New Construction / UK / 2011 /

03 - Energy

Information correct as of 20thApril 2024. Please see kb.breeam.com for the latest compliance information.

2011 assessment registered under 2013 Building Regs - KBCN0538

If a project is registered to BREEAM New Construction 2011, however, building control have registered the building to Part L2A 2013 (England) / Part L2A 2014 (Wales) / Technical Booklet F2 2012 (Northern Ireland). Ene 01 should be assessed as follows: ENE 01 should be assessed using a BRUKL output based on the Part L2A 2010 regulations for England and Wales. This is because the benchmarks within the scheme were developed against the 2010 notional building and therefore to maintain consistency and comparability for all the projects registered to this scheme, the credits awarded should be compared with a building modelled against the 2010 Part L regulations. In order to achieve credits for the Ene 01 issue, the energy model should be run so that it displays results against the 2010 building regulations and this _brukl.inp file should be uploaded into the compliance checker for confirmation of the Ene 01 outputs for BREEAM NC 2011. As the building is registered to regulations Part L2A 2013 (England) /Part L2A 2014 (Wales) /Technical Booklet F2 2012 (Northern Ireland) /Technical Handbook 2010 Non Domestic, Section 6 Energy (Scotland), the software will also need to be run to display results for these regulations for Building Control. An alternative option would be to re-register the project using BREEAM NC 2018 and use the results of the updated regulations for your country to demonstrate compliance with Ene 01. Please note, for BREEAM NC 2018 assessments, the compliance checker website does not need to be used.

Acceptable alternative strategies to sub-metering by floor plate - KBCN00071

An alternative sub-metering strategy, not based on a by-floor-plate basis, would be acceptable provided that: - it provides an equivalent, or more useful level of detail than sub-metering by floor plate. - it divides the assessment in a logical manner which provides useful information to building management re: energy use. - the approach does not conflict with requirements for sub-metering other functional areas. The intent of sub-metering by floor plate is to allow a large homogenous function (such as office space) to be split up into smaller areas that will allow building management to monitor, identify and influence areas of high energy use.  Alternatives that also meet this intent are also acceptable.

Accessibility of energy metering systems - KBCN0580

Energy metering systems should be accessible and the energy consuming end uses visible to building users, such as the facilities manager, where present, and/or other building occupants responsible for the management of the building.

Accredited energy assessors – directories - KBCN1465

The directory of accredited energy assessors has moved. For England, Wales and Northern Ireland, accredited energy assessors can be found here: https://getting-new-energy-certificate.digital.communities.gov.uk/ For Scotland, accredited energy assessors can be found here: https://www.scottishepcregister.org.uk This will be updated in future manual re-issues.
24 Aug 2022 - Applicability to UKNC V6 confirmed

Alternatives to BEMS - KBCN0149

It is acceptable for sub-meters to connect (or have potential to connect) to automated meter readers (AMR's) or similar systems, as an alternative to BEMS . The core intent of issue Ene 02 is the monitoring of energy use, therefore if an alternative system can achieve this,it would be considered acceptable provided this could be demonstrated.

Calculating EPR where multiple EPCs are required - KBCN0216

Where more than one BRUKL/EPC is produced for a development, which is registered as a single assessment, an area-weighted average should be used to calculate the number of credits to be awarded. This does not apply where the 'similar buildings' approach is used. The BRUKL.inp. files should be entered into the S&R tool (or for UK NC2011, uploaded to the Compliance Checker) and the three EPRs produced by the compliance checker, which must then be area-weighted to produce an average EPR for each metric. When applying this method, please include your area-weighting calculations and outputs as supporting evidence.
06/07/2023 - Applicability to UK RFO 2014 removed, as this methodology does not apply. For RFO 2014, a single, whole building EPC must be generated.
31/10/2018 wording clarified to apply to all relevant schemes.

Centralised air handling units (AHU) - KBCN0941

The requirements of the: 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.

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

For bedrooms and associated spaces in: 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.

Communal Laundry Facilities – Commercial Sized Tumble Dryers - KBCN0555

Tumble dryers should be taken in to account when calculating the total annual unregulated energy consumption of communal laundry facilities with commercial sized appliances.  Heat recovery from a commercial sized tumble dryer exhaust can be used as an alternative to the solutions listed within the Ene 08 credit issue provided it will achieve a meaningful reduction of energy demand, and justification can be given as to why  this method has been implemented over those recommended in the manual.  The list of equipment types and compliance requirements is not intended to be exhaustive, however where alternative solutions are proposed, the design team must provide justification and evidence as outlined above, to the satisfaction of the assessor.

