02 - Health and wellbeing - BREEAM Knowledge Base

Daylight – Shading devices - KBCN1815

If any of the assessed spaces are expected to contain moveable shading device (such as blinds), then a dynamic modelling of their use should be included in the calculation for options 2 and 3, consideration should be made to the shading guidance in EN 17037 or IES LM-83-23, respectively. Option 1 does not have to include dynamic modelling of moveable shading devices. This will be updated in the next re-issue of the new construction version 7 schemes.

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.

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.

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

Thermal comfort – Time-critical requirement - KBCN1801

The requirement for the full dynamic thermal analysis at detailed design stage, is set as this is the optimal stage to achieve the required sustainability outcome. When undertaken at a later stage, opportunities may be missed, options reduced or costs may become prohibitive. therefore the stipulated timeframes for such actions must generally be adhered to. However, if, due to specific circumstances or a non-standard the procurement route being used, the assessor can demonstrate that the aim of the criteria can still be fully met, despite the project having moved into a subsequent work stage, this will be accepted by BREEAM. In such cases, the assessor must justify and demonstrate that the ability to fully meet the aim of the criterion has not been compromised.

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 / UK / V7 /