04 - Transport - BREEAM Knowledge Base

AI calculation – changes to public transport services during the assessment - KBCN1527

The AI is calculated as part of the design stage transport analysis and its value relates to the site location and to informing transport-related design decisions. This must be based on current information, including any planned and publicly-notified changes at the time the transport assessment is carried out. This should be used as the AI benchmark for the assessment. Where later, unforeseen changes to public transport availability are implemented before post-construction certification, the AI benchmark should not be updated at post-construction stage. Assessments should not be disadvantaged by, or benefit from such changes.

Amenities – Access to cash - KBCN0359

An ATM inside a building would be acceptable provided that its opening hours are similar to those of the assessed building, regardless of whether there is a nominal charge for the service. Cash-back from the till in a retail outlet is not compliant. Access to cash should be available to the building users at all relevant times of the day. This should not require a prior purchase of goods and should provide access to other services, such as checking account balances.

Amenities – Assessed building is one of the listed amenities - KBCN0264

Where the assessed building is itself included in the list of amenities, that particular amenity criterion can be deemed to be met, e.g. a supermarket development itself meets the proximity to food outlet required for a Retail type building.

Amenities – Pharmacy within hospital - KBCN0321

A publicly accessible pharmacy would typically be required in order to constitute a suitable amenity. If it can be confirmed that an internal pharmacy (in Northern Ireland this may also include an onsite controlled medical dispensary) will provide prescribed medicines for building users, this is acceptable.

Amenities – Sandwich van as a food outlet - KBCN0557

A food truck/ mobile catering service would not be sufficient to meet the criteria for this issue. The aim of this Issue is to assess the location of the built asset relative to amenities.

Amenities – Vending machine as a food outlet - KBCN0653

A vending machine can be considered as a food outlet if a range of items, as can be reasonably expected, are for sale to meet the needs of the building users and it is confirmed to be a permanent fixture.

Car sharing - KBCN0878

This measure will generally be unavailable to speculative projects. To fully implement the car sharing option, the building occupants need to be known and signed up to a car sharing scheme in-line with the criteria.

Car sharing – calculation of priority spaces - KBCN0282

The calculation of priority spaces for car sharers should account only for the car parking capacity that is dedicated to the staff working in the building, without considering the spaces for customers or visitors. As such, car sharing spaces should be clearly segregated from customer/visitor parking areas.

06/09/2023 - Title only updated to align with naming protocol
23/03/2017 note added clarifying requirement for segregation

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.

Co-working space as an alternative to a home office - KBCN1396

Co-working facilities may be accepted as an alternative to conventional home-working space, provided that:

The space is conveniently located and adequately sized for all users and must provide one compliant work space for each residential unit, in line with the requirements for an individual home office.
Each individual working space is compliant with Criteria 2a, 2c and 2d. However, in recognition of the various technological advances which have taken place, Criterion 2b may now be considered as met, where it can be demonstrated that the intent of the requirement for connectivity has been fulfilled by other means.

This seeks to recognise the emergence of co-working facilities as alternative places of work.

Community transport schemes in rural areas - KBCN00013

In rural areas, where scheduled public services are insufficient to gain credits via the calculation of the Accessibility Index, community transport schemes, including 'on-demand services', can be used to achieve the 'dedicated bus service' option. In such cases evidence must be provided to demonstrate:

It serves a rural area
It is available to all potential users
The service is established at the time of the assessment being submitted
The service is of an appropriate scale for the community it serves

Content reworded to highlight the availability of the on-demand service to all potential users. 24/04/2017

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 spaces – Compliant types of storage - KBCN0257

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

29/01/2024-made applicable to HQM

Cycle spaces – Folding bicycles and scooters - KBCN00024

The provision of cycle storage that is only suitable for folding bicycles or scooters is not compliant. Providing reduced storage space for folding bicycles or scooters in place of compliant cycle storage may limit future travel options.

14 03 2018 Wording clarified and reference to scooters included.