Communal Laundry Facilities – Domestic or Commercial Washing Machines - KBCN0613

The table provided in the manual highlights the criteria for an appliance to be considered domestic or commercial. However, for multi-residential projects (or other building types containing laundry facilities), the BREEAM assessor should use their judgement to determine whether the appliance is commercial or domestic, and justification of the category selected must be provided. For instance, commercial and domestic sized washing machines can be defined based on load size or power rating.

Compliance Checker - KBCN00023

The UK NC 2014 Compliance Checker is publicly available via the BREEAM Projects website. However, the use of this compliance checker for UK NC 2014 is not required in order to assess the issue and award credits. The figures required for the Scoring and Reporting tool can be taken directly from the BRUKL output.   The function of the UK NC 2011 compliance checker was to apply translators to the energy consumption metric to allow this to be assessed in terms of primary energy. The purpose of the UK NC 2014 Compliance Checker will be to allow BREEAM assessors and other members of the design team such as energy specialists, to review the performance of servicing strategies against BREEAM targets without using the BREEAM Scoring and Reporting Tool. The compliance checkers for BREEAM UK NC2011 and UK NC2014 can be found on BREEAM Projects by following this link; NC2011/2014 Compliance Checker
02 08 2022 - Link updated
26 04 2019 - Link to compliance checkers added and applied to UK NC2011
 

Counterbalancing ratio fixed - KBCN0327

The requirement to analyse the counterbalancing ratio can be omitted if the project team can provide a statement confirming that it has been set by the manufacturer due to existing standards and to maximise efficiency. The remaining criteria must be met.

Deemed to comply solutions – alternative proposals - KBCN1214

The solutions listed for each category in the Table are examples deemed to comply with the requirements, without further justification or calculations to demonstrate a meaningful reduction in unregulated energy consumption. If an alternative solution is proposed, justification and/or calculations are required to demonstrate this.

Definition of Accredited Energy Assessor - KBCN0706

BREEAM recognise that CIBSE Low Carbon Design and Simulation consultants are qualified to confirm compliance with Part L Building Regulations and are therefore qualified to produce BRUKL reports demonstrating compliance with Ene 01.
Technical manual to be updated accordingly in next re-issue.

District heating systems – fuel mix - KBCN0885

Where the feasibility study is considering connection to a district heating system and this burns a mixture of fuels, only the proportion of output generated from second generation bio-fuels (or waste incineration that complies with BREEAM requirements) can be considered for this issue. For instance, a system burning a 25/75 mix of compliant biofuel vs fossil fuel can only count 25% of its output towards a meaningful reduction in CO2 emissions (where relevant to the BREEAM scheme) against the baseline building. As fuel mixes may vary over time, at least one year or more of historical information must be provided to balance out any seasonal variations. Where the system is new or proposed, robust evidence must be provided of the anticipated fuel mix. The fuel mix must be calculated based on the energy content of the input fuels in kWh.
19/12/2017 Wording clarified

Drying space in hotel/ hostel projects - KBCN0174

The Drying space issue is not applicable to projects where occupancy is transient, such as hotel or hostel type developments, but does apply to long term residential buildings. There is little potential in reducing the energy from drying clothes in hotel and hostel bedrooms compared to long term residential buildings.

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.

Ene 01 Baseline- BREEAM UK NC 2014 Vs 2011 - KBCN0489

The methodology for assessing energy within Ene 01 is unchanged, however the means of defining the baseline for assessing the performance of a new building in each UK territory has changed. In the 2011 version the England and Wales building regulation for energy (Part L 2010) was used to calibrate the Ene 01 translators in the UK scheme, and therefore all buildings assessed in the UK used the same baseline, regardless of location. In the BREEAM UK NC 2014 version, the energy related building regulation local to each UK territory is used to set respective baselines for the Ene 01 issue. BREEAM Guidance Note 12 provides a more in-depth explanation of the Ene 01 methodology.

