the issue. To meet the requirements of Answer D, the following must be demonstrated:

Outdoor planters, containing live plants and/or traditional planted areas
Other planted areas such as green roofs or green walls
Features to assist local fauna

20-Dec-2023 – The intent of this KBCN was to simplify compliance with Answer D. This has now been updated to clarify that it only applies to Answer D, thereby removing the potentially negative impact on meeting the requirements of Answer C.
24-Aug-2023 - Wording clarified. Change will be updated in the next re-issue of the manual.

Erratum – up to V6.0.0 – missing and inconsistent definitions - KBCN1567

Scope The scope of this issue includes blackwater. Criterion 4 should include 'd) blackwater harvesting'. Definitions The definition for 'blackwater' is missing from this issue, and the definition for 'greywater' is inconsistent with other issues in the manual. The following text will be updated in the next revision of the manual: 'Blackwater - Wastewater that has been discharged from kitchen and utility sinks, urinals and toilets within the asset.' 'Greywater - Water that has been discharged from all sources other than kitchen and sewage within the asset.'

Erratum – V6.0.0 – cooling efficiency parameter – EER / SEER - KBCN1560

In the asset energy calculator guidance, the parameter given for cooling efficiency is 'SEER' (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio). This is incorrect and should say 'EER'.

This affects the following tables:

	International	USA
Commercial V6.0.0	Table 19	Table 18
Residential V6.0.0	Table 16	Table 16

This will be updated in the next manual re-issue.

Evidence of no risk – Use of Approved Standards and Weightings List - KBCN0959

The current BREEAM International Non-Domestic New Construction Approved Standards and Weightings List (ASWL) can be used as evidence to demonstrate that a country has ‘no risk’ to all natural hazards apart from flooding (which is considered within POL 02 of BREEAM In-Use 2015 and Rsl 01 of BREEAM In-Use Version 6). Any country which has a weighting of 0% for Hazards within the current ASWL can provide this to BRE Global as evidence. As flooding is not included within the Hazard section of the ASWL, it must be evidenced separately. Therefore, in order to achieve maximum credits within MAT 05 or Rsl 03, the assessment must also provide evidence that the asset is in a ‘low or zero flood risk area’ under the requirements of POL 02 (BREEAM In-Use 2015) or Rsl 01 (BREEAM In-Use Version 6). Note: BREEAM In-Use International Assessors who are not BREEAM International Non-Domestic New Construction Assessors, will be unable to access the ASWL. In this instance please send a technical query to BRE Global outlining the country which the asset is located, and BRE Global can confirm the current weighting for that country. This KBCN does not apply to BIU assessments under BREEAM NOR or BREEAM SE

29-Nov-2023 Clarification - N/A BREEAM NOR/SE 
01-Oct-2022 Updated to apply to BREEAM In-Use Version 6
16-Aug-2016 Amended to clarify situations where there is no access to the ASWL

Flood risk – use of flood maps only in FRA - KBCN1524

Answer option E (Commercial) or F (Residential) If a flood risk assessment considers flooding from rivers and seas only, flood risk is zero / low, and the following requirements are met:

There are local or national flood maps available covering these sources of flooding.
The maps are accurate, up to date, and have sufficient detail to clearly identify flood risk for the asset.
The maps are approved by local or national government, and based on robust data.

It is acceptable for the flood risk assessment to be carried out by a relevant member of the team. It does not require a competent individual (see manual definition) to do this. Most sources of flooding are site-specific and require specialist input and calculation to quantify. However, flood maps meeting the criteria above can provide an acceptable level of assurance of overall flood risk from rivers or seas without the need to engage a specialist. Answer option C Where the risk of flooding is medium or high, flood mitigation measures are required (criterion 3). These mitigation measures must be defined by either:

A local authority (the measures must be relevant to the asset).
Or a competent individual.

