New Construction
Information correct as of 12thDecember 2024. Please see kb.breeam.com for the latest compliance information.
‘As designed’ BRUKLs that aren’t generated by an accredited energy assessor - KBCN1620
'As designed' BRUKLs, which have not been generated by an accredited energy assessor, can still be accepted for consideration, provided they represent the final version submitted to Building Control.
Please note that this exception can be found in the methodology section of subsequent versions of BREEAM UK New Construction.
‘Monitoring progress and providing feedback’ methodology section - KBCN1360
The words in bold are missing from the 'Monitoring progress and providing feedback' methodology section:
'….during the Concept Design, Developed Design stages, and during the Technical Design stage
(where appropriate or helpful for achieving the Man 03 BREEAM AP site credit), as defined by the RIBA Plan of Work 2013'.
The additional text will be added to the manual re-issue.
2011 assessment registered under 2013 Building Regs - KBCN0538
If a project is registered to BREEAM New Construction 2011, however, building control have registered the building to Part L2A 2013 (England) / Part L2A 2014 (Wales) / Technical Booklet F2 2012 (Northern Ireland). Ene 01 should be assessed as follows:
ENE 01 should be assessed using a BRUKL output based on the Part L2A 2010 regulations for England and Wales. This is because the benchmarks within the scheme were developed against the 2010 notional building and therefore to maintain consistency and comparability for all the projects registered to this scheme, the credits awarded should be compared with a building modelled against the 2010 Part L regulations.
In order to achieve credits for the Ene 01 issue, the energy model should be run so that it displays results against the 2010 building regulations and this _brukl.inp file should be uploaded into the compliance checker for confirmation of the Ene 01 outputs for BREEAM NC 2011.
As the building is registered to regulations Part L2A 2013 (England) /Part L2A 2014 (Wales) /Technical Booklet F2 2012 (Northern Ireland) /Technical Handbook 2010 Non Domestic, Section 6 Energy (Scotland), the software will also need to be run to display results for these regulations for Building Control.
An alternative option would be to re-register the project using BREEAM NC 2018 and use the results of the updated regulations for your country to demonstrate compliance with Ene 01. Please note, for BREEAM NC 2018 assessments, the compliance checker website does not need to be used.
2020 and 2050 weather files - KBCN0842
The weather files with reference to the 2020s will cover the 30-year climatic period around that decade. This means that it covers the period 2010 to 2040, with the 2020s being the middle of the three decades (10's/20's/30's).
Projects assessed under the applicable BREEAM standards should continue to use the 2020 weather files for mechanical ventilation, and the 2050 weather files for natural ventilation.
CIBSE weather files are available via the link below:
CIBSE Weather Data
04 Jul 2024 - Clarified that 2020 and 2050 weather files are still valid for the applicable standards and guidance applied to all relevant UK standards. Applicability to international standards removed and link to CIBSE weather data added.
Acceptable alternative strategies to sub-metering by floor plate - KBCN00071
An alternative sub-metering strategy, not based on a by-floor-plate basis, would be acceptable provided that:
- it provides an equivalent, or more useful level of detail than sub-metering by floor plate.
- it divides the assessment in a logical manner which provides useful information to building management re: energy use.
- the approach does not conflict with requirements for sub-metering other functional areas.
The intent of sub-metering by floor plate is to allow a large homogenous function (such as office space) to be split up into smaller areas that will allow building management to monitor, identify and influence areas of high energy use. Alternatives that also meet this intent are also acceptable.
Accessibility Index used to award credits - KBCN1078
Points awarded for Sustainable transport measures: Option 1 must be based on the existing Accessibility Index for the development site.
Improvements to the availability of transport services implemented by the project team may be recognised under Option 2.
Accessibility of energy metering systems - KBCN0580
Energy metering systems should be accessible and the energy consuming end uses visible to building users, such as the facilities manager, where present, and/or other building occupants responsible for the management of the building.
Accreditation – sampling and testing laboratories - KBCN1337
Analysis / testing laboratory
NC 2016 or newer: Where an organisation used for the analysis of indoor air or emissions from building products is not accredited to ISO/IEC 17025, the organisation must be accredited, either by a national accreditation body, or by a member of any one of the following accreditation groups:
European Cooperation for Accreditation
International Accreditation Forum
International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation
The accreditation must specifically cover the analysis of indoor air or emissions from building products.
Other schemes: Accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025 is
not required in the criteria. However, this KBCN has been applied to encourage a consistent approach towards accreditation.
Accreditation by a national or internationally recognised organisation helps to ensure rigorous, consistent and reliable testing results.
Sampling organisation
If another organisation carries out sampling on behalf of the analysis / testing laboratory, this organisation does not need to be accredited to the above. However, they must provide a brief report justifying:
- The sampling methodology used.
- Appropriate environmental conditions during the sampling.
- The number and location of samples taken.
This report is provided to the BREEAM assessor and submitted as supporting evidence for this issue.
31-Oct-2022 Wording clarified. Scheme applicability updated.
10-Oct-2022 Title amended for clarity. Scheme applicability updated.
24-May-2022 Updated to differentiate between sampling and analysis requirements.
07-May-2021 Added clarification regarding alternative qualifications.
10-May-2021 Updated scheme applicability.
Achieving a reduction in noise levels where background levels are low - KBCN1692
Where existing background levels are low, such as during night-time, there is no dispensation or flexibility that can be applied in achieving the requirements. The aim of the issue is to reduce the potential impact of noise from the assessed building to local noise-sensitive buildings. Acoustic experts have confirmed that the requirements for the background noise levels are still appropriate where existing levels are low, including where a 5dB reduction is stated within the criteria.
Achieving Exemplary level criteria using Route 2 - KBCN0928
The project’s appointed BREEAM assessor needs to submit a copy of the IMPACT file/model to BRE Global.
Files/models should be submitted as a technical query entitled as ‘UK NC Mat 01 IMPACT model submission’, together with the completed IMPACT form (found on BREEAM Projects, under the UK New Construction 2014 ‘Supporting documents’) and with evidence demonstrating compliance with criterion 7 (demonstrate how the use of an IMPACT compliant software, or equivalent, has benefited the building in terms of measuring and reducing its environmental impact).
Note that for IMPACT queries, we aim to provide the initial file/model review report within 4 weeks. Please allow for additional time for this in the process, as the BREEAM Assessor is likely to receive feedback regarding the file/model content, which will need to be addressed before submitting the BREEAM assessment report for Quality Assurance.
When this review process is complete and the file/model is verified and approved by BRE Global, you will receive an approval confirmation for compliance with Route 2, which will allow the relevant exemplary credits to be awarded.
Achieving full credits - KBCN0275
To achieve 15 credits for Ene 01, a building must show that it has 'zero net carbon emissions' as defined in the manual. For countries where CO2 is not assessed by local regulations, this cannot be evidenced, and therefore the maximum score is 14 credits. In order to achieve more than 14 credits, the building must be modelled using approved software which can output the CO2 metric and demonstrate zero net, or negative carbon emissions.
Acoustic performance in shell & core assessments - KBCN0235
The guidance below applies to all standard building types. For non-standard building types, a technical query should be submitted.
BREEAM does not consider it appropriate to impose requirements on tenants in a shell and core development to carry out acoustic testing in accordance with the criteria, therefore this issue is to be assessed as follows:
First credit: Indoor ambient noise level
The focus of this criteria is to assess the acoustic performance of the external building fabric which is outside the control of the tenant. The criteria for indoor ambient noise level applies as normal.
A Suitably Qualified Acoustician (SQA) must carry out an assessment of the built form specification, typical arrangement, and fit out specification for the building type and and any external factors that are likely to affect the indoor ambient noise levels. Where the layout is unknown, the acoustician must base their assessment on the most sensitive room type likely to be present in the building as a worst case. For example in a retail assessment where there are offices, the acoustician should make an assessment based the requirement for office buildings.
Should the SQA determine that an augmented fit-out specification would be required to meet the BREEAM requirements, such details must be covered by one of the three Shell & Core options.
First credit: Sound insulation
This requirement does not apply to Shell and Core projects and the first credit can be assessed based on indoor ambient noise criteria only.
Second credit: Reverberation time
If it can be demonstrated that the building will not have any "areas used for speech" the second credit can be awarded by default. However, if this cannot be clearly evidenced due to the speculative nature of the development then this credit must be withheld.
09/06/2020: Reference to meeting rooms has been removed, in accordance with the content of the technical manual
Acoustic performance standards - KBCN0922
For the Acoustic performance standards credits it is possible to use either:
- the building regulation requirements or other appropriate good practice local standards
or
- the good practice criteria outlined in the BREEAM manual.
If assessors want to use standards that have not been approved yet, they should submit these to BRE along with all relevant documents detailed in the standards approval process. The extent and scope of these local standards and the SQAs justification statement will be checked by BRE acoustic experts to ensure that the overall effect is similar to the stated BREEAM requirements.
Acoustic performance: Schools with no music accommodation or a multi purpose hall - KBCN0340
Acoustic performance standards: Where the building does not contain any music accommodation or a multi purpose hall etc, the 3rd credit for this building type can be awarded by default.
Acoustic requirements for care homes - KBCN1241
In order to meet compliance against issue Hea 05, assessment against Part E is necessary, even if compliance with Approved Document E is not required by Building Control.
The multi-residential criteria are intended to reflect that the building occupants are comfortable and have an appropriate level of privacy. Although these are exempt from building regulations for care homes, for a development assessed as multi-residential, the criteria relevant to multi-residential buildings must be applied.
Acoustic standards for education buildings - KBCN0179
Building Bulletin 93: Acoustic design of schools, performance standards, February 2015 (BB93) contains revised acoustic standards for all school buildings so it can be used in lieu of earlier revisions/standards.
Adaptation to climate change strategy study – timing - KBCN0533
Late consideration of the climate change adaptation strategy study, might reduce the study to a ‘paper exercise’, with minimal value to the project.
However, if the assessor is satisfied that there is clear justification for the strategy being developed at a slightly later stage (i.e. early RIBA stage 3) AND there is clear evidence that the strategy has achieved the intended outcomes (i.e. the later consideration has been in no way detrimental to the outcomes of the strategy study/appraisal and the benefits can still be realised on the project), then this will be sufficient for compliance. In any case, all other requirements of the issue must be met for the credits to be awarded.
The requirements for the timing of the climate change adaptation strategy are intended to ensure that the benefits of these strategies are realised through early consideration.
Additional default values for calculating DELC CO2e - KBCN0195
The following additional default values may be used, where system specific data is not available:
Refrigerant recovery efficiency factor (%): - 95%
Annual purge release factor (% refrigerant charge):- 0.5 (if the system does not require an annual purge, zero should be used).
Adoption of road in the development - KBCN0331
Where a development includes roads, these are often adopted by a statutory authority (for example the Highways agency or the local authority in the UK).
Where the authority will be taking responsibility for the roads, the following guidance should be followed to determine if the water run-off from the roads needs to be considered as part of the assessment:
- If the road drainage system bypasses the new development's network to connect directly to the local drainage network, then the water running off from the roads does not need to be considered for this assessment. Evidence will need to be provided to demonstrate if this is the case.
- If the road drainage system connects to the development drainage network before connecting to the local drainage network, then the water run off from the roads must be considered for the assessment.
Where the authority will NOT be taking responsibility for the roads, the BREEAM criteria should be followed for all drainage on site.
Aftercare – speculative developments - KBCN0101
For speculative projects (i.e. where the end occupiers are unknown), the Aftercare issue will be filtered out. Any relevant minimum standard will not be applicable in such cases.
Where the end-user is unknown it is not possible to demonstrate compliance with the Aftercare issue requirements.
AI calculation – changes to public transport services during the assessment - KBCN1527
The AI is calculated as part of the design stage transport analysis and its value relates to the site location and to informing transport-related design decisions. This must be based on current information, including any planned and publicly-notified changes at the time the transport assessment is carried out. This should be used as the AI benchmark for the assessment.
Where later, unforeseen changes to public transport availability are implemented before post-construction certification, the AI benchmark should not be updated at post-construction stage.
Assessments should not be disadvantaged by, or benefit from such changes.
Air-conditioned spaces - KBCN00035
Air-conditioned spaces are assessed to ensure appropriate thermal comfort levels are achieved. Cooling capacity should be sufficient to comply with the requirements of CIBSE Guide A, however providing sufficient space to install additional capacity to meet the requirements at a later date in line with projected climate change scenarios is also acceptable.
In addition, if it can be demonstrated that the air-conditioning system can achieve the thermal comfort criteria in accordance with CIBSE Guide A, Table 1.5, thermal modelling does not need to be carried out. The “time out of range” (TOR) metric should be reported as 0%.
Aircraft safety – developments in the proximity of airports - KBCN0912
Where it can be demonstrated that an assessed development, within or adjacent to an airport or similar, must restrict the ecological value of the site for reasons of aircraft safety (mitigating the risk of bird-strikes to meet local or national regulations), the approach for some issues in the Land Use and Ecology category can be adjusted. If in these circumstances, the client wishes to enhance ecological value on an external site, outside of the main development site, this can be considered in the following way for each issue:
Site selection: The development site only must be assessed.
Ecological value of site and protection of ecological features: The development site only must be assessed, but the recommendations may be tailored to suit the requirements of the relevant legislation.
Enhancing site ecology: The development site and the external site must be included in the SQE’s report and recommendations, albeit that, for the development site, the approach may to be to restrict biodiversity. Enhancements implemented in-line with the recommendations of the SQE are likely to apply to the external site.
Long term impact on biodiversity: Both sites must be considered in the SQE’s report to meet the prerequisite/first credit as applicable, albeit that, for the development site, the approach may to be to restrict biodiversity. Further credits in relation to improving and maintaining the site’s long-term biodiversity can be awarded on the basis of adopting these for the external site only, in line with the guidance.
Alignment of RFO fit-out with New Construction shell only and shell and core assessments - KBCN0731
Where seeking a fully-fitted certificate for a shell only or shell & core project assessed against the BREEAM NC 2014 scheme, the advice provided within the scope section of the RFO manuals has been superseded.
The original concept to provide ‘fully-fitted’ ratings and certificates following BREEAM New Construction shell or shell and core certificate has been dropped in favour of separate independent assessments, certificates and scores in the normal way. This is partly due to lack of demand and partly due to the complexities of mapping, managing and scoring one set of criteria against another at completely different stages.
For a comprehensive BREEAM assessment of a project that has two separate construction stages, two separate BREEAM assessments should be undertaken. For example, a shell only BREEAM New Construction assessment, the same as Part 1 in BREEAM Refurbishment and Fit-out (RFO), will have a certificate for the original design. Later on, the fit-out (RFO Parts 2, 3 and 4) can be undertaken and will have a separate certificate. The two separate certificates will then represent a comprehensive BREEAM assessment and best reflect the different scopes of the different project stages.
This will be be updated in the next reissue of the technical manual.
All life cycle stages EPDs - KBCN0822
A third party, independently verified EN 15804 EPD that includes life cycle stages A, B and C may be considered a tier 1 EPD in the MAT 01 issue.
Alternative acoustic standards - KBCN0130
If alternative standards are deemed more appropriate to the function than those specified in the criteria, these can be used if confirmed and justified by the 'suitably qualified acoustician' and such written confirmation is submitted as supporting evidence for QA purposes.
Alternative calculation method - KBCN0547
Where it is not possible to use the standard approach to determine the building’s total water consumption, the assessment can be completed on an elemental basis. This applies even in cases where the Wat 01 Excel calculator tool has a section for a broader building type, but the defined activity areas do not match the specific project under assessment. For example, although Wat 01 calculator includes a retail calculator, bars and restaurants should be assessed using the alternative calculation method, as no relevant data is available for the specific activity within retail.
Where the activity areas of the building under assessment do not allow using the relevant building type’s calculator, then the alternative calculation approach should be used.
Alternative method performance levels and credits - KBCN1007
Specifying water component performance levels according to the levels of the alternative calculation method does not equate directly to the number of credits achieved. For example, choosing all components with a level 3 performance will not equate to the achievement of 3 credits.
Alternative Modes of Transport- Exemplary level criteria - KBCN0561
Two of the options in this issue must be fully achieved in order to achieve the exemplary level credit.
If Option 5 is one of the options chosen to demonstrate compliance with this issue, Criteria 11 - 13 must be fully achieved i.e. both of the available credits under this option must awarded to enable it to count towards the exemplary credit being achieved.
If only the first credit has been achieved for Option 5, the exemplary credit can not be achieved, even where one of the Options 1-4 have also been achieved.
Option 5 separates the two available credits to enable the credit for the provision of compliant cycle storage spaces to be awarded independently of the credit for compliant cyclist facilities, however achieving only one of these is not sufficient to contribute towards achieving the exemplary level credit.
Alternative transport measures – Option 11 – restricted car parking - KBCN1135
Maximum car parking capacity criteria have not been included in this BREEAM Scheme.
Consultations indicated that compliance was being achieved through projects conforming to external requirements and limitations (e.g. planning conditions or limited site area), rather than through actively seeking to reduce reliance on transport by private car.
Therefore, restricting the number of car parking spaces cannot, generally, be considered as an 'alternative sustainable transport measure'.
If, however, all the requirements 1-3 (below) can be clearly demonstrated, this may be considered compliant for 1 point:
1. The absence of standard car parking is a recommendation of the Travel Plan (as per the requirement of Option 11)
2. The development has an Accessibility Index greater than or equal to 25.
3. There is suitable access and sufficient site area to provide an appropriately-sized car park, but this has been consciously omitted to encourage the use of alternative, sustainable transport options.
However, if the absence of standard car parking is due to site constraints or other factors, such as Planning restrictions or the proximity of a public car park or on-street parking, this cannot be considered as compliant for Option 11.
10 06 2019 Updated to account for exceptional cases where this measure can be considered compliant.
Alternative weather files - KBCN1182
Different or newer weather files can be used instead of those referenced in the manual, as long as they achieve the aim of the credit. Weather files based on climate projections with higher temperatures than those specified in the relevant criteria, set a more robust standard for overheating and so they are acceptable. The alternative weather files need to include same variables as the specified weather files e.g. dry bulb & wet bulb temperature, wind speed & direction, solar altitude & azimuth, cloud cover etc. for each hour of the year. It is the role of the assessor or design team to verify this and ensure that meeting the BREEAM criteria does not become easier by using the alternative weather file.
Alternatives to BEMS - KBCN0149
It is acceptable for sub-meters to connect (or have potential to connect) to automated meter readers (AMR's) or similar systems, as an alternative to BEMS .
The core intent of issue Ene 02 is the monitoring of energy use, therefore if an alternative system can achieve this,it would be considered acceptable provided this could be demonstrated.
Alternatives to composting - KBCN0465
In anaerobic digesters, organic waste is digested by micro-organisms which break down fats, oils and grease. Digesters where the only output is water that is safe to discharge into drains and sewers are acceptable alternatives to composting.
Macerators which simply reduce solids into small pieces through a shredding or grinding process and flush the residue into the drainage system are not an acceptable alternative to composting.
Amenities – Access to cash - KBCN0359
An ATM inside a building would be acceptable provided that its opening hours are similar to those of the assessed building, regardless of whether there is a nominal charge for the service. Cash-back from the till in a retail outlet is not compliant.
Access to cash should be available to the building users at all relevant times of the day. This should not require a prior purchase of goods and should provide access to other services, such as checking account balances.
Amenities – Assessed building is one of the listed amenities - KBCN0264
Where the assessed building is itself included in the list of amenities, that particular amenity criterion can be deemed to be met, e.g. a supermarket development itself meets the proximity to food outlet required for a Retail type building.
Amenities – Enhanced amenities duplicating existing amenities - KBCN1406
Following feedback, BRE accepts that it is unreasonable to expect assessors to determine whether a new amenity is significantly different to all existing amenities in the vicinity. Furthermore, the introduction of any new compliant amenity may increase choice in terms of the amenity itself and its location relative to other facilities and transport nodes. It cannot, therefore, be reasonably argued that this cannot meet the aim of this transport measure, in reducing the need for local car journeys.
New (enhanced) amenities may, therefore, be considered on their own merits, without reference to existing amenities.
Approach updated for all assessments 16/09/2021
Previous guidance for reference only:
Where an amenity is already present within the prescribed distance, a new amenity falling under the same category cannot be considered as an enhanced amenity, unless it provides a significantly different offering to the existing one. So, for example, if there was an existing fast food outlet and the development provided a new fast food outlet, this could not be considered, whereas a new grocery store or restaurant may be considered.
Note: This is applicable where the development itself could be considered an enhanced amenity, in line with KBCN0264
Assessors must use their discretion and justify the decision in their assessment report.
Amenities – Multi-residential assessments - KBCN0496
The single credits are awarded independently of each other i.e. you may have the four amenities within 500m but not the seven within a 1000m or vice versa.