Energy consumption and carbon emissions of untreated spaces - KBCN00049

Where the assessment contains a mix of treated and untreated spaces, untreated spaces can be excluded and the performance based on the treated spaces only. Where the entire assessment is untreated, the whole of the structure(s) must be assessed on the basis that this issue is critical for certification. BREEAM is primarily designed to assess permanent, treated and occupied structures. Untreated structures are unlikely to gain many credits when being assessed.
24/08/2022 - Applicability to UKNC V6 confirmed

Energy modelling not required for Building Regulations compliance - KBCN0487

For the purposes of demonstrating BREEAM compliance, it is still necessary to undertake energy modelling to generate the required performance data.
24/08/2022 Applicability to UKNC V6 confirmed
 

Energy performance assessment for part of a whole building - KBCN0596

If the assessment is only covering part of a whole building, the energy performance assessment must be representative of the part of the building being assessed. Simply taking the energy performance assessment of the whole building would not therefore comply, especially if the non-assessed parts of the building were of a different use. A separate energy assessment of the part of the building is likely to be required. The energy performance assessment must be representative of the parts of the building being assessed. This also applies to the predicted energy performance and all energy modelling for the prediction of operation energy consumption. 
24/08/2022 - Applicability to UKNC V6 confirmed
Amended 01/09/2020 to cover UKNC2018 - Prediction of operational energy consumption

Energy Savings Trust website criteria - KBCN0140

In previous versions of BREEAM New Construction 2011, compliance with the Energy Saving Trust (EST) criteria for domestic scale appliances was required  for credit Ene 08 Energy Efficient Equipment. As this information is no longer readily available from EST, compliance can be demonstrated where domestic scale equipment meets the requirements for the EU Energy Efficiency Labelling Scheme as outlined in the latest BREEAM New Construction 2011 manual.

Energy sub-metering – Single occupancy & function - KBCN0491

In large buildings of single occupancy/tenancy where there is only one homogeneous function (e.g. hotel bedrooms, offices), sub-metering should be provided per floor plate.  

Equipment types not included in relevant schemes - KBCN0387

Equipment types not covered by the relevant schemes in the criteria do not need to be assessed.

Escalators or moving walks – variable speed drive - KBCN1621

The requirements refer to 'a load sensing device that synchronises motor output to passenger demand through a variable speed drive'. The intent is that the inverter must operate full-time to moderate output based on passenger demand.

Evacuation lifts - KBCN0437

Evacuation lifts, which will be used during an emergency only, can be excluded from the relevant BREEAM criteria. However, if these lifts are used during the normal operation of the building, then they still need to be assessed.

Extending a lift shaft - KBCN0802

Where the scope of works regarding a lift only includes extending the lift shaft to other floors, then assessment of this lift is not appropriate.  Where changes are made to the lift system, then assessment is required. Where changes to lift systems are made, these lifts need to be included in the assessment to encourage specification of energy efficient transport systems.

Feasibility study – comparison with connection to existing LZCs - KBCN0563

In carrying out a feasibility study (covering all the areas required as stated in the manual) the primary intent is to demonstrate to a reasonable level of certainty that the chosen LZC is the most appropriate of all those available. Some of the options (for example community heating/cooling schemes) may not allow for a simple like for like comparison but a comparison can be made overall across many factors. For example in a community heating scheme the life cycle costing estimate might need to be simply the cost of using and maintaining the system for the measuring period, if upfront costs and payback period information is not available. Similarly for an existing community scheme, planning would not be a barrier but land use and noise impacts could be compared. The feasibility study must include a comparison of all criteria and for it to show that each has been factored into the final option being made. While some options may provide information in different formats and differing levels of detail making direct comparisons not straightforward, a comparison can still be made and this should aim to be as comprehensive and representative as possible. This will serve to demonstrate with reasonable certainty that the chosen option is the most appropriate. 

GN02 BREEAM 2011 Ene 01 - KBCN0614

This guidance note is withdrawn.  

GN04 BREEAM 2011 Ene 01 Calculation Methodology Review - KBCN0616

Introduction This guidance details the analysis of and subsequent changes made by BRE Global Ltd to the BREEAM New Construction 2011 version of the Ene 01 assessment issue methodology and benchmarks. View full Guidance Note (licensed assessors only) View all Guidance Notes (licensed assessors only)

Head-end systems for smart meters - KBCN0933

As the central component in an Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), head end systems allow data communication and collation from a large and disparate set of smart meters. Where smart energy meters and sub-meters are to be installed, a head-end system is required for any strategy utilising this technology to be considered for compliance.

Individual and shared drying facilities in larger developments - KBCN0260

Individual bedrooms: an adequate internal or external space with posts and footings, or fixings capable of holding: This is to avoid over-provision of shared drying facilities in larger developments. 

