V7 - BREEAM Knowledge Base

Assessment of multiple buildings within a single BREEAM assessment - KBCN1836

Ene01, Ene02 and Wat01, which use area-weighted performance scales, must be assessed using the methodology set out below where multiple buildings are included within the scope of a single BREEAM assessment, including where: • the Similar Buildings approach is applied, in accordance with Section 4 of GN20; or • Separate buildings with a single overarching function are located on the same site, in accordance with Section 6 of GN20 (e.g. a principal building with one or more ancillary or supporting buildings). Ene01 For UK NC projects, energy models (BRUKL files) must be uploaded for each building included within the assessment. For International NC projects, the assessor must enter floor area-weighted average values for the relevant energy performance metrics for both the actual building(s) and the reference building(s), covering all buildings and applicable building uses included in the assessment. Ene02 All buildings included within the assessment must be modelled in accordance with the methodology. The energy performance score must be calculated using floor area-weighted metrics covering all buildings, and compared against a benchmark derived from a floor area weighted average of all building types included within the assessment. Wat01 For Wat01, the assessor must enter details for all water-using components across all buildings included within the assessment. The Wat01 benchmark is determined using a floor area-weighted occupancy by building type, covering all buildings within scope of the BREEAM assessment.

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

Campus or campus-type developments – Entrance to consider - KBCN1726

For assessments on sites with multiple buildings (e.g. education campus, business or industrial parks):

Distances to amenities and public transport nodes can be measured from the site’s main entrance if ≥80% of buildings are within 1000 m. Otherwise, use the assessed building’s main entrance, and in such cases, where multiple buildings are included, calculations must always be based on the worst-case scenario (the entrance furthest from the node or amenity)
Where the site has more than one main entrance, either entrance may be used for the calculation.

Purpose: To ensure fair assessment on large sites and to encourage the provision or location of amenities and public transport nodes within or at the periphery of the site.

Note: wording update for clarification and including BIU

Capped gas supplies – Shell & core assessments - KBCN1818

If a capped-off gas supply is provided, this does not prevent credits from being awarded under criterion 1. The key requirement is that all heating and hot water systems designed or installed within the scope of works (the core services) must use non-combustion systems.

Clarification of ‘Embodied carbon benchmark comparison’ - KBCN1819

The embodied carbon benchmark comparison must always be based on the latest appropriate LCA stage that corresponds to the BREEAM assessment stage being pursued. The purpose of the benchmark comparison is to assess outcome-based embodied carbon performance, using data that is representative of the building at the relevant assessment stage.

Assessment stage requirements

Interim (Design Stage) BREEAM assessments

Where an interim / design stage assessment is being submitted:
- The benchmark comparison may be based on a Technical Design LCA, where this represents the latest LCA available at that stage.
- Benchmark results at this stage are indicative and intended to support design decision-making.

Final Post-Construction Stage (PCS) BREEAM assessments

Where a final post-construction stage (PCS) assessment is being submitted:
- Benchmark comparison credits can only be awarded where a Post-Construction Stage (PCS) LCA has been completed.
- A technical design LCA alone is not sufficient to support benchmark comparison credits at PCS.
- This is because the PCS LCA is the only assessment that reflects the materials and products actually installed in the completed building, and therefore the only suitable basis for outcome-based benchmarking.

If a PCS LCA is not undertaken, benchmark comparison credits cannot be awarded at final assessment, regardless of whether a technical design LCA was previously completed. This aligns with wider industry frameworks (e.g. RICS WLCA v2 and the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard), which anchor performance claims to as-built outcomes.

Clarification of ‘rural location’ in England and Wales - KBCN1824

A rural location is defined as any settlement with a resident population of fewer than 10,000 people, including rural towns, villages, hamlets and dispersed dwellings, as set out in the Government’s Rural‑Urban Classification (RUC).

