3 General Technical

‘BREEAM compliant’ products or materials - KBCN0925

In order to demonstrate compliance with the relevant BREEAM criteria, the performance of specific products or materials must generally be considered in the context of each assessed building. BREEAM is a building level certification scheme and as such, there are no “BREEAM certified” products. BREEAM recognizes processes that evaluate/test the environmental performance or responsible sourcing of specific products. BREEAM provides credits where the process, and in some cases the performance, meet a specific standard. It does not recognize specific products as “BREEAM compliant”. There are, however, credits available under the Materials category, where projects include products covered by a verified Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) that was produced in line with ISO 14025, ISO 21930 or EN 15804. For example, BRE’s Verified Environmental Product Declaration Scheme meets EN 15804, so an EPD from this program would be deemed to meet the relevant requirements. EPDs created under other schemes that utilize ISO 14025 or ISO 21930 would also be deemed to meet the requirements. This approach could also support requirements for specific products to not exceed VOC emission levels, under Hea 02 Indoor air quality, in either the New Construction or Refurbishment & Fit-Out programs. Manufacturers and product specifiers are encouraged to review the Materials and Health and Well-being categories in the BREEAM standards to understand the requirements and work with a BREEAM Professional to better understand how their product supports clients pursuing BREEAM certification. BREEAM is a whole building-based assessment scheme and BRE does not endorse or approve products or materials as ‘BREEAM compliant’

04 Feb 2022 - Updated to provide additional guidance

Assessment of multi-phase projects - KBCN0432

Where a project will be designed and built in two or more phases, the following rule should be applied: If there is enough information on multiple phases to enable the design stage assessment to be carried out at the same time, it is possible to assess these phases at the design stage in one assessment. At this point you have a choice - either wait for those phases to be constructed before doing one post-construction assessment for the whole project, or do a post-construction stage assessment for each phase. Please note that if you do separate post-construction stage assessments (PCRs), this will require your original registration to be split into the number of phases. A new registration fee applies for any additional registrations, and an additional certification fee will also apply for any additional post-construction stage certificates.

18/10/2016: edited to remove the condition for overlapping phases

Certificate validity - KBCN0798

EPDs and Green Guide ratings which have expired or are pending verification at the time the relevant product was specified, cannot contribute to awarding credits.

04/11/2019 Confirmed applicability to UK NC2018
27/03/2020 Added applicability to Green Guide ratings and ISO 14001 certificates
27/05/2020 Reference to ISO 14001 removed - Whilst the same principle applies, the wording relating to product specification does not - See KBCN1401.

Certificate validity – EMS - KBCN1401

The requirement for the principal contractor to operate an EMS relates to the duration of operations on site. Therefore, certification against ISO 14001/EMAS must be valid as above and cannot be expired, pending or applied retrospectively.

Compliance: Applicability of criteria to subsequent schemes’ versions - KBCN0554

When assessing a project under a certain scheme, criteria or compliance notes from a previous scheme cannot be used to demonstrate compliance.

Compliance: Applicability of criteria to scheme’s previous versions - KBCN0430

Criteria set for a scheme version are not applicable retrospectively to previous versions.

Confirmation of version / year of technical standards - KBCN0519

When providing evidence of compliance it is important for design teams to clearly refer to the version and / or year of the standard being complied with for an assessment. The issue / release / adoption of standards sets the requirements appropriate at the time of publication of the BREEAM scheme documentation. A standard may be updated in between BREEAM re-issues and updates so the standard cited in the requirements or the most current version of a standard can be applied. This applies to standards such as National (e.g. British) Standards, HTM documents, Environment Agency and Policy Planning Guidelines etc. Where the current version of the standard differs notably from the cited standard in the manual, it is the role of the assessor or design team to verify that it is equivalent or more robust than the original requirement. Evidence failing to demonstrate this will be result in raising of a non-conformance within QA and will delay certification. See also: KBCN0747 Equivalent standard use

23/08/17 Merged with “Superseded standards and evidence referenced” KBCN0453

Conflict of Interest statements for BREEAM USA In-Use assessments - KBCN1421

If the Assessor is a member of the company who are producing evidence to demonstrate compliance, there must be clear separation of the roles and the BREEAM Assessor must not be personally responsible for producing such evidence. If the Assessor believes there is or may be a potential for a conflict of interest, the Assessor should inform BRE America of any potential conflict as soon as the potential conflict becomes apparent. This should be considered before the assessment begins. The Assessor should send the statement to [email protected]. Assessors should confirm the roles undertaken by the Assessor/Assessor Organization and how any potential conflicts of interest have been managed. A statement confirming that there was no conflict of interest is not sufficient. In such circumstances, the assessment and evidence submitted may be subject to closer scrutiny. Where BRE Global has unresolved concerns relating to the potential conflicts of interest, the assessment will not be permitted to proceed. BREEAM is a third-party certification program. Therefore, it is important to avoid any conflicts of interest between those producing evidence and those awarding credits to ensure the robustness of the certification process.

2021 01 05 Updates to title, links and text

Definition – laboratory containment levels 2 and 3 - KBCN0903

Laboratory containment levels 2 and 3 are defined in: The Management, Design and Operation of Microbiological Containment Laboratories 2001, ACDP This was defined from BREEAM International NC 2016 onwards.

11-Oct-2022 - Title amended for clarity and consistency. Wording updated. Scheme applicability updated.

Emissions from products – Guidance Note 22 (GN22) - KBCN0719

Latest version: v2.9, September 2024 Within the Health and Wellbeing category of several BREEAM schemes, credits are awarded for specifying materials that minimise emissions from building products of formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The criteria involve meeting emission level performance requirements in accordance with compliant performance and testing standards. Guidance Note 22 (GN22) lists schemes that show equivalent or better performance than the current BREEAM and HQM criteria, and therefore can be used to demonstrate compliance with the criteria. This document should be read in conjunction with the relevant assessment issue guidance provided in the appropriate BREEAM or HQM technical manual. The guidance note contains two tables:

Table 1 is for use with BREEAM schemes that were first released before December 2015.
Table 2 is for use with BREEAM (and HQM) schemes that were first released from December 2015 onwards (post-November 2015).

