08 - Land use and ecology - BREEAM Knowledge Base

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.

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.

Previously developed land – development footprint - KBCN1882

When determining the percentage of the proposed development that is on previously occupied land, the whole development footprint must be considered. This is defined as any part of the development that falls within the boundary of the assessed site (buildings, hard landscaping, car parks and access roads).

03-July-2026 Scheme applicability updated.

Quantifying change in ecological value- Biodiversity metric rules - KBCN1894

Unless otherwise stated in the BREEAM technical manual, all rules of the methodology in the relevant user guide of the biodiversity metric must be followed in order for any credits to be awarded for the biodiversity net gain calculation. This includes rules such as trading rules, unit conversions, and competency requirements.

Site wide approach to ecological enhancements - KBCN1194

A site-wide approach to ecological enhancements can be used on sites where multiple buildings share areas of soft landscaping. The enhancement benefits are applied to the individual building assessments within the site. The benefit can be applied on a site-wide basis provided all developments are completed within the appropriate timeframe of a valid ecological survey.

16-Apr-2026 - Applicable to NC V7
30-Oct-2025 - Applicable to HQM V6 and UKNCR V6.1

Statutory Biodiversity Metric – Lowest percentage score - KBCN1773

When the Statutory Biodiversity Metric is used to calculate how many credits are awarded for an issue, the output with the lowest percentage score of the three outputs (habitats, watercourses and hedgerows) is used. In cases where the SQE has confirmed that there is no opportunity to enhance or create new habitat to increase the score, this requirement can be relaxed for the hedgerow and watercourse metrics (as these are usually those that are more difficult to compensate for). This exception is only applicable if on-site enhancement is used exclusively. If off-site enhancement is used, then the output with the worst score should be used.