To confirm whether a development is located in a rural location, enter the site postcode into: Web map for Rural Urban Classification (RUC) of Local Authority District Areas (LADs), England and Wales, 2024 | Open Geography Portal Only locations classified as rural within the RUC system are eligible. This includes areas designated as Majority Rural or Intermediate Rural.

Compensating for habitat loss – Habitat type - KBCN1772

When compensating for habitat loss, any habitat type lost should be compensated for by the same habitat type. This is to ensure that it is capable of supporting the species affected by the habitat loss resulting from the development.

Contractual agreements for Shell Only / Shell & Core assessments - KBCN0942

For:

NC: Shell Only and Shell and Core assessments, or
RFO: Part 1, Part 2, and combined Part 1 & 2 assessments,

All relevant criteria are applicable. Contractual agreements confirming future provision of spaces are not acceptable. Either:

Evidence must be provided showing waste storage space(s) that are suitably sized, dedicated and unlikely to be used by the future tenants for other purposes. or
If the situation meets one of the accepted scenarios in KBCN0696, provide evidence for the alternative approach as outlined in that KBCN.

While the location of the space(s) may change when fitting out, at this stage a space that is conveniently located for the deposit and collection of operational waste must be provided.

30-Mar-2026 - Added text to align with KBCN0696. Scheme applicability updated.
16-Apr-2018 - Scheme applicability updated.
24-Apr-2017 - Published.

Credit requirement for an “Excellent” or “Outstanding” – Connection to district heating is a condition of Planning - KBCN1766

This KBCN applies when a project is required to connect to a district heating system as a condition of planning and this is preventing the project from achieving the number of credits required for a BREEAM Excellent or Outstanding rating. In these situations, an additional brukl.inp file must be generated for the actual building but with an alternative heating system, e.g., a heat pump, that demonstrates that the minimum standard would be achieved if the building didn’t have to connect to district heating. A technical query must be raised citing this KBCN and stating the minimum standard being sought with two brukl.inp file attached, one for the actual building with district heating and one with the alternative with an alternative heating system. Where the brukl.inp documents demonstrate that requirement to district heating is the only thing preventing the project from achieving the required number of credits, the technical team will confirm and arrange for the minimum standard to be waived. However, the number of credits awarded must be based on the building connected to district heating.

Ecological Clerk of Works - KBCN1771

If the project is using the comprehensive route to assess the ecological value of the site but the site has a low ecological value (for example, if it is mainly hardstanding), hiring an Ecological Clerk of Works may be an unnecessary cost for the developer. If the appointed SQE confirms that it is unnecessary to hire an Ecological Clerk of Works, then the requirements for the foundation route (nominating a biodiversity champion) can be applied, whilst still following the comprehensive route.

Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging – Shared Parking for New Buildings, Extensions, and Phased Developments - KBCN1827

The required number of EV charging points must be based on the total number of parking spaces that serve the assessed building. This total includes both existing spaces and any new spaces associated with the project. Where parking is shared across a wider site, the “associated” number of spaces refers to the amount of parking the assessed building is expected to rely on for its occupants. A proportional allocation calculation must be used to determine this number. Example: If a project sits on a site with 1,000 shared spaces but the new building’s occupancy requires only 100 spaces, the EV requirement is calculated based on 100 spaces, not the full 1,000.