Download Guidance Note 22 View all Guidance Notes on BREEAM Projects (licensed assessors only)

30-Sep-2024 - Updated for release of GN22 2.9
01-Feb-2024 - Updated for release of GN22 2.8
31-Jan-2023 - Updated for release of GN22 2.7
10-Oct-2022 - This KBCN merged with KBCN0646. Title amended to align with standard KBCN naming format for clarity and consistency. Made applicable to UK and International NC V6.
25-Jan-2019 - Link to Guidance Note updated
12-Mar-2018 - Link to Guidance Note updated

Equivalent standard use - KBCN0747

Reference to 'an equivalent standard' in the criteria ensures there is flexibility for different or newer standards to be used to demonstrate compliance. The 'equivalent standard' needs to address the requirements of the referenced standard and be demonstrably equivalent or more robust. It is the role of the assessor or design team to verify this. Different, new or other standards may be used if these achieve the aim of the referenced standards within the criteria. They could potentially be those published or only available after the launch of a scheme.

GN00 – Guidance Notes link - KBCN0619

To view Guidance Notes on BREEAM Projects click here (Licensed assessors only)

GN01 NC 2011 Assessment Reporting - KBCN0610

Introduction This guidance is intended to clarify the procedure for producing assessment reports for certification using the BREEAM New Construction 2011 assessment scoring and reporting tool and assessment references tab. View full Guidance Note (licensed assessors only) View all Guidance Notes (licensed assessors only)

GN02 BREEAM 2011 Ene 01 - KBCN0614

This guidance note covers various aspects of Ene 01 methodology View full Guidance Note (licensed assessors only) View all Guidance Notes (licensed assessors only)

GN03 Scheme classifications of developments with domestic elements – BREEAM New Construction 2011 - KBCN0615

Scheme classifications of developments with domestic elements - BREEAM New Construction 2011 Introduction This document provides guidance for BREEAM scheme classifications of developments with domestic elements and reflects where buildings consisting of self-contained dwellings and/or rooms for residential purposes are suitable to be assessed under the BREEAM New Construction scheme 2011 version. View full Guidance Note (licensed assessors only) View all Guidance Notes (licensed assessors only)

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)

GN05 Considerate Constructors Scheme and the BREEAM schemes - KBCN0617

Introduction This guidance note applies to all BREEAM UK versions and schemes including New Construction, Domestic Refurbishment and EcoHomes. Up and coming changes to the Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS) will have an impact on the performance levels required under all schemes and versions of BREEAM, EcoHomes1 and BREEAM Domestic Refurbishment2 i.e. issue Man 02. This guidance note outlines the changes to the CCS and how this will affect BREEAM assessments View full Guidance Note (licensed assessors only) View all Guidance Notes (licensed assessors only)

GN07 – superceded - KBCN0620

GN07 has been superceded

GN08 – Scope of IMPACT compliant tools and data submission requirements - KBCN0621

Scope of IMPACT Compliant (or equivalent) Tools and Data Submission Requirements - BREEAM UK New Construction 2011 and 2014 Introduction This Guidance Note relates to complying with the exemplary level criteria for route 2, as defined under the Mat01 issue of the BREEAM New Construction 2011 and 2014 versions. It provides information about IMPACT and the level of detail (the Quality Requirements) and file transmission requirements for the Building Information Model (BIM) from IMPACT compliant (or equivalent) tools. It also outlines criteria for demonstrating the equivalence of a proposed alternative to IMPACT compliant tools for BRE Global approval. View full Guidance Note (licenced assessors only) View all Guidance Notes (licenced assessors only)

GN09 – BREEAM Bespoke Process - KBCN0622

GN09 has been superseded by GN23 Please refer to KBCN0720 - https://kb.breeam.com/knowledgebase/gn23-breeam-bespoke-process/

GN10 Assessing mixed use developments and multiple buildings (or units) of similar function - KBCN0623

Summary The purpose of this Guidance Note is to assist BREEAM assessors with scheme classifications and the application of BREEAM for mixed use developments and developments with multiple buildings or units on the same site. Note: This guidance note has been revised to v1.0 April 2018 View full Guidance Note (licensed assessors only) View all Guidance Notes (licensed assessors only)

17/04/18 Wording clarified
04/06/18 Note added regarding revision and hyperlink updated

GN11 Considerate construction scheme administrator guidance - KBCN0624

GN11 Organisational, local or national considerate construction scheme requirements: guidance for scheme administrators Introduction The purpose of this guidance note is to provide guidance for considerate construction scheme administrators/operators, against which they can determine whether their scheme is potentially eligible for recognition in BREEAM as a ‘compliant scheme’ and therefore whether performance, as assessed/rated by that scheme, is appropriate for the purpose of awarding BREEAM credits. Where the administrator has reviewed their scheme against the requirements below and wishes to have the schemed listed in BREEAM as a ‘compliant scheme’, they should contact the BREEAM office at BRE Global, providing the following information: 1. A description of the scheme’s operation, including how it monitors and verifies compliance and to what standards it or its assessors are accredited 2. The scheme’s code of practice 3. How the scheme scores/rates contractor and site performance against that code of practice 4. If relevant, the number of projects that have used the scheme and the average score/level of performance achieved. BRE Global will then inform the scheme operator of the next steps in the review and listing process. View full Guidance Note (licensed assessors only) View all Guidance Notes (licensed assessors only)

GN12 Ene 01 – Guidance on the calculation methodology - KBCN0625

The purpose of this guidance note is to describe the calculation methodology used for assessment of the Ene01 Issue. View full Guidance Note (licensed assessors only) View all Guidance Notes (licensed assessors only)

GN13 Relating ecologist’s report and BREEAM - KBCN0626

Introduction This guidance note is to be used for registered BREEAM UK New Construction 2014 and RFO 2014 and International New Construction 2016 and RFO 2015 assessments, where an ecologist has been appointed by the client and has produced an ecology report for the proposed development. The purpose of this guidance note is to help the BREEAM Assessor relate the content of the ecologist’s report to the BREEAM Land Use and Ecology section criteria (assessment issues LE 02, LE 03 (UK only), LE 04 and LE 05). The guidance within this document has been produced to support the assessment of the aforementioned BREEAM issues and should not be interpreted as criteria. If the BREEAM Assessor chooses to use the template provided within this guidance note as evidence in the assessment (use of this document is optional) the assessor or the appointed suitably qualified ecologist must complete all relevant sections View full Guidance Note (licensed assessors only) View all Guidance Notes (licensed assessors only)