Cycle spaces – Prominent location - KBCN00053

The requirement to provide cycle storage facilities in a prominent location on site, within view of building users, is intended to encourage use through advertising their presence to building users. Providing these facilities inside the assessed building, such as in the basement, may be compliant so long as there is prominent signage to indicate their location to all building users.

Cycle spaces – Provision for extensions - KBCN0707

When assessing an extension to a building, partial refurbishment or a stand-alone building, which extends an existing facility to be occupied by the same building users (such as a classroom block in an existing school), a site-wide approach should be used to determine the number of new, compliant cycle spaces required. In such instances a stand-alone approach cannot generally ensure that the new cycle spaces for the assessed extension would be dedicated and available to the occupants of the assessed extension, refurbishment or building. This can only be used where it can be demonstrated that the use of the new cycle storage can be effectively restricted to only those using the assessed extension, either by effective positioning and or management.

Cycle spaces – Provision for regular, large visitor numbers - KBCN0546

Where there are large numbers of visitors on a regular basis, provision of cycle storage for visitors should be based on the maximum number at any given time. This is to ensure that at peak times enough cycle storage is provided.

Cycle spaces – Similar buildings assessments - KBCN0570

Where cycle storage and/or facilities are provided for individual units, a site-wide approach cannot be used to include all units. If, however, these are a shared facility, provided in a suitably-located communal area, this may be acceptable. When assessing using the 'similar buildings' approach, each of the similar buildings has to be assessed separately and credits have to be awarded, based on the worst performing building.

14 03 2018 Clarified to account for suitable shared facilities

Cycle spaces – Timing of installation in phased projects - KBCN00015

Where cycle storage cannot be installed at construction stage, due to phasing and / or pending demolition works, compliance may still be demonstrated provided: - Clarification and justification is given for why the storage is not currently available. - A written contractual agreement is in place to provide BREEAM compliant storage within a clear timescale. - Alternative storage is provided in the meantime that allow bikes to be easily stored and removed, with the ability to be locked securely against a fixed structure. The methodology above applies to cycle storage only, and cannot be applied to provision of cyclist facilities (such as showers and lockers) which must be assessed as normal. This is to allow flexibility within the project programme for the installation of the final, permanent BREEAM-compliant cycle storage whilst still ensuring adequate cycle storage is available during the construction phase.

Cycle spaces and facilities – Rounding calculations - KBCN0445

The calculation for the required cycle spaces and facilities must always be rounded up. If the calculation works out as 5.3 cycle spaces, 6 cycle spaces must be provided. To determine the requirements for developments with multiple types of building user, calculate the requirement for each user group separately (rounding up to the determine the number of spaces) and then add the number of cycle spaces for each user group together.

04/10/2018 Wording amended to clarify the correct calculation method for developments with multiple user groups.

Cycle Storage – Electric cycle charging stations - KBCN1238

Electric charging stations can be considered as compliant, provided they also meet the criteria for cycle storage spaces. However, where these are dedicated spaces, (ie they are not available for non-electric cycles), these should not constitute more than 10% of the provision required for compliance.

Cycle storage – new spaces in the public domain - KBCN1410

Where it is not possible to locate short-term visitor/customer cycle storage spaces within the assessment boundary, these may be provided in a suitable and convenient location within the public realm. The assessor must be satisfied that there is legal agreement and a long-term commitment to the provision of the spaces. All relevant criteria must be met, however, where justified, the requirement for overhead covering can be waived. BREEAM accepts that for cycle storage spaces within the public realm, there may be restrictions on the ability to provide overhead covering.

Cycle storage accessible through staircase - KBCN0639

While BRE does not rule out the possibility for cycle storage to be accessed via a staircase, health and safety considerations must be made, especially with regards to wet, icy and dark conditions. On reflection of the above, the assessor should be satisfied that the cycle storage location is easily accessible.

Cyclists’ facilities – Adequately sized lockers - KBCN0961

The requirement for adequately sized lockers is so that cyclists have a dedicated space to store their cycling equipment and clothes. It is not compliant for the space requirement to be met by providing two or more inadequately-sized lockers for each cyclist. Requiring cyclists to separate their equipment into different lockers/storage spaces could create a barrier to uptake of commuting by bicycle.

