C - Delivery - BREEAM Knowledge Base

Appropriately qualified person – alternative requirements to membership of a professional body - KBCN1802

Where the definition of an Appropriately qualified person has not been met in relation to membership of a relevant professional body, the alternative requirements have been reviewed and can now be demonstrated as follows: Criteria requirements: Alternatively, where they do not hold any membership of a professional body, the individual can still be considered appropriate where the following is met:

The company has an enforced quality plan and ethical code of conduct, and: - ISO 9001 accredited management system OR - clear quality procedures.
The individual: - is an established professional, with experience of leading others on a building site. - keeps up-to-date with changes in construction methods, statutory legislation through regular CPD and training.

Evidence requirements:

The company: - Confirmation of company ethical code of conduct AND - ISO 9001 certificate OR - Company quality procedure documents
The individual: - Qualifications, CVs, job descriptions confirming their role - CPD records OR company training policies/records

Changes to CCS – January 2022 - KBCN1500

UKNC2011, UKNC2014, RFO2014 and Domestic Refurbishment 2014 schemes: In response to the 2022 changes to the structure and scoring in the CCS, the adjusted points for credits are as follows for each of the three new sections (Community, Environment, and Workforce): One credit requires a minimum of 9 points per section and 27 overall. Two credits require a minimum of 11 points per section and 35 overall. Exemplary credit requires a minimum of 13 points per section and 39 overall. UKNC2018, UKNCV6, HQM ONE and HQM V6 schemes and UKNCR V6.1: No changes have been made to the criteria or the requirement to demonstrate compliance with items g, p and q for the exemplary credit. GN33 has been updated to demonstrate the mapping of the updated CCS to these schemes, see KBCN1215. For assessments not following CSS, the criteria remain unchanged. More information on the changes to the CCS scheme are outlined on the CCS website.

29-Oct-2025 - Applicable to HQM V6 and UKNCR V6.1
12-Apr-2023 - Updated to clarify the applicability of the new guidance.
28-Feb-2023 - Note updated to refer to the updated version of GN33.
29-Apr-2022 - Note added to clarify that this information supersedes the requirements in the technical manuals.
25-Mar-2022 - Updated to provide the new scoring requirements for BREEAM standards.

Commissioning – Role of Specialist commissioning manager - KBCN0604

The specialist commissioning manager for a complex system must be a specialist contractor and not a general sub-contractor. They must be on hand to independently verify the work carried out by whoever installs the system. In principle, it is possible for the specialist commissioning manager to be from the same organisation as the main contractor provided any conflicts of interest have been declared and records show how they have been managed to provide confidence that commissioning will be carried out appropriately. The separate roles of the main contractor and specialist commissioning manager are so that the installation and commissioning are carried out independently by different parties.

29-Oct-2025 - Applicable to all HQM versions and UKNCR V6.1

Commissioning certificates – evidence - KBCN1311

Certificates demonstrating compliance with any relevant standards are acceptable for the commissioning criteria, where they cover all the systems referred to in the criteria (hot water, heating, ventilation etc.) and any relevant commissioning best practice guidance has been complied with. The ‘commissioning best practice guidance’ outlines how to carry out commissioning for various different systems that may be present. Some of the guidance is more appropriate for complex systems and often won’t be relevant. The person or persons carrying out the commissioning activities is expected to be familiar enough with the standards referenced, to determine the ones that are relevant to the systems they are commissioning.

29-Oct-2025 - Applicable to all HQM versions and UKNCR V6.1

Complex Systems - KBCN1617

These include, but are not limited to all communal systems with a centralised plant, systems that provide combined services (e.g. HVAC systems) and complex passive ventilation systems.

29-Oct-2025 - Applicable to all HQM versions and UKNCR V6.1

Connection during handover not possible - KBCN1319

Where it is not possible for occupants to have access to broadband, telecommunications, TV or data services, when moving in, due to unavoidable delays, temporary measures need to be taken to ensure occupants are given temporary access until full connection is available (e.g. via dongles). This needs to be agreed between the developer, network infrastructure provider and internet service provider where applicable.