01/04/2020 Clarified applicability to UK RFO 2014 and International RFO 2015 schemes

GN14 BREEAM UK New Construction 2014 scheme assessment timeline - KBCN0627

BREEAM UK New Construction 2014 scheme assessment timeline Introduction The assessment timeline has been produced to assist with optimising project sustainability performance. It outlines at which RIBA stage credits should be addressed and ideally when these should be considered by the design team, planner, contractors, owners/occupiers and other members of the project team to achieve the highest possible BREEAM rating at the minimum cost. It demonstrates that where BREEAM advice is taken on too late within the design and construction phases a number of BREEAM credits may not be achieved. View full Guidance Note (licensed assessors only) View all Guidance Notes (licensed assessors only)

GN15 Relating drainage reports to BREEAM UK NC 2014 - KBCN0629

Latest version: v0.2, November 2014 Guidance Note 15 (GN15) has been produced to help assist BREEAM Assessors relate the contents of drainage reports to the ‘Surface water run-off’ and ‘Minimising watercourse pollution’ criteria in Pol 03 for BREEAM UK New Construction 2014. The guidance note does not cover the criteria for ‘Flood resilience’. Completing the template is optional. It is an aid for demonstrating compliance and not a requirement. A separate guidance note exists for BREEAM UK New Construction 2018 (see GN38). Download Guidance Note 15 View all Guidance Notes on BREEAM Projects (licensed assessors only)

GN16 - KBCN0631

This document is for National Scheme Operators and not applicable to assessors

GN17 Bespoke Green Guide Specifications - KBCN0633

Introduction This Guidance Note provides advice for BREEAM and Code for Sustainable Homes assessors where a Green Guide rating cannot easily be found or matched on the online Green Guide. View full Guidance Note (licensed assessors only) View all Guidance Notes (licensed assessors only)

GN18 BREEAM Recognised Responsible Sourcing Certification Schemes and BREEAM Scheme Applicability - KBCN0723

Latest version: v3.7, May 2023 BREEAM awards credits for responsibly sourcing construction products (typically under the Mat 03 issue) to encourage responsible product specification and procurement in construction. To achieve these credits, applicable specified products (as listed in the relevant technical manual) must be covered by an Environmental Management System (EMS) or a responsible sourcing certification scheme (RSCS) recognised by BREEAM. Guidance Note 18 lists the responsible sourcing certifications schemes recognised by BREEAM along with the relevant summary scores to be used in BREEAM assessments. Download Guidance Note 18 Download Guidance Note 18 v2.0 (optional for projects registered prior to release of v3.0 in September 2016) View all Guidance Notes on BREEAM Projects (licensed assessors only)

GN19 BREEAM UK New Construction 2011 scheme assessment timeline - KBCN0716

GN20 - KBCN0717

GN20 does not exist

GN21 BREEAM UK Refurbishment and Fit-out Ene 01 Methodology - KBCN0718

The purpose of this guidance note is to provide further information on the BREEAM UK Refurbishment and Fit-out (BREEAM RFO) Ene 01 methodology. This note should be read in conjunction with the guidance provided in the UK Refurbishment and Fit-out technical manual View full Guidance Note (licensed assessors only) View all Guidance Notes (licensed assessors only)

GN23 BREEAM Bespoke Process - KBCN0720

Latest version: v0.1, July 2021 Guidance Note 23 contains information for BREEAM Assessors who are seeking to assess a bespoke project. This includes projects that meet one of the following options:

A building that does not fit the scope of the BREEAM New Construction and Refurbishment and Fit-out schemes (UK and International).
A BREEAM Communities project outside of the UK.

This document contains information and guidance for BREEAM Assessors on the operational and technical aspects of the BREEAM Bespoke Process. This document should be used alongside Operational Guidance (SD5070) and the relevant technical manual. View full Guidance Note (licensed assessors only) View all Guidance Notes (licensed assessors only)

GN24 Demonstrating compliance with Mat 03 in BREEAM - KBCN0721

Latest version: v1.1, May 2022 Guidance Note 24 provides additional guidance to assessors and specifiers on demonstrating compliance with the criteria set out in Mat 03. It should be read in conjunction with the Technical Manual for the relevant assessment scheme. It covers:

How to deal with constituent products/materials including those with certification that is different from the overall product.
The precision required in estimating quantities:
- For the cut-off volume
- Of products/materials in the building (route 2 only)
- Of different material categories in products/materials.
An example route 2 calculation.
‘Broken chain’ situations.
How to treat building services.

Download Guidance Note 24 (licensed assessors only) View all Guidance Notes (licensed assessors only)

GN25 BREEAM International New Construction 2016 Ene 01 Calc - KBCN0722

A new calculation methodology for determining the number of credits achieved in Ene 01 was introduced in BREEAM International New Construction 2013. The core principles of this methodology have been retained in BREEAM International New Construction 2016, but there have been some changes to the way in which the methodology is implemented. This guidance note describes the main Ene 01 methodology and provides further detail on how it is implemented in the 2016 scheme. View full Guidance Note (licensed assessors only) View all Guidance Notes (licensed assessors only)

GN28 Home Quality Mark (HQM) Energy and Cost Methodology Guidance Note – Draft - KBCN0768