Amenities – Pharmacy within hospital - KBCN0321
A publicly accessible pharmacy would typically be required in order to constitute a suitable amenity. If it can be confirmed that an internal pharmacy (in Northern Ireland this may also include an onsite controlled medical dispensary) will provide prescribed medicines for building users, this is acceptable.
Amenities – Provided as part of a masterplan - KBCN1432
Where a masterplan scheme, undertaken by the same developer, includes a number of compliant amenities for Tra02, subject to meeting the criteria, these can be considered as 'new amenities' (rather than existing) for building level assessments on the site.
A mixed-use masterplan supports the use of local amenities, without the need to travel by car. The ‘existing amenities’ criteria relate more to site selection.
Amenities – Sandwich van as a food outlet - KBCN0557
A food truck/ mobile catering service would not be sufficient to meet the criteria for this issue.
The aim of this Issue is to assess the location of the built asset relative to amenities.
Amenities – Vending machine as a food outlet - KBCN0653
A vending machine can be considered as a food outlet if a range of items, as can be reasonably expected, are for sale to meet the needs of the building users and it is confirmed to be a permanent fixture.
ANC membership/registration scheme compliance route - KBCN0246
The Association of Noise Consultants (ANC) registration scheme is only applicable to buildings covered in Approved Document E. It therefore covers Dwellings-Houses, flats and rooms for residential purposes and schools, and so would only apply to assessments that contain these room types. For these assessments, if the suitably qualified accoustician is a member of the ANC, they must also provide evidence to demonstrate that they are a full member of the ANC registration scheme.
For all other building/room types, assessors can still demonstrate compliance by the other routes listed in the manual.
Applicability – industrial asset with no office areas - KBCN1170
The issue applies only to office areas. If the building does not contain any office areas the issue is filtered out of the manual. Please note that in issue 2.0 and V6 the prerequisite is still applicable.
While the requirements apply to permanently or semi-permanently occupied offices, small admin areas which are only used occasionally can be excluded.
This also applies to shell only and shell and core projects, where it can be shown that no office spaces will be provided as part of the fit-out.
10-Oct-2022 - Updated to include INC V6. Title amended to align with standard KBCN naming format for clarity and consistency.
Applicability – industrial operational areas - KBCN1342
The aim of this issue is to encourage a healthy internal environment. For the operational areas of industrial buildings, the internal environment is dictated by health and safety requirements. This means that the BREEAM requirements should not be made applicable to them, and so the operational areas can be ignored in the assessment of Hea 02.
10-Oct-2022 - Title amended for clarity and consistency. Scheme applicability updated.
Applicability – retail and industrial office areas - KBCN00074
For industrial and retail buildings the 'potential for natural ventilation' requirements apply only to office areas. If a retail building does not contain any office areas, compliance is met by default.
Whilst the requirements apply to permanently or semi-permanently occupied offices, small admin areas, which are used only occasionally, can be excluded.
This also applies to shell only and shell and core projects, where it can be demonstrated that no office spaces will be provided, as part of the fit-out.
11-Oct-2022 Title amended for clarity and consistency.
15-Sep-2017 IRFO scheme applicability removed - please refer to KBCN0531.
19-Oct-2016 Clarification note added in relation to shell only and shell and core projects.
25-Oct-2016 Distinction between offices and small admin areas added.
Applicability – retail asset with no office areas - KBCN0531
The compliance note regarding industrial and retail areas incorrectly suggests that the minimising sources of air pollution credits are not applicable to retail areas with no associated offices. These credits do apply to retail sales areas, although they are excluded for operational areas in industrial buildings.
The 'potential for natural ventilation' credit is not applicable for retail sales areas, as it applies only to office areas. Therefore, where a retail building does not contain any office, this credit is not applicable.
While the requirements apply to permanently or semi-permanently occupied offices, small admin areas, which are only used occasionally can be excluded.
This also applies to shell only and shell and core new build projects, where it can be demonstrated that no office spaces will be provided as part of the fit-out.
The online tool will award the credit by default in both issue 1.0 of the INC 2016 scheme and up to issue 1.4 of the IRFO 2015 scheme. When assessing against INC 2016 2.0 and V6, the online tool will instead filter this credit out.
12-Oct-2022 Title amended for clarity and consistency. Made applicable to International NC V6.
11-Sep-2018 Clarification added in relation to spaces that are used occasionally, and shell only/shell and core new build projects.
15-Sep-2017 Clarification added on the procedure for making the 'potential for natural ventilation' credit N/A on the online tool. Technical manual to be updated accordingly in next re-issue.
Applicability of ‘Internal lighting’ and ‘zoning and occupant control’ criteria to Residential buildings - KBCN0978
These criteria, ie 7 to 9 and 11 to 13, are not applicable to Residential buildings.
Technical manual to be updated in the next reissue.
Applicability of flow control devices - KBCN00057
The criteria are applicable to the cold water supply only and include cold taps, WCs and urinals. Any solution implemented to achieve compliance with this Issue should effectively mitigate the risk of hot-water scalding in showers, in the event that the cold water supply is shut off.
06/03/18 - Wording amended to make the guidance more outcome-driven and to account for solutions other than not providing flow-control devices on the supply pipework to shower areas.
Applicability of prerequisite - KBCN1072
The prerequisite must be met in order to award any credits where refrigerants are used. It is also applicable when the 'leak detection' credit is awarded on the basis of the refrigerant charge being less than 6kg.
For refurbishment projects, this pre-requisite applies only to newly specified or upgraded systems in the scope of works.
10.08.22 Added clarification for RFO projects.
Applicable amenities for different building types - KBCN1269
The guidance for Healthcare buildings does not identify childcare facilities or a school as an applicable amenity. Where these can be demonstrated to be of benefit to the occupants of the assessed healthcare building (staff), this amenity can be considered as applicable.
Likewise, if it can be demonstrated that an amenity, not applicable to a particular building type, would provide a tangible benefit to the occupants of the assessed building, please submit details and justification to BREEAM for review.
Applying internal partition sound insulation criteria to internal doors - KBCN0665
Where sound insulation criteria apply to internal partitions the calculations do need to include any doors which are part of the wall in question.
While sound insulation performance of a typical door will be lower than for a typical wall, with careful design, specification and detailing, this can be overcome.
Applying the daylighting criteria - KBCN0579
When assessing the daylighting criteria, the required rooms must fully meet criteria 2a, 2b or 2c. It is not possible to combine criteria 2a, 2b and 2c to assess one room.
Applying the requirements to shell only + shell and core assessments - KBCN00075
A Suitably Qualified Acoustician (SQA) must carry out a quantifiable assessment of the specification of the built form, construction and any external factors that are likely to affect the indoor ambient noise levels. From this assessment, the SQA must confirm that the developer’s scope of works will enable a future tenant utilising a typical fit-out and specification to meet the levels required to demonstrate compliance with the BREEAM criteria.
Where the specific room functions and areas within the building are yet to be defined, the acoustician’s assessment should demonstrate that the criteria for the most sensitive room type likely to be present in the building is capable of being achieved. Where the typical fit out would include a range of requirements (e.g. offices with a mix of open plan, cellular offices, meeting rooms and breakout areas; or retail with sales floor, stock/storage, office and staff rest areas), the acoustician should make an assessment based on a speculative layout and outline specification to determine whether the requirements of the relevant best practice standard are achievable and include examples of the most sensitive room types.
Where the majority of a building’s floor plan will require high performance acoustic environments (e.g. classroom/seminar buildings), then the BREEAM requirements must be achieved for the entire shell where specific layouts are not determined by the built form.
Post-construction testing is not required subject to confirmation from the project team that the built form, construction and any external factors have not changed from those used in the SQA's assessment.
14-Feb-2024 - Scheme applicability updated. Clarified applicability to shell only assessments. Title updated.
09-Aug-2019 - Updated applicability to UK NC 2018
08-Dec-2017 - Clarification added regarding post-construction evidence.
Apportioning foundations where not all floors are assessed - KBCN0643
Where a development does not include all the storeys of a building, not all of the aggregates used in the building foundations need to be included in the assessment. Any apportioning must be justified and calculated by a structural engineer, and it is the responsibility of the assessor to ensure that the process used is appropriate, robust and meets the aim of the credit issue.
Approach to thermal model when using BMS - KBCN0169
Where there are smart systems such as BMS in place, modelling must consider normal operating conditions, with the heating and cooling system in operation regardless of the control strategy.
In order for the design team to size the heating/cooling plant, they will carry out modelling to calculate the heat/cold loss throughout the year. Results of these calculations must be submitted, with the heating/cooling plant specification which would demonstrate that the building has been designed to ensure internal winter/summer temperatures will not drop below an acceptable level, and that in effect the winter TOR is zero.
14 Apr 2023 Applicability to UK NC2018 and UK/Int V6 confirmed
Appropriate project stage to appoint a suitably qualified acoustician - KBCN0256
BREEAM requires that a suitably qualified acoustician is appointed at an appropriate stage of the project, so as to ensure that early design advice on criteria of pre-requisition is met. The aim is to ensure that costly amendments to building designs are not made as a result of late appointment of the acoustician. Ultimately, it is for the assessor to determine at what stage of the project is deemed to be appropriate for this appointment to have taken place given the project specific circumstances and procurement type.
Approved Standards and Weightings (ASWL) – Applicability to BREEAM INC V6 - KBCN1489
The International New Construction 2016 country weightings in the Approved Standards and Weightings List (ASWL) are applicable to International New Construction V6.
This includes:
- The country weightings
- Approved country specific standards
- BREEAM International 2016-Weightings Questionnaire
The latest version of the ASWL template must be used for newly registered assessments (see
KBCN0910).
23 Mar 2022 - Updated to include additional information and align title with other content
Approved Standards and Weightings List (ASWL) – Guidance on completing the ASWL where new standards are/are not being proposed - KBCN1669
- No new standards proposed: If you are not proposing any new standards/tools for use in your assessment, it is not necessary to submit an ASWL to the technical team at BRE Global for approval.
- New standards proposed: Only when new standards are being proposed does the ASWL need to be submitted to the BREEAM Technical Team via the ‘Assessor Queries’ section on BREEAM Projects. Please see details about how to do this in the KBCN0762 ASWL submission protocol – Knowledge Base (breeam.com).
- Completed ASWL: A project-specific ASWL must be submitted with all International Refurbishment and Fit Out and International New Construction assessments. The ASWL needs to include any recently approved standards that are not listed in columns N (International or European Standard reference) or Q (Approved National Best Practice Standard / Tool Reference / Weighting) of the country specific sheet or in the new country sheet (if a country sheet does not exist for the country the project is in). Rows in the ASWL are not required to be completed when an issue is not targeted/not applicable or if pre-approved standards are used on the assessment. If the assessment is selected for a Quality Assurance audit and any unapproved standards/tools are included in the ASWL, these will be given non-conformances. Please note: An ASWL always needs to be submitted with your assessment even if no new standards are being proposed and only pre-approved standards are being used. Where this is the case, a blank ASWL should be included within the assessment so the QA auditor knows which version of the ASWL has been used.
- Using columns T and V: The standards/tools proposed for technical approval should be stated in column T (Proposed National Best Practice Standard/Tool Reference) of the country specific sheet or in the new country sheet (if a country sheet does not exist for the country the project is in). Column V (Assessor Comments) does not need to be filled out; this can be used when a standard/tool is submitted for approval to the technical team.
- Referencing standards in an assessment: Within the Assessor’s commentary section in an assessment, clear referencing should be present in line with KBCN0522 Getting the referencing right – Knowledge Base (breeam.com) indicating where the standard has been included in the evidence within individual applicable issues. If a QA Auditor cannot confirm which standard has been used and that the used standard is approved, this can result in a non-conformance.
- Correct ASWL versions: Please use the correct version of the ASWL in accordance with: KBCN0910 Version of ASWL that should be submitted to QA – Knowledge Base (breeam.com).
Areas consuming less than 10% of the building’s total water demand - KBCN0662
Where water-consuming plants or building areas are required to be sub-metered as a minimum, the requirements apply even if those plant/elements consume less than 10% of the building's total water demand.
Areas in the public domain - KBCN0587
Where areas within the site boundary will be public domain after construction, and the design/specification has been determined by the local authority/statutory body/planning permission etc, they can be excluded from the assessment of the 'Safe Access' criteria. Evidence would be required to demonstrate that this was the case.
Where the client/design team do not have control of the design of these areas, the development should not be prevented from achieving the credit.
Assessing basement external walls - KBCN0241
Only the external walls above ground level are required to be assessed under 'external walls'.
The external walls below ground (i.e. within a basement area) perform a specialist function, these are not comparable with other external walls in a building. These are included in the 'basement retaining walls'.
20/08/2021 Scope clarified in accordance with the New Rules of Measurement (NRM) by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
Assessing equipment to be provided later by the tenant/occupier - KBCN0609
The efficiency of equipment to be provided as part of a subsequent fit-out falls outside the scope of this Issue.
Likewise, in a fully fitted but speculative office, where an unknown future tenant will be providing, for example, their own computers, these computers are to be excluded from the assessment.
Compliance must be demonstrated by the equipment fitted/installed within the scope of the development being assessed and, unless specifically stated otherwise, the use of commitments or legally-binding agreements is not accepted to demonstrate compliance for final certification within this BREEAM Scheme.
24/02/2017 CN amended to incorporate KBCN0701
Assessing furniture - KBCN00019
Fixed furniture within the building should be assessed. Examples of this include: built-in desks, kitchen units, toilet cubicles, any use which constitutes a significant fitting.
Movable furniture which is not fixed to the building should be excluded from the assessment.
Assessing industrial spaces – exemptions - KBCN0734
The thermal comfort criteria do not apply to the operational or storage areas typically found in industrial assets or other similar asset types. The criteria is still be applied to the other parts of the asset as appropriate.
Operational and storage areas often have function-related thermal requirements determined by operational or storage needs. These functional requirements override the needs of any occupants.
17-Jan-2024 - Scheme applicability updated.
03-Nov-2020 - Issue 2.0 of UK RFO technical manual updated with new CN detailing the above.
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.
Assessing thermal comfort in residential buildings - KBCN1408
CIBSE TM59 can be used to demonstrate compliance with the thermal comfort requirements for residential buildings, instead of ISO 7730:2005.
This is to recognise the most up to date methodology relating to the assessment of homes.
Assessment Option 1 (Table 7.4) – ‘Other building group 3’ - KBCN1482
The reference to 'other building group 3' refers to the 'Additional building type classifications' in BREEAM UK NC2014, Issue Tra 01 and should read 'Other building - type 3' which is defined below:
Additional building type classifications
Higher Education type 1: H.E buildings located on a campus where less than 25% of students are resident on the campus or within 1km radius from the campus’ main entrance.
Higher Education type 2: H.E buildings located on a campus where 25% or more of the students are resident on the campus or within 1km radius from the campus’ main entrance.
Other Building - type 1: A building predominantly occupied by staff/employees with occasional business related visitors.
Other Building - type 2: A building occupied by a number of core staff/employees with a larger number of consistently frequent visitors/users (either resident or non-resident)
Other Building - type 3: As type 2, but building types specifically required to be located rurally as a result of its function, i.e. a building which would never be located within an urban area, e.g. a National Park visitor centre (see definition of rural and rural location sensitive buildings location).
Unfortunately, this reference was not carried forward into BREEAM UK NC2018. This error will be corrected at the next reissue.
Assessment tools – Applicability to BREEAM INC V6 - KBCN1503
The following offline (Excel) spread-sheet tools for BREEAM International New Construction 2016 remain applicable for assessments using BREEAM INC V6:
- Tra 01 calculator
- Wat 01 calculator
- Mat 01 calculator
- Mat 03 calculator
- Pol 01 calculator
The referencing of these tools will be updated shortly, to confirm this.
Assessment with no external lighting - KBCN0441
If the scope of works does not include external lighting and it can be demonstrated that the building will not require external lighting once fitted-out and in operation, the external lighting requirements can be assumed to be met.
22/01/2018 KBCN wording amended to extend applicability to all types of assessments.
28/06/2018 Applicability to International New Construction 2016 and Refurbishment and Fit-Out 2015 removed.
Asset classification – co-living developments - KBCN1568
The following is a guide only. Every co-living project will combine a varying mix of residential with managed spaces, and assessors must in all cases review the suitability of the criteria to determine the most appropriate asset classification.
Co-living features
Co-living developments generally combine:
- Self-contained residential apartments with private kitchens and bathrooms.
- Apartments are typically rented for long-term stay (i.e. for periods of more than one month).
- Managed communal facilities such as spaces for leisure, co-working spaces and common grounds.
Classification
- For NC or RFO, generally the most appropriate asset classification is 'Residential institutions - long term stay.'
- For BIU, it is generally Residential.
Using building regulation classifications as a guide
As a guide, assessors can also consider how their asset is classified according to local regulations.
For UK NC assets,
KBCN1225 provides additional clarification:
- Projects classified under UK building regulations as Part L Volume 1: Dwellings (Previously Part L1) is considered residential and covered under HQM.
- Projects classified as Part L Volume 2: Buildings other than dwellings (Previously Part L2) is considered a residential institution.
Astroturf (artificial grass) - KBCN0106
This is not be considered as hard landscaping and should be excluded from the assessment of this issue.
ASWL – submission timescales - KBCN0425
If no new standards are being proposed for use on a project, it is not necessary to submit an Approved Standards and Weightings List (ASWL) to BRE Global for approval. Please note that a completed list must always be submitted as part of the report submission to the Quality Assurance (QA) team.
Where new standards are being proposed for use, the ASWL should be submitted to the BREEAM technical team at least 3 months prior to the submission of the assessment for QA. Those received at the same time as the report may result in a delay to the QA process.
BRE Global aims to review new standards within four weeks, however this may be exceeded in cases where further investigation into the applicability of proposed new standards is required. BRE Global will keep the assessor updated of the status of the review in these instances.
ASWL in Interim and Final assessment stages - KBCN0427
Provided that the same standards are used at both Interim Design Stage and Final Post-construction Stage, it is not necessary to resubmit the Approved Standards and Weightings List at the Final Post-construction Stage.
ASWL location weightings - KBCN0436
As the BREEAM International schemes (New Construction 2013, New Construction 2016, and Refurbishment and Fit-Out (RFO) 2015) allow for the assessment of buildings across the world, the environmental weightings for projects are set per country, or per region if the country has significant land mass with varying climates/ environmental issues. These are listed in the Approved Standards and Weightings List (ASWL). The online tool selects the relevant weightings based on the country selected in the Assessment details tab for International New Construction 2016 and International RFO 2015. Details of newly confirmed country weightings are released periodically in an updated ASWL.
If weightings have not been set for a country, it is because BRE Global does not have sufficient data to determine the appropriate weightings yet. As the scoring cannot be confirmed, it is not possible to submit the assessment for certification until weightings have been set. Therefore we ask assessors to complete, with the help of a local expert if necessary, and submit the BREEAM International Weightings Form, available from BREEAM Projects>Documents and Tools. BRE Global will then review and confirm the weightings for the country or region. Please make sure to complete and submit the BREEAM International Weightings Form related to the scheme under which the assessed project has been registered.
Please note that this automatic selection of weightings is not in place for International New Construction 2013 and 2009 versions.
ASWL submission protocol - KBCN0762
Where a new standard is being proposed the ASWL should be submitted to BRE for approval in advance of any subsequent assessment certification submission to QA.
When submitting 'local' codes and standards to BRE Global for approval, licensed assessors must include the following information:
- BRE Global assessment registration number, name of the assessment and BREEAM scheme.
- A completed copy of the Approved Standards and Weightings List. Please refer to KBCN0910 to determine which version of the ASWL should be used.
- A full reference for each proposed code or standard, including publication dates and version numbers.
- Any relevant comments on the suitability of each proposed code or standard.
- The relevant information from each proposed code or standard in the local language demonstrating that the general principles outlined in 'BRE G checks on standards' of the Approved Standards and Weightings List have been met.
- Translation of the relevant information from each proposed code or standard in compliance with the BRE Global translation requirements.
- A letter from the translator confirming that they are an Appropriate Translator, counter-signed by the licensed assessor.
- Any previous communication with BRE Global regarding the nominated codes or standards.
Where a project is using previously approved standards only, the assessor only needs to submit the ASWL to QA and not prior to this for approval.
Backup or emergency heating systems - KBCN0936
NOx calculations should be based on permanent heating systems and should not include backup systems used for maintenance or in emergencies.
BREEAM assessments measure the as designed performance level of the building as it normally functions.
Best Practice Specification - KBCN0763
The methodology intends to shape the best practice building into a single universal building specification that could be seen as best practice across all countries. Therefore energy performance is compared purely on physical information of buildings and relevant building systems.
The BREEAM Best Practice Specification is used only to calibrate how credit scoring in Ene 01 is calculated for each country, allowing comparability between buildings.
Where typical best practice differences exist between different building types, like for like comparisons are retained for buildings within each building type.