The FRA can still be produced by a relevant member of the team. Exemplary credit This option is only available if a site-specific FRA was carried out by a competent individual, and cannot be based only on flood maps that give an allowance for climate change. Example scenarios [accordion] [accordion_block title="Low / zero flood risk"] National flood maps cover flooding from rivers and seas. The flood risk from these sources is zero / low. The compliant FRA can be produced by a relevant member of the team. [/accordion_block] [accordion_block title="Medium / high flood risk"] National flood maps cover flooding from rivers and seas. The flood risk from these sources is medium / high. Flood mitigation measures are required. The local authority provides some general flood mitigation measures for the area, but these are not relevant to the assessed asset. Instead, a competent individual is consulted on relevant flood mitigation measures for the asset - their recommendations are recorded in the FRA. The compliant FRA can be produced by a relevant member of the team. [/accordion_block] [/accordion]

Flow control devices – residential accommodation - KBCN0415

The credit for the specification of flow control devices in WC areas or facilities does not apply to ensuite facilities in residential areas, e.g. ensuite facilities in individual private bedrooms and a single bathroom for a collection of individual private bedrooms in halls of residence, key worker accommodation or sheltered accommodation. The credit and criteria are however applicable to buildings which have guest bedrooms with ensuite facilities, e.g. hotel rooms, and communal WC areas or facilities, e.g. communal WC facilities in hotels or hostels and care homes. In accommodation where occupancy is long-term and there is a sense of ownership of the space, flow control does not need to be assessed as the occupants are likely to detect and report leaks.

26 Oct 2023 - Applicability to BIU V6 Commercial confirmed

Flow control devices – Use of devices on individual sanitary fittings - KBCN1550

The intent of the requirement for flow control devices is to minimise the impact of undetected wastage and leaks from sanitary fittings and supply pipework. The use of flow control devices on individual sanitary fittings alone does not, therefore, fully meet this aim.

Flow control devices for multiple blocks - KBCN1186

The criteria are set to encourage isolation of the water supply to each WC block when it is not being used. If a single flow control device, for example one programmed time controller, is adequate to switch the water on at predetermined times that suit the usage patterns of more than one WC blocks or facilities, this can be used to demonstrate compliance. Please note that if only one timed controller is used for a large area/number of facilities, the assessor must justify that this is appropriate to the usage patterns within the building and confirm that multiple timers would be redundant (i.e. they would all be set to the same time). Consideration should be given of any facilities that may be open longer than others, requiring these timers to be programmed differently in different areas. As long as the aim of the credit (‘to reduce the impact of water leaks that may otherwise go undetected’) can be achieved through the specification of an appropriate number of flow control devices, the credit may still be achieved if timers cover more than one WC area/facility to prevent minor water leaks.

14 Apr 2023 - Applicability to BIU V6 Commercial confirmed.

Interlock controls – clarification - KBCN1491

An interlock is a control that is wired so that when there is no demand for heating / cooling in a space, the heating / cooling generator and the associated pumps are switched off. Use of thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) alone does not provide interlock. Partial interlock means that the cooling and heating interlock controls are separate. However, the control function may be set up to minimise the possibility of simultaneous heating and cooling. Total interlock means the controls are wired so that simultaneous heating and cooling is not possible. Where there are separate local heating or cooling units present, these will also need to be wired into the control system for total interlock to avoid the possibility of simultaneous heating and cooling.

Internal lighting levels where computer screens are used - KBCN0283

For areas where computer screens are regularly used projects can specify 300 lux, as referenced in CIBSE Lighting Guide 7, rather than the levels prescribed in the standard EN 12464:2011.

07/12/2021 Applicability to BIU V6 Commercial confirmed.

Intruder alarms – Requirement for these to be audible when activated - KBCN1597

Where it is justified by the security consultant, project team or building management that a 'silent' intruder alarm system is more suited to the asset’s overall security strategy, this can be considered as meeting the Definition in our guidance.

Leak detection – using a BMS - KBCN0439

A BMS can be used for leak detection purposes if it can be demonstrated that its integrated or add-on features meet all the requirements for a leak detection system.

07 Feb 2022 - Applicability to BIU V6C confirmed

Minimising flicker – scope of issue - KBCN1639

Principle Flicker from all lighting systems is eliminated. This means eliminating flicker in:

All lighting within management control, common areas, and tenanted areas.
Occupied, un-occupied and external spaces.

Only emergency lighting is excluded. See KBCN0185. Lighting flicker is undesirable regardless of location or length of exposure. Commercial scope Eliminate flicker in all lighting. Residential scope Eliminate flicker in:

All communal areas (internal and external, occupied and unoccupied).
Management offices, and all areas under management control.

