In-Use / USA Residential V6 /

Part 1

Information correct as of 21stDecember 2024. Please see kb.breeam.com for the latest compliance information.

Alarm systems – Intent of Criterion 2 - KBCN1707

The intent of Criterion 2 is as follows: A documented plan is in place to ensure that when the alarm is triggered, whether due to a fire or security incident, a system fault or a false alarm, building staff and occupants understand what actions to take. This must include any necessary communication with ARC staff, emergency services and other building users. This clarification will be incorporated in the next update of the technical standard.

Carbon monoxide detection – Combustion appliances located outside - KBCN1586

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

Clarification – percentage of end uses - KBCN1650

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

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

It is permissible to have combined metering for a shared on-site or district system that combines heating / cooling, and domestic hot water generation. In all cases, justification is provided in the QA report for the combined metering, and explains why it is not technically feasible to provide separate meters.
21-Sep-2022 Applicability of KBCN added to BIU V6. Amended to include district heating and cooling networks.

Condition survey – refurbishment in the last 5 years - KBCN1522

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

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

For assets which use district heating / cooling / hot water, information on the district systems are entered into Ene 09a and 09b. In Ene 05 / 06 / 09, answer 'no' to first question "Is space heating / cooling / hot water generated on-site?" then navigate to: The Online Platform differs from the manual structure, however it does not affect scoring in any way. All data entered contributes to the asset energy calculator. Assets with on-site and off-site systems Only answer questions on the system which provides the most signifcant heating or cooling to the asset. If an asset includes both on-site and off-site systems, choose the one which delivers the most energy annually.

Ecological features – Answer D – Planters and planted areas - KBCN1543

Outdoor planters and traditional planted areas can be considered as one feature for the purposes of Answer D, provided there is enough planting on the site to meet the intent of the issue. To meet the requirements of Answer D, the following must be demonstrated:
20-Dec-2023 – The intent of this KBCN was to simplify compliance with Answer D. This has now been updated to clarify that it only applies to Answer D, thereby removing the potentially negative impact on meeting the requirements of Answer C.

Electric vehicle charging stations – faster charging - KBCN1497

The number of electric vehicle charging stations required for compliance cannot be reduced by installing faster/higher power charging stations. This would not necessarily increase the availability of the charging stations for users.

Enhanced waste collection in the asset - KBCN1528

Where the asset collects 6 or more unique residential waste streams on-site, answers G and H are available without the need for additional off-site collection points. If the asset can provide enhanced waste collection and sorting on-site, then this is effectively the same as having a compliant collection point in the local area. Example scenarios [accordion] [accordion_block title="5 waste streams on-site"] An apartment building has compliant facilities or kerb-side collection for 5 residential waste streams. There is no collection for composting or garden waste. The asset achieves the requirements for answer C only if all relevant criteria are met. There aren't enough waste streams to meet the threshold for answer G. [/accordion_block] [accordion_block title="7 waste streams on-site"] An apartment building has compliant facilities or kerb-side collection for 7 residential waste streams. There is no collection for composting or garden waste. The asset achieves the requirements for answer C, and answer G if all relevant criteria are met. [/accordion_block] [accordion_block title="7 waste streams on-site, with off-site collection point within 0.3 miles"] An apartment building has compliant facilities or kerb-side collection for 7 residential waste streams. There is no collection for composting or garden waste. An off-site collection point within a compliant distance can collect 5 waste streams, however only 2 are unique (different from what the asset already collects on-site). In total there are 9 unique waste streams collected on-site, kerb-side, or within a compliant distance. The asset achieves the requirements for answer C, and answer H if all relevant criteria are met. [/accordion_block] [/accordion]

Erratum – scope of issue - KBCN1498

Criterion 1 states: "Where external lighting or car park lighting are not necessary from a safety perspective, the associated credits can be filtered out of the assessment." What this means is: The inclusion of the word 'safety' in this criteria is misleading and will be removed in future versions.
28-Feb-2024 - Wording clarified.

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

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

Erratum – up to V6.0.0 – compliant cycle storage - KBCN1595

Criteria Instead of answer C, criterion 3 should refer to answers D and E. Evidence The criteria references for this issue are incorrect, and will be corrected in the next re-issue. Checklists and tables The headings in Table 20 do not match these answers. Table 20 will be revised with these updated headings:
Home size Answer D Minimum cycle storage 2 credits Answer E Additional cycle storage +1 additional credit
Studio or 1 bedroom 1 cycle space / 2 homes 1 cycle space / home
2 - 3 bedrooms 1 cycle space / home 2 cycle spaces / home
4+ bedrooms 2 cycle spaces / home 4 cycle spaces / home
 

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

In the asset energy calculator guidance, the parameter given for cooling efficiency is 'SEER' (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio). This is incorrect and should say 'EER'. This affects the following tables:
International USA
Commercial V6.0.0 Table 19 Table 18
Residential V6.0.0 Table 16 Table 16
This will be updated in the next manual re-issue.

