V7 - BREEAM Knowledge Base

ASWL Process update - KBCN1756

Formerly known as the ASWL for V6 and 2016, this has been renamed as Approved Standards List (ASL) for V7. It follows a similar Excel format to the International New Construction ASWL for V6 and 2016 versions. The V7 ASL document has been updated to align with the International New Construction V7 manual. In Version 7, we’ve introduced several updates to improve the approved standards and weightings process:

Pre-populated country sheets and weightings are now available for countries where most assessments have previously taken place. This will make it easier and quicker for assessors to begin assessments in those countries.

The process has been streamlined by integrating the ‘Detailed Checks on Standards’ sheet directly into each individual country sheet.

The ASL process remains consistent with that used in Version 6.

The V7 weightings form (used for generating weightings in new countries) has been updated with new, relevant questions to align with the International New Construction Version 7 manual. However, the overall weightings process remains the same as for Version 6 and 2016.

Looking ahead, we plan to transition the ASL process to an online format. Further details will be shared in upcoming assessor updates.

Bamboo, cork and other non-timber forest products – Responsible sourcing - KBCN1768

Non-timber forest products, such as bamboo and cork should be responsibly sourced to minimise the environmental impacts and protect local ecosystems. However, as they are not timber or timber-based products, these fall outside the scope of the Prerequisite. Where such products are integrated into a building, they should, nonetheless, be assessed and included in the calculator under ‘Other materials’.

BREEAM Excel Tools - KBCN1755

The new BREEAM Platform now integrates all Excel-based calculator tools directly into the system for a more streamlined experience. Simply input your data, and the platform will automatically calculate and display the results. Please note, this functionality currently applies only to BREEAM New Construction V7.

BREEAM New Construction V7 – FAQs - KBCN1754

The FAQ webpage has been developed to provide early clarification and guidance on aspects of BREEAM New Construction Version 7 (NC V7). It is intended to address questions and highlight key changes from previous versions. Further guidance is provided within the published technical manual, and this will be supplemented by Knowledge Base Compliance Notes (KBCNs). To see the full list of FAQs, please refer to the Version 7 FAQs webpage

Emissions from products – specialist paints and coatings - KBCN0872

Where a paint or coating falls within:

A category in Annex II of the EU Directive 2004/42/CE or,
A category in the relevant product emission table of the technical manual,

then the paint or coating must be assessed. Specialist paints and coatings are exempted from meeting the VOC content and emission limits where there are no alternative products available that can perform the function, and still meet the emission limits. This must be clearly evidenced.

02-Oct-2025 Reference to 'VOC content' added and KBCN applied to UKNC V7 and INC V7 to clarify CN2.1 
27-Oct-2022 Wording clarified. New compliance principle added from UKNC V6.
10-Oct-2022 Title amended for clarity. Scheme applicability updated.
13-Mar-2020 KBCN amended to clarify exceptions and applicability.
16-Jun-2017 Content merged with KBCN0212.

Flood Risk Assessment older than five years - KBCN1744

This sentence appears in the definition of 'Flood Risk Assessment': Where more than five years have passed since the FRA was carried out, evidence would be required to demonstrate that the basis of the FRA has not changed in that time. The requirement for evidence that the basis of the FRA has not changed where more than five years have passed is applicable only at Design Stage. It is not required at Post Construction Stage where a compliant FRA was undertaken at Design Stage and the development was carried out in accordance with that design.

Glare control – Modelling - KBCN1800

The ‘Glare control’ criteria do not require a specific methodology to be used to identify areas at risk of glare, and in most situations, a simple solar path analysis would be suitable. Alternatively, detailed hourly modelling methods, such as DGP and ASE, may be more appropriate. However, in either case, compliance cannot be assumed. Regardless of the methodology used, the modelling must be supported by robust reporting to demonstrate that each aspect of the criteria has been met.

GN20 Assessing mixed-use and multiple buildings – BREEAM V7 - KBCN0717

Latest version: v0.0, July 2025 Guidance Note 20 (GN20) provides information to help BREEAM Assessors formulate an assessment strategy for mixed-use developments and for multiple buildings or units on the same site using BREEAM V7. This guidance note only applies to BREEAM V7. There is a separate guidance note for earlier versions of BREEAM NC and RFO (see Guidance Note 10). Download Guidance Note 20 View all Guidance Notes on BREEAM Projects (licensed assessors only)

GN41 Reporting template for ecology assessment issues – BREEAM V7 - KBCN1748

Latest version: v0.0, July 2025 Guidance Note 41 (GN41) is an optional template to help Assessors relate information generated during a project to the latest ecology assessment issues in BREEAM NC V7. This is a new template for V7. There is a separate reporting template for previous versions of BREEAM UK NC, BREEAM UKNCR, and HQM (see Guidance Note 40). Download Guidance Note 41 View all Guidance Notes on BREEAM Projects (licensed assessors only)