Minimising watercourse pollution – Areas to be assessed - KBCN1633

Criterion 2 should be interpreted as follows: The intent is to provide a list of areas that are likely to present a risk of watercourse pollution. All the listed areas must be considered, however, where a listed area is not present, or it is present but poses no risk of watercourse pollution, this should be justified with supporting evidence. Where the development does not include any of the listed areas, or none of the areas present poses a risk of watercourse pollution, justification and evidence must be provided and this issue should be filtered out, in line with Criterion 1.

Occupant control – spaces requiring user controls - KBCN0170

This guidance is intended to clarify the types of area for which user controls are required or would be considered beneficial. Zoning is required in all areas of the asset where specified in the assessment criteria. Please refer to the specific requirements of the applicable BREEAM standard to interpret this guidance appropriately. User controls required Spaces where users are expected to have independent control over their environment.

Owned spaces: small rooms for a few people. For instance, cellular offices, owned spaces in residential assets.
Temporarily owned spaces: where occupants expect to operate the environmental controls while they are there. For instance, meeting rooms and hotel bedrooms.
Shared spaces. For instance, multi-occupied areas such as open-plan offices or workshops.

User controls not required Spaces where users are not expected to have independent control over their environment.

Managed spaces: where environmental control is expected to be centrally managed. For instance, atria, circulation areas, concourses, entrance halls, function halls, restaurants, libraries, and shops.
Occasionally visited spaces. For instance, storerooms, bookstacks in libraries, aisles of warehouses, toilets.

14-Dec-2022 - KBCN applicability updated to include BIU. Wording clarified, and amended for compatibility with BIU criteria.

Off-site waste sorting - KBCN0696

All schemes Where a building's recyclable waste is collected regularly and sorted off-site, the aim of this issue can be met by:

Providing evidence of a robust off-site waste management strategy and,
Proof of future convertibility for on-site waste storage if required in future.

This means providing evidence for all of the following:

A waste management plan which provides on-site storage between collections, adequately sized based on the frequency of collection.
An on-going waste recycling contract.
The typical recycling rates from the waste management company.
A permanent structure (or internal space) within the asset site boundary that can be converted to comply with all criteria requirements. Layout drawings must be provided showing how this space could be converted in future, including meeting all relevant criteria for: • User and vehicle access, • Area requirements for waste storage, • Appropriate size and number of containers for the expected waste streams, and • Space allowance for any additional waste processing requirements e.g. compactors, composting containers, water outlets etc.

BIU only This KBCN applies to off-site sorting for construction waste arising from fit-out activities (Answer E, BIU V6, Rsc 02). It does not apply to the storage of reusable construction products (Answer F, BIU V6, Rsc 02). This must be a permanent structure or space currently in the asset. BREEAM assesses the sustainability of the intrinsic asset. Where robust management practices may be accepted as an alternative, BREEAM still requires that the asset's facilities have the potential for future conversion to achieve compliance.

09-Feb-2024 - Requirements clarified. Applicability updated to include construction waste storage for BIU V6 Rsc 02.
17-Jan-2024 - Scheme applicability updated.
16-Apr-2018 - Wording clarified.

On-demand public bus services - KBCN1404

These can be recognised as follows:

The location of the transport node should be determined as the nearest available pick-up point to the assessed building
The frequency of the service should be considered as the published maximum wait time (or actual average wait time, if the service is established and this data is available)
Such services, whilst they may serve multiple destinations, should be considered as a single route
It must be demonstrated that information on the availability and how to access the service is made available to building users

This is limited to genuine on-demand bus services, which are operated as public transport with multiple pick-up and drop-off points and does not extend to private hire, taxi or other similar operations.

On-site LZC – whole site shared connection - KBCN1424

To be recognised in BREEAM, the on-site Low and Zero Carbon (LZC) technology must have a direct physical connection to the assessed asset. OR Where the LZC technology is;

Located on the same site,
Is owned and managed by the same organization as the assessed building, and
Where it is impractical to physically connect the assessed building to the system,

It is acceptable to allocate the renewable energy generated proportionally as a calculation of the asset's predicted energy consumption compared to the total energy consumption of the whole site. To allocate renewable electricity by proportional consumption:

Obtain the total annual renewable electricity generated on-site.
Exclude all renewable electricity which has been exported to the grid.
Determine the respective electricity consumption of all assets on the whole site (predicted for new builds and measured for existing assets).