The purpose of this guidance note is to provide a background to the calculation methodologies underpinning the energy performance section in the HQM ‘Energy and Cost’ issue. The purpose of this guidance note is to provide a background to the calculation methodologies underpinning the energy performance section in the HQM ‘Energy and Cost’ issue. As its name suggests, the HQM is focussed around delivering quality homes. When looking to purchase or rent a new home, consumers look for quality, and also for particular features specific to their needs (e.g. location, size, specification etc.). The HQM standard reflects these needs by promoting a holistic approach to assessing homes and reporting on specific attributes of a home. This enables consumers to make informed decisions and allows developers to showcase and differentiate their product in the marketplace. This document is intended to give a technical background to the calculation methodologies underpinning the HQM ‘Energy and Cost’ issue for end users (e.g. assessors, consultants or others) needing to make decisions influencing a home’s HQM score of the issue. It explains how the methodology works, the HQM inputs required and each of the outputs generated. It also provides guidance on how variations in the input (i.e. SAP inputs, ‘bolt-on’ inputs etc.) affect the outputs. The principles of the calculation methodologies used in the Energy and Cost assessment issue are in keeping with the above. Three measures have been incorporated into the issue to assist in meeting the above aims: • Adoption of the ‘triple metric’ approach – this calculation methodology is used to calculate the Home Energy Performance Ratio (HEPR). This ensures a balanced approach when considering the fabric performance, systems efficiency and CO2 emissions of the home. • Introduction of a cost output – this will allow consumers to compare predicted regulated energy costs and identify specified systems that may perform well environmentally, but be more costly to run. • Introduction of rigour routes – this enables recognition of measures taken to improve the accuracy of the energy calculations. This guidance document looks into the detail of the calculation methodologies for each of the above three measures. In particular it looks into: • The HQM energy calculation engine – the basis of the engine which is used to calculate credits regarding energy performance (and high temperature – see other guidance note), and information on how it works. • Bolt-on calculations – several new elements have been added to the Building Research Establishment Domestic Energy Model (BREDEM1 ) methodology to improve the accuracy of the calculations; the required inputs and methodologies for each of these ‘bolt-on’ calculations are discussed in more detail View full Guidance Note (licensed assessors only) View all Guidance Notes (licensed assessors only)

GN29: Comparing criteria and evidential crossover between BREEAM Communities and building level assessment methodologies - KBCN0987

This document helps clarify the areas where compliance with BREEAM Communities can help to show compliance with criteria at Home Quality Mark (HQM) and BREEAM building level assessments from new construction to refurbishment and fit out. BREEAM Communities scheme offers a strategic approach to assess the environmental, social and economic sustainability of large scaled developments and masterplanning projects. This is the stage and scale where there are opportunities to increase sustainability across the entire site and for individual buildings through economies of scale, site-wide solutions and greater flexibility in design decisions. In turn, when it comes to later lifecycle stages of the development and assessing individual buildings under BREEAM or HQM, these solutions can be used to secure a higher score and rating where relevant. View full Guidance Note (licensed assessors only) View all Guidance Notes (licensed assessors only)

GN30 BREEAM International New Construction 2016 scheme assessment timeline - KBCN0988

The assessment timeline has been produced to assist with optimising project sustainability performance. It outlines at which stage credits should be addressed and ideally when these should be considered by the design team, planner, contractors, owners/occupiers and other members of the project team to achieve the highest possible BREEAM rating at the minimum cost. It demonstrates that where BREEAM advice is taken on too late within the design and construction phases a number of BREEAM credits may not be achieved. View full Guidance Note (licensed assessors only) View all Guidance Notes (licensed assessors only)

GN31 BREEAM UK Non-Domestic Refurbishment and Fit-out 2014 scheme assessment timeline - KBCN0989

The assessment timeline has been produced to assist with optimising project sustainability performance. It outlines at which RIBA stage credits should be addressed and ideally when these should be considered by the design team, planner, contractors, owners/occupiers and other members of the project team to achieve the highest possible BREEAM rating at the minimum cost. It demonstrates that where BREEAM advice is taken on too late within the design and construction phases a number of BREEAM credits may not be achieved. Due to the nature of Refurbishment and Fit-Out works, some projects may have short timescales and considerable overlap between stages. This can mean that some actions will have to be completed at a later RIBA stage than indicated in this document. However, it is important to consider that early decisions can create opportunities and barriers that impact on the ability of project teams to meet BREEAM requirements at a later stage in the project by limiting design and/or specification choices. This may apply to a number of issues in the assessment timeline below. The use of a yellow/ orange colour grading in this document is intended to indicate the ‘ideal time’ for assessors to complete evidence. View full Guidance Note (licensed assessors only) View full Guidance Note (also publicly available on breeam.com) View all Guidance Notes (licensed assessors only)

GN32 Energy prediction and post-occupancy evaluation – BREEAM UK New Construction 2018 - KBCN1096

Latest version: v2.0, October 2022 The purpose of Guidance Note 32 is to describe the methodology for energy performance prediction and subsequent post-occupancy evaluation in BREEAM UK New Construction 2018. The guidance note relates specifically to the criteria within Ene 01 for:

Prediction of operational energy consumption (4 credits)
Post-occupancy stage (2 exemplary credits)

Download Guidance Note 32 View all Guidance Notes (licensed assessors only)

31-Oct-2022 - Updated following the closure of separate post-occupancy stage assessment. See KBCN1532.

GN33 Responsible construction management in BREEAM and HQM - KBCN1215

Latest version: v2.0, February 2023 BREEAM awards credits for responsible construction management to recognise and encourage construction sites which are managed in an environmentally and socially considerate, responsible and accountable manner. Guidance Note 33 (GN33) lists the responsible construction management requirements in BREEAM and provides a list of recognised schemes and tools that may used to demonstrate that particular requirements have been met. Download Guidance Note 33 View all Guidance Notes on BREEAM Projects (licensed assessors only)

GN34: BREEAM, CEEQUAL and HQM Ecology Risk Evaluation Checklist - KBCN1220

This guidance note is applicable for BREEAM, CEEQUAL and HQM schemes used in the UK which opened for registrations from 2018 onwards. Where the term Assessor is used in this document this refers to the BREEAM, CEEQUAL, HQM Assessor as relevant to the assessment taking place. View full Guidance Note (licenced assessors only) View full Guidance Note (also publicly available on breeam.com) View all Guidance Notes (licensed assessors only)

GN35: BREEAM UK New Construction 2018 Ecology Assessment – Route 1 Methodology - KBCN1221

GN35 has been withdrawn.