General Requirements
- Defining the parking that counts. Use a proportional allocation method to determine how many spaces in a shared car park are associated with the project.
- Short-stay exclusion: Short-stay spaces with a maximum stay of 15 minutes (e.g., pick-up/drop-off bays) are excluded from the EV calculation.
- EV Charging points location: EV charging points should be installed as close as possible to the building’s main entrance to ensure convenient access for the building users.
- Existing infrastructure: Existing EV charging points in a shared car park can only be counted when:
  - They exceed the BREEAM requirement for the buildings they were originally installed to serve,
  - They meet current BREEAM requirements, and
  - They form part of the new project’s allocated parking.
- No “legacy” exclusions: Existing parking spaces cannot be excluded simply because they predate the BREEAM assessment. If the spaces serve the assessed building, they are in scope.
- Operational policy. It is recommended, but not mandatory, that building management implement operational measures (e.g., signage, permits, digital access controls) to help ensure that EV spaces are used by the intended building users.
New Buildings on a Site or Extensions
- Calculation basis for new buildings or extensions, EV requirements must be based on the total parking demand associated with the project, including both existing associated spaces and any new spaces created.
- Proportional allocation formula
  - Determine the project’s share of the total site parking using either GIA or occupancy.
  - Allocated project parking = Total site parking × (Project GIA ÷ Total GIA), OR
  - Allocated project parking = Total site parking × (Project occupancy ÷ Total occupancy)
Phased Development
- Current Phase: The EV calculation should be based on the parking demand of the phase under assessment, including the existing infrastructure and any new parking spaces delivered in that phase.
- Existing Infrastructure: EV charging provision installed in previous phases may count towards compliance where it meets the required threshold for the current phase
- Future Phases: Provisions in future phases may be counted only if secured by a legally binding commitment (such as a signed contract or planning obligation) with a confirmed delivery timeline.

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.

30-Oct-2025 Applicable to HQM V6 and UKNCR V6.1
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.

ERRATUM – Enhanced Amenities - KBCN1817

The wording and approach to assessing ‘enhanced’ amenities in the technical manual is incorrect. The Aim of this assessment issue is, ‘To maximise the potential for people to choose public, active and lower-emission private transport by providing the site with convenient, sustainable options.’ In line with this intent, an ‘enhanced amenity’ should be referred to as an additional amenity, as it must provide an additional compliant amenity resulting from the development. If a development provides an amenity to replace an existing amenity, regardless of whether there is a qualitative enhancement or change of amenity type, this must be considered as an existing amenity. Furthermore, an additional amenity provided by the development may only be considered as such where there is a net increase in the number of compliant amenities resulting from the development. The updated guidance can be found below: Option 10 - Additional amenities: Provide compliant additional amenities within less than or equal to 500 m of the building entrance. M4.2: Additional amenities Two or three points can be awarded for providing additional amenities ≤ 500 m via a safe pedestrian route. If additional amenities duplicate the services provided by existing amenities, this is still recognised. This is because duplicate amenities still create additional choices for users in terms of services offered and location. If a development provides an amenity to replace an existing amenity, regardless of whether there is a qualitative enhancement or change of amenity type, this must be considered as an existing amenity. A new amenity provided by the development may only be considered as ‘additional’ where there is a net increase in the number of compliant amenities resulting from the development. 2 points: at least one additional amenity 3 points: two or more additional amenities This will be updated in the next reissue of the technical manual.

ERRATUM – Minimum standards Table 2.3 – Man04 - KBCN1832

The minimum standard for a very good rating within BREEAM issue Man04 Commissioning and handover, should refer to Criterion 11 and not criterion 12. The updated text can be found below:

Technical and non-technical building user guide written. Criterion 11 (Handover)

01-Apr-2026 Technical manual will be updated accordingly in the next reissue

Erratum – NCV7 – Ene 08 Installed controls - KBCN1812

There is a printing error in the following: UKNC V7 Ene 08 Table 6.18 INC V7 Ene 08 Table 43 The correct options for Installed controls for space heating are:

Control type	Control functionality	Points awarded
Heat generator output – heat pumps	Multi-stage control (e.g. several on/off compressors)	1
Heat generator output – heat pumps	Variable control (e.g. hot gas bypass, inverter frequency control)	2

The technical manual will be updated accordingly in the next re-issue.

