Secure Government sites – Security criteria - KBCN1652
Government security procedures, such as those for MoD sites, may take precedence in dealing with security risk. Therefore, the security criteria under which this issue is assessed may not be fully appropriate.
However, BREEAM requires that a Suitably Qualified Security Specialist (SQSS) or the relevant Government department's security consultant undertake a risk-based security needs assessment during or prior to the Concept Design stage. The final design must embody the recommendations of the security consultant.
Evidence requirements
Where it is confirmed that, due to security issues, the assessor cannot provide complete evidence of the security assessment and implementation of the recommended measures, the following can be accepted:
A written statement or report from the SQSS confirming:
- Justification of why the evidence requirements cannot be met
- Details confirming their status as SQSS for the project
- Dates of their consultations and inspections
- Confirmation that all the recommended security measures have been implemented
Security rating scheme – SABRE update - KBCN1767
BRE’s partnership with the Security Institute for SABRE certification ends on 31 August 2025. From this date, SABRE will no longer be offered by The Security Institute.
The following guidance applies to projects targeting the security rating scheme criteria:
Ongoing and Registered Projects
Projects with existing or ongoing SABRE involvement may continue to pursue exemplary level credit using SABRE, provided that registration and certification activities occur before 31 August 2025. It is the responsibility of the project team to ensure that any SABRE-related assessments and certifications are completed and documented within the support window, in line with the BREEAM certification timeline.
New Projects (post 31 August 2025)
BRE is actively monitoring the market; however, no alternative schemes have been reviewed or accepted in place of SABRE.
However, whilst the exemplary credit may no longer be available via the SABRE route, project teams wishing to achieve an improved level of security for a development may still seek to engage with a SABRE professional and integrate the principles of the scheme into their design.
Key Implications:
The Security rating scheme, exemplary credit remains available; however, assessors must:
- Propose an alternative, equivalent risk-based security rating scheme, and
- Submit the scheme for review via the BREEAM Technical Query process.
Acceptance of alternatives will be based on whether the proposed scheme demonstrates:
- Third-party verification
- Structured risk-based assessment
- Defined performance standards
- Relevance to the development stage and typology