Best Practice Specification – actual U-values exceed best practice - KBCN1075
Where the actual building's thermal fabric performance (U-values) exceeds the BREEAM Best Practice Specification (BPS), resulting in better thermal performance, the BREEAM Best Practice Specification building will need to be modified to match the actual building's U-values, as stated in Guidance Note 25.
For instance, if the actual building's roof U-value was 0.10 W/m2K, but the BPS was 0.15 W/m2K, the BPS building will need to be modified to include a roof with a U-value of 0.10 W/m2K.
Best Practice Specification – additional costs for new energy modelling - KBCN0766
The procedure for modelling the BREEAM Best Practice Specification is not designed to be difficult or complex.
It requires the energy modelling specialist to update the specifications of the modeled building with the performance values of the BREEAM Best Practice Specification, re-run the simulation to provide the energy indicator results and save the model file.
This step does not require any change to the geometry or building systems. It is understood that for large or complex projects, the change of performance specification and additional simulation run time will result in some additional work, however in relation to the overall scale of the project this is not considered a major disruption to workflow.
Best Practice Specification – shell only - KBCN0764
For shell only projects, services complying with the minimum energy efficiency standards or backstop levels required by the relevant national building regulations should be used for the energy modelling. The best practice specification should be used in the same way as for fully fitted buildings.
Best Practice Specification – values for different climatic zones - KBCN0765
Best practice building specifications for different climate zones do not currently exist but will be considered for future updates.
Boundary Protection - KBCN0753
Only boundary protection specifically forming the site boundary should be included in the calculations. This may not necessarily be located on the boundary of ownership, but is the physical barrier which ostensibly encloses the development.
Any other freestanding walls or fencing within the site can be excluded.
BRE Environmental Profile certificates - KBCN0777
BRE Environmental Profile certificates are compliant EPDs and can be used as evidence for the purposes of Mat 01.
BREEAM Accredited Professional (AP) – Retrospectively applying AP status - KBCN0308
The AP status cannot be applied retrospectively. The purpose of using an AP on a project is that they can advise and steer the development from the outset to maximise its BREEAM and sustainability performance for the least cost/risk. If early AP appointment and involvement does not occur then the aims and criteria of this BREEAM issue are not being met.
BREEAM Accredited Professionals & Site Sustainability Managers - KBCN1159
All current BREEAM Accredited Professionals will automatically be qualified as BREEAM Advisory Professionals and will be able to carry out their work under the title of ‘BREEAM Advisory Professional Design and Site’ under the new scheme.
Existing SSMs, likewise, will automatically be qualified as BREEAM Advisory Professionals and will be able to continue to carry out their work under the title of ‘BREEAM AP Site’. All BREEAM Advisory Professional (design and/or site) will additionally be required to maintain CPD to continue to work in these respective areas.
Newly qualified BREEAM Advisory Professionals, who qualify following the implementation of this new qualification, will have their area of expertise recognised by being ‘BREEAM Advisory Professional – Design’ / ‘BREEAM AP – Site’.
BREEAM Advisory Professional (AP) – Retrospectively applying AP status - KBCN1080
The AP status cannot be applied retrospectively. The purpose of using an AP on a project is that they can advise and steer the development from the outset to maximise its BREEAM and sustainability performance for the least cost/risk. If early AP appointment and involvement does not occur then the aims and criteria of this BREEAM issue are not being met.
BREEAM AP – Achieving the design credit at the Post Construction Assessment - KBCN0215
Where a project will be undertaking a post construction stage assessment only (no interim assessment), to demonstrate that the criteria were met at the design stage a "BREEAM credit monitoring report" should be provided when the assessment is submitted, which shows that at the design stage of the project the building was still on target for the proposed BREEAM rating. This could be an excel document showing the issues that the design is on target for achieving with a short summary of how the BREEAM AP is steering the project for the correct rating.
As long as the criteria are met and the correct information can be gathered for your evidence, a design stage certification is not required.
BREEAM AP – Change of BREEAM APs/Sustainability champions during project - KBCN0295
Whilst it would generally be preferable to retain the same individual in the role of BREEAM AP/Sustainability champion throughout the design and construction of a particular project for the purposes of continuity, we appreciate that this may not always be feasible. It is therefore entirely appropriate that the three credits available for using BREEAM APs/Sustainability champions can still be awarded where the individual performing the role changes (provided the ongoing involvement of an AP/SC is maintained in accordance with the criteria).
BREEAM AP/Sustainability champion appointment timing - KBCN0419
It is acceptable for a BREEAM AP to be appointed in the early stages of RIBA Stage C/ RIBA Stage 2, if it can be demonstrated that the AP was appointed at the earliest appropriate time in the project and that the late involvement will not have a detrimental effect on the setting of BREEAM performance targets that need to be formally agreed no later than RIBA Stage 2.
BREEAM AP/Sustainability Champion appointment timing - KBCN0738
It is acceptable for the BREEAM AP/Sustainability Champion to be appointed later than the required stage, if it can be demonstrated that the AP/Sustainability Champion was appointed at the earliest appropriate time in the project and that the late involvement will not have a detrimental effect on the setting of BREEAM performance targets that need to be formally agreed no later than the concept design stage.
BREEAM best practice specification – On-site electrical generation - KBCN1605
In GN25, the BREEAM best practice specification includes an allowance for LZC technologies represented as a proxy, by the inclusion of roof-mounted photovoltaic panels. An allowance for on-site electrical generation should be the lesser of either:
- 5.3% x Gross Internal Area x 120 kWh/m2
- 50% x roof area x 120 kWh/m2
In all cases
, the BREEAM best practice specification must include PV as stated, regardless of whether the actual building has PV specified.
BREEAM New Construction UK 2018 – Post-Occupancy Stage assessment - KBCN1532
Following the publication of UK NC V6 it was announced that the Post-Occupancy Stage (POS) assessment within BREEAM will close with immediate effect. While we will no longer be offering this as an assessment option, the essence and intent behind the criteria will remain.
At this stage, we will not be re-issuing the UKNC 2018 manual. Therefore, reference to POS will remain within the following issues:
- Ene 01 Reduction of energy use and carbon emissions (two credits for Post-Occupancy Stage)
- Ene 02 Energy monitoring
- Wat 01 Water consumption
- Wat 02 Water monitoring
To award the relevant credits, the references to ‘Post-Occupancy Stage assessment’ should be read as ‘Post-Occupancy Evaluation’ and carried out with the same intent; to understand and close the performance gap.
For assessments that have been certified at Post-Construction, are in progress or are new assessments, the Post Occupancy Evaluation process should continue to be followed, however there is no formal post-occupancy BREEAM certification stage. Rating systems such as BREEAM in-Use and NABERS UK Energy for Offices are examples of tools that can be used to measure performance in the operational phase.
18-05-23: KBCN edited to illustrate that credits can be awarded.
Bristol Transport Access Level (BrisTAL) - KBCN1426
The Bristol Transport Access Level (BrisTAL) method provides a way of measuring the level of public transport connectivity within the city of Bristol. It is derived from the Public Transport Accessibility Level (PTAL) approach used by Transport for London. As such, the ‘Access Index (AI)’ output from BrisTAL can be used as evidence of compliance against the BREEAM and HQM Accessibility Index requirements. Please note that project teams must ensure that they use the version of the BrisTAL that is current at the time the transport assessment is undertaken. This is available here:
https://maps.bristol.gov.uk/pinpoint/
03 08 2022 - Updated to clarify that the dataset used must be current at the time of the transport assessment, but this does not need to be updated at post-construction stage
Brownfield sites – achieving the greenfield rate of run-off for the 1-year and 100-year return period events - KBCN1450
For a brownfield site that has achieved the greenfield rate of run-off for the 1-year and 100-year return period events, criterion 6 can be deemed to be met.
BS 8903:2010 superseded - KBCN0938
BS 8903:2010 Principles and Framework for Procuring Sustainably - Guide, has been superseded by BS ISO 20400:2017 Sustainable Procurement - Guidance.
This change will be updated in future re-issues of the manual.
Building Bulletin 101 - KBCN0786
Within Compliance Note CN4.1, reference is made to the appropriate industry standard for schools being Building Bulletin 101: Ventilation of school buildings (2014). This has been updated to BB101 2018, so either the current version or the specified 2014 standard may be used to demonstrate compliance.
If the thermal modelling specialist recommends an alternative standard, for example TM52, then this would be acceptable provided there is a full justification.
11/08/2021 Updated to recognise the current version of the standard
Building elements’ Materials - KBCN0190
For each element, only the materials that make up a significant majority of the building element (up to 80%) need to be responsibly sourced. Any material which comprise the remaining 20% can be included at the discretion of the assessor if it contributes to achieving more points. It should be noted that including additional elements from a lower tier level may reduce the number of points scored.
Criterion 2.b To achieve points for any given building elements, at least 80% of the materials that make-up that element must be responsibly sourced i.e. classified in tier 1-7.
Building LCA – BREEAM Assessor or AP as consultant - KBCN1234
It is possible for a competent BREEAM assessor or AP to carry out the building LCA options appraisals. This is provided that they have had no direct input into the design of the options, and a conflict of interest statement is produced for QA.
As well as outlining how conflicts of interest are managed, this statement must also confirm that the data provided by the design team for the purpose of producing the LCA options has not been altered in any way.
Building LCA – Comparison with the BREEAM Benchmark – mixed-used buildings - KBCN1191
If the building's net internal area is ≥50% either office, retail or industrial (see Mat 01 specific note 'Mixed use buildings' in the technical manual) then that use type shall be selected in the Mat 01/02 Results Submission Tool. A building LCA tool may then be selected for comparison with the BREEAM benchmark.
If the building's net internal area is <50% either office, retail or industrial then 'mixed-use' shall be selected as the building type in the Mat 01/02 Results Submission Tool. Then no building LCA tool can be selected for comparison with the BREEAM benchmark - only options appraisal can be done (with no penalty in the credits available).
Building LCA – Evidence requirements for two (or more) BREEAM assessments on different parts of the same new building design - KBCN1173
As the building LCA work must cover the whole new building design (see KBCN1172 ‘Scope of the building LCA when a BREEAM Assessment covers only part of the new building design’), it is equally applicable to all BREEAM assessments being carried out on the building.
Therefore, the same building LCA evidence may be submitted for each BREEAM assessment.
Building LCA – Options appraisal including reuse/recycling of existing construction products on site - KBCN1174
In general, reuse and recycling of existing construction product on site is likely to mean lower environmental impacts compared with products from other sources. However, this may not always be the case. After the demolition, transport and processing of the waste into a recognised product is finished (impacts at the end of the previous life), there will often be subsequent ‘product stage’ processing impacts (impacts at the start of the next life e.g. crushing, cleaning, making good). In addition, there will typically be a need for ongoing maintenance and possible replacement during the life of the new building. Building LCA options appraisal will help to show if this amounts to a higher environmental impact than products from other sources.
Even when it seems self-evident that reuse is optimal (e.g. in-situ products with minimal ongoing maintenance and a remaining service life sufficient for the building design life – such as reused in-situ concrete substructure), options appraisal will demonstrate to the design team the environmental benefit of reuse vs. newly installed products. This is of particular relevance where the reuse will impose design constraints (e.g. structural layout, aesthetic) that the design team have accepted in order to achieve lower environmental impacts.
For these reasons, it is valid to carry out options appraisal that compares reuse or recycling of existing construction products on site with products from other sources.
Please note: For Building LCA in BREEAM, reuse does not apply to existing construction products that have been installed in preparation for a planned new building (or planned extension to a building) – even if a significant amount of time has passed. For example, substructure/hard landscaping that has never been used to support/serve a building cannot be considered as reused. Nor can substructure/hard landscaping that has been used to support/serve an existing building but, in addition, was originally designed to support/serve a planned future extension. Where this situation applies to a project, the Assessor should send a technical query to BREEAM explaining the basis of this conclusion. BREEAM will clarify how to proceed with this credit.
Please note: For Building LCA in BREEAM, there shall be no assumption of reuse of products on-site after the end of the building’s life. All impacts (A, B and C stages) must be included as per the product LCA data found in the recognised building LCA tool. Although projects that chose to remove and dispose of reusable or recyclable products will not be penalised by the resulting demolition, transport, processing and disposal (impacts which belong to the end-of-life of the previous building), reuse is still significantly incentivised by avoiding the A1 to A4 (all or in part) and stage C impacts that would result from using products from other sources.
24/01/2019 - Re-worded for clarity and additional information added (last paragraph)
23/09/2019 - Re-worded for clarity
Building LCA – Projects that include no hard landscaping - KBCN1175
The scope of applicable hard landscaping is the following (based on NRM 1, 2nd Edition by RICS):-
8.2.1 Roads, paths and pavings:
• Roads, paths and pavements (vehicular and pedestrian)
• Car parks
• Protection of grassed areas
• Non-specialist surfacings and pavings used for sports and general amenities.
8.2.2 Special surfacings and pavings:
• Surfacings and pavings specially and specifically for outdoor sporting activities and general amenities.
Almost all projects will involve some design work to one or more of these classifications, which can be informed by building LCA. For example, even on a tight urban site some works will be required to the surrounding pavement areas, building entrances or provision for deliveries.
If the BREEAM assessment covers only part of the building, such as an upper floor, but hard landscaping works are part of the wider building design then it is still applicable to the assessment, see KBCN1172.
Where the hard landscaping design includes only reuse of existing construction products on site (e.g. re-installation or making-good) it is often still applicable to the assessment, see KBCN1174.
If the extent of, or options for hard landscaping are relatively limited then it would be advantageous to maximise the number of substructure options and minimise the hard landscaping options appraised for this credit.
If the above guidance is followed carefully, and the assessor determines there is no applicable hard landscaping, then the Assessor should send a technical query to BREEAM explaining the basis of this conclusion. BREEAM will clarify how to proceed with this credit.
Building LCA – Projects that include no substructure - KBCN1176
The scope of applicable substructure is as follows:-
1.1.1 Standard foundations
• Standard foundations up to and including the damp-proof course.
1.1.2 Specialist foundations
• Load bearing foundation piles and caissons.
• Inserting additional foundation support under and around existing foundations.
1.1.3 Lowest floor construction:
• The entire lowest floor assembly below the underside of screed or lowest floor finish.
1.1.4 Basement excavation
• Bulk excavation required for construction of floors below ground level.
1.1.5 Basement retaining walls
• External basement retaining walls in contact with earthwork up to and including the damp-proof course.
• External basement retaining walls consisting of shoulder to shoulder piles or other vertical construction, which are subsequently partially excavated on one side to form retaining walls which obtain their stability from the embedded lower portion.
Almost all projects will involve some design work to one or more of these classifications, which can be informed by building LCA.
If the BREEAM assessment covers only part of the building, such as an upper floor, but substructure works are part of the wider building design then it is still applicable to the assessment, see KBCN1172.
Where the substructure design includes only reuse of existing construction products on site it is often still applicable to the assessment, see KBCN1174.
If the extent of, or options for substructure are relatively limited then it would be advantageous to maximise the number of hard landscaping options and minimise the substructure options appraised for this credit.
If the above guidance is followed carefully, and the assessor determines there is no applicable substructure, then the assessor should send a technical query to BREEAM explaining the basis of this conclusion. BREEAM will clarify how to proceed with this credit.
Building LCA – Scope when a BREEAM Assessment covers only part of the new building design - KBCN1172
To give reliable results, building LCA must capture the interactions that occur across an entire design (the system). A design decision in one part of the design will, in many cases, cause knock-on effects to other parts of the design. If only part of a building being designed is included in the building LCA the designer may choose a design option that optimises environmental impacts for the limited part analysed, but will be unaware of potential detrimental effects to the overall environmental impact of the building.
In addition, if a building LCA only includes the construction products that form the BREEAM assessment area, inconsistencies arise with regards to construction products that serve all areas of the building in common. For example, an assessment on a central floor that excludes the roof, compared with an assessment on the (otherwise identical) top floor that does include the roof. This approach would be unfair.
Therefore, the building LCA scope should normally include the whole building design (as defined in Mat 01, ‘Scope of assessment’) even if the area covered by the BREEAM assessment scope is only part of the building.
However, where in the opinion of the BREEAM Assessor this is not reasonable, it is acceptable for the building LCA scope to match the BREEAM assessment scope. Examples where this may be the case include newly-constructed, mixed-use buildings (where the different use zones are assessed under different schemes or some are not being assessed at all) and part new-build part refurbishment projects.
Where this is the case:-
- Comparison with the BREEAM benchmark cannot be done, only options appraisal.
- Only include construction elements/components that are both:
Within or forming the boundary of the BREEAM assessment scope.
Predominantly the responsibility of the project team undertaking the building LCA work.
Note: Based on the above conditions, if no construction elements/components are included, or what is included is too limited to have significantly different options to appraise, then credits cannot be awarded.
- In the BREEAM Mat 01/02 Results Submission Tool:
Select ‘Other’ for the ‘BREEAM assessment building use type’ (note: ‘mixed-use’ should only be entered for mixed-use buildings where the whole building is included in the building LCA scope).
For ‘Functional quantity…’, enter the value corresponding to the scope included in the building LCA.
Include the following text in cell C10 of the ‘DifferencesID2,3,4’ sheet: “The scope of this building LCA work matches the BREEAM assessment scope, which covers only part of a building being newly constructed/refurbished. Of the areas being newly constructed/refurbished, the building use type(s) of the areas included in the building LCA scope are [insert use type(s)] and the building use type(s) of the areas excluded are [insert use type(s)]. The Functional quantity of the areas excluded are [insert value]”.
06-Mar-2024 - Scheme applicability updated to UK NC V6.
01-Dec-2020 - Clarification to previous update added.
27-Nov-2020 - Exceptions paragraph added.
06-Dec-2019 - Scope of KBCN clarified.
Building LCA – similar buildings approach - KBCN1459
If multiple buildings share an
identical design, as per
KBCN1226, the one set of LCA evidence can be submitted for (where pursued) the superstructure and core buildings services criteria for each identical building.
Where buildings are
similar, but not identical the following applies.
Level of variation
- For <10% variation in LCA results between the buildings, submit the Mat 01/02 calculator for only the worst performing design.
However, results for all buildings must be included in the LCA report.
- For ≥10% variation in LCA results submit the Mat 01/02 calculator for every building. See below:
Tool submission
Separate submissions are carried out in BREEAM Projects:
- Upload one zip file per building.
Each zip file will contain all required files as if for individual assessments. Clearly identify each building (e.g. the filename should contain 'Building A', 'Building B' etc).
- Identify the worst performing building.
By adding ‘_Worst Performing’ to the end of the filename.
Evidence submission
Separate and specific building LCA evidence for each building must be submitted for (where pursued):
- The superstructure and core buildings services criteria.
- The substructure and hard landscaping criteria.
These aspects will almost always vary irrespective of identical superstructure and core building services design.
Refer to the technical manual and relevant KBCNs on how to assign hard landscaping to each building on a shared site.
For options appraisals, common evidence covering all similar buildings can be used. There is no requirement for different design options for each building, although this can still be done if this brings value to the project.
04-Oct-2023 - Title and layout updated for clarity and consistency. Scheme applicability updated.
16-Nov-2021 - Revised and re-published.
Building LCA tools recognised by BREEAM - KBCN1118
The following document shows the building LCA tools that are recognised by BREEAM for each BREEAM scheme. Only submissions from the tools listed here will be accepted as part of a BREEAM assessment.
These recognised tools may be either an IMPACT Compliant tool or another type of building LCA tool that has been evaluated by BREEAM and considered suitable for carrying out building LCA according to BREEAM’s scheme specific requirements. To apply for a new tool to be evaluated, please contact:
[email protected]
Where more than one version of the same tool is listed for a given scheme version, the most recent version of the tool (that is available at the point building LCA work commences on the project) should be used.
It is acceptable to use subsequent, more recent releases/versions of a recognised tool (that have the same name as shown in the table).
View Building LCA tools recognised by BREEAM.
Table updated to new downloadable format, with new layout and new recognised LCA tools and corrections added 01/03/2024
Table updated to include new recognised LCA tools and corrections 10/11/2023
Table updated to include new recognised LCA tools and corrections 22/07/2022
Table updated to include new recognised LCA tools 12/03/2021
KBCN updated for clarity regarding subsequent tool versions on 10/03/2021
Building LCA – Alternative designs resulting in options for single or multiple group elements - KBCN1369
Alternative designs – single group elements
When undertaking option appraisal, projects may choose to explore discrete alternative designs that significantly affect only a single group element (either superstructure, substructure, hard landscaping or core building services). For example, a change from external timber cladding to aluminium cladding is a discrete change to the superstructure if it has no significant effect on the substructure, hard landscaping or core building services. This is more likely where the design of other group elements is largely fixed, or where each group element is being designed in relative isolation (e.g. by different designers). This approach is acceptable but is less likely to result in a holistic analysis of the project and may be limited in improving environmental performance.
For this approach, the alternative design forms the basis of an option for the relevant group element section in the Mat 01/02 Results Submission Tool only (note: more than one change can be included per option).