ERRATUM – Scope – Mixed-use developments and building types - KBCN1820

The wording and approach set out for assessing mixed-use developments in the technical manual is incorrect. Developments comprising of separate buildings with different function types cannot be assessed under a single assessment, unless they meet the conditions for Section 6 of GN20 (Separate buildings with a single, over-arching function). The updated guidance can be found below: Mixed-use developments and building types BREEAM defines different criteria and benchmarks for some assessment issues according to building type, function and use. A single building that includes different functions areas, e.g. office and retail, can be assessed under a single BREEAM assessment. Each area will need to comply with the relevant criteria for the building type. BREEAM credits that are awarded based on performance scales, such as Ene 01, Ene 02, Wat 01 and Mat 01, will be calculated on an area weighted basis. Buildings that are a mix of commercial and residential asset types, and developments which comprise of separate buildings with different function types, will need separate BREEAM assessments. Further guidance can be found in Guidance Note 20.

Erratum – UK NC V7 – Mat 01- Table 9.2: LCA Study Periods - KBCN1830

In Table 9.2: LCA quality requirements: Item 9, the study period should be 60 years for all stages, in line with RICS. This is a typographical error in the Technical Manual and will be corrected in the next re-issue.

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: v1.0, January 2026 Guidance Note 20 (GN20) provides information to help BREEAM Assessors formulate an assessment strategy for mixed-use developments, assets that include different levels of fit out, 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)

29-Jan-2026 - Updated for release of GN20 1.0

GN22 Recognised schemes for emissions from construction products - KBCN0719

Latest version: v3.1, March 2026 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) Applying for inclusion in GN22 The list of approved schemes is based on those which have made a successful application to BREEAM. As such, there may be other operational schemes that could potentially be recognised. To be considered for inclusion, the scheme operator must complete an application form, providing full details of the scheme, and submit this to BRE Global for technical approval. A flat rate charge is payable to cover the costs of administering and reviewing the application. GN22 will be updated following the approval of any schemes via this process. The application form (BF1648) provides full details of the application process, and licensed BREEAM assessors can request a copy by submitting a technical query using the webform. Other parties may request a copy by contacting: breeam@bregroup.com

25-Mar-2026 - Release of GN22 3.1
30-Oct-2025 - Applicable to HQM V6 and UKNCR V6.1
25-Sep-2025 - Updated to provide details of the approval process and title updated.
30-Jan-2025 - Release of GN22 3.0
30-Sep-2024 - Release of GN22 2.9
01-Feb-2024 - Release of GN22 2.8
31-Jan-2023 - 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

GN38 Relating drainage reports to BREEAM UK NC - KBCN1564

Latest version: v2.0, November 2025 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, V6/V6.1, and V7. 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 template exists for BREEAM UK New Construction 2014 (see GN15). Download Guidance Note 38 View all Guidance Notes on BREEAM Projects (licensed assessors only)

27-Nov-2025 - Release of GN38 2.0

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)

GN52 UK Ene 01 calculation methodology guidance - KBCN1750

Latest version: v0.0, July 2025 Guidance Note 52 (GN52) gives background information on the methodology for determining the number of credits achieved for energy performance under the Ene 01 assessment issue for BREEAM UK 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. Download Guidance Note 52 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: v0.2, February 2026 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)

16-Feb-2026 - Updated for release of GN53 0.2

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)

Hotels and other short stay accommodation – cycle storage unit of measure - KBCN0676

The cycle storage requirement for hotels and other short‑stay accommodation is 1 space per 10 staff. Guests or visitors staying at the hotel are excluded from the calculation. Where a hotel includes on‑site facilities such as conference spaces, restaurants, or gyms, visitors to these facilities should also be included in the cycle-storage calculation: 1 space per 10 guests. Specific Note for Refurbishment and Fit Out International 2015 Table 36 in the technical manual incorrectly refers to “1 staff and 1 visitor, or 1 bed.” Please ignore this error and follow the guidance above.