Erratum – Electric Vehicles (EV) charging stations criteria - KBCN1701

In the BREEAM In-Use International Technical Manual, the  Electric Vehicles (EV) charging criteria and their evidence were incorrectly referenced. The requirements for EV charging stations should read as follows Answer G Electric Vehicles (EV) charging stations are provided for ≥5% of the car parking capacity. Methodology The methodology indicates the number of charging stations required should be calculated as a percentage of the total car parking capacity.  The ≥5%  in Answer G indicates that at least 5% of the total parking spaces in the residential development should be equipped with EV charging stations. If the number of charging facilities that should be supplied is not a whole number, it must be rounded up to the nearest whole number. For example, where the number of charging facilities that should be provided is calculated to be 10.2, the actual number of facilities that must be provided is 11. Charging stations for Car Clubs cannot count towards the percentage provided for residents. Evidence The manual incorrectly referred to criterion 7 for the EV charging stations in the evidence section. The evidence requirement should refer to Criterion 5 and should be read as follows:
Criterion Evidence requirement

5

Calculations showing the percentage and number of charging stations

5

Site plan showing the location and number of electric vehicle charging stations
 

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

The current BREEAM International Non-Domestic New Construction Approved Standards and Weightings List (ASWL) can be used as evidence to demonstrate that a country has ‘no risk’ to all natural hazards apart from flooding (which is considered within POL 02 of BREEAM USA In-Use 2016 and Rsl 01 of BREEAM In-Use Version 6). Any country which has a weighting of 0% for Hazards within the current ASWL can provide this to BRE Global as evidence. As flooding is not included within the Hazard section of the ASWL, it must be evidenced separately. Therefore, in order to achieve maximum credits within MAT 05 or Rsl 03, the assessment must also provide evidence that the asset is in a ‘low or zero flood risk area’ under the requirements of POL 02 (BREEAM USA In-Use 2016) or Rsl 01 (BREEAM In-Use Version 6). Note: BREEAM In-Use International Assessors who are not BREEAM International Non-Domestic New Construction Assessors, will be unable to access the ASWL. In this instance please send a technical query to BRE Global outlining the country which the asset is located, and BRE Global can confirm the current weighting for that country.
16-Aug-2016 Amended to clarify situations where there is no access to the ASWL
01-Oct-2022 Updated to apply to BREEAM In-Use Version 6
 

Fire hydrants and sprinklers – Leak detection - KBCN0680

Where it is confirmed by an appropriate project team member that it is not possible to fully meet the leak detection criteria for fire hydrants or sprinklers, an alternative approach can be implemented for these systems. This must demonstrably meet the aim of the issue by detecting and alerting the building management to major water leaks.    
11 Sep 2024 - Applicability to BIU USA V6 and INC V6 confirmed. New guidance introduced to clarify that BREEAM compliance should not compromise the operation of building safety-critical systems.

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

Answer option E (Commercial) or F (Residential) If a flood risk assessment considers flooding from rivers and seas only, flood risk is zero / low, and the following requirements are met: It is acceptable for the flood risk assessment to be carried out by a relevant member of the team. It does not require a competent individual (see manual definition) to do this. Most sources of flooding are site-specific and require specialist input and calculation to quantify. However, flood maps meeting the criteria above can provide an acceptable level of assurance of overall flood risk from rivers or seas without the need to engage a specialist. Answer option B (Commercial) or C (Residential) Where the risk of flooding is medium or high, flood mitigation measures are required (criterion 3). These mitigation measures must be defined by either: The FRA can still be produced by a relevant member of the team. Exemplary credit This option is only available if a site-specific FRA was carried out by a competent individual, and cannot be based only on flood maps that give an allowance for climate change. Example scenarios [accordion] [accordion_block title="Low / zero flood risk"] National flood maps cover flooding from rivers and seas. The flood risk from these sources is zero / low. The compliant FRA can be produced by a relevant member of the team. [/accordion_block] [accordion_block title="Medium / high flood risk"] National flood maps cover flooding from rivers and seas. The flood risk from these sources is medium / high. Flood mitigation measures are required. The local authority provides some general flood mitigation measures for the area, but these are not relevant to the assessed asset. Instead, a competent individual is consulted on relevant flood mitigation measures for the asset - their recommendations are recorded in the FRA. The compliant FRA can be produced by a relevant member of the team. [/accordion_block] [/accordion]
06-Nov-2024 - Answer C guidance title now corrected to point to Answer B for Commercial manuals.