Where consumption data is missing, renewable electricity must not be allocated to the assessed asset. In this case, it is assumed that all electricity consumed is sourced from the grid.

17-Jan-2024 - Applicability BIU V6 Ene 13 removed, as this approach is not applicable to assessing the area of PV fitted.
21-Dec-2022 - Applicability to In-Use V6 confirmed.
24-Aug-2022 - Applicability to UKNC V6 confirmed.

Operational waste – No managing organisation or no tenants on-site - KBCN1584

Principle If the asset as a whole meets the operational waste criteria, all relevant credits can be awarded. No tenants

Where there are no tenants and
Within the assessment boundary, the managing organisation meets the operational waste criteria.

Answers C and D can be awarded. No managing organisation

Where there is no on-site managing organisation and
Within the assessment boundary, all tenants meet the operational waste criteria.

Answers C and D can be awarded.

06-Apr-2023 - Updated to cover both situations described above.

Outdoor space – Parks and other public open spaces - KBCN1588

Public parks may meet the requirements for ‘Outdoor space’ even if smoking and vaping are unrestricted, as the impact on other visitors would be minimal. However, to ensure the above and that the overall aim is met, a compliant park must be over 2,500 m² in size and be a ‘green space’ - an area of grass, trees, or other vegetation set apart for recreational or aesthetic purposes that is publicly owned and allows free access during the hours of daylight. Other similar areas that meet the above requirements, such as woodland or nature reserves, could also be considered as meeting the aim.

Process water to offset potable water demand - KBCN0586

Where it is demonstrated that it is safe to do so, process water resulting from the building under assessment, can be considered for off-setting potable water demand from components that would otherwise be supplied using potable water, when in line with the criteria requirements for greywater systems. Process water resulting from the building under assessment can be considered as a form of greywater for the purposes of off-setting potable water demand.

21 Dec 2021 Additional wording added, requiring it to be demonstrated that process water is safe to use and KBCN applied to BIU standards.

Proximity to amenities – Employee working hours - KBCN1653

The intent of Criterion 1 is that amenities must be open at times when they can benefit employees during typical opening hours for the asset type. The guidance on 'Employee working hours' in the Definitions section should, therefore, be disregarded. However, the assessor must be satisfied that, given the working hours of the assessed building and the opening hours of the amenity, this will benefit building users in line with the aim of the issue.

Risk assessment – flooding is the only natural hazard - KBCN1552

Where:

Flooding is the only natural hazard identified and,
The flood risk assessment (FRA) from Rsl 01 is used as evidence for this issue,

then Answer D ('the asset is in an area where no risks exist') is only available where the FRA shows zero or low flood risk from all sources of flooding. Assessing flood risk from rivers and seas only does not cover all risks.

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. Evidence from Google Maps or other digital sources may be used to indicate routes and distances, provided that the scale is appropriate and clearly indicated. Verification The assessor’s site inspection is an important aspect of the assessment of this issue as it must confirm that all relevant information is current and should include photographs of any key areas. This may also help to identify safe crossing points or hazards which may not be apparent from a desktop study. For BREEAM NC and RFO assessments, Google Streetview may be acceptable as evidence to demonstrate safe pedestrian routes and the presence of key features or amenities at Design Stage only. Such information must be verified as above for Final Certification.

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

Scope of the criteria for lifts – Small service lifts (dumbwaiters) - KBCN1589

Small service lifts, of the type typically used to transport prepared food and crockery in restaurants (sometimes referred to as 'dumbwaiters'), fall outside the scope of this assessment issue.

Shower with multiple shower heads - KBCN0855

To calculate the water use of a shower with more than one shower head, one of the following should be done:

If all of the shower heads can be turned on at once, the flow rates should be added up.
If the shower heads can only be used one at a time, the highest flow rate should be used

22 Feb 2024 - Applied to BIU, BREEAM NC and RFO standards

Single tenant - KBCN1640

Where the assessment area is only occupied by a single tenant, the issue is not filtered out. All relevant credits apply. The criteria is designed to recognise efforts between the asset owner and tenants to coordinate sustainability policies and resource monitoring. This principle is not affected by having a single tenant, even if they might act in the role of a managing occupier.