16-Feb-2026 - Wording update to be applicable across multiple BREEAM Schemes
20-Oct-2025 - Guidance clarified and updated to align with all current BREEAM scheme guidance.
23-Jul-2018 Wording added to include clarification on what to base the calculation of cycle spaces on.
Technical manual to be updated accordingly in next re-issue.

Independent third party – clarification on the definition - KBCN1805

For the purposes of BREEAM, sister companies or parent companies cannot be considered as third parties. To be classed as an independent third party, there must be no professional connection or relationship between the LCA consultant/energy assessor, or their company, and the verification body. The third-party verifier must be independent of the LCA or energy assessor and demonstrate impartiality (for general principles, see ISO 17029). To qualify as a third party, the verifier must belong to an organisation not involved in the project and must not provide advice to the project, as this could compromise their impartiality during verification.

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.

Late liaison and collaboration of project team with representative stakeholder - KBCN1814

Where it can be demonstrated that liaison and collaboration between the project team and the representative stakeholder occurred later than the early design stages (typically post-RIBA Stage 2 or equivalent), the criteria may still be met if a suitably qualified ecologist confirms that these late discussions have not compromised the site’s ability to achieve its optimal ecological outcome, in accordance with the mitigation hierarchy of action: 1. Avoidance. 2. Protection. 3. Reduction or limitation of negative impacts. 4. On-site compensation. 5. Enhancement considering the capacity and feasibility within the site, or where this is not viable, off-site.

LCA Concept Design stage submission before the assessment is registered - KBCN1437

In certain circumstances, it may be necessary for the design team to submit the Concept Design stage LCA before the BREEAM assessment has been registered. In such cases, please submit the LCA tool and associated files along with details of your situation as follows:

Licensed BREEAM assessors should do so using the webform: https://tools.breeam.com/projects/queryadd.jsp
Other interested parties can submit their case to breeam@bregroup.com

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.

Legally harvested and traded timber – Examples - KBCN0956

The following examples are considered compliant for BREEAM: Legally harvested:

Evidence of compliance with the UK government Timber Procurement Policy (see here, timber bought inside the UK only)
FSC, PEFC, SFI or GiB certification
Evidence of compliance with the EUTR (timber bought inside the EU only)
Risk assessment/due diligence documentation demonstrating a low risk of non-compliance with the ‘legally harvested’ requirements given in the manual.

Legally traded:

Evidence of compliance with the UK government Timber Procurement Policy (see here, timber bought inside the UK only)
FSC, PEFC, SFI or GiB certification
Risk assessment/due diligence documentation demonstrating a low risk of non-compliance with the ‘legally traded’ requirements given in the manual.

04-Dec-2025 - Examples updated to include Grown in Britain (GiB) certification. Previous reference to 'CPET' clarified as 'UK government Timber Procurement Policy'.
KBCN applied more widely to all relevant scheme issues in BREEAM and HQM

Life Cycle Assessment for multiple buildings within a single assessment (GN20 – Section 6) - KBCN1835

Where a BREEAM assessment includes multiple buildings on the same site with a single, over-arching function, in accordance with Section 6 of GN20 (e.g. a principal building with one or more ancillary or supporting buildings), and where these are not classified as ‘similar buildings’, each building must be assessed and reported separately within the LCA. A single aggregated result for the whole site is not sufficient on its own, even where a single coordinated LCA model is used. Shared elements (e.g. substructure, external works, or building services serving multiple buildings) may be apportioned between buildings using a reasonable and transparent method (e.g. by gross internal area or other appropriate project-specific metric), in line with recognised industry approaches. For the purposes of BREEAM benchmarking under Mat 01: • The results submitted to the platform must represent a single building, not a combined site-wide result. • Where multiple buildings are included within an assessment, benchmarking (in kgCO₂e/m²) must be based on the principal building. Where no clear principal building exists, the largest building should be used. Full evidence must be provided to demonstrate: • That all buildings within scope are included, with individual LCAs completed for each building, and • How results have been separated and, where relevant, how shared elements have been allocated.