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 – Provision of only one shower - KBCN0566

Where only one shower is provided, this needs to cater for users of both genders. For a changing facility to count as an additional amenity, it must be capable of being used independently of any showers, otherwise it could not be considered as two facilities. A shower which is a mixed gender facility must be capable of being used privately. As such, it requires adequate private changing space associated with it.

Amended to provide further clarification and to add the general principle.
10/11/2016

Cyclists’ facilities – Shower provision for male and female users - KBCN0536

Where a deviation from the guidance for a 50:50 split can be fully justified, (for example, based on actual occupancy data from a similar development of the same building type) this can be deemed as compliant by the assessor. If such justification cannot be provided but design teams wish to provide a flexible arrangement for showers to suit the anticipated building occupancy, providing unisex showers accessible to all building users would be acceptable.

Cyclists’ facilities – Within toilet facilities - KBCN00050

To comply with the criteria for cyclist facilities, showers should not obstruct the use of other facilities. Where a shower is located in a room with a WC, this cannot be considered compliant, unless it can be unequivocally demonstrated that the WC is provided over-and-above the requirements of relevant standards or regulations for general and disabled WCs.

To ensure that there is no conflict between the use of general or disabled WCs and the use of cyclist facilities.

25.10.18 KBCN reworded to improve clarity.

Demand-based bus services in AI calculation - KBCN1338

Demand-based bus services operated by public transport providers can be included in the calculation of the Accessibility Index. The project team will need to determine an average number of stops per hour to allow input into the AI tool.

Education – Boarding schools - KBCN00089

The number of cycle spaces and facilities should be calculated based on the number of day pupils and boarders and these should be available to pupils and staff as appropriate. For boarders, the cycle storage and cyclists' facilities requirement may depend upon a number of factors, such as the age of the pupils/students, distance of the residential accommodation from the school buildings and the school’s policy on cycling. Therefore, the assessor is required to calculate the appropriate number of cycle storage spaces and facilities for pupils and staff based on the relevant criteria. Calculations, justification and supporting evidence should be provided in the assessment report.

14 03 2018 - Heading and wording clarified and amended to remove requirement for assessors to submit a technical query prior to certification.

Electric vehicle (re)charging stations/points/spaces - KBCN0934

For BREEAM purposes, a vehicle charging station/space includes a facility that is dedicated to charging vehicles. Provision of a mains-powered electrical socket will not be deemed compliant.

13 October 2023 - Title and wording updated to align with terminology used elsewhere in our guidance.

Electric Vehicle Charging Spaces (EVCS) – Limited parking - KBCN1403

The criteria for Option 3 are based on the number and size of dwellings. It has been recognised, however, that for many developments, where the number of car parking spaces provided is limited, this may not be appropriate. The criteria for this option will be fully reviewed for the forthcoming scheme update, however in the meantime, the following clarifications can be applied. In order to ensure that provision is available to occupants according to nature of the development and the type of parking arrangement, the requirements are set out as below. For communal parking, accounting for the expected increase in uptake of PEVs (Plug-In Electric Vehicle), whilst mindful of the useful service life of EV charging equipment, the number of fully-functional EVCS required for compliance has been reduced. Individual dwellings with private parking spaces within the curtilage of the property The current criteria apply, as per Table 32 (NC2013) and Table 35 (NC2016). In instances where it can be demonstrated that the total number of parking spaces for the dwelling is less than the number of EVCS required by the criteria, two credits can be awarded where all parking spaces provided are fully functional EVCS. Developments with communal parking areas 1 Credit – Compliance can be demonstrated by installing all the necessary infrastructure to all car parking spaces, (including visitor spaces, where provided), of which at least 25% are fully functional. 2 Credits - Compliance can be demonstrated by installing all the necessary infrastructure to all car parking spaces (including visitor spaces, where provided), of which at least 50% are fully functional EVCS. Where on-site parking provision includes special user-groups, such as disabled, car share, car pool or visitors only, compliance can be met where the required percentage of EVCS is provided for those users on a pro-rata basis, with a minimum of one EVCS, per user-group provided for on site. Where on-site parking provision is limited to such special user-groups only, compliance can be met where the required percentage of EVCS is provided for those users (up to a maximum of providing EVCS for all spaces), with a minimum of one EVCS, per user-group provided for on site. Partially-fitted assessments 2 Credits - Compliance can be demonstrated by installing all the necessary infrastructure to all car parking spaces, (including visitor spaces, where provided). This clarifies the guidance previously provided in KBCN1247. Note In all cases, the above clarifications do not seek to impose more onerous requirements than those specified in the technical guidance.

