00 - General

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

---

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.

---

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

---

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)

---

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.

---

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

---