Rationale: Industry standards such as RICS guidance and the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard define assessment boundaries at the building (asset) level, while allowing aggregation at project level only where individual building results are also reported. Requiring building-level results ensures consistency with industry practice, maintains comparability with BREEAM benchmarks, and avoids distortion where multiple buildings are combined into a single result.

Note: This approach applies until further platform functionality is available to support multi-building submissions directly.

Life Cycle Assessment where similar buildings approach is being followed (GN20 – Section 4) - KBCN1834

Where multiple buildings are included within the scope of a single BREEAM assessment following the Similar Buildings approach, in accordance with Section 4 of GN20, unless identical, each building must be assessed and reported separately within the LCA. Shared elements (e.g. substructure, external works, or building services serving multiple buildings) may be apportioned between buildings using a reasonable and transparent method (e.g. by gross internal area or other appropriate project-specific metric), in line with recognised industry approaches. For the purposes of BREEAM benchmarking under Mat 01: • The results submitted to the platform must represent a single building, not a combined site-wide result. • Where multiple buildings are included within an assessment, the worst-performing building (in kgCO₂e/m²) must be used for benchmarking in line with the Similar Buildings methodology (section 4.2 of GN20). Full evidence must be provided to demonstrate: • That all buildings within scope of the assessment have been included, with individual LCAs completed for each building, and • How results have been separated and, where relevant, how shared elements have been allocated.

Rationale: In line with Section 4.2 of GN20, BREEAM issues must be assessed for each individual building, with credits awarded based on the worst‑performing building for each assessment issue. The Similar Buildings approach therefore remains an individual‑building assessment methodology and does not constitute a site‑wide assessment, even where multiple buildings are included.

Multi-residential: Waste storage shared by more than six bedrooms - KBCN0856

Where multi-residential buildings contain communal facilities shared by more than six bedrooms, the requirement for total waste storage can be increased on a pro-rata basis to demonstrate compliance. For instance, if the standard requirement is 30L for six bedrooms, this equates to 5L per bedroom. Where assessing a flat with eight bedrooms, this requirement increases to 40L (8 x 5L). The minimum size of individual containers remains unchanged as per the criteria.

Multiple assets on a wider site - KBCN1065

For one or more buildings / units assessed as part of a wider site or campus, compliance can be demonstrated through either:

The provision of dedicated centralised storage space and waste management facilities.
One of the accepted scenarios in KBCN0696.

In all cases the waste storage solution must have the capacity to accommodate the recyclable waste material generated from all buildings and their activities.

30-Mar-2026 - Added text to align with KBCN0696. Scheme applicability updated.
26-Mar-2018 - Published.

Off-site waste sorting / no dedicated on-site waste storage - KBCN0696

BREEAM assesses the dedicated space for recyclable waste storage, assessing the asset's physical design and layout without relying on management practices that are subject to change. However, we recognise that in specific cases this is not always possible. Accepted scenarios for off-site waste management

NC, RFO and BIU: Waste management policy is outside of asset control for the foreseeable future. An external authority (for example, local government) requires mandatory off-site waste collection as part of wider masterplan or district waste collection policy.
Additionally for BIU only: The asset cannot physically comply. The asset shows that a compliant on-site waste management facility is not feasible due to inherent site or spatial constraints (for example, in a dense urban environment), and that all reasonable opportunities to provide such a facility have been explored.