GN36: BREEAM, CEEQUAL and HQM Ecology Calculation Methodology – Route 2 (including appendix C) - KBCN1256

1.1 Applicability of this Guidance Note to the BREEAM Family of Schemes (BREEAM, CEEQUAL, HQM) This guidance note is applicable for BREEAM, CEEQUAL and HQM schemes used in the UK which opened for registrations from 2018 onwards. The relevance of this document to a project undergoing an assessment under any of these schemes is dependent on the version of the scheme being used. Reference should be made to the scheme Technical manual to determine this. Where there is no reference to this document, the method set out here is not relevant and cannot be used to demonstrate compliance with the assessment criteria in those versions of those schemes. Where the term Assessor is used in this document this refers to the BREEAM, CEEQUAL or HQM Assessor as appropriate. 1.2 Purpose and Scope of this Guidance Note This guidance note sets out the calculation methodology and process used within the above schemes for the purpose of calculating a ‘change in ecological value’ resulting from the project being assessed. It forms a part of the technical manual for these schemes and as such the methodology and process described forms an integral part of these scheme requirements. There are four core assessment issues which relate to ecology:

Identifying and understanding the risk and opportunities for the project
Managing negative impacts on ecology
Change and enhancement of ecological value
Long term ecology management and maintenance

The methodology and process set out in this document must be carried out by a Suitably Qualified Ecologist (see the ‘Identifying and understanding the risks and opportunities for the project’ assessment issue for the definition of a Suitably Qualified Ecologist). It is used to calculate the change in ecological value resulting from a project for the purposes of the Assessment. This methodology is directly relevant for calculating change in ecological value and therefore is an integral part of the ‘Change and Enhancement of Ecological Value’ assessment issue. However it is also relevant for other issues and appropriate stages must be considered as part of the ‘Identifying and understanding the risks and opportunities for the project’ assessment issue. The considerations and outputs generated from the methodology set out in this guidance note will also inform the assessment and achievement of the following issues or their equivalents:

Managing negative impacts on ecology
Long term ecology management and maintenance

See the relevant assessment issue in the appropriate technical manual. The outputs of this calculation are used by the Assessor to determine the reward (e.g. credits/points) available for the ‘Change and Enhancement of Ecological Value’. It forms part of the assessment route 2 in ecology related assessment issues. This route is defined as follows: 1.3 Route 2: For Sites Where Complex Ecological Systems are Likely to be Present This is the more comprehensive route of assessment and as such can achieve a higher level of reward than Route 1 (See GN 34: BREEAM CEEQUAL and HQM Ecology Risk Evaluation Checklist for a definition of Route 1 and details of when it can be applied). Route 2 results in a higher potential overall reward and as such is better able to provide recognition for project teams’ actions and project outcomes under an Assessment. The methodology outlined in this document does not apply to assessments being assessed under Route 1. View full guidance note GN36 Appendix C View full guidance note (licensed assessors only) GN36 Appendix C (licensed assessors only) View all Guidance Notes (licensed assessors only)

05 Jul 2024 Broken link updated

GN37: BREEAM UK New Construction 2018 scheme assessment timeline - KBCN1262

The assessment timeline tables included in the summary page of each category in the UK New Construction 2018 scheme manual have been reproduced in this Guidance Note. The timeline has been produced to assist with optimising project sustainability performance. It outlines at which stage credits should be addressed and ideally when these should be considered by the design team, planner, contractors, owners, occupiers and other members of the project team to achieve the highest possible BREEAM rating at the minimum cost. It demonstrates that where BREEAM advice is taken on too late within the design and construction phases a number of BREEAM credits may not be achieved or only at additional cost or disruption. View full Guidance Note (licensed assessors only) View all Guidance Notes (licensed assessors only)

GN38 Relating drainage reports to BREEAM UK NC 2018 - KBCN1564

Latest version: v1.2, January 2023 Guidance Note 38 (GN38) has been produced to help assist BREEAM Assessors relate the contents of drainage reports to the ‘Surface water run-off’ and ‘Minimising watercourse pollution’ criteria in Pol 03 for BREEAM UK New Construction 2018 and BREEAM UK New Construction Version 6. The guidance note does not cover the criteria for ‘Flood resilience’. Completing the template is optional. It is an aid for demonstrating compliance and not a requirement. A separate guidance note exists for BREEAM UK New Construction 2014 (see GN15). Download Guidance Note 38 View all Guidance Notes on BREEAM Projects (licensed assessors only)

31-Jan-2023 – Release of GN38 1.2. Fixes issue with incorrectly linked inputs (8c and 10a).

GN39 Ene 01 Calculation Methodology – BREEAM UK NC 2018, V6.0, and V6.1 - KBCN1098

Latest version: v3.0, June 2023 Guidance Note 39 describes the calculation methodology for the energy performance criteria (up to 9 credits) in Ene 01 for BREEAM UK New Construction 2018, Version 6.0, and Version 6.1. Download Guidance Note 39 View all Guidance Notes on BREEAM Projects (licensed assessors only)

14-Jun-2023 - Updated for release of UK NC V6.1

GN40 Reporting template for ecology assessment issues in BREEAM and HQM - KBCN1190

Latest version: v0.2, July 2022 Guidance Note 40 is an optional template to help Assessors relate information generated during a project to the latest ecology assessment issues in BREEAM and HQM. This document has been produced to support the assessment of these issues and should not be interpreted as criteria. If the Assessor chooses to use the template as evidence, then the Assessor, project team member, or appointed Suitably Qualified Ecologist must complete all relevant sections. The completed document can be used by the Assessor along with relevant project documentation to demonstrate compliance with BREEAM or HQM criteria. Download Guidance Note 40 View all Guidance Notes (licensed assessors only)

GN45 BREEAM Pre-Approval Process - KBCN1440

Latest version: v0.2, January 2024 Assessments carried out in accordance with BREEAM schemes rely on evidence to demonstrate compliance with the relevant assessment criteria. This evidence usually relates only to a specific development (e.g. an individual new building or refurbishment project) because key aspects of the design, materials specification, building services and construction process are unique to that development. BRE Global evaluation of the assessment is conducted at the end of the process through the Quality Assurance audit. However, where multiple buildings share standard design elements or specifications, BRE Global can evaluate a partial assessment based upon a standard set of evidence. This evaluation is referred to as a ‘Pre-Approval’. Guidance Note 45 (GN45) describes the BREEAM Pre-Approval Process. Pre-Approval provides efficiencies in the assessment process and greater assurance of the final scores and ratings that are achievable across multiple developments using standard evidence. It is important to note that a Pre-Approval does not replace individual building-level assessments or the BRE Global Quality Assurance audit. Instead, it contributes to the design stage evidence requirements for individual assessments. Download Guidance Note 45 View all Guidance Notes on BREEAM Projects (licensed assessors only)

01-Feb-2024 - Updated for release of GN45 0.2. Now refers to the standard fee sheet (FS036).