Alternative designs – multiple group elements
Alternative designs that affect more than one group element are acceptable and, being more holistic, are encouraged for options appraisal. They are more likely to result in differences to the overall building design, rather than a discrete aspect of it. As such, greater insight may be gained into the environmental performance of the overall building and how to reduce it – the purpose of building LCA.
However, as more than one group element is affected, the scale of modelling and analysis work is likely to be greater. In addition, to be meaningful, alternative designs of this nature typically require building LCA to start earlier in the design process. Therefore, it is acceptable for the same alternative design to form the basis of options in more than one group element section of the Mat 01/02 Results Submission Tool – providing each option is significantly different from the other options in the same group element section (as per the requirements in the technical manual). This is illustrated below.
Alternative design explored |
Resulting in significant differences for the following group elements |
Significantly different change(s) listed in the Mat 01/02 Results Submission Tool
(illustrative only: Not detailed, not exhaustive) |
Removal of occupied basement. Addition of extra upper floor |
Superstructure |
Building 1 storey taller |
Substructure |
Removal of retaining walls |
Core building services |
Primary plant moved to roof from basement. Changes to distribution layouts |
Structural grid changed from 7.5m to 9m |
Superstructure |
Relocation and resize of columns and beams |
Substructure |
Relocation and resize of piles |
Change from HVAC to natural ventilation |
Superstructure |
Floorplate depth reduced from 25m to 15m |
Substructure |
Relocation and resize of piles |
Hard landscaping |
Relocation of surrounding road and paths |
Core building services |
Change from HVAC to natural ventilation |
Change from a refrigerant distribution-based system to an air distribution-based system |
Superstructure |
Changes to cores and floor-to-floor dimension |
Core building services |
Change from a refrigerant distribution-based system to an air distribution-based system |
For clarity, where an alternative design affects more than one group element (such as the above examples) and forms the basis of changes listed for different group element options, the link between them should be detailed in the Mat 01/02 Results Submission Tool. This is illustrated below.
‘Description of differences between superstructure options’ (sheet name)
Example of an alternative design listed as the sole change (ID 2)
Example of an alternative design change plus another subsequent change (ID 3).
‘Description of differences between substructure and hard landscaping options’ (sheet name)
Example of an alternative design listed as the sole change (ID 7).
Building LCA – evidence requirements for multiple assessments with identical designs - KBCN1226
Superstructure + core building services
Where an
identical superstructure design and / or
identical core building services design is used for multiple buildings, the same building LCA evidence may be submitted for all these assessments.
The following shall be identical:
- Products specified and quantities installed.
- Transport of the products to the site (10km variation in transport distance to site is acceptable).
- In-use assumptions (e.g. maintenance, service lives of products).
- End-of-life assumptions.
Substructure and hard landscaping
It is unlikely that the same substructure and hard landscaping design will apply to more than one building due to variations in ground conditions and site layout.
Therefore, it is not acceptable for the same substructure / hard landscaping LCA evidence to be submitted for this criteria for more than one assessment.
Similar buildings approach
If the LCA(s) are part of a similar buildings assessment, please also see
KBCN1459.
04-Oct-2023 - Link to KBCN1459 added. Scheme applicability updated. KBCN layout adjusted for clarity.
Building LCA – no significantly different superstructure options - KBCN1672
Mat 01 requires multiple significantly different superstructure options at both concept and technical design stage.
Sometimes due to project, cost, or client requirements it is not possible to produce viable options that are significantly different.
In these cases, multiple options are still required in line with the criteria but are not required to meet the definition of significantly different as defined in the methodology.
Regardless of this, design teams must aim to provide meaningfully different design or specification options that still offer viable alternative outcomes for the project, its life cycle impact, and life cycle costing (where this credit is targeted).
Any restrictions which limit the possible options must be justified for the QA submission.
Building LCA – ‘Baseline’ and ‘Integrated’ approaches - KBCN1370
Both ‘baseline’ and ‘integrated’ approaches are applicable to option appraisal. A description of each and how they work with the Mat 01/02 Results Submission tool is given below.
Baseline
A ‘baseline’ approach means building LCA starts after the project team have established an initial building design. Once an initial building design is available, building LCA is used to work out its environmental impact – the ‘baseline’ result. Then various alternative designs are explored to lower the impact compared with the ‘baseline’.
This approach is common where the building LCA work is less integrated with the design process and done as a separate exercise (e.g. by an LCA specialist for example). The alternative designs can be used as the basis of options for options appraisal.
Where this approach is followed for Mat 01, the ‘baseline’ option will typically be the worst performing option and it is logical for it to be included as the 1
st option in the Mat 01/02 Results Submission Tool. The subsequent alternative designs explored form the 2
nd, 3
rd etc. options.
Integrated
An ‘integrated’ approach means building LCA is integrated into the design process before the design team have established an initial building design (there is no ‘baseline’). From this earlier stage, as alternative designs are explored, building LCA is used to inform the designers on environmental impact performance of each one.
This approach requires the LCA work to be highly integrated within the design process, either by the designers themselves or by a specialist working in parallel. Earlier use and greater integration of building LCA should prove more effective at reducing impacts. For example, compared with the ‘baseline’ approach, there is no initial design that the project team have already spent time developing which may in some respects have become fixed.
Where an ‘integrated’ approach is followed for Mat 01, the differences between options are still expressed as ‘changes’ relative to option 1 in the Mat 01/02 Results Submission Tool. However, this does not mean option 1 is necessarily worse. It is simply a convenient way of declaring the differences between the options – any of the options can be option 1.
For both approaches Mat 01 options can be based on either: -
- Multiple designs developed in parallel
- Significant development points during a single, progressive design process (serial)
- a mixture of both
Buildings in Greater London – PTAL - KBCN1149
When assessing buildings in Greater London, we would recommend using the PTAL map for the purpose of calculating the Public Transport Accessibility Index for the site, as per the link provided in the Methodology section of the manual, "Buildings in Greater London"
Please note that project teams must ensure that they use the version of PTAL that is current at the time the transport assessment is undertaken.
https://tfl.gov.uk/info-for/urban-planning-and-construction/planning-with-webcat/webcat.
In this case, the Tra 01/02 tool will not be required for the assessment of this issue.
03 08 2022 - Updated to clarify that the version used must be current at the time of the transport assessment, but this does not need to be updated at post-construction stage
Calculating EPR where multiple EPCs are required - KBCN0216
Where more than one BRUKL/EPC is produced for a development, which is registered as a single assessment, an area-weighted average should be used to calculate the number of credits to be awarded. This does not apply where the 'similar buildings' approach is used.
The BRUKL.inp. files should be entered into the S&R tool (or for UK NC2011, uploaded to the Compliance Checker) and the three EPRs produced by the compliance checker, which must then be area-weighted to produce an average EPR for each metric. When applying this method, please include your area-weighting calculations and outputs as supporting evidence.
06/07/2023 - Applicability to UK RFO 2014 removed, as this methodology does not apply. For RFO 2014, a single, whole building EPC must be generated.
31/10/2018 wording clarified to apply to all relevant schemes.
Calculating EPR where there are multiple BRUKL/NCM outputs - KBCN1083
Where more than one NCM output is produced for a development, which is registered as a single assessment, an area-weighted average should be used to calculate the number of credits to be awarded.
This does not apply where the ‘similar buildings’ approach is used.
For for projects in England assessed under UKNC V6.0, please see KBCN1618
Projects assessed under UKNC V6.1 can upload multiple BRUKL.inp files for a single assessment and the platform will perform the calculation. See KBCN1618
Each energy performance output from the NCM output (actual CO
2/m
2 notional CO
2/m
2 etc.) must be area-weighted to produce area-weighted average values entered into the scoring and reporting tool. When applying this method, please include your area-weighting calculations and outputs as supporting evidence.
The following provides an example of an area-weighting calculation for two building areas A and B, each of 500m
2, for which separate NCM outputs are available:
For building area A:
Notional building heating and cooling energy demand: 230 mJ/m²
Actual building heating and cooling energy demand: 200 mJ/m²
Notional building primary energy consumption: 300 kWh/m²
Actual building primary energy consumption: 280 kWh/m²
TER: 40 kg CO₂-eq/m²
BER: 30 kg CO₂-eq/m²
For building area B:
Notional building heating and cooling energy demand: 150 mJ/m²
Actual building heating and cooling energy demand: 140 mJ/m²
Notional building primary energy consumption: 200 kWh/m²
Actual building primary energy consumption: 190 kWh/m²
TER: 40 kg CO₂-eq/m²
BER: 38 kg CO₂-eq/m²
Area-weighted values for building areas A and B (of total floor area 1000m2):
Notional building heating and cooling energy demand: 230*500/1000 + 150*500/1000 = 190 mJ/m²
Actual building heating and cooling energy demand: 200*500/1000 + 140*500/1000 = 170 mJ/m²
Notional building primary energy consumption: 300*500/1000 + 200*500/1000 = 250 kWh/m²
Actual building primary energy consumption: 280*500/1000 + 190*500/1000 = 235 kWh/m²
TER: 40*500/1000 + 40*500/1000 = 40 kg CO₂-eq/m²
BER: 30*500/1000 + 38*500/1000 = 34 kg CO₂-eq/m²
These area-weighted values are then used to calculate the overall EPRNC value.
20 Sep 2023 - Minor corrections, applicability to INC V6 confirmed and cross-reference to UKNC V6 guidance added.
14 Jun 2023 - Note added to confirm this is integrated into the platform for UKNC V6.1 in all countries.
24 Aug 2022 - Note added to confirm this is N/A to UKNC V6 for projects in England
07 Feb 2022 - Reference to 'BRUKL' amended to 'NCM output' to clarify for non-UK assessments
31 Oct 2018 KBCN clarified. Reference to EPRs and calculation example added
Calculating EPR where there are multiple BRUKL/NCM outputs - KBCN1618
Where more than one NCM output is produced for a development that is registered as a single assessment, an area-weighted average must be used to calculate the number of credits to be awarded. This does not apply where the ‘similar buildings’ approach is used.
Projects in England assessed under UKNC V6.0 should submit their BRUKL files to BREEAM and we will calculate the result.
Projects assessed under UKNC V6.1 can upload multiple BRUKL.inp files for a single assessment and the platform will perform the calculation.
For projects assessed under BREEAM UK NC2018 and International NC 2013, 2016 and V6, please refer to KBCN1083
Calculation of greenfield run-off rates - KBCN1352
The calculation of greenfield run-off rates must be in accordance with IH Report 124, Flood estimation for small catchments. Reference to the Flood Estimation Handbook can be made, but only where this is considered appropriate.
This is only applicable to v3.0 of the UK NC 2018 technical manual and will be clarified in the next re-issue.
Calculator tool - KBCN0277
For this scheme of BREEAM there is no Mat 04 calculator tool, the evidence required to demonstrate compliance with issue Mat 04 ‘Insulation’, is the same as that outlined in Mat 03 ‘Responsible sourcing of materials‘, such as copies of the relevant responsible sourcing scheme certificates, corresponding invoices etc. To demonstrate compliance the design plan/specification must report the insulation materials' specifications, area, thickness, the total percentage volume of insulation that is responsibly sourced and their associated Tier levels.
Campus with multiple building assessments - KBCN0597
If a campus development project has multiple building assessments being built in conjunction with each other, each building should be assessed independently. Where there are noise sensitive buildings; including any new buildings in the process of being built, the criteria requirements must still be met.
Capital cost reporting and LCC measured area - KBCN0438
When assessing the Capital cost reporting and the LCC credits, the area to be considered should be the Gross Internal Floor Area (GIFA), according to the below
RICS definition:
Gross Internal Floor Area
Gross Internal Floor Area is the area of a building measured to the internal face of the perimeter walls at each floor level, which includes:
- Areas occupied by internal walls and partitions
- Columns, piers chimney breasts, stairwells, lift-wells, other internal projections, vertical ducts, and the like
- Atria and entrance halls with clear height above, measured at base level only
- Internal open sided balconies, walkways, and the like
- Structural, raked or stepped floors are treated as a level floor measured horizontally
- Horizontal floors with permanent access below structural, raked or stepped floors
- Corridors of a permanent essential nature (e.g. fire corridors, smoke lobbies, etc.)
- Areas in the roof space intended for use with permanent access (BCIS)
- Mezzanine areas intended for use with permanent access
- Lift rooms, plant rooms, fuel stores, tank rooms which are housed in a covered structure of a permanent nature, whether or not above main roof level
- Service accommodation such as toilets, toilet lobbies, bathrooms, showers, changing rooms, cleaners’ rooms and the like
- Projection rooms
- Voids over stairwells and lift shafts on upper floors
- Loading bays
- Areas with a headroom of less than 1.5m
- Pavement vaults
- Garages
- Conservatories (BCIS)
And excludes:
- Perimeter wall thickness and external projections
- External open-sided balconies, covered ways and fire escapes
- Canopies
- Voids over or under structural, raked or stepped floors
- Greenhouses, garden stores, fuel stores and the like in residential property
- Open ground floors and the like (BCIS)
14.02.18 - KBCN content amended to extend the applicability to LCC and to refer to GIFA rather than GEA, to reflect current industry practice.
Car sharing - KBCN0878
This measure will generally be unavailable to speculative projects.
To fully implement the car sharing option, the building occupants need to be known and signed up to a car sharing scheme in-line with the criteria.
Car sharing – calculation of priority spaces - KBCN0282
The calculation of priority spaces for car sharers should account only for the car parking capacity that is dedicated to the staff working in the building, without considering the spaces for customers or visitors.
As such, car sharing spaces should be clearly segregated from customer/visitor parking areas.
06/09/2023 - Title only updated to align with naming protocol
23/03/2017 note added clarifying requirement for segregation
Car sharing group - KBCN1510
The term, ‘car sharing group’, as a sustainable transport measure, may be interpreted differently. For the purposes of the BREEAM Standards, therefore, the following additional guidance should be applied, to support assessors’ understanding of the criteria, when determining compliance.
Aim:
The aim of this measure is that the asset’s management establishes, promotes and administers a process which encourages building users to share private car journeys to and from work, thus reducing the number of cars used for this purpose.
Principles:
A car sharing group will, generally:
- Be available to all building users who normally travel to work by private car
A car sharing group is not:
- A vehicle hire/loan scheme
- Intended to offset journeys which would otherwise have been made by public transport or active travel modes (e.g. walking or cycling)
The criteria do not prescribe what terms and conditions should be implemented and, whilst the above principles should generally be followed, specific arrangements may vary.
However, evidence and justification must always be provided to demonstrate that the above ‘Aim’ is met.
Cat A fit-out - KBCN0791
For Category A projects the assessor can decide, based on the developer’s scope of works, whether to assess as shell and core or fully-fitted.
In determining the most appropriate classification, it should be borne in mind that if a fully fitted certification is sought, a higher level of certification would be achieved and more credits would be deemed under the scope of the assessment. However, where the actual scope of works does not comprise of some fit-out elements, the BREEAM rating might be penalised.
More information on Cat A projects is given in Appendix D of the technical manual, as per the extract below:
Appendix D – BREEAM UK New Construction and Shell and Core Project Assessments
… Often, shell and core projects will also be fitted out to a 'Category A' standard, the scope of which varies between different developers, but often includes in addition the shell and core of the building the provision of raised floors, suspended ceilings, extension of core services above ceilings across the lettable space, finishes to the internal face of external and core walls and blinds. Upon completion, the whole building or space within the building is sold or let to be fitted out as appropriate for occupation. The new owner(s) or tenant(s) will fit-out the building’s accommodation in accordance with their corporate and operational needs, often referred to as a 'Category B' fit-out. These terms, while they are widely used in the property sector, are not used within BREEAM as the scope of works that they refer to varies significantly between developers making them not comparable.
In these projects, where areas of the development are not fully fitted, performance of the building and compliance with BREEAM is verified based on the developer’s scope of works. This is measured using two standard project type options that in turn define appropriate assessment criteria applicable to that project type. While some projects will differ to some extent from the scope of these standard options, for the purpose of BREEAM, issues not included within the chosen option will be excluded from the assessment, even where they are within the developer’s scope of works. This approach is necessary to ensure clarity, consistency and comparability within the property market. A fully filterable list of criteria/issues based on each individual projects scope would not enable comparability between BREEAM ratings, either in terms of performance benchmarking or promotional/publicity purposes.
Centralised air handling units (AHU) - KBCN0941
The requirements of the:
- Second sub-metering credit (New Construction).
- Issue (BREEAM In-Use).
do not apply to centralised AHUs, where it is not technically feasible to sub-meter energy use by separate functional, tenanted or floor areas.
The credit(s) will be assessed based on the remaining applicable energy uses.
06-Mar-2024 - Scheme applicability extended to V6.
Certificate validity – EMS - KBCN1401
The requirement for the principal contractor to operate an EMS relates to the duration of operations on site. Certification against ISO 14001/EMAS must be valid at the Design Stage and Post Construction Stage submissions and cannot be expired, pending or applied retrospectively.
07/05/2021: Clarification on Design and Post Construction Stage added
Change in ecological value – Route 2 – credit allocation - KBCN1139
10/08/2018 - The correct credit allocation for Route 2 can be found in Version 1.2 onwards of the technical manual.
The information below is incorrect and not valid for use.
Upon completing the calculation of change in ecological value following the Route 2 methodology detailed in GN36, a percentage score will be achieved. Providing all other necessary criteria are met, the following credits can be awarded for the relevant issues:
Project Status |
Percentage Score |
Credits Awarded |
Issue |
Minimising Loss |
75-94% |
1 |
LE03 |
No Net Loss |
95-104% |
2 |
LE03 |
Net Gain |
105-109% |
1 |
LE04 |
Significant Net Gain |
110% or more |
3 |
LE04 |
A total of 5 credits is available for achieving significant net gain, with up to 2 credits available in LE 03 and up to 3 credits available in LE 04.
This information will be added to the manual in the next reissue.
Change in ecological value- Larger post-development area - KBCN0299
Where the post-development area is larger than the pre-development area, for example due to green undercrofts or green facades, the extra area should be included as hard landscaping before development with no species present. Post development this area should be given its own habitat type with the species numbers verified by the suitably qualified ecologist.
Change in ecological value- non-native species - KBCN0221
Non-native species specified by the Suitably Qualified Ecologist (SQE) can be included in ecology calculations. There are no requirements set for LE 03 relating to the specification of non-native species (this differs from the requirements in LE 04).
If an SQE specifies non-native plants for the development and confirms the species count pre and post development, then non-native species can be included in the ecological change calculation.
Change in main contractor - KBCN0645
In situations where the main contractor changes mid-project, for example where the original contractor goes into administration and is replaced by another main contractor, it is acceptable for the post-construction credits to be awarded based on the new contractor providing information on their activities. This is providing the project is yet to start on site. This is in effect assessing the issue using the Post Construction Assessment route instead of a Post Construction Review.
However, if the project has already started on site and information about the site activities of the previous contractor is not available it would not be appropriate to award the credit solely based on the new contractor activities.
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 and HQM ONE schemes:
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.
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.
Changes to CCS scoring system – January 2019 - KBCN1271
In January 2019, the Considerate Constructors' Scheme (CCS) modified its scoring system, so that innovations are more easily recognised and rewarded.
This change does not impact on the established score thresholds, for awarding credits in relevant BREEAM Schemes.
For further information on CCS, please follow
this link
08/10/21 CCS guidance on changes no longer available. Substituted for a link to main CCS website.
Changing the project scope (Fully fitted/Shell Only/Shell & Core) between Design Stage certification and Post Construction Review - KBCN0990
The Post Construction Review (PCR) must reflect the Design Stage (DS) in all aspects. If anything changes in terms of the scheme, version, building type, functions, scope, size between DS certification and PCR, then the project cannot have a PCR and would need to be registered as a new Post Construction Assessment (PCA).
Therefore if a Shell only/Shell and core project has been certified at the DS, this cannot be changed to Fully fitted at PCR and should go through a PCA. However, only in this specific situation, where it changes from Fully Fitted to Shell and vice versa, the DS registration can be used to submit a PCA. Submitting a PCA against the DS registration will supercede the DS certification and the certificate will be re-issued as a PCA. This will incur the PCA certification fee.
Any other changes between DS certification and PCR will need to be registered as a new assessment and can be submitted as a PCA.
Queries regarding registrations and PCRs can be directed to the BREEAM Registration team.
Checklist A1 – not applicable items - KBCN0770
If you can clearly justify and robustly demonstrate that an item in Checklist A1 is not applicable on the assessed project, for the purposes of the BREEAM scoring, this item can be considered compliant.
CHP NOx emission conversion - KBCN0592
If the CHP manufacturer cannot provide the NOx emissions in mg/kWh it is not possible to award any credits. The CHP manufacturer must provide the NOx emissions in mg/kWh, the conversion factors provided in the Technical Manual can only be used for boilers.
Classification of offices on education sites - KBCN0410
If an admin office situated on a higher or further education campus is used exclusively for admin and support services (i.e. it will not be used by teaching staff or students), then such offices must be assessed under the Offices scheme classification.