29-Oct-2025 - Applicable to all HQM versions and UKNCR V6.1

Construction Energy Use & Construction Water Use – Weekly reporting - KBCN1387

03 Detailed monitoring and reporting Crit 3 Conduct the monitoring and reporting of data in crit 2 on a weekly basis. The reason to ask for data recorded on a weekly basis, is to collect much more granular data which can be potentially overlaid with the project plan. By undertaking this it would enable the construction team to better understand the most energy intensive processes which could be targeted with energy efficiency measures.

29-Oct-2025 - Applicable to all HQM versions and UKNCR V6.1

Construction inspections and record evidence for homes - KBCN1284

For design stage, something like a clear policy and commitment should be acceptable as long as it shows that it will cover the scope of checks in the inspections and completion issue and any other relevant criteria. For post-construction stage, it is appreciated that although evidence should be thorough, too much detail may not always be helpful or feasible. Evidence does not need to show every detailed check made but it does need to show that these checks have been made for every assessed home. The purpose of the minimum requirements for 'construction inspections' and 'construction record' is to ensure consumers can trust HQM-certified homes have been built and finished to a high standard, which is essential to the value of HQM. With this in mind, a sample should be acceptable to show the detailed checks carried out for the construction record criteria as long as evidence also shows that the same checks are being made for every single home being assessed (this could be in a more summarised format). In particular, occupants need to have access to the full construction records for their own particular home if they want it and evidence needs to show that all homes have been checked to the extent required for the construction inspections minimum requirement (see relevant criteria in the manual). In general, we try to make evidence requirements flexible and not overly prescriptive wherever possible, particularly for issues with new content like this one. This is to avoid the unnecessary generation of evidence for the sole purpose of HQM and to recognise existing evidence sources that are available, which can be provided in various formats. As the assessor, you need to be satisfied that the evidence supplied sufficiently demonstrates that the aims of these criteria are being met. The format of evidence is flexible as long as it clearly demonstrates the outcome for each criterion is being met in practice.

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

Contractor not yet appointed at the design stage – Site waste management - KBCN000002

Where the contractor has not been engaged at the design stage certification, it is acceptable to award the credits based on a commitment. This commitment must be from a suitable member of the design team, and must detail the targets and criteria which must be met. Evidence must also confirm that the details in the commitment will form part of the contractual requirements. Note: This does not apply to the requirement for a pre-demolition/pre-refurbishment audit, which must be undertaken at Concept Design Stage.

30-Oct-2025 - Applicable to HQM One, HQM V6 and UKNCR V6.1
12 Jul 2022 - Note added to clarify the scope of this guidance

Evidence for ’04 Detailed monitoring and reporting’ at design stage - KBCN1232

The evidence requirements associated with ‘04 Detailed monitoring and reporting’ for Design Stage in both the 'Construction Water and Energy Use' are incorrectly formatted and should appear in the Post-Construction Stage column. For design stage evidence requirements, please refer to KBCN1231 'Design Stage evidence requirements when a contractor has not been appointed'

29-Oct-2025 - Applicable to all HQM versions and UKNCR V6.1

Flexible handover visit - KBCN1322

It is acceptable for an appropriate company representative to present handover meetings to groups of occupants per dwelling type. This can include demonstrations and video presentations, for example, however it must also provide the opportunity for occupants to ask questions.

29-Oct-2025 - Re-worded for clarity and applicability to all HQM versions and UKNCR V6.1 confirmed.

Gardens finished - KBCN1328

The ‘finished and habitable’ requirement within the 'visual defects inspection' criteria is focused on ensuring occupants can move into a new home that is accessible, functional, comfortable and safe. As a minimum, any hard landscaping needed to access the home is in place.Soft landscaping may not be complete for the purposes of this criterion as long as the garden areas are capable of planting being done after occupants move in. For example, gardens are clear of building debris and adequate topsoil is present for planting.