GN48 Ene 01 Calculation Methodology – BREEAM International NC V6 - KBCN1487

Latest version: v1.1, February 2022 Guidance Note 48 describes the calculation methodology for energy performance under the Ene 01 issue of BREEAM International New Construction Version 6. The methodology has been revised for the new version of the scheme and uses a triple metric approach that addresses energy demand, energy consumption, and CO₂ emissions. The aim of using this approach is to recognize and promote designs that minimize energy consumption in buildings, and reduce the carbon emissions from that energy use. Download Guidance Note 48 View all Guidance Notes (licensed assessors only)

GN50 Natural light calculation methodology for Hea 01 in BREEAM V7 - KBCN1683

Latest version: v0.0, July 2024 Guidance Note 50 describes the calculation methodologies that underpin the natural light issue (Hea 01) within BREEAM New Construction Version 7 (UK and International). Guidance is provided for methodologies relating to the daylight criteria and the evaluation of glare from daylight criteria. All the calculation methods outlined in the technical manual for these criteria are described in this guidance note. Download Guidance Note 50 View all Guidance Notes on BREEAM Projects (licensed assessors only)

GN51 Guidance on LCA and embodied carbon calculations for Mat 01 in BREEAM V7 - KBCN1684

Latest version: v0.0, July 2024 Guidance Note 51 provides supporting information for the new Mat 01 criteria in BREEAM Version 7. Its development is driven by the introduction of new credit allocation criteria for Mat 01. While the core principles of measuring and reporting a building's environmental performance through life cycle assessment (LCA) and benchmarking were introduced in BREEAM UK New Construction 2018, significant revisions have been made to align the criteria across BREEAM schemes and with existing LCA frameworks and methodologies. This guidance note explains the primary methodology for Mat 01, including minimum requirements and the scope of the LCA. Download Guidance Note 51 View all Guidance Notes on BREEAM Projects (licensed assessors only)

Green Lease Agreement – reference to the technical manual - KBCN0881

The technical manual includes criteria, intended for the guidance and interpretation of licensed BREEAM assessors. It does not generally provide detailed practical solutions to meet the criteria. In the BREEAM UK New Construction 2011 and International New Construction 2013 schemes, Shell only/Shell & core assessments included provision for demonstrating compliance for fit-out items using a Green Lease Agreement (GLA). The future tenant and their design team should not have to rely on a licensed BREEAM assessor to assist them in interpreting the GLA to achieve a compliant fit-out. Specifications for achieving compliance must therefore be explicitly included within the GLA, with reference to the relevant BREEAM criteria, to allow the fit-out team to understand exactly what is required. A compliant Green Lease Agreement must be a robust alternative to the actual implementation or installation of fit-out measures. A Green Lease Agreement which relies solely on reference to the BREEAM Technical manual is not considered a robust solution.

Gross Internal Floor Area (GIFA) or gross internal area (GIA) - KBCN1062

In general terms, this is the total area enclosed by the external walls of a building, measured to the internal face of those walls and taking into account every floor in the building. This is comprehensively defined by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors: http://www.rics.org/uk/knowledge/bcis/about-bcis/forms-and-documents/gross-internal-floor-area-gifa-and-ipms-for-offices/

Guidance Note 35 withdrawn - KBCN1355

Guidance Note 35 has been withdrawn following the publication of v3.0 of the BREEAM UK New Construction 2018 Technical manual. This manual reissue includes all of the information contained in this guidance note in a revised form and supersedes the GN content. As such the GN should not be used for assessment purposes and it has been archived. A copy can be downloaded if required for archive purposes only. Please see KBCN1221 regarding the original Guidance Note 35.

Guidance Note 40 to be updated - KBCN1356

Following the publication of v3.0 of the BREEAM UK New Construction 2018 Technical manual, the wording in Guidance Note 40 differs to some degree from that in the manual. However, the underlying content is the same and the form may still be used to provide evidence for assessments. Alternatively, it may be used to guide the preparation of evidence in a different format if preferred. This GN will be updated to fully correspond to the wording in the reissued manual. Please see KBCN1190 regarding the purpose and scope of Guidance Note 40.

Health Product Declarations (HPDs) – Recognition in BREEAM - KBCN1435

BREEAM has considered the merit of Health Product Declarations (HPDs) and recognizes that these could have a future part to play in health-based evaluation approaches for building occupants. We believe that there may be opportunities for HPDs to help project teams and clients make informed decisions towards healthier and safer building products. However, HPDs do not have an assessment methodology informing holistic health and wellbeing and it is currently unclear how these can integrate with other established methods (e.g. product emissions testing, indoor air quality testing, regulations on chemical substances, environmental product declarations and life cycle assessment). While BREEAM does not recognize Health Product Declarations right now, we fully intend to keep this under review as things develop. If you or your project team has a suitable case study that we may refer to, please forward it to BREEAM for review.

Indoor air quality plan – Guidance Note 6 - KBCN0618

Latest version: v2.1, August 2022 Guidance Note 6 provides guidance to assessors and project teams regarding the content and rigour of an Indoor Air Quality Plan (IAQP) as required by the Hea 02 Indoor air quality criteria in the BREEAM New Construction and Refurbishment schemes. It should not be interpreted as BREEAM criteria. It is intended to provide assessors and project teams with further, flexible information and guidance regarding the rigour, content and tasks of an IAQP. Download Guidance Note 6 (licensed assessors only) View all Guidance Notes (licensed assessors only)

10-Oct-2022 - Title amended to align with standard KBCN naming format for clarity and consistency.