Where a building is mixed use, containing multiple unrelated functions and user groups with no clear dominant function, separate assessments are required.
Classifying lines of trees not part of a continuous hedge - KBCN1333
Lines of trees (where not part of a continuous hedge) should be considered as an area-based habitat, rather than a linear habitat. Please see the ‘Individual Trees and Lines of Trees’ section in Guidance Note 36 for details on calculating this.
Appendix A of GN36 version 0.0 implies the opposite, however this is an error and will be corrected in future updates.
Close of New Construction 2014: Bespoke deadline - KBCN1020
As confirmed in the January 2018 Process Note, the New Construction 2014 version will close for registrations on 23rd March.
However, for bespoke assessments against this version, the deadline applies to the submission of the bespoke application form and plans. These must be received by BREEAM on or before the 23rd March. The bespoke criteria development process will then continue, and the NC 2014 bespoke criteria will be issued as normal.
The assessor will be able to register New Construction 2014 bespoke assessments after 23rd March, as long as the application was submitted before this date.
CN 3.3 Low NOx grid electricity - KBCN0886
CN3.3 was accidentally copied in the reissue v.2.0 and should be ignored. It will be removed in the next reissue.
Technical manual to be updated accordingly in next reissue.
Co-working space as an alternative to a home office - KBCN1396
Co-working facilities may be accepted as an alternative to conventional home-working space, provided that:
- The space is conveniently located and adequately sized for all users and must provide one compliant work space for each residential unit, in line with the requirements for an individual home office.
- Each individual working space is compliant with Criteria 2a, 2c and 2d. However, in recognition of the various technological advances which have taken place, Criterion 2b may now be considered as met, where it can be demonstrated that the intent of the requirement for connectivity has been fulfilled by other means.
This seeks to recognise the emergence of co-working facilities as alternative places of work.
CO2 equivalence (CO2-eq) - KBCN1199
The 2018 UK New Construction manual now uses the term CO2-eq, carbon dioxide equivalence, rather than CO2. This does not represent a change but is a more accurate definition of what is being measured in Building Regulation compliance calculations.
Combined sub-metering – electric space / water heating and small power - KBCN00068
For bedrooms and associated spaces in:
- Multi-residential or residential institution building types (New Construction).
- Hospitality or supportive housing asset types (BREEAM In-Use).
It is acceptable for an electric space or water heating system to be combined with lighting and small power, provided that sub-metering is provided for each floor plate or other appropriate sub-division.
For these asset types, sub-metering electric heating in multiple bedrooms may be costly and technically challenging. Where occupants have individual control but are not responsible for paying the utility bills, the building manager may have little influence on their energy consumption. Therefore, sub-metering electric heating would provide little or no benefit in meeting the aim of the issue.
06-Mar-2024 - Scheme applicability extended to V6.
15-Dec-2023 - Title updated to clarify that this approach can be applied to both space heating and domestic hot water heating, where appropriate.
Combined system for heating / cooling and domestic hot water - KBCN0329
It is permissible to have combined metering for a shared on-site or district system that combines heating / cooling, and domestic hot water generation.
In all cases, justification is provided in the QA report for the combined metering, and explains why it is not technically feasible to provide separate meters.
21-Sep-2022 Applicability of KBCN added to BIU V6. Amended to include district heating and cooling networks.
Commercial dishwasher appropriate data - KBCN0687
If the component is present in the building but the appropriate data is unavailable from the manufacturer's product information i.e. uses a different unit of measurement, then the baseline performance level for the specified component should be used in the WAT 01 calculator.
BRE Global is unable to provide a calculation method to convert data in to the correct unit for the WAT 01 calculator tool.
Commissioning – evidence - KBCN1099
Where the criteria require that seasonal commissioning activities are to be completed over a minimum 12 month period following the occupation of the building, it is accepted that completed records may not be available at the time of Final Certification.
In such cases, evidence of the appointment of a seasonal commissioning manager and schedule of commissioning responsibilities which fulfils the BREEAM criteria are acceptable to demonstrate compliance.
Commissioning – Fume cupboards approved standards - KBCN0111
The following standards have been approved and can be used to demonstrate compliance with the commissioning credit for fume cupboards:
- BS 7989:2001
- CLEAPPS G9 Fume Cupboards in Schools - Revision of DfEE Building Bulletin 88
- BS EN 14175-4
Commissioning – Monitor and specialist commissioning manager - KBCN00051
The commissioning monitor is typically a project team member who will monitor the systems commissioning and testing programme for the building. The individual may combine that role with that of the specialist commissioning manager to deal with complex systems if they have the necessary knowledge. However, if the building has several specialist systems it is unlikely that the same person would be able to carry out all of the commissioning and more than one specialist would most likely be required.
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.
Communal Laundry Facilities – Commercial Sized Tumble Dryers - KBCN0555
Tumble dryers should be taken in to account when calculating the total annual unregulated energy consumption of communal laundry facilities with commercial sized appliances.
Heat recovery from a commercial sized tumble dryer exhaust can be used as an alternative to the solutions listed within the Ene 08 credit issue provided it will achieve a meaningful reduction of energy demand, and justification can be given as to why this method has been implemented over those recommended in the manual.
The list of equipment types and compliance requirements is not intended to be exhaustive, however where alternative solutions are proposed, the design team must provide justification and evidence as outlined above, to the satisfaction of the assessor.
Communal Laundry Facilities – Domestic or Commercial Washing Machines - KBCN0613
The table provided in the manual highlights the criteria for an appliance to be considered domestic or commercial. However, for multi-residential projects (or other building types containing laundry facilities), the BREEAM assessor should use their judgement to determine whether the appliance is commercial or domestic, and justification of the category selected must be provided. For instance, commercial and domestic sized washing machines can be defined based on load size or power rating.
Communal waste storage – Requirement for this to be external in Criterion 1 - KBCN1513
Communal waste storage areas can be located within the building. However, where such waste is stored internally, it must be in a location that demonstrably provides suitable environmental conditions, meets relevant fire, health and safety requirements for waste storage and has appropriate external access for waste collection.
Community transport schemes in rural areas - KBCN1082
In rural areas, where scheduled public services may be limited, community transport schemes, including 'on-demand services', should be noted in the 'Transport assessment and travel plan', however unscheduled services cannot be accounted for when calculating the AI.
The provision of new a community transport scheme may be recognised under 'Sustainable transport measures' as a 'dedicated service', provided that:
- It serves a rural area
- It is available to all potential users
- The service is established at the time of the assessment being submitted
- The service is of an appropriate scale for the community it serves
Community transport schemes in rural areas - KBCN00013
In rural areas, where scheduled public services are insufficient to gain credits via the calculation of the Accessibility Index, community transport schemes, including 'on-demand services', can be used to achieve the 'dedicated bus service' option. In such cases evidence must be provided to demonstrate:
- It serves a rural area
- It is available to all potential users
- The service is established at the time of the assessment being submitted
- The service is of an appropriate scale for the community it serves
Content reworded to highlight the availability of the on-demand service to all potential users. 24/04/2017
Compactor/baler/organic waste storage requirements – Speculative/Shell only/Shell and core - KBCN1662
For Shell only/Shell and core assessments and speculative developments, where the scope of works does not include the installation of such facilities but the building function suggests that they will be required, appropriately sized space, services and infrastructure for the relevant facilities must be provided.
The facilities themselves do not necessarily need to be provided or installed to demonstrate compliance.
01 Oct 2024 - Title and wording updated to clarify that this approach can be applied for shell only and shell and core, as well as speculative projects. Applied to International NC.
Compliance Checker - KBCN00023
The UK NC 2014 Compliance Checker is publicly available via the BREEAM Projects website. However, the use of this compliance checker for UK NC 2014 is not required in order to assess the issue and award credits. The figures required for the Scoring and Reporting tool can be taken directly from the BRUKL output.
The function of the UK NC 2011 compliance checker was to apply translators to the energy consumption metric to allow this to be assessed in terms of primary energy. The purpose of the UK NC 2014 Compliance Checker will be to allow BREEAM assessors and other members of the design team such as energy specialists, to review the performance of servicing strategies against BREEAM targets without using the BREEAM Scoring and Reporting Tool.
The compliance checkers for BREEAM UK NC2011 and UK NC2014 can be found on BREEAM Projects by following this link;
NC2011/2014 Compliance Checker
02 08 2022 - Link updated
26 04 2019 - Link to compliance checkers added and applied to UK NC2011
Compliance Note 1: Applicable assessment criteria - KBCN0752
The issue with CN1 in the 2016 International NC issue 1.0 of the manual has been reviewed and corrected in issue 2.0. For issue 1.0 please substitute the compliance note with the following text:
Shell and Core (Not applicable to Residential Projects)
Prerequisite: criterion 1
Both options: This criterion is not applicable.
Glare control: criteria 2 and 3
Both options: These criteria are not applicable.
Daylighting: criterion 4
Both options: All criteria relevant to the building type and function apply.
View out: criteria 5 and 6
Both options: All criteria relevant to the building type and function apply.
Internal lighting, zoning and occupant control: criteria 7 to 9 , 11 to 13
Both Options: These criteria are not applicable.
External lighting: criterion 10
Both options : All criteria relevant to the building type and function apply.
Refer to Appendix D – Shell and core project assessments for a more detailed description of the shell and core assessment options.
04.03.2022 View out applicability corrected to align with NC 2016 v2.0.
KBCN applicable to Issue 1.0 of the guidance only
Compliance: Applicability of criteria to subsequent schemes’ versions - KBCN0554
When assessing a project under a certain scheme, criteria or compliance notes from a previous scheme cannot be used to demonstrate compliance.
Compliance: Applicability of criteria to scheme’s previous versions - KBCN0430
Criteria set for a scheme version are not applicable retrospectively to previous versions.
Compliance: Manufacturer/supplier does not comply - KBCN0571
Where equipment is required to meet specific criteria to achieve compliance it is important to ensure the client seeks out manufacturers/suppliers that provide equipment which meets these criteria. If the chosen product / supplier cannot meet the criteria then the credit cannot be awarded.
BREEAM seeks to recognise the use of equipment which offers the latest sustainable solutions.
Compliance: Statutory requirements - KBCN0395
BREEAM is an assessment method which promotes best practice in sustainable buildings.
Matters critical to health and safety, as well as any mandatory requirements from statutory authorities which conflict with BREEAM criteria may take precedence over BREEAM requirements. In this instance, evidence would be required to demonstrate that this is the case.
Note, this does not change the criteria requirements, and where BREEAM requirements are not met the design team must explore alternative options or specifications if the relevant credits are to be awarded.
17/04/18 Wording amended to clarify
Compliant attenuated noise levels - KBCN00047
BS 4142 noise level requirements can be used to demonstrate compliance provided the best practice testing methodologies for noise attenuation outlined in BS 7445 are followed.
Compliant test body - KBCN0821
This requirement applies to all acoustic tests that are carried out for the purpose of demonstrating compliance with this BREEAM issue.
This is regardless of whether the Suitable Qualified Acoustician (SQA) will define a bespoke set of performance and testing requirements or whether the standard criteria performance and test requirements will be followed.
03.11.2021 The above has been added to the Methodology section in issue 2.0 of the UK RFO technical manual. The above is relevant to previous issues of the manual.
Compliant test body – alternative compliance route using a Suitably Qualified Acoustician - KBCN1412
Where acoustic testing and measurement has not been performed by an organisation or individual that meets the definition of a compliant test body, compliance with this requirement can still be demonstrated where a Suitably Qualified Acoustician has reviewed the relevant test report(s).
The test report must:
a) Be countersigned or authorised by a Suitably Qualified Acoustician
b) Include a clear statement that the acoustic testing and measurements have been carried out in accordance with the BREEAM or HQM testing requirements
AND
c) Include evidence that the verifier meets the definition for a Suitably Qualified Acoustician within the relevant BREEAM or HQM technical manual
Compliant wheelchair and buggy storage facilities - KBCN1200
In sheltered housing or care homes and supported living facilities assessments, compliant wheelchair and buggy storage facilities are those that meet the following:
- Charging points for electric buggies (at least two) provided within the
storage space
- Storage area must be secure yet easily accessible
- Lighting of the storage facility must be compliant with the external (or
internal where relevant) lighting criteria defined in BREEAM Issue Hea 01
Visual comfort. The lighting must be controlled to avoid operation during
daylight hours, where there is sufficient daylight in or around the facility.
- Where access to and from the building main entrance needs to be tightly
controlled for the safety/security of residents, and it can be demonstrated
that compliance with points 2 and 3 above impact on this (e.g. where
residents include those with mental health problems), these two items can
be excluded from the compliance requirements.
Considerate construction – corporate registration - KBCN0905
Where credits are awarded for the assessment of the site against a compliant scheme, corporate registration, which assesses the contractor's overall operations and performance across multiple sites, is not in itself recognised.
To award considerate construction credits, BREEAM requires the assessment of the specific assessed development, in line with the criteria.
Considerate construction: Checklist A1 – Photo card identification - KBCN1632
Checklist A1 Reference 4.e. requires the following:
'Operatives’ identification; all operatives to be provided with a photo identification clip card'
However, since this was introduced into 'considerate construction' requirements, data protection legislation and expectations around privacy have progressed. This requirement can, therefore, be disregarded.
Considerate constructors exemplary criteria - KBCN0843
Where the exemplary criterion has been met, the exemplary credit will be awarded in addition to the two standard credits for considerate construction. There is no need for the assessor to demonstrate compliance with the standard credits in this case, just the exemplary one.
Considerate Constructors Scheme – International projects - KBCN1451
Where the Considerate Constructors Scheme is available outside the UK, this can can be considered as a 'BREEAM compliant' scheme for the purposes of this Issue.
Considerate Constructors Scheme – Phased developments - KBCN0328
The Considerate Constructors Scheme does make provision for phased developments within the registration process, allowing each phase to be registered separately. They make this provision to allow for very large developments that may go on over several years. It should therefore be possible for the developer to register the site in phases, so that CCS certificates can be submitted for BREEAM assessed buildings, without having to wait for the completion of the final phase.
Considering Sand and Cement Replacements - KBCN0181
Neither sand or cement replacements should be taken into account when assessing the percentage of recycled or secondary aggregate used in a project.
The recycled aggregates issue only assesses the use of coarse aggregates.
29/03/2017 Title amended and additional reference to cement substitutes added
Contaminated Land- Presence of radon gas - KBCN0155
Naturally occurring radon is not considered as contamination in relation to BREEAM. However, where radioactive substances have been introduced as a consequence of human activities, that land would then be considered to be ‘contaminated with radioactivity’ and remediation of such contamination would fall under the scope of the relevant BREEAM issue.
Contractor not yet appointed at the design stage - 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.
12 Jul 2022 - Note added to clarify the scope of this guidance
Contractual agreements for Shell Only / Shell & Core assessments - KBCN0942
For Shell Only and Shell & Core (RFO Part 1, Part 2, and combined Part 1 & 2) assessments, all relevant criteria are applicable. Contractual agreements confirming future provision of spaces are not acceptable.
Evidence must be provided showing waste storage space(s) that are suitably sized, dedicated and unlikely to be used by the future tenants for other purposes.
While the location of the space/spaces may change when fitting out, at this stage a space that is conveniently located for the deposit and collection of operational waste must be provided.
Control of glare from sunlight – ‘openness factor’ of blinds - KBCN1446
The ‘openness factor’ or ‘openness coefficient’ is the ratio between the area of openings and the total area of fabric. It is one of the factors in determining how much light will pass through the fabric of the blind.
For example, opaque Venetian blinds or close weave fabric blinds may have an openness factor of blind of 1% or less.
For further details, please refer to: BS EN 14501:2005 ‘Blinds and shutters — Thermal and visual comfort — Performance characteristics and classification’
06/10/2023 Updated to provide a relevant example to the definition.
Control of glare from sunlight – adjacent buildings - KBCN1248
It is acceptable to account for surrounding buildings, structures or other permanent environmental features when using simulation modelling to assess the risk of glare, provided this accounts for both direct sunlight and reflected glare from glazing or reflective surfaces.
This KBCN aligns with KBCN1211 from UKNC 2014
Control of glare from sunlight – blackout blinds - KBCN1246
Blackout blinds can be used to meet the glare control requirements.
Where the criteria set an upper limit for transmittance value, but no lower limit, blackout blinds will meet this requirement.
This KBCN aligns with KBCN0447 from UKNC 2014
Control of glare from sunlight – hotel rooms - KBCN1087
The primary function attributed to hotel rooms is that of a bedroom and as such, lighting and resultant glare are not considered to be problematic for these spaces.
The only exception to this is where designated additional office space is provided. In these circumstances it is the role of the assessor to determine if individual spaces should be determined as ‘relevant building areas’ in accordance with guidance provided.
Glare control criteria apply to building areas where lighting and resultant glare could be problematic for users.
01 Nov 2023 - Applicability to BIU V6 Commercial confirmed
This KBCN aligns with KBCN0666 from UKNC 2014
Control of glare from sunlight – no relevant building areas - KBCN1086
If the scope of the assessment does not include any relevant building areas, as defined within the manual, the criteria for Control of glare from sunlight can be considered as met by default.
Only spaces that fall within the definition of relevant areas and are within the assessment’s scope need to be assessed.
This KBCN aligns with KBCN0429 from UKNC 2014
Control of glare from sunlight – residential areas - KBCN1092
Control of glare from sunlight criteria apply to building areas where lighting and resultant glare could be problematic for users. In residential buildings this would include areas such as study bedrooms or facility management offices, where work or study will be carried out and where glare would hinder such activities. It does not apply to other residential areas.
This KBCN aligns with KBCN00040 from UKNC 2014
Control of glare from sunlight – roof lights - KBCN1091
Where roof lights are present, they must be considered when demonstrating that the glare control strategy provides adequate control/measures for minimising glare in that space.
All sources of glare need to be considered when designing out the potential for disabling glare.
This KBCN aligns with KBCN0319 from UKNC 2014
Control of glare from sunlight – transmittance value - KBCN1089
Transmittance values should be based on those quoted for ‘visible' or 'optical' light transmittance.
23 Mar 2021 - Reference to the term 'optical' added, for clarity
This KBCN aligns with KBCN0709 of UKNC 2014
Control of glare from sunlight – types of glare - KBCN1043
Assessors should ensure that the design team has considered the possibility of glare from all sources, including direct sunlight, reflected sunlight and contrast glare.
Control of glare from sunlight – use of tinted windows - KBCN1090
Solar control or ‘tinted’ glazing could potentially support the attainment of this requirement. However, the assessor must be satisfied and provide evidence to demonstrate that the particular glazing type, when used on the assessed building for a given location, is meeting this overarching aim of preventing disabling glare. It should be noted that whilst certain types of glazing, such as low emissivity glazing, may be slightly tinted, they may not necessarily be effective in reducing disabling glare.
For facades receiving direct sunlight, tinted windows alone are unlikely to be sufficient in the majority of situations.
This KBCN aligns with KBCN0862 from UKNC 2014
Control of glare from sunlight- no windows in relevant areas - KBCN1088
Where a ‘relevant area’ as defined in the manual does not include any windows, the glare control criteria can considered as met for this area.
Note that the view out and daylight criteria would not be achieved in rooms with no windows.
Where there are no windows in a room there would be no potential for disabling glare, so the aim of the credit would be achieved.
This KBCN aligns with KBCN0146 of UKNC 2014
Counterbalancing ratio fixed - KBCN0327
The requirement to analyse the counterbalancing ratio can be omitted if the project team can provide a statement confirming that it has been set by the manufacturer due to existing standards and to maximise efficiency. The remaining criteria must be met.
Credit Score Ready Reckoner - KBCN1120
The downloadable files below are both designed to allow users to identify how many credits are available for different combinations of factors applicable to Mat 01 (e.g. the stages done, the tool used, whether options appraisal is done or not). The 'BREEAM New Constrction 2018 Mat 01 Maximum Credit Score Ready Reckoner' file is a static table. The 'Mat01_InteractiveRR' file is an interactive tool (which also allows users to see how different numbers of options appraised afects the credit award). Both approaches achieve the same function but one may be preferable to the other depending on the circumstances, and user preferences. Although the same information can be found using the Mat01/02 Results Submission Tool (which takes precedence), these files may be useful as quick reference guidance.
Instructions for 'BREEAM New Construction 2018 Mat 01 Maximum Credit Score Ready Reckoner' file:-
- Identify if the building use type is applicable to ‘Superstructure comparison with the BREEAM benchmark’ (blue section columns).
- If it is applicable, identify what stage(s) the ‘Superstructure comparison with the BREEAM benchmark’ will be done at, and use that column (b, c or d). Then decide which tool that will be used for ‘Superstructure comparison with the BREEAM benchmark’. If ‘Superstructure comparison with the BREEAM benchmark’ is not applicable use column a.