Kitchen and catering facilities – CIBSE TM50 (2021) - KBCN1474

The BREEAM guidance refers to TM50: Energy efficiency in commercial kitchens. The BREEAM guidance refers to TM50: Energy efficiency in commercial kitchens. The 2009 version has now been superseded by TM50 (2021). The updated version may be used to demonstrate compliance, however a number of the relevant section numbers have changed. These relate to the current BREEAM guidance, which is based on TM50 (2009) as follows:
TM50 (2009)
TM50 (2021)
1
Section 8 – Drainage and kitchen waste removal
Section 9
2
Section 9 – Energy controls – specifically controls relevant to appliances
Section 8
3
Section 11 - Appliance specification – excluding fabrication or utensil specifications
Section 13
4
Section 12 – Refrigeration
Section 14
5
Section 13 – Ware-washing: dishwashers and glasswashers
Section 15
6
Section 14 – Cooking appliance selection
Section 16
7
Section 15 – Water temperatures, taps, faucets and water-saving controls
Section 10
17 Nov 2021 - Re-formatted and applicability to BREEAM International schemes confirmed

LCC – LZC energy sources discounted - KBCN0606

When sufficient information can be provided to justify that LZC energy sources are not appropriate for the development, the LCC analysis, for those LZC sources, do not need to be included in the feasibility study. The feasibility study (covering all the areas required as stated in the manual) intends to demonstrate, to a reasonable level of certainty, that the chosen LZC is the most appropriate of all those available.

Lifts with speeds 0.15m/s or less - KBCN1146

Lifts with speeds 0.15m/s or less fall outside the scope of ISO 25745 and can, therefore, be excluded from the assessment of this Issue. This applies, for example, to lifts in single dwellings or those installed in other low-rise buildings, specifically for the use of persons with impaired mobility.

LZC technologies – energy centre or other LZCs connected at a later stage - KBCN0267

If a project specifies LZCs that have been proposed in the feasibility report which reduce emissions, and/or will be connected to a site-wide energy centre operational at a later stage of the phased development, after the Post Construction Stage review has been submitted, the Energy and Pollution issues can be assessed as follows: In a phased development where the primary heating system will be upgraded at a later stage than the building being assessed, a commitment to install the new heating source must be made in the General Contract Specification (as per the BREEAM requirements). BREEAM does not specify a particular time for phasing as it is difficult to set parameters, however as a rule building users should have to wait the least time possible before they can use the upgraded heating source. For the quality audit, two Energy model outputs/EPCs must be produced at the final stage - one with the actual interim system installed for building control, and one for the BREEAM assessment which can include the predicted energy from the proposed energy centre.  Additionally, the legally binding general contract specification for the new heating source must be submitted with details of the timescales proposed for the completion of the second phase of work. Where this approach is to be followed BREEAM must be consulted in each case to ensure that the arrangements are sufficiently robust to award the credits. BREEAM seeks to recognise the environmental impacts of a building's energy use throughout its life, therefore temporary arrangements can be accommodated, provided there is robust evidence on future connection to the permanent systems.
24/08/2022 - Applicability to UKNC V6 confirmed

LZC technologies – planning conditions and restrictions - KBCN0535

Where a mandatory planning condition exists (eg to attach to a District Heating Scheme), this will clearly affect the number of options available in a feasibility study. In such cases, compliance can still be achieved where evidence on the planning condition restrictions is provided, and it is clarified how this excludes other technologies from being considered. The feasibility study will still need to be carried out to cover the remaining energy needs of the building (eg Electrical and lighting load in the case of a district heating scheme).  

LZC technologies – shell only feasibility study - KBCN0409

For a shell only project, compliance may be assessed on the built form only i.e. demonstrating that sufficient space and clearance for the installation of future LZCs has been considered, the built form is suitably sited, and that massing and orientation are optimised for the future systems.

Modelling basecase for Low/Zero carbon technology – efficiency of gas boiler - KBCN0297

Assume the worst acceptable efficiency permitted by the relevant Building Regulation or, the efficiency that would be required to ensure the Buildings Emission Rate (BER) is the same as or better than the Target rate (TER) so that it is compliant with Part L2 of the Building Regulations. Note: Low or Zero Carbon (LZCs) technologies may have been specified to help a building achieve its TER; replacing the LZCs with a gas boiler results in the BER failing to achieve or better the TER and as such, the building is theoretically not compliant with Building Regulations. Under these circumstances, it is not considered robust for BREEAM compliance to account for the carbon dioxide emissions savings delivered by the specified LZCs in bringing the building's BER up to the TER. Thus, where the BER is worse than the TER (for the purpose of this analysis) the percentage reduction in regulated CO2 emissions as a result of specifying an LZC technology should only account for CO2 savings made on the TER and not the BER.      