Electric vehicle charging stations - KBCN0684

As per the 'Alternative transport measures' criteria, the percentage requirement for electric charging stations should be based on the total car parking capacity for the building. Where the assessment covers only part of a building or development this must be based on the total car parking capacity unless the parking for the assessed development is clearly segregated and available only for the use of its building users.

23 03 17 Reference to car sharing spaces removed. See also KBCN0282

Electric vehicle charging stations (EVCS) – Priority spaces - KBCN1429

The current criteria for EVCS do not address provision for priority spaces, such as those allocated to disabled use and car sharing. The assessor and design team should, therefore, take a pragmatic approach to this and, where the overall number of required EVCS permits, an appropriate proportion of these should be provided for priority spaces. This will not be deemed as 'double-counting' as the number of EVCS required should be considered independently of other requirements. The intent is that electric vehicle charging spaces are available to all building users (where possible).

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

Electric vehicle charging stations – Requirement to demonstrate that electric vehicles have lower CO2 emissions - KBCN1622

This requirement is now considered obsolete and it is no longer a requirement where compliant electric vehicle charging points are installed.

Electric vehicle charging stations – shell & core assessments - KBCN1247

For BREEAM NC shell only/shell & core, RFO Parts 1 and 2 only and partially-fitted residential assessments, compliance can be demonstrated by installing all the necessary infrastructure, (i.e. capacity in the connection to the local electricity distribution network and distribution board, as well as sub-surface ductwork to receive cabling to parking spaces), to enable the simple installation and activation of charging points at a future date.

18/10/2021 Applicability to BREEAM Scheme and Assessment Type clarified, in line with the intent.
15/11/2019 Incorrect reference to pre-installation of 'cabling' removed.

Exemplary level criteria – option 5 - KBCN0529

In order to use option 5 to achieve the Exemplary level credit, two credits must be achieved in this option.

Facilities provision for public bicycle sharing systems - KBCN0276

Where a public bicycle sharing system is being used to account for up to 50% of cycle spaces provided, the total number of cycle spaces, including those provided by the bicycle sharing system, should be the basis on which the compliant cyclist facilities are provided. This is because people using public cycle spaces will still need the use of cyclist facilities such as showers and lockers.

13.08.2018 KBCN applied to the BREEAM In-Use scheme.

Fewer than four cycle spaces - KBCN0134

The minimum number of compliant cycles spaces is always four. To ensure that an adequate minimum number of spaces are provided, where the 50% reduction is applicable, it cannot be used to reduce the number to fewer than four spaces.

Future transport nodes - KBCN0966

Where a transport node is currently inactive but will become active soon after project completion, it can be included when calculating the existing AI. To demonstrate this, confirmation of the start of service date and service frequency from the appropriate public transport authority or company will be required.

Location of car sharing priority parking - KBCN0796

Priority spaces for car sharers need to be located in the nearest available parking area to the main building entrance or to an entrance regularly used by the car sharers.

22 09 2022 - Applied to UK NC2018
Technical manual to be updated accordingly in next reissue.

No car parking provision - KBCN00059

Where the assessment criteria are applicable to a building that has no car parking spaces and where there are no parking spaces accessible to building users, the benchmarks can be considered to be met. If, however, parking is shared with other buildings or parking spaces are available on a campus-type site then the provision must still be assessed.