Requirements and evidence - NC, RFO and BIU Commercial Using an off-site waste sorting approach must still meet all other relevant assessment criteria for the relevant scheme. This includes:

	Requirements	Evidence
Waste stream segregation	- If recycling is separated: a minimum of three operational waste streams are segregated using clearly identifiable and labelled containers or bags. - If recycling is mixed: show evidence that the waste is later separated into identifiable recyclable streams.	Confirm: - Number of waste streams and collection arrangements. - Post-collection segregation (where applicable). - An on-going waste recycling contract.
Operational waste management	- Internal waste storage arrangements, defined on-street collection points and scheduled collection times collectively fulfil the functional role of an operational waste management facility. - Storage arrangements must be suitable for the waste streams generated and be durable, hygienic, and clearly labelled.	A waste management plan which: - Outlines how the waste is managed and stored between collections. - Shows interim storage is adequately sized based on the frequency of collection.
Accessibility	- Waste storage and transfer arrangements must be reasonably accessible to relevant asset users and allow for safe preparation of waste for collection.	- Relevant drawings or documentation.

Compliance for all points above must be demonstrated on a case-by-case basis, and the assessor is responsible for confirming that the intent of the issue — facilitating optimal reuse and recycling of operational waste — is achieved. Additional clarification for BIU Commercial V6 Rsc 02 This BIU issue further segregates operational waste into recyclable waste, construction waste, and reusable construction products.

Yes these accepted scenarios can be applied to recyclable waste storage. Rsc 02 | Answers C + D
Yes these apply to off-site sorting for construction waste arising from fit-out activities. Rsc 02 | Answer E. This scenario is considered inherently compliant with the intent of the issue and is not required to meet the ‘accepted scenarios’ listed above.
No they do not apply to the storage of reusable construction products Rsc 02 | Answer F. A dedicated space must be provided in all cases.

30-Mar-2026 – Approach updated to clarify and expand on acceptable scenarios where off-site waste collection is accepted. Scheme applicability updated.
22-Jan-2025 - Updated text to allow for permanent external spaces, aligning with KBCN1716. Scheme applicability updated.
18-Nov-2024 - Requirements for BIU projects clarified relating to all answers in Rsc 02. Title clarified.
09-Feb-2024 - Requirements clarified. Applicability updated to include construction waste storage for BIU V6 Rsc 02.
17-Jan-2024 - Scheme applicability updated.
16-Apr-2018 - Wording clarified.

Operational waste requirement for catering – applicability - KBCN1162

The additional operational waste storage requirement for developments which include catering is generally only applicable where a commercial scale kitchen is present. Where the design team can justify that there will be no significant waste streams from a modest facility, such as a small cafe, selling only drinks and pre-prepared snacks, the additional waste storage area identified in the default values does not need to be provided to meet compliance.

21-Jan-2026 Applied to NC V6 and V7 standards

Predicted operational energy performance score – Credit table update - KBCN1825

From 4^th February 2026, the following credit table applies to Ene 02 in all BREEAM International New Construction V7 and BREEAM UK New Construction V7 assessments:

^{*Alternatively meet the minimum EPR_NC score specified for Excellent in Ene 01.} ^{**Alternatively meet the minimum EPR_NC score specified for Outstanding in Ene 01.} The OEP_NC scores required for each credit boundary have been lowered on the BREEAM platform in response to assessor feedback and an internal review of credit attainment against our benchmark database. The table above supersedes: - Table 28 in BREEAM International New Construction V7 - Table 6.3 in BREEAM UK New Construction V7 For further guidance on Ene 02 and the achievement of OEP_NC scores please refer to KBCN1751 - GN53 Energy modelling and predicted operational energy performance score in Ene 02. The above updated credit table will be included in the next reissue of the technical manuals

Public Transport Access Index (PTAI) – Buildings in Greater London - KBCN1149

For projects in Greater London, the Public Transport Access Index (PTAI) should be derived directly from the TfL WebCAT platform. When this tool is used, the BREEAM Tra 01/02 PTAI/AI calculation is not required. Requirements:

Baseline: Assessors must use the PTAL version that is current at the time the Transport Assessment is undertaken (Concept Design).
Post-Construction Consistency: Once the design-stage PTAI is established, it does not need to be updated at the Post-Construction stage, even if the local transport network or WebCAT data has changed in the interim.
Location: Access data via TfL WebCAT.
Procedure: Follow the below technical guide to extract the specific Accessibility Index (AI) value from the WebCAT CSV export (Cell G3) for entry into the BREEAM Platform.