New build extension using existing lifts - KBCN0444

Where the assessment is only of a new build extension (and not the existing building), lifts present in the existing building fall outside the scope of Ene 06 and do not need to be assessed. The applies only when the lifts are not being renewed or undergoing a major refurbishment.

New EU energy labels - KBCN1445

Background

In recent years, the market for domestic-scale appliances has seen excellent progress, with increasingly energy-efficient products becoming widely available. Consequently, the A-rated category was extended over time to include A+, A++, and A+++ ratings. Meanwhile, the lower ratings, such as E, F and G have become increasingly rare. It was clear that an adjustment to a new, simpler set of ratings was required.

Statutory Changes

From 1st March 2021, the European Commission requires new, updated energy labels of A to G for dishwashers, washing machines, fridges and electronic displays. Lamps will require the new ratings from 1st September 2021 and requirements for re-labelling tumble dryers are yet to be confirmed. This means:

Changes for BREEAM and HQM

As a result of the introduction of the new EU ratings and in order to maintain the original intent of the BREEAM criteria, the approach for our schemes has had to change. It is not possible to establish direct equivalence between the old and new energy labels, therefore the updated approach will be to recognise the best-performing 25% of each appliance type, based on a comprehensive market sample. The table below shows how this translates into the new EU Energy Labels for different appliance types.

Appliance type

Rating required

Fridges, fridge-freezers, freezers
E
Washing machines
B
Dishwashers
D
Washer-dryers
D - D
  This approach will ensure that BREEAM continues to drive the energy efficiency of appliances by demonstrating a meaningful reduction in energy consumption. Note that these new requirements will be reviewed from time to time and may be subject to change. Where assessments have already specified (and can procure) products bearing the old labels, it is acceptable to follow the previous criteria. However, where products bear the new label and for all assessments registered after 31/05/2021, the new criteria must be met.  
17 Apr 2023 - Applicability to NC2013 confirmed.
21 Mar 2022 - Confirmation added that washer-dryers require a D rating for both cycles
23 Nov 2021 - Reference to 'freezers' added to appliance types
12 May 2021 - Guidance updated and applicability to HQM One and BREEAM NOR confirmed

Office equipment – mobile devices - KBCN00041

Mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets, which are generally used without connection to an electrical power source, should be excluded from the assessment of the energy efficient equipment issue. Devices which are not generally connected to an electrical power source when used are excluded from the 'office equipment' definition as they do not directly affect the unregulated energy consumption of the building.    

Only lifts in building are for persons with impaired mobility - KBCN1330

Where the only lifts, escalators or moving walkways in the assessed development are for persons with imparied mobility with speeds no greater than 0.15m/s, and there are no lifts which fall within the scope of the criteria, the Issue should be filtered out of the assessment. Credits cannot be awarded by default.

Point of use water heaters - KBCN0773

Small 'point of use' water heaters can be excluded from the sub-metering requirements. Only major energy consuming systems that have a measurable impact on the operational energy consumption need to be included.

Portable clothes drying racks - KBCN0164

Portable clothes drying racks are not compliant. These are not a fixed feature of the built asset and could be removed or moved to rooms which are not sufficiently ventilated.

Re-used electrical equipment - KBCN0325

BREEAM does not currently recognise the reuse of electrical equipment as the most energy efficient option for compliance with this issue. If it can be demonstrated that such existing electrical appliances meet the criteria for inclusion in the relevant national or international energy efficient equipment schemes, these can be considered compliant. If new equipment is procured in addition to the re-use of the old equipment, the existing equipment may be excluded from this assessment. In these situations the assessor must be satisfied that the new equipment would make a meaningful reduction to overall unregulated energy consumption. This issue assesses the reduction of unregulated energy consumption in operation and does not currently assess embodied energy in the manufacture of equipment.

Regenerative drives – requirement for specification - KBCN1253

Requirements for the specification of a regenerative drive for lift installations are subject to an analysis of resultant energy savings. However, where it can be demonstrated that this is not financially viable, accounting for payback over the service life of the installation, this option can be discounted. Please also refer to other scheme-specific guidance relating to this requirement.

