HQM V6

01 Occupant’s life cycle cost report: crit 2 - KBCN1656

Crit 2 currently says: An Occupant's report, based on the most up-to-date LCC analysis (see crit 1), is available to potential occupants prior to a commitment to purchase. However Crit 2 should say: An Occupant's report, based on the most up-to-date LCC analysis (see crit 1), is available to potential owner prior to a commitment to purchase. This will be corrected in the next reissue of the technical manual.

02 Energy and temperature monitoring-sampling - KBCN1657

Sampling can be undertaken. At least 1 home or a representative selection of homes per group of homes must be sampled. A group of homes will each have the following:

The same dwelling size, built form and construction details;
The same space heating, hot-water system and controls;
The same orientation and level of over-shading/ sheltering; and
The same air permeability and ventilation system.

03 Construction record: crit 5.b. - KBCN1655

Crit 5.b. currently says: The record is available to: Occupants on request, as part of any visual defects inspections and when moving in. It needs to be available for the duration of the building warranty in place. However Crit 5.b should say: The record is available to: Potential owners on request, as part of any visual defects inspections and when moving in. It needs to be available for the duration of the building warranty in place. This will be corrected in the next reissue of the technical manual.

Ecology dependency diagrams - KBCN1456

These dependency diagrams show how ecology prerequisites and credits interact across issues in the ecology category. UK New Construction UK NC ecology dependencies rev 0.0 Applies to:

UK NC 2018.
UK NC V6.

Home Quality Mark HQM V6 ecology dependencies rev 0.0 Applies to:

HQM V6.
HQM One.

30-Aug-2023 - HQM ecology dependency diagram added. Title and scheme applicability updated.

Erratum- Representative sampling of indoor air - KBCN1645

There is a discrepancy in the manual within the methodology section ‘Representative sampling of indoor air’. Please refer to the below instead: Sample of indoor air principles

Representative sampling of indoor air is permitted where multiple homes on a site incorporate the same building products or material specification.
Different home ‘groups’ found on site must be covered by the representative indoor air quality tests, the different ‘groups’ are distinguished by the size, type, layout or location of homes on a site. For example, 1-bed apartment, 2-bed mid-terrace, 3-bed semi-detached, or 4-bed detached must each be representatively sampled.
The sample size should be sufficiently large to demonstrate consistent performance across groups of homes.

Sample strategy for developments The sample size can be modified to suit the developments specific environment and design if recommended by the accredited organisation undertaking the sampling. In this case a suitable sampling strategy must be produced that outlines the different groups outlined above, the rate of sampling per group type and how the sampling strategy still meets the intended requirements of the issue. Justification for the sample group types The Formaldehyde and TVOC concentrations are predominantly influenced by emissions from internal finishes and fittings. The concentrations of the emissions will depend on the source volume, the source rate, the room volume and the ventilation rate. This can be different based on size, type and layout of the building. In addition, the location of the homes should be taken into account as post-construction testing can be influenced by when the home was completed, with homes finished first having a lower emission rate, by external emission factors such as proximity to a road and a variety in ventilation strategies for homes in different locations such as in a high rise building.

This will be corrected in the next reissue of the technical manual.

Erratum: ‘Cycle storage requirements’ definition - KBCN1641

There is an error in the dimensions in point 1. 2. and 3 of the 'Cycle storage requirements' definition as follows: The distance between each cycle rack and surrounding obstructions(e.g. walls) allows for bikes to be easily stored and accessed. Cycle racks must be a minimum of: 1. 2m long ×0.75m wide for one bike. 2. 2m long ×1.5m wide for two bikes. 3. 2m long ×2.5m wide for four bikes. Please refer to KBCN0257 instead of the above.

Home information available in both hard and soft copy - KBCN1654

Home information does not need to be provided in hard copy to every home. Where appropriate, it is acceptable to provide only a soft copy to the occupant along with information detailing how to request a hard copy (or other suitable format). In such cases, the approach should be justified and a copy of the communication home occupants must be provided as evidence.

HQM – Update to Building Regulations & SAP 10 - KBCN1553

We have incorporated the Building Regulations changes into HQM V6. HQM V6 (which has been published and is available for assessors to use) is compatible with SAP 10.