Installed controls – ‘Asset does not have both heating and cooling’ - KBCN1678

In the technical manual, the intent is that Q1, Q2 and Q3 allow the credits to be filtered where the asset has 'neither heating nor cooling', in line with the assessment tool. This will be updated in the next reissue of the technical manual.

Interlock controls – clarification - KBCN1491

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

Intruder alarm systems – apartment buildings or similar - KBCN1572

Scope The scope of this KBCN applies to any residential asset that: A typical example is an apartment building. Principle The asset as a whole is protected by systems that are fit for purpose to ensure the safety and security of the asset, its users and their property Implementation Security requirements for apartment buildings will vary greatly depending on factors such as: Because of this, BREEAM cannot provide specific guidance on how intruder alarms and access control are configured to meet the principle. It is the role of the assessor and a competent third party (for instance, this can be a 'competent person' as defined in Rsl 10) to evidence how this principle is achieved for the asset as a whole. Evidence from a compliant security risk assessment carried out in line with Rsl 10 can be used to support this issue. Management-based solutions As a Part 1 issue, this intent must be achieved by systems which are intrinsic to the asset. Management-based solutions (such as a concierge service, or security guards) cannot be used to achieve answer E (intruder alarm systems). Answer F (alarm receiving centre) can only be achieved with a system that complies with Answer E.

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

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

Minimising flicker – scope of issue - KBCN1639

Principle Flicker from all lighting systems is eliminated. This means eliminating flicker in: Only emergency lighting is excluded. See KBCN0185. Lighting flicker is undesirable regardless of location or length of exposure. Commercial scope Eliminate flicker in all lighting. Residential scope Eliminate flicker in:

Minimizing watercourse pollution – Areas to be assessed - KBCN1633

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

ModeScore Sustainable Transport certification - KBCN1705

Achieving ModeScore Gold or Platinum certification can be submitted as part of the supporting documentation to award credits for implementing sustainable transport options, provided the BREEAM criteria were targeted, as follows:
Scheme Issues Credits
BREEAM International NC 2016 and V6 Tra 03a Alternative modes of transport 2 + Exemplary credit
Tra 03b Alternative modes of transport 2 + Exemplary credit
Tra 04 Maximum car parking capacity 1
BREEAM UK NC 2018 and V6 * Tra 02 Sustainable transport measures 10
BREEAM Int RFO 2015 Tra 01 Sustainable transport solutions 5
Tra 04 Maximum car parking capacity 2
BREEAM UK RFO 2014 Tra 01 Sustainable transport solutions 3
Tra 03 Cyclist facilities 2
Tra 04 Maximum car parking capacity 2
BREEAM In-Use Commercial and Residential (International and USA) Tra 01 Alternative modes of transport 8
Tra 02 Proximity to public transport 3
Tra 04 Pedestrian and cyclist safety 2
* BREEAM UK NC 2018 and V6 credits can be awarded provided the transportation assessment and travel plan (criterion 1) are met When the assessor submits a ModeScore certification as evidence, they should include their report and highlight the BREEAM criteria or credits that were targeted.
About ModeScore Sustainable Transport certification:
ModeScore assess and certify sustainable transport facilities and services in buildings. ModeScore encompasses ActiveScore within its assessment criteria, covering four pillars of sustainable transportation while incorporating accessibility into each: ModeScore evaluates the connectivity potential of any building in any location, offering four levels of certification with a total scorecard of 120 points. ActiveScore (Travel Facilities) counts for 10 points: See more information and details at https://modescore.com/

Night-time operation – requirement for controls - KBCN1048

Projects or areas of an asset which operate at night-time can adapt or omit the requirement to provide controls or presence detection to align with the building’s hours of operation. This could, for example, include service yards or car parks. The aim of this Issue is to reduce the energy use for external lighting and should not interfere with the building’s operation.
02 Oct 2024 - Updated to clarify the scope of the this guidance and applied to NC V6 and BIU.

Occupant control – spaces requiring user controls - KBCN0170

This guidance is intended to clarify the types of area for which user controls are required or would be considered beneficial. Zoning is required in all areas of the asset where specified in the assessment criteria. Please refer to the specific requirements of the applicable BREEAM standard to interpret this guidance appropriately. User controls required Spaces where users are expected to have independent control over their environment. User controls not required Spaces where users are not expected to have independent control over their environment.
14-Dec-2022 - KBCN applicability updated to include BIU. Wording clarified, and amended for compatibility with BIU criteria.