RGB LED lighting - KBCN0986

RGB LED lighting must be assessed against the average external lighting efficacy benchmark. The current criteria do not completely rule out the use of RGB LED lighting as it can potentially be combined with other types of external lighting to meet the average efficacy benchmark.

Scope of energy efficient cold storage - KBCN00029

Technical guidance The intent of the following wording in the technical manuals is to exclude self-contained refrigeration units. NC 2018 Ene 05: “The scope of this issue covers freezer or cold storage rooms which are integral to the building and served by the building’s own refrigeration systems.” NC 2016 Ene 05: "If the building contains no refrigeration systems or only refrigeration systems which stand-alone, i.e. are not integral to the building and served by the building services, this issue is not applicable to the assessment. Clarification The scope of this issue covers freezer or cold storage rooms which are integral to the building, and includes cooling systems that require commissioning and optimisation for the specific requirements of the cold storage space. This applies whether the cold storage space has a dedicated cooling system serving this space, or one which is connected to wider building cooling services. "Kitchen and catering facilities", are excluded from this issue. They refer to commercial-sized, but self-contained, off-the-shelf units - these include large freezers, fridges, or stand-alone self-contained walk-in cold storage units. These types of units are manufactured as a self-contained product, and contain their own integral cooling systems - they operate according to manufacturer pre-sets, and do not require commissioning of the cooling system. For this reason, these are not assessed under this issue, but they may still fall within the scope of the 'Energy efficient equipment' issue. The guidance will be clarified in future reissues or updates of the technical manuals.
22-Feb-22 Wording clarified.
02-Jun-17 Wording clarified.
02-Dec-16 Wording clarified - no change to approach.

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.

Self-contained dwellings or units with individual utility meters - KBCN0199

Where self-contained dwellings or units covered by the assessment have their own individual energy supply and utility meter (e.g. water, gas or electricity), this supply can be excluded from the scope of the issue. All shared energy supplies and common areas under the responsibility of building management are still included in the assessment. For example, if self-contained flats in an assisted living development have individual gas supplies with their own utility meter, this supply will be excluded from the assessment. However, the lighting and small power comes from a shared distribution board on each floor, in which case this shared supply will need to be sub-metered in accordance with the criteria. This same principle applies to scenarios involving speculative industrial or retail units with capped services, where these units have their own utility meter.
12/09/2018 Applicable to Water Monitoring Issue where appropriate
27/09/2017 The word 'units' added to include a wider range of scenarios falling under this principle.
17/06/2022 Added other industrial / retail situations for further clarity on the applicability of this KBCN.
 

Simplified transport analysis - KBCN0562

Where a single lift is provided in a low rise building for the purpose of providing disabled access only; or where a goods lift is selected based on the size of the goods it is intended to carry, a simplified transport analysis can be provided in the form of a written statement from the appropriate member of the design team.

Single functional area and no tenanted areas – operational energy monitoring - KBCN00056

Where the building has a single functional or tenanted area for sub-metering, with no other significant energy uses that must be separately metered, then:
26-Mar-2024 - Wording clarified. Scheme applicability updated.

Small retail stores not meeting the definition of ‘baseline supermarket’ - KBCN0214

Where the design team can confirm that the 'baseline supermarket' defined in the Refrigeration Road Map does not provide an appropriate benchmark for the small retail store (i.e. it is below 2,000m2 as specified in the Road Map and the store has proportionately higher energy per sq m delivered values) then it would be appropriate to comply with the guidance on 'Non retail buildings and the Carbon Trust Refrigeration Road Map Action Plan' and generate a more appropriate baseline.  Typical installations and technologies should be proposed for this baseline where the systems being compared should have the same duty/service conditions and include relevant consumption from the refrigeration systems’ ancillary equipment.  

Space heating as major energy use - KBCN0939

Where possible, space heating should always be considered as a major energy use for sub-metering purposes. Where space heating cannot be separated from hot water, this must be fully justified by the design team at QA. See KBCN0329: Combined system for space heating/cooling and domestic hot water. Where electric space heating is used, this in itself cannot be used as justification for combining the space heating along with lighting and small power unless there is a clear justification for doing so. See KBCN00068: Combined sub-metering of electric heating and small power equipment.