Locating-PTAI-via-TfL-WebCAT

04 03 2026 - Updated to clarify requirements and adding instruction for locating PTAI or AI via TfL WebCAT
03 08 2022 - Updated to clarify that the version used must be current at the time of the transport assessment, but this does not need to be updated at post-construction stage

Scheme classification for residential projects (UK) - KBCN1225

Choosing the right scheme for developments is the starting point to ensure successful outcomes and value, in terms of quality and sustainability to building owners and for occupants of the building. In light of the release of Home Quality Mark (HQM) ONE we have reviewed the existing guidance around scheme classifications of new build residential buildings and have removed ‘GN03 – Scheme Classification – Domestic buildings’ from BREEAM Projects. When GN03 was written, the Code for Sustainable Homes (CSH) did not fully consider communal areas within residential blocks as part of the assessment. CSH was also not applicable in Scotland. GN03 was developed to clarify the differences between BREEAM Multi-Residential, CSH and EcoHomes, and when each scheme should be applied. There is now a clearer distinction between BREEAM Multi-residential and HQM and when these should be used. Ultimately, the determining factor for a scheme classification is now focused on the intent of the building and who is going to be the end user (as opposed to previous guidance which considered aspects such as percentage of communal areas, etc.). Broadly, if the building’s main purpose is for long term homes then Home Quality Mark is the correct scheme to use. Please use the following as guidance to identify the most appropriate scheme: UKNCR / Home Quality Mark (HQM) HQM has been designed with the occupant in mind. It assesses homes individually, but can also account for common areas associated with blocks of self-contained homes. HQM outputs (rating and indicators e.g. ‘my cost’, ‘my wellbeing’ and ‘my footprint’) are specifically aimed at those living in the home and are designed to better inform the occupant about the benefits of the home that they are purchasing or renting. An HQM project will meet one or more of the following criteria: Be designed to meet the function of a long-term self-contained home even though there may be some provision of communal facilities which can be used on a voluntary basis Be classified under Building regulations Part L1a (i.e. required to complete SAP assessments, although there may be some linked SBEM assessed spaces associated with the project) As such, HQM projects could be homes for sale, social housing or homes for rent (PRS and Built to Rent). They may also include some student and retirement/sheltered accommodation where the units are comparable to a normal self-contained flat/home. BREEAM Multi-residential For the purposes of BREEAM Multi-residential assessments, the term ‘multi-residential’ is used in the context of buildings that contain rooms for residential purposes alongside communal facilities for catering, leisure, care etc. These residential rooms would normally not have the full, self-contained functions of a home. This scheme usually covers more specialist residential care homes, student halls of residence, and other more communal accommodation. The scheme can cater for a small number of self-contained dwellings where these form part of a larger multi-residential development (e.g. on-site warden homes etc.). Under this scheme, the project is assessed on a whole building basis and as such does not seek to reflect the performance of individual residential units/rooms. A BREEAM Multi-residential project will meet one or more of the following criteria: Be provided for transient /non-permanent occupants Provide suitable accommodation for occupants requiring support from carers, wardens or similar Include shared living spaces Be classified under Building regulations Part L2a (i.e. required to complete SBEM assessments, but can account for some SAP assessed spaces where associated with the project) As a rule of thumb, if the building contains rooms rather than self-contained flats or homes, a BREEAM Multi-residential assessment would probably be most appropriate. We are aware of some confusion over the meaning of the term ‘multi-residential’ in this context and will be considering the use of term as part of the next review of the BREEAM Multi-Residential scheme. If you are unsure of the appropriate scheme classification for a particular project, please contact the BREEAM office before registering the project.

11-Nov-2025 - Applicability to current UKNC, HQM and UKNCR confirmed

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

New Construction / UK /

V7