Laboratory containment level category definitions - KBCN0943

BRE does not designate or define containment levels for laboratories. The categories listed in the manuals are based on industry standard definitions. For further information, please refer to HSE/COSHH or DEFRA definitions, depending upon the hazard type.

My client insists the credit is met because it was ‘accepted’ on a previous assessment - KBCN0837

BRE will support assessors in our role as an accredited certification body, particularly where they feel a non-compliant solution is being pushed on them on the basis that it has been 'accepted' on previous assessments by assessors or BRE. In such instances, and for any scenarios where the assessor requires support, you can contact us (BREEAM Technical Support) for an impartial view to assist with your verification. In such situations, it would be helpful in the first instance, to explain the audit and certification process to the client and clarify why the proposed solution may not be compliant. Whilst it may be a consideration in the process of verification for a specific assessment, implying compliance or accepting evidence of it solely on the basis of an assessment on a previous project, potentially by a different assessor, is not good assessment or certification practice. We strongly advise assessors not to submit assessments based on evidence that you know or believe to be non-compliant in the hope that it will either not be selected for QA or we that we will simply accept compliance in such instances. Doing so could put an assessor in breach of your licensing terms and lead to suspension or termination. A large part of the value of BREEAM is in its certification, if certification is based on invalid or unverified assessment of performance it undermines the scheme, assessors and BRE.

Process: Project team member no longer operational - KBCN0590

In situations where a member of the project team is no longer operational, for example where a company has gone in to liquidation or administration, and the assessor is unable to obtain the required evidence to meet the requirements of BREEAM schemes and HQM, any credits affected must be withheld. Whilst BRE appreciate and sympathise with the circumstances surrounding these types of situations, BREEAM schemes and HQM rely upon an auditable trail of evidence with which to award credits. This trail of evidence is used to demonstrate how criteria have been met. BREEAM standards and HQM must be applied consistently to all developments undertaking assessment to ensure that certificates issued provide an accurate and consistent representation of the level achieved. If the necessary evidence cannot be presented and the assessor deems it insufficient to demonstrate compliance in accordance with the schedule of evidence then credits should not be awarded.

Relating drainage reports to BREEAM – GN15 and GN38 - KBCN1169

Guidance Note 15 (GN15) and Guidance Note 38 (GN38) have been produced to help assist BREEAM Assessors relate the contents of drainage reports to the ‘Surface water run-off’ and ‘Minimising watercourse pollution’ criteria in Pol 03. They do not cover the criteria for the ‘Flood resilience’. We have published two separate Guidance Notes because there are small, but significant, differences between the criteria in the two schemes (UK NC 2014 and UK NC 2018). This means that the Guidance Notes are not interchangeable:

GN15 can only be used for the assessment of BREEAM UK New Construction 2014.
GN38 can only be used for the assessment of BREEAM UK New Construction 2018 and BREEAM UK New Construction Version 6.

Note: Completing either template is optional. They are aids for demonstrating compliance and are not a requirement.

Retail/Industrial Showrooms Appendix - KBCN1115

This Criteria Appendix has been developed for developments such as car showrooms which incorporate both retail and industrial areas. The appendix clarifies, for specific BREEAM issues, which criteria are applicable to each area of the assessment. This should be read in conjunction with the relevant scheme version of the BREEAM UK technical manual. This is applicable to BREEAM UK New Construction 2014 and 2018 and BREEAM UK RFO 2014. Such assessments should be registered against the 'Retail' building type and the Appendix will soon be available for download in the guidance for 'Retail' assessments for each relevant scheme on BREEAM Projects. In the meantime, the Criteria Appendix can be requested by emailing [email protected].

22/05/2018 The title of this appendix has been changed and additional information provided. This includes removal of the specific reference to 'Car Showrooms' in order to clarify that this approach can be applied to other similar retail developments, which include industrial servicing areas.

Reward Scale for UKNC LE04 - KBCN1376

Guidance Note 36 outlines a rewards scale (table 9) for the credits awarded in LE04, Ecological Change and Enhancement. Table 9 breaks down the credits into 4 sections:

Minimising loss
No net loss
Net Gain
Significant net gain

For UKNC 2018, sections 1-3 correspond to the 3 credits awarded when a project follows the comprehensive route. Exemplary level credits are given if section 4 is achieved.

Scheme classification queries - KBCN0540

As the Operational Guidance clarifies ‘…A scheme classification requires the assessor, client or design team to submit floor plans showing the layout of the building(s) along with its intended functional areas and any other relevant information. BRE Global will then confirm the appropriate means of assessing the development, using either one or more standard schemes or by developing project-specific bespoke criteria…’ BREEAM Technical cannot definitively confirm a scheme classification in the absence of drawings. Relevant information could also include specification of the scope of works, clarification of general building functions, spaces within them, as well as their management and access to the public.

Scheme update frequency - KBCN0745

BREEAM schemes are updated on average every three years. This should allow sufficient time for Assessors to process, and become familiar with, the updated scheme content, which we try to evolve rather than completely overhaul to limit the impact and burden of change on clients and assessors. The timescales for an update and release of a new scheme version is normally driven by factors such as changes in best practice, regulation and alignment across schemes. It allows rationalisation of technical FAQs and Compliance Notes so reducing complexity for assessors.

Signage and labeling - KBCN1643

Where BREEAM requires signage or labeling, it must be fit for purpose:

Permanent, robust signage securely attached to a fixed structure or support or permanent ground markings, as appropriate.
Outdoor signage must also be weatherproof.

Examples of non-compliance:

Paper or cardboard signage (laminated or otherwise).
Easily removable signs, e.g. fixed with generic adhesive tape or outdoor signage mounted on an insubstantial or untreated timber support or stake.

Smartphone Apps – Compliance with BREEAM criteria - KBCN1694

In BREEAM non-domestic standards, strategies which rely solely on building users owning a smartphone cannot be considered compliant. Whilst smartphone use is widespread, it is not universal, therefore such solutions cannot be considered as meeting the needs of all potential building users.