GN49 International Ene 01 calculation methodology guidance - KBCN1749

Latest version: v0.0, July 2025 Guidance Note 49 (GN49) gives background information on the methodology for determining the number of credits achieved for energy performance under the Ene 01 assessment issue for BREEAM International NC V7. The Ene 01 methodology uses a triple metric approach that addresses energy demand for heating and cooling, primary energy consumption, and carbon dioxide emissions. The aim of using this approach is to minimise the energy consumption and carbon emissions from regulated energy uses and to maximise the use of low carbon energy sources. Guidance Note 49 also includes the adjustment factors that are applied to uplift the reference metrics in Ene 01 for BREEAM International NC V7. It describes the methodology for determining the factors and the application process to have a country’s adjustment factor added or updated. Download Guidance Note 49 View all Guidance Notes on BREEAM Projects (licensed assessors only)

GN53 Energy modelling and predicted operational energy performance score in Ene 02 - KBCN1751

Latest version: v0.0, July 2025 Guidance Note 53 (GN53) provides guidance for the predictive energy modelling and predicted operational energy performance score credits within Ene 02, detailing the input process for the issue’s operational energy calculator. Download Guidance Note 53 View all Guidance Notes on BREEAM Projects (licensed assessors only)

GN54 Responsible construction management – BREEAM V7 - KBCN1752

Latest version: v0.0, July 2025 Guidance Note 54 (GN54) provides information on achieving the responsible construction management requirements in Man 03 in BREEAM V7. It has two parts:

Part 1 lists the requirements that must be met to achieve credits for responsible construction management in BREEAM V7.
Part 2 provides a list of the schemes or tools that have been evaluated by BREEAM and can contribute to the achievement of one or more credits for responsible construction management.

This guidance note only applies to BREEAM V7. There is a separate guidance note for earlier versions of BREEAM UK NC and UKNCR (see Guidance Note 33). Download Guidance Note 54 View all Guidance Notes on BREEAM Projects (licensed assessors only)

Knowledge Base – Applicability of existing guidance to NC V7 - KBCN1757

We are in the process of undertaking a comprehensive review of existing guidance on the Knowledge Base for BREEAM New Construction to determine its applicability to New Construction Version 7, and the Knowledge Base will be updated in due course. In the meantime, if you wish to apply for a previous KBCN, please review the changes outlined in the Summary of Changes and compare the criteria in the technical manuals. If the criteria are the same, and you are satisfied that a previous New Construction KBCN is relevant to NC V7, you can follow this guidance. If there are differences in the New Construction V7 criteria, but you believe an existing KBCN can be applied, please submit a technical query on the webform to confirm this.

LCC – Competent person or Suitably Qualified Cost Consultant (SQCC) - KBCN1803

The definition of a competent person, or SQCC as named within HQM or BREEAM New Construction Residential, has been updated to provide further clarification and is now defined as set out below: An individual achieving all the following items can be considered to be ‘suitably qualified’ for the purpose of completing the LCC credits:

Holds a recognised qualification for undertaking life cycle costing studies and/or a degree/postgraduate diploma or equivalent qualification in quantity surveying, construction economics or other construction-related subject.
Has acquired substantial expertise through a minimum of three years relevant experience (within the last five years). The experience must clearly demonstrate a practical understanding of life cycle costing in construction and the built environment and show an ability to identify and demonstrate cost and performance enhancement measures.
Is not professionally connected to a single manufacturer

A CV should be provided demonstrating their experience and knowledge against the above requirements.

Verification of Security Needs Assessments/Security Risk Assessments - KBCN1770

Where the author of a Security Needs Assessment [‘Security Risk Assessment’ in BIU] does not meet the BREEAM competency requirements, compliance can still be achieved where the report is reviewed and verified by a qualified SQSS [‘Competent Person’ in BIU], who confirms in writing that it is accurate, appropriate and in line with industry best practice. In these circumstances, the SQSS or ‘Competent Person’ is expected to verify and take ownership of the report and accept professional responsibility for its content.

VOC credit issues – Clarification of scope - KBCN1797

The scope of these requirements does not include furnishings or moveable furniture, e.g. desks, seats or shelving. It includes fixtures and fittings that are integral to the building, such as kitchen units and toilet cubicles. However, bespoke fixtures, such as purpose-made items of fixed furniture, can be excluded, as the specified compliance testing is not appropriate for such items.

New Construction / International /

V7