19 Environmental Impact from Construction Products

Approved software XML outputs - KBCN0848

Some technical issues within HQM require files from external software to be uploaded to BREEAM Projects in order to generate credits. These files are only valid where they have been produced using software that has been approved by BRE Global. Please visit Greenbook Live or contact the technical team for information on approved software. Where a required software is not listed as approved , the software provider would need to gain approved status from BRE Global before it can be used to assess an HQM registered project.    

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Assessing the roof of a car park that forms the ground floor of the assessed building - KBCN00080

The ground floor of the building above the car park should be assessed as an 'upper floor slab'. For the purposes of Mat 01 the ground floor slab, which is not assessed, is considered to be the floor which is in contact with the ground. HQM - Applies to HQM's Environmental Impact from Construction Products assessment issue.  

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Green-roofs - KBCN0263

When assessing green roofs,  only the structural elements of the roof construction need to be considered i.e. the waterproof layer and above can be excluded. Where Green Guide is being used to assess the issue, it is likely that the online Green Guide Calculator will need to be used to provide a rating for the roof construction. HQM - For the purpose of HQM, green roofs fall under 3.3 Specialist roof systems therefore should be included in the IMPACT model.

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Homeowner’s life cycle cost report - KBCN1286

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HQM Life Cycle Assessment – Methodology update - KBCN1743

From 6 July 2025, all HQM assessments (beta, ONE & V6) have the option to apply the new BREEAM UK New Construction: Residential (UKNCR) V6.1, Issue 6.2 LCA methodology. UKNCR V6.1 updated issue ‘6.2 Environmental Impact of Materials’ by:

• Requiring LCA to be completed at building level
• Recognising and encouraging the completion of LCAs at early design, technical design and post-construction stages
• Providing scoring against embodied carbon benchmarks
• Rewarding projects that submit embodied carbon data to a public database

Please refer to issue 6.2 in the UKNCR V6.1 technical manual for full details of the updated methodology. Please refer to the HQM Life Cycle Assessment – methodology update for further details on how to apply the UKNCR Issue 6.2 LCA methodology, and how this applies to each of the HQM scheme versions. Please be aware that applying the UKNCR issue 6.2 LCA methodology will not change your HQM registration or certificate.  

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