On-site LZC – whole site shared connection - KBCN1424

To be recognised in BREEAM, the on-site Low and Zero Carbon (LZC) technology must have a direct physical connection to the assessed asset. OR Where the LZC technology is; It is acceptable to allocate the renewable energy generated proportionally as a calculation of the asset's predicted energy consumption compared to the total energy consumption of the whole site. To allocate renewable electricity by proportional consumption: Where consumption data is missing, renewable electricity must not be allocated to the assessed asset. In this case, it is assumed that all electricity consumed is sourced from the grid.
17-Jan-2024 - Applicability BIU V6 Ene 13 removed, as this approach is not applicable to assessing the area of PV fitted.
21-Dec-2022 - Applicability to In-Use V6 confirmed.

Presence detection – illuminated signs - KBCN1671

The requirements for presence detection do not apply to illuminated signs. In BIU V6, presence detection requirements are included as part of automatic energy saving controls. All other requirements in this criteria must still be met.

Resources inventory – Scope - KBCN1667

The inventory only needs to include resources that belong to the asset owner (or those which the asset owner or manger is responsible for maintaining or replacing). It does not need to included tenant-owned fittings and furnishings

Risk assessment – flooding is the only natural hazard - KBCN1552

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

Safe pedestrian routes: definition, measurement and verification - KBCN0238

Definition Safe pedestrian routes include sidewalks and safe crossing points, which may be controlled or, for example, be identified by tactile paving, a crossing island or a dropped curb. An element of judgement may be required, in which case justification should be provided. Measurement Distances could be measured, for example, along a sidewalk, across a road at a safe crossing point and along the sidewalk 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

Shower with multiple shower heads - KBCN0855

To calculate the water use of a shower with more than one shower head, one of the following should be done:
22 Feb 2024 - Applied to BIU, BREEAM NC and RFO standards

Sub-metering technologies – Compliance principle - KBCN1561

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

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

The methodology for Ene 01 states: "Heating / cooling systems can be excluded from the calculation where the heated or cooled area equates to less than 10% of overall floor area." Systems which heat or cool < 10% overall floor area are not assessed in: Ene 01, 05 and 06 all feed into the asset energy calculator and so their inputs must be consistent. All other issues relating to these excluded systems are still assessed such as:

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

Water from natural underground sources (for instance aquifer water accessed via boreholes) cannot be used to offset: A significant amount of water used for public consumption is already drawn from aquifers. Private boreholes may be drawing water from the same sources as public utility companies.
27-Mar-2024 - Title and text updated to broaden definition. Scheme applicability updated.

View out – Calculating the glazing to wall ratio - KBCN1506

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

Washer dryers - KBCN0699

Where a washer dryer is specified, the water consumption figure for the wash and dry cycle should be used. The drying cycle of a washer dryer is taken into account because it usually uses water during this drying process (e.g. for cooling during the drying cycle) and in some cases, this water usage can be significant.
18-Nov-2022 - Updated to apply to BREEAM In-Use Version 6

Washing machines and dishwashers – Water consumption data - KBCN1571

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

Waste streams – clarification - KBCN1526

Scope The focus of the criteria is on recyclable materials only. Any facilities / spaces for managing recyclable materials must be in addition to spaces / facilities for managing general waste. Definition “Waste streams are flows of specific waste, from its source through to recovery, recycling or disposal. Waste streams can be divided into two broad types: Source For BREEAM, a waste stream is a material / product with its own recycling process. This means each stream needs to be separated from other materials before it can be effectively processed into new materials / products. This separation can happen in the asset, or (in the case of co-mingled waste) after collection from the asset. Residential waste streams In most cases, this is defined by how it will be how be sorted and collected by municipal waste authorities. Where no local guidance exists, the list below may be used as a guide. Recyclable waste streams (answer option C in BREEAM USA In-Use Residential V6): Compostable / recyclable waste streams (answer option D in BREEAM USA In-Use Residential V6): Commercial waste streams Commercial assets will generate specialised waste streams specific to the asset's function. These are typically: In these cases, waste streams such as metals, plastics and paper / cardboard may be sub-divided into specialised waste streams where they meet the above. Example scenarios [accordion] [accordion_block title="Scope"] A vehicle repair workshop generates the following waste streams: The engine oils and general waste cannot be re-processed into other usable materials. Only 3 recyclable waste streams can be considered for BREEAM assessment. [/accordion_block] [accordion_block title="Residential"] The local authority collects co-mingled waste for the asset. This waste mixes together: This co-mingled waste can be counted as 3 waste streams. [/accordion_block] [accordion_block title="Commercial"] A supermarket consistently generates large quantities of cardboard packaging. This cardboard forms a significant portion of recycable waste generation. It is baled up and collected separately by a specialised waste contractor. In this case, cardboard waste can be considered a separate waste stream from paper. [/accordion_block] [/accordion]
18-Jan-2024 - Clarified list of residential waste streams (separated compostable waste streams and added relevant answer options).

Information correct as of 21stDecember 2024. Please see kb.breeam.com for the latest compliance information.