30/10/23-Updated compliance note to confirm HQM V6 is compatible with SAP 10

Independent Air Testing Scheme (IATS) – Elmhurst Airtightness Scheme (EAS) - KBCN1699

Please note that the Independent Air Testing Scheme (IATS) has been rebranded as the Elmhurst Airtightness Scheme (EAS) and therefore where referenced, this may also be accepted.

Inspection and Completion – Crit 2 correction - KBCN1520

Crit 2 currently says: The results of the visual defects inspection and any outstanding remedial work are reported and given to occupants before they move in as part of their home information. However Crit 2 should say: The results of the visual defects inspection and any outstanding remedial work are reported and given to the potential owner as part of their home information. This will be corrected in the next reissue of the technical manual.

Issued to correct error in crit 2.

Minimum requirement - KBCN1606

The minimum requirement '02 Approved Document Q compliance' says crit. 2 is applicable to Wales. This is not correct. Crit 2 is only applicable to Northern Ireland. Projects in Northern Ireland must comply with Approved Document Q for England or Wales. This will be corrected in the next reissue of the technical manual.

Minimum requirements have been missed due to the late engagement with HQM V6 - KBCN1609

Where it can be shown that a time-critical minimum requirement has been missed due to the late engagement with HQM, the timing aspect can be waived. However, it must be demonstrated that the criteria are met as far as possible and any resulting impacts are mitigated.

Post-construction measurement- TVOC concentration using BS ISO 16000-6: 2021 VOCs in air by active sampling - KBCN1642

Where BS ISO 16000-6: 2021 VOCs in air by active sampling is used, the TVOC concentration measurement can be performed over a 40-60 minute period.

Principal contractor or subcontractor no longer operational - KBCN0590

In situations where the principal contractor or other company involved in the project is no longer operational where, for example, the company has gone into administration, the assessor may be unable to obtain all the evidence to meet the requirements of BREEAM or HQM. For some BREEAM Issues, it may not be possible to demonstrate compliance retrospectively, and in such cases, the relevant credits must be withheld. However, in this situation, a lack of complete evidence will not, in itself, prevent the project from achieving a BREEAM rating and, where relevant, a prerequisite or minimum standard can be waived. For example:

UK NC V6 Man 03 Prerequisite - Legally harvested and traded timber or INC V6 Wst 03a – 1 credit to achieve an Excellent Rating

This is based on the project team demonstrating appropriate efforts to obtain the evidence from the company in administration and providing the following:

Evidence of the company going into administration
Evidence of compliance from the company in administration, where available
Evidence of compliance from the date a new company was engaged

28 Oct 2024 - Title and general approach updated. Applied to HQM One/V6 and NC V6.

Summary of changes – HQM V6 - KBCN1604

Home Quality Mark Version 6 (HQM V6) is an update to Home Quality Mark ONE (HQM ONE) following changes to building regulations in the UK. The update incorporates changes to the building regulations in England, Scotland, and Wales, and makes the scheme available for use for the first time in Northern Ireland. The technical manual was released on 28 June 2023. HQM V6 enables new homes in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland using the latest building regulations for energy performance to register and complete HQM assessments. The updates are limited in scope, with the main changes to the scoring and awarding of credits in:

5.1 Energy and carbon performance (previously 5.1 Energy and cost)
4.5 Temperature

There are minor changes to the criteria, methodology, or definitions in:

1.2 Sustainable transport options
4.1 Indoor pollutants
4.4 Sound insulation
4.6 Ventilation

A full summary of the changes is provided in the table below. The update includes corrections throughout the manual for minor known issues and typographical errors in HQM ONE. Relevant knowledge base compliance notes (KBCNs) from HQM ONE can continue to be applied to HQM V6.

