00 - General

ASWL Process update - KBCN1756

Formerly known as the ASWL for V6 and 2016, this has been renamed as Approved Standards List (ASL) for V7. It follows a similar Excel format to the International New Construction ASWL for V6 and 2016 versions. The V7 ASL document has been updated to align with the International New Construction V7 manual.  In Version 7, we’ve introduced several updates to improve the approved standards and weightings process: 

• Pre-populated country sheets and weightings are now available for countries where most assessments have previously taken place. This will make it easier and quicker for assessors to begin assessments in those countries. 

• The process has been streamlined by integrating the ‘Detailed Checks on Standards’ sheet directly into each individual country sheet. 

• The ASL process remains consistent with that used in Version 6. 

• The V7 weightings form (used for generating weightings in new countries) has been updated with new, relevant questions to align with the International New Construction Version 7 manual. However, the overall weightings process remains the same as for Version 6 and 2016. 

• Looking ahead, we plan to transition the ASL process to an online format. Further details will be shared in upcoming assessor updates. 

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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. 

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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

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GN20 Assessing mixed-use and multiple buildings – BREEAM V7 - KBCN0717

Latest version: v0.0, July 2025 Guidance Note 20 (GN20) provides information to help BREEAM Assessors formulate an assessment strategy for mixed-use developments 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)

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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 International NC V7. Download Guidance Note 41 View all Guidance Notes on BREEAM Projects (licensed assessors only)

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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.

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