Sub-metering technologies – Compliance Principle - KBCN1561

Where it can be demonstrated that alternative sub-metering technologies can meet or exceed the capabilities of systems set out in the BREEAM guidance, subject to approval, these can also be considered compliant. It is the role of the Assessor and the project team to provide evidence and justification in a compliance principle query (see KBCN1555). The following metering standards or technologies are currently recognised as alternatives to pulsed output meters:

M-bus. I.e. systems that comply with the EN 13757 series of standards. Also includes systems complying with the OMS (Open Metering System) standards.

Submetering – no additional monitoring benefit - KBCN1637

Where the asset is targeting answer E (submetering) and:

Can show that there is no additional monitoring benefit from installing submeters in line with criterion 5 and,
Has met the requirements for answers C (site metering) and D (building metering),

then the 6 credits for answer E are awarded by default.

Systems serving <10% overall floor area - other affected issues - KBCN1542

The methodology for Ene 01 states: "Heating / cooling systems can be excluded from the calculation where the heated or cooled area equates to less than 10% of overall floor area." Systems which heat or cool < 10% overall floor area are not assessed in:

Ene 01 Building services.
Ene 05 Cooling.
Ene 06 Heating.

Ene 01, 05 and 06 all feed into the asset energy calculator and so their inputs must be consistent. All other issues relating to these excluded systems are still assessed such as:

Ene 11 Installed controls.
Ene 15 and 16 Monitoring energy issues.
Pol 03 Local air quality.
Pol 04 Global warming potential of refrigerants.

Thermographic survey – Standards for test method - KBCN1578

The appropriate international standard for thermographic surveys is ISO 6781:1983 Thermal insulation – Qualitative detection of thermal irregularities in building envelopes – Infrared method. The following are acceptable alternative standards:

EN 13187:1998 Thermal performance of buildings – Qualitative detection of thermal irregularities in building envelopes – Infrared method

Using water from natural underground sources to offset water consumption - KBCN00094

Water from natural underground sources (for instance aquifer water accessed via boreholes) cannot be used to offset:

NC / RFO: potable water consumption.
IU: utility supplied water consumption.

A significant amount of water used for public consumption is already drawn from aquifers. Private boreholes may be drawing water from the same sources as public utility companies.

27-Mar-2024 - Title and text updated to broaden definition. Scheme applicability updated.

View out – alternative method of compliance for fixed workstations - KBCN1484

In relevant spaces that include fixed workstations* (such as a built-in cash registers or reception desks) an alternative method can be used. This is based on the number of compliant workstations. For instance, where the requirement is for 95% of the relevant area to comply, 95% of the fixed workstations must have a compliant view out, rounded up to the nearest workstation. Example A retail assessment has 35 built-in cash registers, 95% of which must comply with the view out criteria. 35 x 0.95 = 33.25, rounded up to 34. The requirement is met for this area if 34 registers comply with the criteria. Where an asset includes a mix of relevant areas; both fixed workstations and flexible areas, compliance for the whole assessment must be demonstrated for all areas, as appropriate, based on either area or number. *freestanding desks and other items of moveable furniture cannot be considered as fixed workstations, regardless of whether their locations are pre-determined.

View out – Calculating the glazing to wall ratio - KBCN1506

This should be calculated based on the glazed area of window, expressed as a percentage of the area of the external wall in which the window sits. Where the ceiling height of the room is unusually high, relative to the window height, the wall area can be calculated based on a standard ceiling height for the building type.

View out – relevant areas - KBCN0268

The aim of the View Out criteria is to allow occupants to refocus their eyes from close work. Relevant areas are spaces where close work in a fixed position is carried out for sustained periods of time. The view out criteria are therefore not applicable to occupied areas such as meeting rooms, or other spaces where such close work is not being carried out. Where rooms contain areas of different functions, only relevant areas should be assessed. In this case a notional line can be drawn on the plans and calculations made based on these relevant areas only. However, spaces such circulation routes or other transient spaces within a relevant area can only be excluded if the route or area is clearly defined by the building layout. If this is arbitrary or based solely on a proposed furniture layout, it cannot be excluded. Features of the building layout which may be considered as dictating a function area would include, for example, the position of doors or fixed furniture such as a reception desk or canteen servery.

07-Oct-2022 Additional paragraph added to clarify how function areas must be defined. 
21-Sep-2022 General principle of 'relevant area' added, and applicability of KBCN extended to BIU V6 Commercial.