No data for AI at Design Stage - KBCN0551

If there is insufficient data for a future transport service to include this in the calculation of the AI at the Design Stage, it should not be accounted for. If at Post Construction stage the data is available, this can be incorporated. Whilst certain Design Stage requirements can be based on commitments to achieve a certain performance, this must be based on verifiable data.

16/04/18 Wording amended to clarify that this applies to future services and to allow applicability to UK NC 2018

Obligation to provide a minimum number of car parking spaces exceeding BREEAM requirements - KBCN0401

Where it can be demonstrated (by documentary evidence) an obligation to meet a ’minimum car parking requirement’ which exceeds the BREEAM benchmarks is imposed by the planning authority, as long as no more than the stipulated minimum spaces are provided, a single credit can be awarded.

Occupancy calculation – Buildings with shift patterns - KBCN0431

In buildings with shift patterns, as shifts may overlap, the building users calculation should be based on the maximum occupancy of the building at any given time.

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.

Park and Ride Schemes - KBCN0754

'Park and ride' bus services run from one or more car parks to a city centre or other destination to allow travellers to park their car at a convenient location and complete their journey by bus. These generally stop at transport nodes en route to allow passengers to board or alight. Provided the service meets the aim of the Issue with reference to the guidance, they can be considered for this Issue in the same way as any other bus service.

Parking integral to development’s use - KBCN1145

Dedicated on-site parking which is integral to the function of the development can be excluded from the calculation of parking capacity. Examples could include, but are not limited to:

Dedicated bays for police vehicles at a police station
Parking for delivery vehicles at an industrial warehouse
Holding bays for damaged vehicles at a vehicle repair centre

The spaces are only to be used for this purpose, and must have appropriate signage and / or markings.

Parking spaces with electric car recharging stations - KBCN00044

Electric car spaces should be included in the total number of car parking spaces calculation for maximum car parking capacity. Whilst electric cars provide benefits in terms of reduced emissions, they do not directly reduce congestion which is one of the aims of this issue.

Pre-payment systems - KBCN0293

Pre-payment systems do not meet the criterion for a cash machine and therefore cannot be used as an alternative. Cash machines provide additional services for building users, such as cash to use in other shops, the checking of bank balances, which a pre-payment system would not provide.

Public Bicycle Sharing Systems - KBCN0473

Public bicycle sharing systems can contribute up to 50% toward providing a compliant number of customer cycle facilities for retail assessments. However, the number of customer cycle racks required must be calculated separately from the provision for staff, otherwise there could be a situation where no customer cycle spaces are provided; only cycle sharing, which would not meet the aim of the issue.

Public car parks - KBCN00092

Any public car parks in the vicinity of the assessed building, for which the building owners/operator are not providing some form of subsidy or an agreement with the car park operators to provide priority spaces for building staff, can be excluded from the assessment.

Rounding the number of parking spaces - KBCN0602

Where the calculated number of car parking spaces is a fraction of a whole number, this should be rounded down to the next whole number to assess the issue. Fewer parking spaces are preferable as the more sustainable solution.

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

Temporary Car Parking - KBCN0751

The number of car parking spaces should be based on the permanent parking spaces provided specifically for the development once fully operational. Assessors should determine whether parking spaces should be considered 'permanent' or 'temporary', based on evidence provided by the design team.

Tram services - KBCN000004

Tram services are classified as train services when assessing transport accessibility.

Visitor car parking spaces for Other Buildings (Transport type 2) - KBCN0242

For developments such as hotels and visitor centres, which have a relatively small number of staff and large visitor numbers, the guest/visitor car parking spaces do not need to be assessed for this Issue where these are separate from the staff parking spaces. However, if the staff and visitor’s spaces are combined (and not clearly segregated) then all spaces must be accounted for within the calculation for maximum car parking capacity. The aim of this Issue, 'To encourage the use of alternative means of transport...' is intended to apply to those commuting to the building on a regular basis.

21 06 2017 Wording amended to clarify the type of building and building-user covered by this KBCN.

New Construction / International / 2013 /

04 - Transport