Statutory requirements for energy modelling differ from BREEAM - KBCN0127

For the purposes of BREEAM, Issue Ene 01 should be assessed using a BRUKL output based on the prevalent UK country Building regulations applicable to that scheme. This applies even when the building does not need to undertake energy modelling to comply with Building Regulations.

Where a different analysis is required for statutory compliance, due to the location of the project or registration to an earlier or later version of Part L, a different output must be produced for this purpose.

Alternatively, where applicable, the BREEAM registration could be updated to the latest version, so the same energy model output can be used for both purposes. To maintain consistency and comparability for all assessments registered to a scheme.
24/08/2022 Applicability to UKNC V6 confirmed

Sub-metering at least 90% of each fuel - KBCN0657

In a scenario whereby several energy consuming systems are not sub-metered because they account for less than 10% of the annual energy consumption (see Ene 02 methodology), and this results in less than 90% of the estimated annual energy consumption of that fuel being metered, the M&E consultant should review the metering strategy and advise which of these energy consuming systems would most benefit from sub-metering to make up the 90%. This may be based on which of the energy consuming systems has the highest annual energy consumption, or which has the most potential for reducing energy consumption as a result of sub-metering. This will not necessarily have to mean that the energy consuming systems chosen have to have their own sub-meter, the M&E consultant may decide they would most benefit from metering alongside another consuming system. However ultimately 90% of each fuel must be metered. Justification should be given within the metering strategy and the BREEAM assessment report as to which lower energy consuming systems were chosen to be sub-metered to make up the 90%, and how this was done to best suit the development (i.e. individual sub-meters or paired with another consuming system).

Sub-metering by calculation - KBCN0700

For simple sub-metering strategies, it is acceptable to calculate a single end-use by subtraction of known, sub-metered end-uses from the relevant main utility meter reading. For more complex strategies, where a BMS/BEMS is used, the software should be capable of calculating and displaying all required end-uses in line with the criteria.

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:

Towel rails - KBCN00081

Towel rails cannot count towards the drying line requirements. Clothes drying lines are provided to reduce the need to tumble drying clothes, which uses a lot of energy. Using towel rails to dry clothes would require the potentially damp towels to be stored while the clothes dry. This is inconvenient and therefore means the aim of the credit is less likely to be met. 

Transportation analysis carried out by the lift manufacturer - KBCN0232

BREEAM recognises that lift manufacturers / suppliers are often engaged to provide such specialist advice. Where the assessor is satisfied that the analysis has been carried out correctly, the analysis can be submitted as compliant evidence.

Unlodged or ‘draft’ EPC - KBCN0262

Where a building is being assessed against Part L 2006, an unlodged or 'draft' EPC can be submitted as evidence, where it is only possible to lodge against the current Part L of the Building Regulations. In particular for Design Stage Evidence, draft EPCs are acceptable as a forecast of the buildings thermal performance. In such circumstances, these will also be accepted as evidence for the BREEAM Post Construction Review provided they are accompanied by additional evidence demonstrating that they accurately reflect the 'as-built' scheme. This could be in the form of a written statement from the Energy Assessor or by providing a copy of the lodged EPC for the scheme which shows identical input figures. This only applies to BREEAM 2011 pre-June 2012 update.

Use of as-designed BRUKL output for post-construction submission - KBCN0889

Where it is not possible to produce an as-built BRUKL output for the post-construction assessment, it is acceptable to produce an updated as-designed BRUKL output that accurately reflects the constructed building as evidence for the post-construction submission. A justification should be issued to QA clarifying why an as-designed BRUKL was submitted, along with confirmation from the relevant specialist that the model is an accurate representation of the final, as-built specification of the building.
24/08/2022 Applicability to UKNC V6 confirmed

[KBCN withdrawn] ~ Exemplary credit – software output figures - KBCN0265

This KBCN has been withdrawn and is no longer valid.
KBCN withdrawn on 21/07/2021:

In order to demonstrate that up to four exemplary level credits can be awarded for Ene 01, the primary energy generated by the carbon neutral technologies will need to be calculated by applying the relevant primary energy factor.
These figures are taken from the approved building energy calculation software output.
For guidance on completing this calculation and to obtain primary energy factors please contact BRE Global.

Please note that this is applicable only to BREEAM UK New Construction 2014 and 2011 Issue 3.0, and more recent issues.

Information correct as of 20thApril 2024. Please see kb.breeam.com for the latest compliance information.