Location	Description of change
All / throughout	Updated references to building regulations.
All / throughout	Update to the countries where HQM can be used; including Northern Ireland.
All / throughout	Updated references to the latest versions of standards, publications, and guidance.
1.1 Public transport availability	Correct crit 2c and methodology for ‘Calculating the average number of services’ (remove “and off-peak”).
1.2 Sustainable transport options	Remove the option of achieving credits for slow charging infrastructure (3 kW) for electric vehicles (EV).
	Remove reference to hybrid vehicles in crit 11.
	Add clarifications to definitions for ‘Cycle storage locations’ and ‘Cycle storage requirements’.
2.5 Recreational space	Updated definition for ‘Communal space’ to include individual spaces over 20m²(previously 50m²).
3.3 Security	Updated definition for ‘Suitably Qualified Security Specialist (SQSS)’.
3.3 Security	Remove definitions for ‘Architectural Liaison Officer (ALO)’, ‘Crime Prevention Design Advisor (CPDA)’, and ‘Designing Out Crime Officer (DOCO)’.
4.1 Indoor pollutants	Remove reference to system 2 ventilation systems (passive stack ventilation) for homes in England and Wales following changes to the terminology used in building regulations.
4.1 Indoor pollutants	Updated TVOC concentration threshold in crit 10 to 300 µg/m³ (previously 500 µg/m³).
4.3 Noise sources	Add updates and clarifications to the methodology for ‘Internal noise levels – habitable spaces and kitchens’.
4.4 Sound insulation	Remove the “Robust Details” option for ‘Sound insulation between homes’.
4.4 Sound insulation	Correct minimum sound insulation level for internal walls and floors (‘Airborne sound insulation R_w’) to 43 dB for two credits (was 44 dB).
4.5 Temperature	Updated scoring requirements for assessments in England to recognise projects going beyond the methodologies in the latest version of Approved Document O.
4.5 Temperature	Updated requirements for the foundation route (HQM temperature tool). The number of credits available for the foundation route has been reduced to 6 credits. A new HQM temperature tool is now available for HQM V6. [Change introduced in HQM 6.0.2. See October 2023 Process Note.]
4.6 Ventilation	Updated terminology used for ventilation systems to reflect updates to buildings regulations in England and Wales.
4.6 Ventilation	Updated minimum ventilation rates according to the number of bedrooms (Table 26).
5.1 Energy and carbon performance	Updated the energy performance methodology to use the latest building regulations for operational energy in each UK country. Includes updates to the HEPR benchmark scale and the total number of credits available for ‘Energy performance’. The methodology is described in the technical manual.
	Updated the credit benchmark scale, including the total number of credits available, for ‘Beyond zero net regulated carbon’ (previously ‘Towards carbon negative’).
	Remove the 'Cost' credits. The credits have been reassigned to ‘Energy performance’ and ‘Beyond zero net regulated carbon’.
5.3 Impact on local air quality	Correct NOx emissions levels for oil boilers. Update ‘7 credits (Low pollution locations)’ and ’10 credits (Low pollution locations)’.
7.1 Drying space	Updated energy efficiency class for washer-dryers to use new EU energy labels that came into force on 1 March 2021.
11.1 Aftercare	Clarify crit 2d (add “…must be communicated to the occupants during aftercare visits”).
11.4 Post occupancy evaluation	Updated requirements in methodology for ‘POE 3. Water audit’ (remove “with readings recorded at least every hour”).
(Multiple)	Updated and corrected entries in evidence tables for 10.2 Construction energy use, 10.3 Construction water use, 11.3 Smart homes, and 11.4 Post occupancy evaluation.
Appendix A	Updated ‘My Cost’ and ‘My Footprint’ indicator backstops following changes to credits in 5.1 Energy and carbon performance.
Appendix B	Updated section on ‘Pre-approval of HQM assessment issues and criteria’.

08 Nov 2023 - Updated following the release of HQM 6.0.2. New entry added to table for 4.5 Temperature.

Use of BS8533:2015 instead of BS85500:2015 - KBCN1685

BS 8533:2015 can be used in place of BS 85500:2015.

VOC product emission certificates – validity - KBCN1689

Where it can be demonstrated that construction product emission certificates were valid either at the time of specification, or at time of purchase, they may contribute to awarding credits.

BREEAM is primarily trying to encourage designers to take construction product emissions into consideration when specifying or selecting products and as such it is not necessary for certification to be valid at the time of design or post-construction stage submissions.

Home Quality Mark /