Statutory requirements – Conflicting with BREEAM criteria - KBCN1061

Where it can be demonstrated that particular aspects of the design, such as materials or external lighting, have been determined and imposed by a statutory body, such requirements can be deemed to over-ride the BREEAM criteria and compliance can be considered as met for those elements. All other relevant criteria for the Issue or credit must be met. BREEAM does not seek to impose requirements on the project which cannot be met due to statutory requirements. It should, however, be demonstrated that the development meets the criteria as far as practically possible.

Technical queries – submission workflow - KBCN1616

The technical query submission workflow is a visual guide to submitting technical queries. It is broken down and explained fully in our Technical Query Principles training. The workflow is intended to be used as a downloadable reference for those who have completed the module. Technical query submission workflow rev 0.1 [accordion] [accordion_block title="Technical Query Principles training"] This 1 hour CPD module is currently offered free of charge, and is for BREEAM Assessors, APs or anyone who submits technical queries to us. It is written to help BREEAM Professionals achieve the best outcome from our technical support services, and expands on KBCN1555. The training module covers:

General principles for submitting technical queries.
Common types of queries, and the minimum information required to submit them.
Queries we can and cannot answer.
Getting the most out of Live Chat.
Dealing with multiple queries.
Technical query process workflow.

You can access the training via direct link here.

[/accordion_block] [/accordion]

Time critical BREEAM requirements – reference to RIBA (or equivalent) work stages - KBCN1156

As a building design process passes through successive work stages, increasingly more aspects of the design become fixed. BREEAM criteria often require actions at, before or after specific project work stages, as these are the optimal stages to achieve the required sustainability outcome. When undertaken at a different stage, the criteria may be difficult to comply with, opportunities may be missed, options limited or costs may become prohibitive. Knowing which stage your project is at Where possible, BREEAM refers to industry-standard work stages, for example the RIBA plan of work stages. However different project teams can interpret these referenced stages differently. Furthermore, many projects do not follow these stages in a simple linear fashion for all aspects of the design at the same time. For instance, the envelope design may be well advanced even to the point where installation has commenced before any specification decisions have been made on some interior finishes. As such, a project may not be at one project stage for all elements of the design at any one point in time. This Knowledge Base compliance note is intended to provide supplementary information to enable projects to determine what stage they are at with respect to time critical BREEAM requirements, including where different elements are at different stages. Although project team members may be willing to offer their opinion on the stage the project has reached, this will often be subjective and hence inconsistent. Therefore, the process set out here looks at the currently available design information for the project (e.g. drawings, specifications) to determine the current work stage in relation to the issue under consideration. This provides a more objective, demonstrable approach for the assessor to follow. Concept Design Stage The RIBA definition of ‘Concept Design’ (RIBA stage 2) can be found here https://www.ribaplanofwork.com/PlanOfWork.aspx . The core objective given is ‘Prepare Concept Design, including outline proposals for structural design, building services systems, outline specifications and preliminary Cost Information along with relevant Project Strategies in accordance with Design Programme. Agree alterations to brief and issue Final Project Brief.’ Table 1 and table 2 (in the link below) provide further guidance, specific to BREEAM, to help determine whether a project, or part of the project relevant to the issue/credit, is at ‘Concept Design’ stage. If there is ambiguity or uncertainty about the stage of the project, the assessor should check with the design team whether the design documentation (drawings, specifications, BIM etc.) currently being produced by the design team will generally include the information listed. It is possible for different aspects of the project to be at different stages in terms of how progressed the design is. For example, the substructure design may be at technical design or even installed while the internal partitions are still at concept design. Whether this matters depends on the issue/credit being pursued. The following steps take this into account. Step 1 First, for the issue/credit being pursued, determine which of the relevant assessment scope items in table 1 and 2 are relevant. For example, if the issue/credit only relates to substructure, then only the substructure assessment scope items shall be considered. If the issue/credit is of a general nature concerning the whole project, then all the assessment scope items shall be considered. Step 2 For the relevant assessment scope items from step 1, decide which of the following applies the most: -

Where the items listed are in the process of being included in the design documentation, this indicates that the project, or part of the project being considered, is likely to be at the ‘Concept Design’ stage.
If items listed are not in the process of being included, the project, or part of the project being considered, is likely to be at an earlier stage.
If the existing design documentation already includes the items listed the project, or part of the project being considered, is likely to be at a later stage.

Please note that the items listed are indicative of the typical information produced at ‘Concept Design’ stage. Technical Design Stage The RIBA definition of ‘Technical Design’ (RIBA stage 4) can be found here https://www.ribaplanofwork.com/PlanOfWork.aspx . The core objective provided is ‘Prepare Technical Design in accordance with Design Responsibility Matrix and Project Strategies to include all architectural, structural and building services information, specialist subcontractor design and specifications, in accordance with Design Programme.’ The following provides further guidance, specific to BREEAM, to determine whether a project is at the ‘Technical Design’ stage: The RIBA plan of work definition of ‘Technical Design’ clearly states that it should ‘…include all architectural, structural and building services information, specialist subcontractor design and specifications…’. Therefore, it is a simpler task to determine whether the project, or part of the project relevant to the issue/credit, is at this stage. If there is ambiguity or uncertainty about the stage of the project, the assessor should check with the design team whether the design documentation (drawings, specifications, BIM etc.) currently under production by the design team (and the contractor’s specialist sub-contractors, if applicable) will, when finished, generally include all the final design information required for the construction works on-site. Like concept design, it is possible for different aspects of the project to be at different stages in terms of how progressed the design is. The following steps take this into account. Step 1 First, for the issue/credit being pursued, determine which of the relevant assessment scope items are relevant (the assessment scope items given in table 1 and 2 may be used, but the rest of the information in these tables relates to concept design). Step 2 For the relevant assessment scope items from step 1, decide which of the following applies the most: -

Where all the final design information required for the construction works on-site is in the process of being included in the design documentation, this indicates that the project, or part of the project being considered, is likely to be at the ‘Technical Design’ stage.
If it is not in the process of being included, the project, or part of the project being considered, is likely to be at an earlier stage.
If the existing design documentation already includes all the final design information required for the construction works on-site the project, or part of the project being considered, is likely to be at a later stage.

KBCN1156_IndicatorTables

17/06/2019 KBCN updated to provide additional guidance