Washer dryers - KBCN0699

Where a washer dryer is specified, the water consumption figure for the wash and dry cycle should be used. The drying cycle of a washer dryer is taken into account because it usually uses water during this drying process (e.g. for cooling during the drying cycle) and in some cases, this water usage can be significant.

18-Nov-2022 - Updated to apply to BREEAM In-Use Version 6

Washing machines and dishwashers – Water consumption data - KBCN1571

The water consumption data used to demonstrate compliance may be based on the lowest full wash cycle (i.e. not a pre-wash cycle, for example).

Waste streams – clarification - KBCN1526

Scope The focus of the criteria is on recyclable materials only. Any facilities / spaces for managing recyclable materials must be in addition to spaces / facilities for managing general waste. Definition “Waste streams are flows of specific waste, from its source through to recovery, recycling or disposal. Waste streams can be divided into two broad types:

Streams made of materials (such as metals or plastics).
Streams made of certain products (such as electronic waste or end-of-life vehicles).”

Source For BREEAM, a waste stream is a material / product with its own recycling process. This means each stream needs to be separated from other materials before it can be effectively processed into new materials / products. This separation can happen in the asset, or (in the case of co-mingled waste) after collection from the asset. Residential waste streams In most cases, this is defined by how it will be how be sorted and collected by municipal waste authorities. Where no local guidance exists, the list below may be used as a guide. Recyclable waste streams (answer option C in BREEAM In-Use Residential V6):

Paper and cardboard.
Glass.
Plastics.
Metals.
Wood and wood-based products.
Oils.
Batteries.
Electrical and electronic equipment.

Compostable / recyclable waste streams (answer option D in BREEAM In-Use Residential V6):

Food waste.
Garden waste.

Commercial waste streams Commercial assets will generate specialised waste streams specific to the asset's function. These are typically:

Generated consistently, and in large volumes.
Are specifically separated for recycling.

In these cases, waste streams such as metals, plastics and paper / cardboard may be sub-divided into specialised waste streams where they meet the above. Example scenarios [accordion] [accordion_block title="Scope"] A vehicle repair workshop generates the following waste streams:

Metals.
Paper / cardboard.
Plastics.
Engine oils.
General waste.

The engine oils and general waste cannot be re-processed into other usable materials. Only 3 recyclable waste streams can be considered for BREEAM assessment. [/accordion_block] [accordion_block title="Residential"] The local authority collects co-mingled waste for the asset. This waste mixes together:

Metals.
Paper and cardboard.
Plastics.

This co-mingled waste can be counted as 3 waste streams. [/accordion_block] [accordion_block title="Commercial"] A supermarket consistently generates large quantities of cardboard packaging. This cardboard forms a significant portion of recycable waste generation. It is baled up and collected separately by a specialised waste contractor. In this case, cardboard waste can be considered a separate waste stream from paper. [/accordion_block] [/accordion]

18-Jan-2024 - Clarified list of residential waste streams (separated compostable waste streams and added relevant answer options).

Zoning and occupant control – access to lighting controls - KBCN00032

The relevant areas for the criteria apply only to areas where users are expected to have control. For instance, this means that areas intended for the general public, or a shop floor would not be expected to have lighting controls. The general principle which applies to user access to general environmental controls (heating, cooling, ventilation) may also apply to access to lighting controls. See KBCN0170. However, the the exact approach may differ between the two types of systems and assessor judgement must be used to determine compliance. In all cases zoning is required in all areas of the asset where specified in the assessment criteria. Please refer to the specific requirements of the applicable BREEAM standard to interpret this guidance appropriately.

14-Dec-2022 - KBCN applicability updated to include BIU. Wording updated. Link to KBCN0170 created.

Zoning and occupant control – whiteboards and display screens - KBCN1433

Whiteboards and display screens in dedicated teaching or presentation spaces require separate zoning and control for lighting, as specified in the criteria. Lighting around whiteboards and display screens which are typically found in general office areas, meeting rooms, or in other generic spaces do not require separate zoning and control to meet the criteria. In such cases, the assessor should provide justification. Whiteboards and display screens in dedicated teaching / presentation spaces are likely to be used frequently, and require appropriate zoning and control. An increasing number of offices and meeting rooms now include display screens - however separate zoning and control may not be appropriate.

In-Use / BIU International Commercial V6 /