29-Oct-2025 - Applicable to HQM One, HQM V6 and UKNCR V6.1

GN33 – Evidence requirement clarification - KBCN1157

In Guidance Note 33 (GN33), BREEAM recognised responsible construction schemes are mapped against the 'Responsible construction management' criteria within the manual, in order to determine the degree of comparability. Table 2 in GN33 provides a mapping of the recognised schemes, the relevant scores and the BREEAM items ‘a-s’ which are achieved. Where items in the table have been 'ticked', the only evidence that is required is confirmation of the formal certification under the relevant scheme, in addition to the evaluation report. No further information is required to achieve these items. Where an item in the table has been 'crossed', this means that either, the responsible construction scheme does not demonstrate compliance with that BREEAM item, or that the score achieved is not high enough to confirm compliance with the item. Where a cross exists against an item, additional evidence will be required to demonstrate compliance with those items, (where credits are sought).

29-Oct-2025 - Applicable to HQM V6 and UKNCR V6.1
28-Feb-2023 - Updated link for Guidance Note 33

Heating zones - KBCN1318

For Multiple Dwelling Units (MDUs) or homes consisting of two main rooms or less, heating zones for the whole unit, rather than individual rooms, are acceptable, provided occupants have control of their own heating zones.

29-Oct-2025 - Applicable to HQM One, HQM V6 and UKNCR V6.1

Home information – certificate after occupant moves in - KBCN1281

The HQM scorecard and certificate are required as part of home information when occupants have moved in to make them aware of HQM and how it adds value for them and their home. If the HQM certificate will not be issued when occupants are due to move in, confirmation should be included as part of the Home information, which says that HQM certification has been targeted and the certificate will be issued separately, subject to successful approval by the certification body, BRE Global. The information should also cover general information about HQM including a link to the website and who they should contact (e.g. the home builder) for information or updates on this. If a design stage certificate has been issued for the home, this should also be provided and made clear that this is a provisional rating.

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

Minimum requirements - KBCN1454

Issue 11.1 Aftercare > Crit 2.c is only applicable where Issue 9.3 Inspections and Completions > Crit. 12 and 13 are met. This supersedes previous guidance in this KBCN.

29-Oct-2025 - Applicable to Issue 11.1 only. Applicable to HQM V6 and UKNCR V6.1

Off-site construction - KBCN1315

The principle for prefabricated homes is the same in terms of the construction inspections criteria to ensure quality assurance is carried out throughout construction. As long as evidence is provided to demonstrate the criteria are being met, this should be acceptable.

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

Other smart controls - KBCN1317

Where other forms of home controls are present that are not listed in the additional smart solutions criteria, please contact BRE for consideration. Due to the innovative nature of smart home systems, the examples provided are by no means a full list of all of the types of controls that are, and will be, available.

29-Oct-2025 - Applicable to all HQM versions and UKNCR V6.1

Pre-testing apartment blocks - KBCN1298

For the purposes of the pre-testing criteria, it is possible for there to be flexibility with developments such as apartment blocks if a preliminary air leakage test is carried out for the whole apartment block (instead of every single unit within the block separately). If this approach is taken, inspection and preliminary air tightness testing also needs to be done on a sample of homes within the block, after all services have been installed, as determined by the appropriately qualified person who has determined the pre-testing regime. The sample size should include the apartments that are most likely to experience leakage issues, such as those with a large external surface area and more complex or abundant fabric joints and seals, in order to better identify and resolve potential issues through remedial works.