- Identify what stage(s) ‘Options appraisal’ will be done at (green section rows) and if substructure & hard landscaping and/or core building services will be included. Then identify the tool(s) that can be used for ‘Options Appraisal’ and chose one. Use the relevant row (1 to 13).
- Find the intersection of the column identified in step 2 and the row identified in step 3 to find the applicable credit score (this is the maximum depending on the number of options appraised and performance compared with the benchmark, if applicable).
- If the credit score identified in step 4 is not 'n/a', follow the same row across and check its intersection with columns e and f to see which additional exemplary credits are applicable.
(Alternatively, identify a target credit score first, and then work backwards to find the stages, tool(s) and scope that must be achieved.)
Instructions for 'Mat01_InteractiveRR' file:-
- Starting at the topmost yellow box under 'Assessment details', complete all the yellow boxes according to the project's anticipated approach to the Mat 01 issue. The predicted credit score will be shown.
- Explore the effect on the predicted score when responses are changed (with due consideration of appropriateness to the project). Details on different recognised tools can be see in the 'ToolsRecognisedByBREEAM' sheet.
- Use this process to either confirm or modify the approach to take.
For both files, the score should be verified by entering the required inputs (determined from this table) into the Mat 01/02 Results Submission Tool.
BREEAM New Construction 2018 MAT 01 Maximum Credit Score Ready Reckoner_v1
Mat01_InteractiveRR_V1.1
02/03/2020 Mat 01 Interactive Ready Reckoner updated to V1.1
Criterion 5 – manual error - KBCN1468
Exemplary credits in Ene 01 are awarded based on the amount of equipment energy that is offset by renewables.
v2.0 of the manual is incorrect in that it states that it is the amount of equipment AND service energy that is offset by renewables. This is incorrect and will be corrected in a future revision of NC 2016.
Cut-off - KBCN0598
The current CN 'Route 1 Cut- off See step 1 in the Methodology section' in the technical manual should refer to Route 2 and 3 as well.
14.11.2016 Compliance Notes in technical manual to be updated accordingly in next reissue.
03.11.2021 Issue 2.0 of the UK RFO technical manual corrected.
Cycle spaces – Minimum and maximum requirements - KBCN0637
These remain applicable where the 50% reduction allowed for building locations with a high level of public transport accessibility is in effect.
This means that, for instance, a large retail will still need to provide at least ten customer cycle storage spaces and could meet compliance with a maximum of fifty.
22-Nov-2023 Scheme applicability updated.
18-May-2017 Previous KBCN on large retail adapted to include any minimum requirement for cycle storage spaces.
Cycle spaces – Compliant types of storage - KBCN0257
Due to the number of different types of cycle storage facility available and the variation in site conditions, BREEAM New Construction is less prescriptive about the dimensions and type of cycle parking which can be used to demonstrate compliance. The Assessor is expected to exercise their professional judgement to determine whether the cycle parking spaces meet the aims of the Issue and the requirements listed in the compliance notes.
BREEAM is used to certify buildings, not products. Cycle parking systems cannot, therefore, be considered inherently 'BREEAM compliant'. These must be assessed in context with reference to their location and the intended user profile.
29/01/2024-made applicable to HQM
Cycle spaces – Folding bicycles and scooters - KBCN00024
The provision of cycle storage that is only suitable for folding bicycles or scooters is not compliant.
Providing reduced storage space for folding bicycles or scooters in place of compliant cycle storage may limit future travel options.
14 03 2018 Wording clarified and reference to scooters included.
Cycle spaces – Large retail - KBCN0528
For large retail developments that provide at least 50 customer cycle storage spaces, this meets the requirement for customer spaces. The requirement of one cycling space every 10 staff needs to be met in addition to this.
Cycle spaces – Maximum number of stadium visitors - KBCN0323
To calculate the required provision, the sliding scale of compliance should be used for the staff and up to 5000 stadium visitors.
Cycle spaces – Prominent location - KBCN00053
The requirement to provide cycle storage facilities in a prominent location on site, within view of building users, is intended to encourage use through advertising their presence to building users. Providing these facilities inside the assessed building, such as in the basement, may be compliant so long as there is prominent signage to indicate their location to all building users.
Cycle spaces – Provision for extensions - KBCN0707
When assessing an extension to a building, partial refurbishment or a stand-alone building, which extends an existing facility to be occupied by the same building users (such as a classroom block in an existing school), a site-wide approach should be used to determine the number of new, compliant cycle spaces required.
In such instances a stand-alone approach cannot generally ensure that the new cycle spaces for the assessed extension would be dedicated and available to the occupants of the assessed extension, refurbishment or building. This can only be used where it can be demonstrated that the use of the new cycle storage can be effectively restricted to only those using the assessed extension, either by effective positioning and or management.
Cycle spaces – Provision for regular, large visitor numbers - KBCN0546
Where there are large numbers of visitors on a regular basis, provision of cycle storage for visitors should be based on the maximum number at any given time.
This is to ensure that at peak times enough cycle storage is provided.
Cycle spaces – Public cycle spaces - KBCN1057
Existing public cycle spaces cannot contribute to compliance in BREEAM UK schemes
These are outside the influence of the design team and building operator and it cannot, therefore, be guaranteed that these will be available to building users.
Cycle spaces – Similar buildings assessments - KBCN0570
Where cycle storage and/or facilities are provided for individual units, a site-wide approach cannot be used to include all units. If, however, these are a shared facility, provided in a suitably-located communal area, this may be acceptable.
When assessing using the 'similar buildings' approach, each of the similar buildings has to be assessed separately and credits have to be awarded, based on the worst performing building.
14 03 2018 Clarified to account for suitable shared facilities
Cycle spaces – Small retail – multiple units - KBCN0187
In a development of multiple small retail units, to achieve credit, 10 compliant cycle storage spaces in total are required where it can be shown that these are accessible to all units. However, where such developments consist of multiple units over a large area or are separated by barriers such as roads, the assessor should ensure that the provision is both adequate and conveniently located for all units.
The 50% reduction allowed for building locations with a high level of public transport accessibility is not applicable in this case.
17/11/2016 Note related to the 50% reduction added.
14/03/2018 Note added regarding multiple units over a large area or separated by barriers.
Cycle spaces – Timing of installation in phased projects - KBCN00015
Where cycle storage cannot be installed at construction stage, due to phasing and / or pending demolition works, compliance may still be demonstrated provided:
- Clarification and justification is given for why the storage is not currently available.
- A written contractual agreement is in place to provide BREEAM compliant storage within a clear timescale.
- Alternative storage is provided in the meantime that allow bikes to be easily stored and removed, with the ability to be locked securely against a fixed structure.
The methodology above applies to cycle storage only, and cannot be applied to provision of cyclist facilities (such as showers and lockers) which must be assessed as normal.
This is to allow flexibility within the project programme for the installation of the final, permanent BREEAM-compliant cycle storage whilst still ensuring adequate cycle storage is available during the construction phase.
Cycle spaces and facilities – Rounding calculations - KBCN0445
The calculation for the required cycle spaces and facilities must always be rounded up. If the calculation works out as 5.3 cycle spaces, 6 cycle spaces must be provided.
To determine the requirements for developments with multiple types of building user, calculate the requirement for each user group separately (rounding up to the determine the number of spaces) and then add the number of cycle spaces for each user group together.
04/10/2018 Wording amended to clarify the correct calculation method for developments with multiple user groups.
Cycle Storage – Electric cycle charging stations - KBCN1238
Electric charging stations can be considered as compliant, provided they also meet the criteria for cycle storage spaces.
However, where these are dedicated spaces, (ie they are not available for non-electric cycles), these should not constitute more than 10% of the provision required for compliance.
Cycle storage – new spaces in the public domain - KBCN1410
Where it is not possible to locate short-term visitor/customer cycle storage spaces within the assessment boundary, these may be provided in a suitable and convenient location within the public realm.
The assessor must be satisfied that there is legal agreement and a long-term commitment to the provision of the spaces.
All relevant criteria must be met, however, where justified, the requirement for overhead covering can be waived.
BREEAM accepts that for cycle storage spaces within the public realm, there may be restrictions on the ability to provide overhead covering.
Cycle storage accessible through staircase - KBCN0639
While BRE does not rule out the possibility for cycle storage to be accessed via a staircase, health and safety considerations must be made, especially with regards to wet, icy and dark conditions.
On reflection of the above, the assessor should be satisfied that the cycle storage location is easily accessible.
Cyclist safe access - KBCN0188
Safe access for cyclists must be via a compliant cycle lane, unless it is demonstrated that it would be impractical to cycle for a short distance between the site entrance and cycle storage. For example, where a gate, door or barrier forces the cyclist to dismount and walk for a short distance to access the cycle storage and it would be impractical for cyclists to re-mount
1.
Where it is not practical to provide compliant cycle lane from the entrance to the cycle storage, the safety of cyclists and pedestrians must be maintained.
1. The intent is that this be a short distance, over which cyclists would typically not choose to re-mount and is anticipated to be no greater than 10m. In order to be considered compliant for greater distances, evidence must be provided of effective additional physical measures to deter cyclists from re-mounting.
29/09/2021 - Additional note (1) added to provide further clarification of the intent
21/02/2020 Re-worded to clarify the intent
02 Jul 2021 - Applicability to UK NC2018 confirmed
Cyclists’ facilities – Adequately sized lockers - KBCN0961
The requirement for adequately sized lockers is so that cyclists have a dedicated space to store their cycling equipment and clothes. It is not compliant for the space requirement to be met by providing two or more inadequately-sized lockers for each cyclist.
Requiring cyclists to separate their equipment into different lockers/storage spaces could create a barrier to uptake of commuting by bicycle.
Cyclists’ facilities – Combining different facilities - KBCN0683
Cyclists' facilities can be combined, provided that all relevant compliance requirements are met and it is demonstrated that there is no conflict impacting on their use. For example, compliant showers can be combined with compliant lockers in one room, subject to the principle below.
For combined facilities to count as multiple facilities, they must be capable of being used independently of each other at the same time (where relevant) with reference to any space requirements, access, gender and privacy issues.
11 Jan 2023 - Applicability to BIU V6C confirmed
10 Feb 2022 - Updated to clarify that facilities can be combined where there is no conflict.
Cyclists’ facilities – Matching additional cycle spaces - KBCN00093
The minimum number of showers/lockers/changing facilities required for BREEAM compliance is determined by the minimum number of compliant bicycle spaces required, not by how many total compliant bicycle spaces have been provided. Where more than the minimum number of compliant cycle spaces has been provided, there is no requirement to provide more than the minimum number of showers/lockers/changing facilities.
01 Feb 2022 - Wording clarified and applicability to BIU V6C confirmed
Cyclists’ facilities – Multi-residential / residential institutions - KBCN0967
Where there is a BREEAM requirement for residents, compliant facilities within their accommodation can be considered as cyclists' facilities. Separate facilities for staff must be provided as required to achieve compliance.
22 Aug 2023 Applicability to BIU V6 Commercial confirmed.
Cyclists’ facilities – Provision of only one shower - KBCN0566
Where only one shower is provided, this needs to cater for users of both genders.
For a changing facility to count as an additional amenity, it must be capable of being used independently of any showers, otherwise it could not be considered as two facilities.
A shower which is a mixed gender facility must be capable of being used privately. As such, it requires adequate private changing space associated with it.
Amended to provide further clarification and to add the general principle.
10/11/2016
Cyclists’ facilities – Shell only/shell & core assessments - KBCN0882
Cycle parking must be provided as part of the base-build for all assessment types.
Where compliance is sought for additional cyclists’ facilities, the developer should provide all aspects of the installation which fall within the scope of their work and facilitate the future completion of any aspects which do not.
For shell & core assessments, if additional facilities, such as showers and drying space, are not provided in core areas and internal walls are not provided to tenanted areas, these must be indicated on design drawings and all relevant services provided. This would include capped-off supplies and electrical points as necessary in order to facilitate the completion of the compliant facilities by the tenant.
Where internal walls are within scope, a compliant changing area must be provided, however for lockers, compliance can be achieved by providing a design drawing showing that there is an adequately sized and suitably located space for the required number of compliant lockers.
The developer should do as much as they can, within the scope of their work, to facilitate the future installation of compliant facilities and should not do anything which would make future installation more onerous.
01 Oct 2024 - Addition paragraph added to clarify the approach for changing areas and lockers.
25 May 2018 - Wording amended to clarify the intent.
Cyclists’ facilities – Shower provision for male and female users - KBCN0536
Where a deviation from the guidance for a 50:50 split can be fully justified, (for example, based on actual occupancy data from a similar development of the same building type) this can be deemed as compliant by the assessor.
If such justification cannot be provided but design teams wish to provide a flexible arrangement for showers to suit the anticipated building occupancy, providing unisex showers accessible to all building users would be acceptable.
Cyclists’ facilities – Visitors - KBCN00014
Where the cycle spaces requirement is based on the number of staff plus visitors, customers or patients, the number of cyclist facilities required to demonstrate compliance is based on the number of cycle spaces for staff only.
Visitors, customers or patients would not be expected to have access to showers and lockers within a building.
Cyclists’ facilities – Within toilet facilities - KBCN00050
To comply with the criteria for cyclist facilities, showers should not obstruct the use of other facilities. Where a shower is located in a room with a WC, this cannot be considered compliant, unless it can be unequivocally demonstrated that the WC is provided over-and-above the requirements of relevant standards or regulations for general and disabled WCs.
To ensure that there is no conflict between the use of general or disabled WCs and the use of cyclist facilities.
25.10.18 KBCN reworded to improve clarity.
Daylight requirements in retail sales areas - KBCN0681
The figures referred to as ‘Average daylight factor required by latitude (degrees)’ in Table 10 for sales areas in retail buildings are intended to relate to 'point daylight factors' to be achieved for each latitude. Therefore, please ignore the note on point daylight factor stated in the ‘other requirements’ column of the Table.
We apologise for the confusion it may cause.
This will be amended in the re-issue of the technical manual.
Technical manual to be updated accordingly in next re-issue.
Daylighting – speculative building - KBCN0269
Where the building is speculative and therefore the final layout is not defined (e.g. only an open plan shell is provided in each tenanted space), the required percentage of each open plan shell should meet the daylighting requirements. However, where it is possible to designate separable ancillary areas that would be required in the space (such as toilets or server room), these can be excluded from the calculation.
For daylight calculations in speculative projects where the layout and colours are unknown, a realistic notional layout may be used.
Daylighting – ‘Internal association or atrium areas’ - KBCN1267
This term refers to areas intended to replace outdoor recreation spaces, typically found in prisons, but which may also be present in hospitals and residential accommodation for elderly people.
The requirements relating to such spaces are, therefore, not generally applicable to other building types.
Daylighting – alternative requirements for schools. - KBCN1272
For schools, it is acceptable to use the Department for Education Generic Design Brief (GDB), Technical Annex 2E requirements as an alternative method of compliance with the ‘Daylighting’ criteria.
The set daylight performance criteria by each area type (weighted by area) must be met in line with the GDB framework requirements.
05-Aug-2024 Completely updated to align with current DfE requirements, and V7 criteria. Title updated.
31-Jul-2019 Reworded to clarify that the 80% requirement (relating to old EFSA requirements) still applies.
Daylighting – alternative route to compliance - KBCN1047
The alternative route was developed for rooms in Healthcare developments with multiple functions within the same space, and as such, having different daylight needs at various points within the room.
For other building types, an assessor wishing to use the alternative route to compliance for daylighting should contact the BREEAM technical team with details and justification.
The alternative route was applied to Healthcare building types specifically because these building types are likely to have spaces that have varying needs for daylight. For example, in a hospital ward, the areas where patient beds are located will benefit from good daylight, whereas this is of less importance for the nurses stations, which are used intermittently.
Daylighting – Changing rooms - KBCN1132
The daylighting criteria are not applicable to changing rooms.
Daylighting – communal kitchens (multi-residential) - KBCN0217
Communal kitchens should be assessed under 'Non-residential / Communal Occupied Spaces.
Communal kitchens outside of self-contained dwelling units, for example a kitchen within a self-contained student flat shared between several students would be classed as a private kitchen for the purposes of this issue. However, if it was shared between rooms along a communal corridor it would be considered a communal kitchen, and assessed under 'Non-residential buildings - occupied spaces'.
Daylighting – Floor areas for average daylight calculations - KBCN0471
Where the room size is comparable and the function is the same, such as ‘kitchen’, the percentage rule needs to be applied to the total floor area. As the average daylight factor is a measure of daylight across the whole room, only whole rooms can be compliant. This is why we refer to rounding up the ‘80% of the floor area’ requirement to the rounded-up number of compliant rooms.
This rule applies to rooms of a similar size and function and compliance note ‘percentage of assessed area’ includes a simple example, where all the rooms are the same size. However, this rule can still be applied to rooms of different sizes.
Spaces whose size is substantially larger should meet the average daylight factor requirement on their own. In these cases, the percentage requirement is still applicable to the floor area of the remaining rooms.
For example, where 80% of ‘teaching, lecture and seminar spaces’ need to comply with the average daylight factor, if we have a large lecture theatre of 200m
2 and 3 seminar spaces of 30m
2 each, the requirements for 80% would mean 232m
2 of the floor area need to comply. This would require the lecture theatre and two seminar spaces to comply.
Where a building contains different area types, the 80% minimum floor area must be calculated by each separate building area type as defined in the table listing the average daylight factors required. For example, a multi-residential building that contains kitchen areas and living room areas, would need each one of these areas to comply with the 80% minimum floor area requirement separately.
In schemes where dwellings are assessed separately, this is likely to result in 100% of the relevant dwelling areas complying. This is because in a typical house with one kitchen and one living room, an 80% requirement for the kitchen and an 80% requirement for the living room, would mean the whole kitchen and the whole living room need to comply (since only whole rooms can be compliant).
08/01/2021
Clarifications and example added.
Daylighting – requirements differing by area - KBCN0176
Where areas within a building have different daylighting requirements for the same credit, all relevant areas must meet the requirements to award the daylighting credit(s).
The aim is to improve daylight conditions in all applicable area types of an assessed building.
Daylighting – retail cafe / dining areas - KBCN0968
Customer seating/dining areas in a cafe or restaurant should be considered as 'sales areas'. Sales counters, staff areas or food preparation areas, for example, should be assessed as 'Other occupied areas' in accordance with the definition of 'Occupied space'..
The requirements for 'Sales areas' are applied to transient spaces.
Daylighting – side-lit internal association and atrium areas - KBCN1198
In buildings where the design of internal associations or atriums areas means that the space cannot be top-lit and is instead side-lit, the Daylighting criteria can be applied as follows;
Minimum values of average daylight factor:
The internal association or atrium area space will need to achieve an average daylight factor of 3% across a minimum of 80% of the space and either a uniformity ratio of 0.3 or a minimum point daylight factor of 0.9%.
Illuminance requirements:
The internal association or atrium area space will need to achieve a minimum daylight illuminance of at least 90 lux for 2650 hours per year.
Daylighting – studio flats - KBCN0808
In the case of studio flats, the minimum area of compliance for the average daylight factor requirement is based on the combined area of kitchen, living room, bed and study area. Circulation areas do not need to be included in the calculation.
Daylighting – studio flats - KBCN0866
In the case of studio flats, where there are no separating walls between occupied spaces, the minimum area of compliance for the average daylight factor requirement is based on the combined area of kitchen, living room, bed and study area. The required daylight factor for the open-plan space (subject to percentage requirement) should be based on the highest daylight factor required for any of the spaces.
It is impractical to separate the open-plan space and assess the daylight according to notional lines. In order to maintain robustness, the highest daylight factor should be applied throughout.
Daylighting – uniformity ratio applicability - KBCN0584
The uniformity ratio requirements apply to the percentage of the building’s relevant areas specified in the table. In the NC 2013 scheme, this is 80%.
Daylighting uniformity criteria – Multi-residential/Residential institutions - KBCN1129
The view of sky criteria (Table 11 (b)) are applicable to Multi-residential/Residential institutions where the room depth criterion (Table 11 (c)) is used.
Other requirements for Multi-residential/Residential institutions in the Daylighting table should read 'Either (a) OR [(b) and (c)]'
11/02/2019
Removed applicability to 2018 as this has been corrected in the latest version of the manual
Daylighting – Floor areas for average daylight calculations - KBCN1081
Where the room size is comparable and the function is the same, such as ‘kitchen’, the percentage rule needs to be applied to the total floor area.
As the average daylight factor is a measure of daylight across the whole room, only whole rooms can be compliant. This is why we refer to rounding up the ‘80% of the floor area’ requirement to the rounded up number of compliant rooms.
This rule applies to rooms of a similar size and function and the Daylight issue calculations methodology includes a simple example, where all the rooms are the same size. However, this rule can still be applied to rooms of different sizes.
Spaces whose size is substantially larger should meet the average daylight factor requirement on their own. In these cases, the percentage requirement is still applicable to the floor area of the remaining rooms.