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

Project preparation criteria for assessments starting after RIBA stage 3 - KBCN1285

The purpose of the minimum requirements within the 'Quality assurance' category is to ensure consumers can trust every HQM-certified home has been built and finished to a high standard, which is essential to the value of HQM. Emphasising quality from an early stage is an important part of achieving this, which is why the project preparation issue criteria requires processes and plans to be in place before RIBA stage 3. Ideally, the HQM assessor would be appointed earlier than this to help get the most from using HQM when there is the best opportunity to influence the project and credits are easier to achieve. However, there can be flexibility if the same quality outcomes outlined in the project delivery plan will be achieved. The project delivery plan criteria aim to encourage processes that will deliver quality homes, early enough to influence things like scheduling, procurement, resources and roles that may be required, if they aren't already in place. This helps achieve the delivery of quality outcomes on-site required as part of the other minimum requirements in Project Preparation, Commissioning and Testing and Inspections and Completion. If there is flexibility, it needs to be ensured that these requirements will still be met. To consider this further, more information about the project needs to be sent via the webform on the Assessor Support page of BREEAM Projects including:

How far along is the project on site? What has actually been carried out at this point?

Does the late consideration of HQM ONE affect the project's ability to meet the other minimum requirements that require a certain level of quality assurance throughout construction? How will this be assured and demonstrated?

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

Solid concrete washout – Site waste management - KBCN00063

Solid concrete washout waste should be included in the waste resource efficiency benchmarks.

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

Submitting aftercare & post occupancy evaluation data - KBCN0589

Where credits have been awarded which require post-occupancy evaluation or an element of aftercare data collection (according to scheme requirements) from the building once operational and occupied, the data gathering must take place at the specified time and the findings reported to BRE. The timing of this evidence gathering depends on the criteria of the specific BREEAM scheme. However, for all schemes, once the evidence is due for submission, it should be sent on the assessor webform with the following subject; 'BREEAM Assessment Type - Building Data - BREEAM Assessment Reference' For example: 'BREEAM NC 2018 - Building Data - BREEAM-1234-5678'

29-Oct-2025 - Applicable to HQM One, HQM V6 and UKNCR V6.1
05 Nov 2024 - Wording clarified and link to the webform added
This replaces KBCN0695 for HQM.

Thermographic survey – Seasonal constraints - KBCN00031

Where seasonal constraints prevent the thermographic survey from being completed prior to certification at the post construction stage, the requirements can be satisfied with:

Evidence that a Suitably Qualified Professional (SQP) has been contractually appointed
Written confirmation by the SQP that the seasonal constraints prevent the survey at an appropriate time before certification
The survey is scheduled to take place at the earliest opportunity after the handover, and
There is a specific contractual agreement in place to remedy any identified defects before the defects liability period expires.

Thermographic surveys are designed to map the thermal efficiency of buildings and to detect areas where there are breaches in the thermal envelope. Surveys need to be conducted when temperature differences between the external areas of the building and surrounding air can be detected after the envelope is sealed. There may will be instances where the survey cannot be done before certification after the envelope is sealed and as such, the survey would take place after certification.

29-Oct-2025 - Applied to all HQM versions and UKNCR V6.1

Training courses that provide competencies to be considered an AQP - KBCN1294

We are not aware of any specific training courses that provide all the necessary competencies to be considered an AQP but they may come from a combination of sources:

industry training courses.
Industry-recognised methodologies
Specific research skills. For example, someone who has worked as a social researcher or has a degree or masters involving research methods.
Consultancies or specialist organisations who provide POEs as a specific service

29-Oct-2025 - Applicable to HQM One, HQM V6 and UKNCR V6.1

Warranties covered by alternative consumer codes - KBCN1289

Alternative consumers codes to the ones referred to in the Aftercare issue are acceptable if they are approved by the Trading Standards Institute, such as the Consumer Code for New Homes and the Consumer Code for Home Builders. If you are unsure if a warranty or consumer code is acceptable for the purposes of HQM, please raise a technical query.

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

UKNC: Residential (HQM) / UKNC: Residential V6.1 /

C - Delivery