Where a building contains different area types (as identified in tables 5.1, 5.3, 5.8 and 5.9), the 80% minimum floor area must be calculated by each separate area type. For example, a multi-residential building that contained kitchen areas and living room areas would need both of these areas to comply with the 80% minimum floor area requirement separately.
This KBCN aligns with KBCN0471 of UKNC 2014
Daylighting: Distribution of 4 credits for residential dwellings - KBCN0677
The manual advises that each space can be awarded credits independently. For residential dwellings where 4 credits in total are available, in this case you can assume 2 credits can be awarded for compliant kitchens and 2 for Living rooms, dining rooms, studies (including home offices).
Technical manual to be updated accordingly in the next re-issue
Dedicated cycle lanes/paths - KBCN1384
The term 'dedicated' is not intended to preclude cycle routes which are shared with pedestrians or vehicles. The assessor may deem such arrangements compliant, provided that they meet the requirements of the approved external guidance referred to in the criteria.
Dedicated cycle paths in the absence of cycle facilities - KBCN00039
Safe cycle access needs to be provided even if there are no dedicated cycle facilities. The dedicated cycle paths will generally need to be provided to the main entrance(s) of the building along routes likely to be used by cyclists through the site. The design team are required to determine what is required to satisfy the intent of the criteria.
Cycle access and cyclists' facilities are assessed independently of each other. Building users may cycle even if the building does not have cycle storage facilities and so safe and secure access to and from the building must be provided.
Dedicated off-site manufacturing and fabrication - KBCN0795
Energy use, water consumption and materials' transport data from 'dedicated off-site manufacturing or fabrication' should only be accounted for if the manufacturing process has been specifically developed for the project under assessment, excluding data from manufacturing 'off the shelf' products.
The construction impact monitoring should only consider the data that has been specifically generated by the activities of the project under assessment.
Dedicated off-site manufacturing and fabrication - KBCN0794
Waste from 'dedicated off-site manufacturing or fabrication' should only be accounted for if the manufacturing process has been specifically developed for the project under assessment, excluding waste from manufacturing 'off the shelf' products.
The assessment of waste should only consider the waste that has been specifically generated by the activities of the project under assessment.
24/02/2017 Applicability to Man 03 referred to in KBCN0795.
Deemed to comply solutions – alternative proposals - KBCN1214
The solutions listed for each category in the Table are examples deemed to comply with the requirements, without further justification or calculations to demonstrate a meaningful reduction in unregulated energy consumption.
If an alternative solution is proposed, justification and/or calculations are required to demonstrate this.
Default occupancy rates by building type - KBCN1496
The values given in the table, 'Default occupancy rates by building type' are sourced from the Activity Database of Simplified Building Energy Model (SBEM). For certain building types, the occupancy rates produced may be unrealistic. In such cases, the assessor should refer to: 'Methodology > Number of building occupants unknown'.
Definition – Critical value - KBCN1006
Critical value aims to
maximise whole life value of the building based on client requirements, and differs from minimising life cycle cost. This is a more specific analysis of how the building's ongoing maintenance and operation can impact business needs. For instance:
- Where any disruption to business is costly, a specification with long periods between maintenance cycles and reduced maintenance time may be desirable.
- Where maintaining aesthetics are important, a maintenance cycle may be based on aesthetic upkeep rather than functional lifespan.
- Where maximum recyclability and re-usability is important, an alternative, costlier specification may be required.
- Where capital costs are constrained, the specification with the lowest LCC may not be affordable, and instead, the best available option within the budget is chosen.
Definition – laboratory containment levels 2 and 3 - KBCN0903
Laboratory containment levels 2 and 3 are defined in:
The Management, Design and Operation of Microbiological Containment Laboratories 2001, ACDP
This was defined from BREEAM International NC 2016 onwards.
11-Oct-2022 - Title amended for clarity and consistency. Wording updated. Scheme applicability updated.
Definition – NHS Buildings - KBCN1085
'NHS buildings' refers to projects which are primarily funded in the long term by the National Health Service.
'Prerequisite - For Healthcare NHS building only" applies to any facilities which are owned and managed privately but which source the majority of their income from the NHS.
Definition – Project value - KBCN0552
The term ‘project value’ represents the total project cost, which includes all costs such as construction, design, land acquisition, etc.
Definition of ‘total useful floor area’ - KBCN00079
The total area of all enclosed spaces measured to the internal face of external walls. In this convention:
- The area of sloping surfaces such as staircases, galleries, raked auditoria and tiered terraces should be taken as their area on plan
- Areas that are not enclosed, such as open floors, covered ways and balconies, are excluded
Definition of a ‘product’ - KBCN1142
For Mat 02, the definition of a product is the same as for Mat 03: ‘
A manufacturer-specific product (i.e. with a manufacturer reference number) that is specified by the designer (e.g. architect, engineer, interior designer, quantity surveyor, landscape architect etc.) or selected by the constructor (principle or sub-contractor), and installed on the project’.
It is acceptable for a product in Mat 02 to have variations in where it is manufactured, how it is manufactured and the source of its constituent products (as defined in Mat 03), providing these variations are not available for the specifier (or constructor) to choose between, but are instead determined by the manufacturer. If variations are available for the specifier to choose between then, for the purposes of Mat 02, each variation is effectively a different product.
Examples of acceptable variations for a product:-
- If the product is manufactured in more than one location but the specifier cannot choose the location.
- If the product is made on two different production lines in the same location but the specifier cannot choose the production line.
- If the recycled content is sometimes 10% and sometimes 15%, etc., but the specifier cannot choose the recycled content.
Examples of unacceptable variations for a product:-
- Different densities that the specifier can choose between.
- Different thicknesses that the specifier can choose between.
- Different constituent products (as defined in Mat 03) that the specifier can choose between.
The following exceptions are variations that the specifier can choose between, but shall still be considered a product for the purposes of Mat 02 (providing they are variations of a single product and not listed as separate products by the manufacturer). This is to recognise the practicalities of producing EPD for product ranges with varying combinations:-
- Different decorative colours that the specifier can choose between.
- Different decorative patterns that the specifier can choose between.
- Bespoke modules/sizes determined by the specifier to suit the design.
Definition of Accredited Energy Assessor - KBCN0706
BREEAM recognise that CIBSE Low Carbon Design and Simulation consultants are qualified to confirm compliance with Part L Building Regulations and are therefore qualified to produce BRUKL reports demonstrating compliance with Ene 01.
Technical manual to be updated accordingly in next re-issue.
Definition of concourse - KBCN0386
A concourse is an open area within or in front of a public building which is used primarily for circulation, short term waiting, or incidental interaction, analogous to the concourse of a train station. It should not be considered occupied space.
Definition of NHS Sites - KBCN0946
'NHS sites' refers to projects which are primarily funded in the long term by the National Health Service.
CN4 applies to any facilities which are owned and managed privately but which source the majority of their income from the NHS.
Definition of NIA (net floor area) for assessment registration purposes - KBCN0569
Net Internal Area (NIA) is broadly the usable area within a building measured to the face of the internal finish of perimeter or party walls ignoring skirting boards and taking each floor into account.
NIA will include:
- Perimeter skirting, moulding, or trunking
- Kitchens
- Any built in units or cupboards occupying useable areas (subject to height exclusion below)
- Partition walls or similar dividing elements
- Open circulation areas and entrance halls, corridors and atria (but see 9 and 10 below)
NIA will exclude:
- Toilets and associated lobbies
- Cleaners' cupboards
- Lift rooms, boiler rooms, tank rooms, fuel stores and plant rooms other than those of a trade process nature
- Stairwells, lift wells, those parts of entrance halls, atria, landings and balconies used in common or for the purpose of essential access
- Corridors and other circulation areas where used in common with other occupiers or of a permanent essential nature
- Areas under the control of service or other external authorities
- Internal structural walls, walls (whether structural or not) enclosing excluded areas, columns, piers, chimney breasts, other projections, vertical ducts etc
- The space occupied by permanent air conditioning, heating or cooling apparatus and ducting which renders the space substantially unusable having regard to the purpose for which it is intended
- Areas with headroom of less than 1.5m
- Car parking areas
Source: Valuation Office Agency
Therefore, the usable area within a building measured to the face of the internal walls should be provided.
Whilst this is not expected to be accurate to the nearest 1m
2, the closest estimate possible for the NFA should be entered. This is to allow for any possible subsequent adjustment to the size of the development.
Definition: cafe, canteen, catering kitchen, restaurants, bars - KBCN0691
For the purposes of the Acoustic Performance credit:
Informal cafés or canteen areas, catering kitchens are generally services provided by an organisation such as a college, factory, or company for it's students or staff.
Restaurants are places where food are served to the public on the premises. Compared to the above one, restaurants can be independent and not ancillary, as per the BREEAM definition and scope.
Bars are establishment where soft drink/alcohol and sometimes other refreshments are served. They might be on their own or auxiliary to other functions, eg hotels.
DEFRA Small Sites Metric (SSM) - KBCN1614
The Small Sites Metric (SSM), the simplified version of the DEFRA Biodiversity Metric 4.0, cannot be used as a means of assessing Biodiversity Net Gain in BREEAM.
We will consider accounting for the SSM in future versions of all BREEAM Schemes.
The calculation methodology in GN36 is based on the full version of the DEFRA Biodiversity Metric.
Demand-based bus services in AI calculation - KBCN1338
Demand-based bus services operated by public transport providers can be included in the calculation of the Accessibility Index. The project team will need to determine an average number of stops per hour to allow input into the AI tool.
Dementia care homes - KBCN0820
For dementia care homes, there may be instances where the resident profile, and hence design and use, result in some BREEAM criteria being considered inappropriate or not applicable. Where this is the case assessors should seek confirmation from BREEAM through the technical query service, providing a clear justification for why specific criteria cannot be met.
Before submitting a query, however, please review the BREEAM Knowledge Base under the relevant Scheme and Issue, to check for a specific, published compliance note.
Assessors will be required to provide evidence. This could be from suitable individuals/organisations regarding the specific project, detailing how the criteria is not relevant for the individual project.
Demolition – external guidelines (incl BS 6187) - KBCN0630
Independent standards exist and some are referenced in the BREEAM manual and can be used to provide additional guidance for clients/design teams. Unless explicitly stated they are not 'deemed to satisfy' BREEAM criteria and assessors must demonstrate that BREEAM criteria have been met in the usual way.
One such standard is BS 6187:2011 which gives good practice recommendations for the demolition (both full and partial) of facilities, including buildings and structures. The standard is therefore applicable to demolition activities undertaken as part of structural refurbishment. It also covers decommissioning.
Unless explicitly stated external standards do not automatically satisfy BREEAM criteria and assessors must demonstrate that BREEAM criteria have been met in the usual way.
Demolition records not available - KBCN1009
Where demolition records are missing, either wholly or in part, the credit available for diversion of construction and demolition waste from landfill cannot be achieved. This includes instances where demolition was conducted under a separate contract or by a third party on behalf of the developer.
Design stage requirements where specific product details are unknown - KBCN1483
The Mat 03 tool must be completed in accordance with the Methodology, providing all available details and submitted as evidence.
Where products or materials are subject to a performance specification and a specific manufacturer and certificate reference cannot be provided, the missing details should be completed as 'tbc'.
This ensures that a strategy for compliance can be demonstrated, even where some specific details are unavailable.
Design team meetings via conference call - KBCN0201
Design team meetings can be conducted via conference calls.
It can be difficult for design team members to be in the same place at the same time. Conference calls are a more sustainable way to conduct meetings.
Designed-out or integrated finishes - KBCN1066
The requirements for this credit are met when either:
- No finishes within the scope of the issue have been specified, or
- Finishes are integrated into the asset and designed in a way that the finish cannot be removed.
For instance, a self-finished timber floor or exposed soffit which cannot be removed and does not require additional finishes when installed.
This issue recognises avoiding unnecessary waste of materials.
16-May-2023 - Merged with KBCN0046. Scheme applicability updated. Name updated for clarity.
Designing out crime officer (DOCO) - KBCN000005
As stated in the ‘Secured by Design (SBD) New Homes 2014 Application and Checklist’ form, the Crime Prevention Design Adviser (CPDA) or Architectural Liaison Officer (ALO) has been renamed to Designing Out Crime Officer (DOCO) therefore correspondence or a copy of the report/feedback from the DOCO is acceptable as evidence for this issue.
Determining ecological outcomes – criteria not met - KBCN1457
The 'determining ecological outcomes' criteria in both routes 1 and 2 have a major impact on achieving the rest of the credits in the Land Use and Ecology category.
The dependency maps below show what potential effect this has on the assessment when this criteria is not achieved.
Determining ecological outcomes rev 0.0
Deviation from SQSC recommendations - KBCN0211
Where the design team believes that a safe and secure site can be met through different solutions than those specified by the SQSC, these alternatives should be confirmed as appropriate by the SQSC and their agreement submitted as part of the evidence for this issue.
If the design team has justifiable reason not to include all recommendations, the assessor should submit a technical query detailing this information for further review by BRE.
Principle
The intention is to guarantee some flexibility in case of conflict with planning conditions or other statutory requirements.
District cooling – Used in combination with local cooling - KBCN1634
Where district cooling can be considered outside the scope of the assessment, either in accordance with the Methodology section of the technical manual or in line with
KBCN0759, compliance must be based on calculating the DELC for all systems.
However, where the district cooling system is exempt from assessment, as described above, this should be based on a GWP of zero for the district cooling system.
District cooling systems - KBCN0759
Where a district cooling facility is servicing the assessed building, the building will have an environmental impact in terms of refrigerants, albeit in this case indirectly. As such the district cooling system must be considered against the BREEAM criteria for refrigerants.
Where connection to an off-site district cooling system, over which the developer has no control, is mandated by a local authority or other statutory body, the maximum number of credits can be awarded for Issue Pol 01. However, where this is not mandatory and the developer has the option whether to connect, regardless of encouragement or incentives by the local authority, the district cooling system must be considered against the BREEAM criteria for refrigerants to award the credits.
07 Dec 2023 - This KBCN is not applicable to UK NC2018 or UK NC V6 - Guidance is provided in the Methodology section of the technical manual.
27/04/2017: Clarified the number of credits awarded
District heating systems - KBCN0979
District heating systems serving the assessed building must be assessed for NOx emissions.
- Where the developer has no choice over this connection, the maximum number of credits available for the asset type is awarded for this issue.
For instance, the connection is mandated by a local authority or other statutory body.
- Where the developer has choice over their connection, the district heating system must be assessed against BREEAM criteria.
This is regardless of any incentives to connect.
14-Dec-24 - Wording clarified.
07-Dec-17 - Reference to NOx emissions clarified
District heating systems – fuel mix - KBCN0885
Where the feasibility study is considering connection to a district heating system and this burns a mixture of fuels, only the proportion of output generated from second generation bio-fuels (or waste incineration that complies with BREEAM requirements) can be considered for this issue.
For instance, a system burning a 25/75 mix of compliant biofuel vs fossil fuel can only count 25% of its output towards a meaningful reduction in CO2 emissions (where relevant to the BREEAM scheme) against the baseline building.
As fuel mixes may vary over time, at least one year or more of historical information must be provided to balance out any seasonal variations. Where the system is new or proposed, robust evidence must be provided of the anticipated fuel mix.
The fuel mix must be calculated based on the energy content of the input fuels in kWh.
19/12/2017 Wording clarified
District heating systems which off-set grid electricity - KBCN0857
District heating systems which incinerate waste usually have NOx emissions higher than the levels set to achieve any BREEAM credits.
However, where a district heating system also generates electricity, this can be used to off-set NOx emissions from grid electricity. In such cases, the calculation methodology for CHP systems can be used to calculate NOx emissions for the district heating network.
Diversion of resources from landfill – RMP - KBCN0981
Monitoring, recording and sorting the key waste groups of non-hazardous wastes are required for this credit.
Compliance with the 'Diversion of resources from landfill criteria' can be demonstrated through production of a Resource Management Plan or with equivalent documentation demonstrating that the requirements have been met.
Domestic hot water supplied by a circulation loop - KBCN1017
Where a circulation loop is used on the domestic hot water supply, it is acceptable to only sub-meter the cold water supply.
Sub-metering such systems may be impractical and the occupant can use the cold water meter readings as a proxy for overall water usage in relevant areas.
Drop-down menus in the tool - KBCN0789
When using the Mat 03 calculator tool, some of the entry fields are no longer restricted to drop-down menus but allow free-text entry. This provides greater flexibility of use for the tool making allowance for updates to Guidance Note GN18.
If a responsible sourcing scheme is not in the drop-down menu, assessors should check Guidance Note GN18 for the scheme and manually enter the name of the recognised scheme and its point score.
Drying space in hotel/ hostel projects - KBCN0174
The Drying space issue is not applicable to projects where occupancy is transient, such as hotel or hostel type developments, but does apply to long term residential buildings.
There is little potential in reducing the energy from drying clothes in hotel and hostel bedrooms compared to long term residential buildings.
Ecological enhancement implementation time-frames - KBCN1196
At the Post Construction Assessment stage of large or phased developments, for example, some ecological enhancements may not have been completed. This may include features which are to be added at a later date in the appropriate planting season. In such cases, it is acceptable to provide evidence from the client or principal contractor confirming that the enhancements will be completed within an appropriate period, advised by the SQE.
Ecological enhancements – large mixed use/multi-building developments - KBCN0588
At the Post Construction stage of assessment, for large mixed use/multi-building developments, where the whole site has not been completed and ecological enhancements have not yet been added, or where features are being added at a later date in an appropriate planting season: evidence from the client or principal contractor confirming planting will be completed within 18 months from completion of the development is acceptable.
Ecological risk evaluation checklist – Assessment Route 2 - KBCN1113
Where assessment route 2 is chosen, regardless of the outcome of the Ecological risk evaluation checklist, the checklist does not need to be completed.
The intent of the checklist is to understand the ecological risks associated with the site, and to confirm if assessment route 1 is appropriate for the site.
Ecological value – timing of planting - KBCN0479
Where the 18 month deadline for the completion of the planting is likely to be exceeded due to the timing or phasing of the construction, the project team will need to clearly justify the reason for this variation, and provide a written commitment to carry out the planting within a reasonable and justifiable timescale.
Ecology and Biodiversity section in the building owner information - KBCN1373
The section on Ecology and Biodiversity, which is included as part of the tenant or building owner information, requires input by the Suitably Qualified Ecologist, even though it is likely to also involve generic information that does not need to be provided by them. The SQE should review all guidance to ensure it is technically correct and appropriate for the specific project. It is at the discretion of the SQE to determine which parts of the section require their input. This section should be written in plain English, so that a non-specialist audience can understand it. The nature of the content will depend on the particular project and space available.
Ecology dependency diagrams - KBCN1456
These dependency diagrams show how ecology prerequisites and credits interact across issues in the ecology category.
UK New Construction
UK NC ecology dependencies rev 0.0
Applies to:
Home Quality Mark
HQM V6 ecology dependencies rev 0.0
Applies to:
30-Aug-2023 - HQM ecology dependency diagram added. Title and scheme applicability updated.
Education – Boarding schools - KBCN00089
The number of cycle spaces and facilities should be calculated based on the number of day pupils and boarders and these should be available to pupils and staff as appropriate.
For boarders, the cycle storage and cyclists' facilities requirement may depend upon a number of factors, such as the age of the pupils/students, distance of the residential accommodation from the school buildings and the school’s policy on cycling. Therefore, the assessor is required to calculate the appropriate number of cycle storage spaces and facilities for pupils and staff based on the relevant criteria.
Calculations, justification and supporting evidence should be provided in the assessment report.
14 03 2018 - Heading and wording clarified and amended to remove requirement for assessors to submit a technical query prior to certification.
Education – Different age ranges and/or non-acute SEN - KBCN0224
For a combined school campus the number of cycle storage spaces and compliant facilities will need to be calculated individually for each user-group of the building; e.g. the number of facilities for nursery schools, primary schools and secondary schools should be calculated as per the criteria defined for each of these education types and totalled.
Where this includes non-acute SEN facilities and the unusual structure of the classes prevents standard assessment, the assessor should use their judgement to determine whether to apply the pre-school criteria or base on the total number of staff and students.
While within the scoring and reporting tool the dominant education building type category will be selected, calculations need to be provided as supporting evidence, with the assessor's comments/notes used to clarify the calculation used to demonstrate compliance.
14 03 2018 - clarified and key information incorporated from KBCN0424
Education – Primary schools - KBCN1056
Cycle spaces:
Cycle parking spaces are intended for the use of pupils and staff and are calculated based on the number of form groups per year as per the technical guidance.
Additional facilities:
Compliance for pupils can be based on the provision of adequate space in a cloakroom to store outdoor clothing and cycle helmets.
The number of additional facilities for staff should be calculated based on 1 locker per 10 members of staff and 1 shower per 10 lockers’, subject to a minimum of one shower being provided.
In a primary school, pupils are not expected to have access to private showers or other cyclists’ facilities.
22/11/2019: Clarification added regarding the number of additional facilities.
Education – Secondary schools - KBCN0119
Cycle spaces:
Cycle parking spaces may be shared between students and staff, and are calculated based on the total number of staff and students as per the technical guidance.
Students:
Compliance for students can be based on the provision of compliant lockers only based on the following logic:
• Where secondary schools have sports facilities, compliance shall be based on the provision of compliant lockers only. The provision of showers or changing spaces is assumed to be included with the sports facilities are do not need to be assessed.
• Where secondary schools do not have sports facilities, cyclist facilities are assessed as per the technical guidance.
Secondary schools will, in almost all cases, will already have sports facilities including enough showers and adequate changing facilities to meet the BREEAM requirements by default. For most students however, the most important facility is likely to be adequate locker storage rather than showers or changing facilities.
Staff:
Separate shower and changing facilities must be provided for staff. Locker facilities may be shared with students if appropriate, but staff lockers should be suitably located in relation to the other staff facilities.
The number of showers for staff should be based on the total number of staff and one shower for every 100 staff*, subject to a minimum of one shower being provided.
*This is based on 1 cycle storage space per 10 staff, and 1 shower per 10 cycle storage spaces.
10 03 2020 Further clarification of the intent
14 03 2018 Heading and wording clarified
Electric vehicle (re)charging stations/points/spaces - KBCN0934
For BREEAM purposes, a vehicle charging station/space includes a facility that is dedicated to charging vehicles. Provision of a mains-powered electrical socket will not be deemed compliant.
13 October 2023 - Title and wording updated to align with terminology used elsewhere in our guidance.
Electric Vehicle Charging Spaces (EVCS) – Limited parking - KBCN1403
The criteria for Option 3 are based on the number and size of dwellings. It has been recognised, however, that for many developments, where the number of car parking spaces provided is limited, this may not be appropriate.
The criteria for this option will be fully reviewed for the forthcoming scheme update, however in the meantime, the following clarifications can be applied.
In order to ensure that provision is available to occupants according to nature of the development and the type of parking arrangement, the requirements are set out as below. For communal parking, accounting for the expected increase in uptake of PEVs (Plug-In Electric Vehicle), whilst mindful of the useful service life of EV charging equipment, the number of fully-functional EVCS required for compliance has been reduced.
Individual dwellings with private parking spaces within the curtilage of the property
The current criteria apply, as per Table 32 (NC2013) and Table 35 (NC2016).
In instances where it can be demonstrated that the total number of parking spaces for the dwelling is less than the number of EVCS required by the criteria, two credits can be awarded where all parking spaces provided are fully functional EVCS.
Developments with communal parking areas
1 Credit – Compliance can be demonstrated by installing all the necessary infrastructure to all car parking spaces, (including visitor spaces, where provided), of which at least 25% are fully functional.
2 Credits - Compliance can be demonstrated by installing all the necessary infrastructure to all car parking spaces (including visitor spaces, where provided), of which at least 50% are fully functional EVCS.
Where on-site parking provision includes special user-groups, such as disabled, car share, car pool or visitors only, compliance can be met where the required percentage of EVCS is provided for those users on a pro-rata basis, with a minimum of one EVCS, per user-group provided for on site.
Where on-site parking provision is limited to such special user-groups only, compliance can be met where the required percentage of EVCS is provided for those users (up to a maximum of providing EVCS for all spaces), with a minimum of one EVCS, per user-group provided for on site.
Partially-fitted assessments
2 Credits - Compliance can be demonstrated by installing all the necessary infrastructure to all car parking spaces, (including visitor spaces, where provided). This clarifies the guidance previously provided in KBCN1247.
Note
In all cases, the above clarifications do not seek to impose more onerous requirements than those specified in the technical guidance.
Electric vehicle charging stations - KBCN0684
As per the 'Alternative transport measures' criteria, the percentage requirement for electric charging stations should be based on the total car parking capacity for the building.
Where the assessment covers only part of a building or development this must be based on the total car parking capacity unless the parking for the assessed development is clearly segregated and available only for the use of its building users.
23 03 17 Reference to car sharing spaces removed. See also KBCN0282
Electric vehicle charging stations (EVCS) – Priority spaces - KBCN1429
The current criteria for EVCS do not address provision for priority spaces, such as those allocated to disabled use and car sharing.
The assessor and design team should, therefore, take a pragmatic approach to this and, where the overall number of required EVCS permits, an appropriate proportion of these should be provided for priority spaces. This will not be deemed as 'double-counting' as the number of EVCS required should be considered independently of other requirements.
The intent is that electric vehicle charging spaces are available to all building users (where possible).
Electric vehicle charging stations – Availability - KBCN1128
This option requires the number of electric vehicle recharging stations (EVCS) to be based on a percentage of the total car parking for the building.
To meet compliance, the intent is that recharging stations be available to all building users, including customers and visitors. However, where overall parking numbers are low, it may be difficult to effectively distribute the EV charging spaces between general users and priority groups.
In such cases, the design team must provide evidence that this aspect has been considered when locating the EV spaces, however, the decision on how to distribute these may be made by the client or, for speculative development, by an appropriate member of the design team.
In situations where parking is limited to priority spaces only, the above guidance still applies.
11 Jan 2023 - Applicability to BIU V6C confirmed
17 Sep 2022 - Updated to allow more flexibility in relation to how EV spaces are allocated
Electric vehicle charging stations – Requirement to demonstrate that electric vehicles have lower CO2 emissions - KBCN1622
This requirement is now considered obsolete and it is no longer a requirement where compliant electric vehicle charging points are installed.
Electric vehicle charging stations – shell & core assessments - KBCN1247
For BREEAM NC shell only/shell & core, RFO Parts 1 and 2 only and partially-fitted residential assessments, compliance can be demonstrated by installing all the necessary infrastructure, (i.e. capacity in the connection to the local electricity distribution network and distribution board, as well as sub-surface ductwork to receive cabling to parking spaces), to enable the simple installation and activation of charging points at a future date.
18/10/2021 Applicability to BREEAM Scheme and Assessment Type clarified, in line with the intent.
15/11/2019 Incorrect reference to pre-installation of 'cabling' removed.
Electricity from a local renewable source - KBCN0505
Where electricity used by the heating system is sourced from a local zero emission renewable source, via a private wire, such as PVs, wind etc., there are no resulting emissions. This source of heating can therefore be counted as having zero NO
x emissions.
05 10 2018 Wording clarified
Emergency lighting - KBCN0185
Maintained systems featuring emergency light fittings which are also used for normal operation, are assessed for this issue.
Non-maintained lighting which is only activated in an emergency can be excluded from the assessment.
NC / RFO / BIU V6 Ene 17: The aim of these credit(s) is to encourage and recognise energy-efficient fittings. Non-maintained emergency lighting will very rarely be activated and in such extremes the emergency requirements must not be compromised.
BIU V6 Hea 05: Flicker is eliminated from maintained systems only.
24-Jan-2024 - Scheme applicability updated to include BIU V6.
Emissions – measuring heating demand - KBCN0182
Emissions for all heat sources should be measured under normal operating conditions which are when all heat sources from the building plant are operating to their maximum design heat outputs to meet the building's heating demands.
Where plant is designed to operate below maximum capacity, for example multiple or modular systems or standby boilers,the emissions should still be calculated for the plant operating to meet the building’s heating demand. Any redundant capacity or standby plant should not be included.
Emissions from products – ‘no formaldehyde’ declaration - KBCN1137
Where a product manufacturer’s declaration confirms that a product contains no formaldehyde, this can be used to demonstrate compliance with both the standard and exemplary level criteria.
However, where a manufacturer has made a declaration of formaldehyde class E1 without testing, this can only be used to demonstrate compliance with the standard criteria.
An E1 declaration only confirms that emissions of formaldehyde are ≤0.12 mg/m3, so this would not be valid evidence to demonstrate compliance with the exemplary level criteria emission limits.
The manufacturer would need to provide additional information (e.g. test report) to show that emissions from the product meet the exemplary level emission limit.
11-Oct-2022 Title amended for clarity and consistency.
Emissions from products – absence of regulated / prohibited wood preservatives - KBCN0740
This requirement for wood panels means that PCP (pentachlorophenol, a regulated / prohibited substance) must be absent.
In this case, 'absent' is defined as <5 parts per million.
This must be verified by testing.
11-Oct-2022 - Title amended to standard naming format for clarity and consistency. Wording clarified.
Emissions from products – BS EN ISO 12460-5 standard - KBCN0118
Products tested to the BS EN ISO 12460-5 standard can show compliance with the BREEAM 'emissions from products' criteria only for the following products:
- Wood panels.
- Suspended ceiling tiles.
These products must be made from unfaced particle board, unfaced OSB or unfaced MDF.
Factory production control testing must demonstrate that the product has a formaldehyde content of ≤ 8mg/100g oven dry board.
10-Oct-2022 - Title amended to align with standard KBCN naming format for clarity and consistency. Wording clarified.
01-Dec-2017 - Previously referenced standard EN 120 superceded by BS EN ISO 12460-5 Wood-based panels. Determination of formaldehyde release. Extraction method.
Emissions from products – checking against BS EN 13300:2001 - KBCN0355
BS EN 13300:2001 is used to classify paint types.
This then allows the appropriate VOC content limit to be identified in Decorative Paint Directive 2004/42/CE (Phase 2).
The product supplier will need to confirm the paint type according to BS EN 13300.
You can then refer to Decorative Paint Directive 2004/42/CE (Phase 2) to check that the correct VOC content limit has been complied with.
11-Oct-2022 - Title updated for clarity and consistency.
Emissions from products – earlier versions of AgBB standard - KBCN0655
Guidance Note GN22 lists the standard AgBB (2015) as a recognised scheme for emissions from building products for pre-December 2015 launched BREEAM schemes.
Previous versions of the AgBB scheme are not listed as recognised schemes because earlier versions of AgBB did not include any requirement for the testing of Formaldehyde.
If an earlier version AgBB has been used, further evidence will be required to provide additional information on the required Formaldehyde testing.
10-Oct-2022 - Title amended to align with standard KBCN naming format for clarity and consistency. Made applicable to UK and International NC V6.
Emissions from products – EU CLP Regulation and Category 1A/B carcinogen emission limits - KBCN1280
The European Regulation (EC) No.1272/2008 on classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures (‘the CLP Regulation’ or ‘CLP’) applies to all EU Member States.
CLP requires manufacturers, importers, downstream users and distributors to communicate the identified hazards of a substance or mixture to the other parties in the supply chain, including to consumers. The regulation requires products with hazardous properties to be labelled in accordance with CLP before being placed on the market. CLP requires products containing any ingredients that have been classified as Category 1A and 1B carcinogens to be labelled as carcinogenic.
Therefore, with respect to the BREEAM Category 1A and 1B carcinogens emission limit criteria, for products marketed in EU Member States, if a product’s safety information (e.g. safety data sheet) or a manufacturer’s declaration confirms that that the product does not need to be labelled as a Category 1A or 1B carcinogen in accordance with CLP, then this information would be an acceptable form of evidence for demonstrating compliance with the criteria.
10-Oct-2022 - Title amended to align with standard KBCN naming format for clarity and consistency. Made applicable to UK and International NC V6.
Emissions from products – exemplary level formaldehyde requirements - KBCN1124
The exemplary level criteria for formaldehyde emission levels are not applicable to the following product types:
- A paints and varnishes.
- G flooring adhesives.
- H wall coverings.
Formaldehyde emission levels should be assessed on all other product types.
This applies also to any approved alternative VOC schemes for these product types listed in GN22.
11-Oct-2022 - Title amended for clarity and consistency.
Emissions from products – French regulations and Category 1A/B carcinogen emission limits - KBCN0741
As highlighted in Table 1 of BREEAM
Guidance Note GN22, for certain product types, the French VOC regulation (
'Arrêté du 19 avril 2011 relatif à l’étiquetage des produits de construction ou de revêtement de mur ou de sol et des peintures et vernis sur leurs émissions de polluants volatils') can be used to demonstrate compliance with the VOC emissions from building products requirements in pre-December 2015 launched BREEAM schemes.
The emissions from building products criteria were significantly updated for the BREEAM International New Construction 2016. Unfortunately the 2011 French VOC regulation does not meet the updated performance requirements for post-November 2015 BREEAM schemes for the following reason.
The updated BREEAM requirements require testing for Category 1A and 1B carcinogens (defined as “
Carcinogenic compounds detectable by the VOC emission testing requirements in Table 1 and Table 2 and that are classified as category 1A or 1B carcinogens in Annex VI to Regulation (EC) No. 1272/2008 on classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures, which are listed as Carcinogenic VOCs in Annex G.2 of prEN 16516 (draft)").
Annex G.2 of prEN 16516 (draft) lists a total of 57 carcinogenic substances. The 2011 French VOC regulation does not contain any requirements to test for any of these substances.
BREEAM is aware of a 2009 French VOC regulation (
'Arrêté du 30 avril 2009 relatif aux conditions de mise sur le marché des produits de construction et de décoration contenant des substances cancérigènes, mutagènes ou reprotoxiques de catégorie 1 ou 2') that contains performance requirements for category 1A or 1B carcinogens; however these only cover two substances in Annex G.2 (trichloroethylene and benzene). While BREEAM does not expect all of the substances in Annex G.2 to be analysed by a regulation or testing regime, we do expect more than two.
Additionally only the A+ label would meet the updated BREEAM performance requirement for TVOC of 1.0 mg/m³ and only the A and A+ labels would meet the updated BREEAM performance requirement for formaldehyde of 0.06 mg/m³. As such, additional evidence would need to be provided to confirm French VOC regulation A+ labelled products are compliant with the BREEAM International New Construction 2016 performance requirements for category 1A and 1B carcinogens.
As such, additional evidence would need to be provided to confirm French VOC regulation A+ labelled products are compliant with the BREEAM International New Construction 2016 performance requirements for category 1A and 1B carcinogens, (see also KBCN1280).
10-Oct-2022 - Title clarified, and amended to align with standard KBCN naming format for clarity and consistency. Made applicable to International NC V6.
26-Apr-2019 - Final paragraph and cross-reference to KBCN1280 added.
Emissions from products – Guidance Note 22 (GN22) - KBCN0719
Latest version: v2.9, September 2024
Within the Health and Wellbeing category of several BREEAM schemes, credits are awarded for specifying materials that minimise emissions from building products of formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The criteria involve meeting emission level performance requirements in accordance with compliant performance and testing standards.
Guidance Note 22 (GN22) lists schemes that show equivalent or better performance than the current BREEAM and HQM criteria, and therefore can be used to demonstrate compliance with the criteria. This document should be read in conjunction with the relevant assessment issue guidance provided in the appropriate BREEAM or HQM technical manual.
The guidance note contains two tables:
- Table 1 is for use with BREEAM schemes that were first released before December 2015.
- Table 2 is for use with BREEAM (and HQM) schemes that were first released from December 2015 onwards (post-November 2015).
Download Guidance Note 22
View all Guidance Notes on BREEAM Projects (licensed assessors only)
30-Sep-2024 - Updated for release of GN22 2.9
01-Feb-2024 - Updated for release of GN22 2.8
31-Jan-2023 - Updated for release of GN22 2.7
10-Oct-2022 - This KBCN merged with KBCN0646. Title amended to align with standard KBCN naming format for clarity and consistency. Made applicable to UK and International NC V6.
25-Jan-2019 - Link to Guidance Note updated
12-Mar-2018 - Link to Guidance Note updated
Emissions from products – installations manufactured off-site - KBCN0137
Internal finishes to installations manufactured off-site such as elevators need to be assessed for the emissions from products criteria.
The specification of internal finishes (regardless of whether they are installed on site or in the factory) will impact on VOC emissions. By specifying low VOC finishes, design teams will be encouraging manufacturers to consider the environmental impacts of their products.
10-Oct-2022 - Title amended to align with standard KBCN naming format for clarity and consistency. Made applicable to UK and International NC V6.
Emissions from products – manufacturers’ calculations for paints and varnishes - KBCN0452
Manufacturers' calculations of VOC content, based on the constituent ingredients, can be used to demonstrate compliance with the testing requirement for paints and varnishes.
10-Oct-2022 - Title amended to align with standard KBCN naming format for clarity and consistency. Scheme applicability updated.
Emissions from products – paints and varnishes – historic buildings - KBCN1041
Scope
This KBCN covers the use of paints and varnishes for the 'emissions from products' criteria. These are paints that:
- May contain high VOC content exceeding BREEAM limits or
- Falls within the scope of 'Volatile Organic Compounds in Paints, Vanishes and Vehicle Refinishing Products Regulations 2012'.
These paints may be used in new extensions to historic buildings (this KBCN is a manual compliance note in RFO 2014).
Exemptions for use
The use of such paints is allowable if:
- There is an explicit requirement from the local authority conservation officer or the national conservation body to use specific paints and varnishes and
- The building is listed and protected under a historic buildings register.
Localisation
National conservation bodies and accepted grade listings applicable to this KBCN are:
- England: English Heritage - Grade I and II*.
- Wales: Cadw - Grade I and II*.
- Scotland: Historic Scotland - Grade A and B+.
- Northern Ireland: Department for Communities (HIstoric Environment) - Grade A and B+.
Remedial actions
In all cases, procedures are in place to flush the building out for a sufficient period before occupation. This is to reduce the risks associated with VOCs in accordance with the criteria.
11-Oct-2022 KBCN restructured for clarity. Title amended for clarity. National conservation body for NI updated. Scheme applicability updated.
Emissions from products – resin flooring - KBCN0980
Resin flooring products (such as epoxy floor coating) are assessed as ‘Resilient textile and laminated floor coverings’.
11-Oct-2022 Title updated for clarify and consistency. Wording simplified.
Emissions from products – rigid wall covering adhesives - KBCN00076
Rigid wall covering adhesives need to meet the standard listed for flooring adhesives.
11-Oct-2022 - Title renamed to standard naming format for clarity and consistency. Scheme applicability updated.
16-Jun-2015 - Published pending reissue of the technical manual UKNC2011/REISSUE UKNC2014/REISSUE UKRFO2014/REISSUE.
Emissions from products – scope of assessment - KBCN0212
General
This issue covers any product installed or applied inside the inner surface of the building’s infiltration, vapour or waterproof membrane.
Where this membrane is not present, it applies to the inside of the building envelope’s interior-facing thermal insulation layer.
Only products that are installed or applied in parts of the building where their emissions are likely to affect indoor air quality need to be assessed.
Paints and coatings
Any decorative paints and varnishes that occupants are exposed to should be assessed.
This is likely to include paints and coatings applied to walls, ceilings, floors, doors, etc.
Whole products
A finish applied to a product in the factory is assessed as a whole product, and not separately as a paint or coating.
For instance, a wood panel has a finish applied in the factory. The whole panel, including all the elements that make up that panel, would need to comply with the requirements set for wood panel products in this issue.
The finished product as a whole must meet the performance requirements / emission limits set in the manual.
11-Oct-2022 - Title amended for clarity and consistency. Content merged with KBCN0871.
10-Oct-2022 - Wording simplified. Scheme applicability updated.
16-Jun-2017 - Title and general principle amended to extend the applicability of the KBCN to all finishes. Paints specified for specialist applications covered in KBCN0872.
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 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.
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.
Emissions from products – testing to ISO 16000-10 - KBCN1134
Results of testing to ISO 16000-10 can be considered compliant with the relevant testing requirements of the emissions from construction products credit where the product manufacturer can demonstrate the results generated by testing to ISO 16000-10 correlate to results that would be achieved using EN 16516 or ISO 16000-9.
This is because EN 16516 classifies ISO 16000-10 as an ‘indirect method’, which means “any simplified, screening, secondary, derived or alternative method. An indirect method can be applied if it provides a result that is comparable to or that correlates with the result of the reference method under the conditions applied. The validity of the correlation with the reference method is limited to the field of application for which it has been established.”
11-Oct-2022 - Title amended for clarity and consistency. Scheme applicability updated.
Emissions from products – updated VOC standards - KBCN0138
As new VOC standards are updated and adopted by the wider industry, new projects registered under older schemes can achieve compliance through both the latest standards (as listed in the current UK manual) as well as the ones listed in the original manuals.
11-Oct-2022 - Title updated for clarity and consistency.
10-May-2019 - Wording clarified.
Emissions from products – wall covering fabric - KBCN0724
For the 'Volatile Organic Compound emissions levels (products)' criteria:
Any fabric specified as part of a wall covering should be assessed as part of the 'wall covering' requirements.
It should not be assessed as part of the 'resilient textile and laminated floor coverings' requirements.
11-Oct-2022 Title amended for clarity and consistency. Wording clarified.
Emissions from products – alternative testing standard for paints - KBCN1003
Where stated in EU Directive 2004/42/CE, ASTMD 2369 can be used as an alternative the testing standard for paints where reactive diluents are present.
11-Oct-2022 - Title amended for clarity and consistency. Wording simplified.
Ene 01 Baseline- BREEAM UK NC 2014 Vs 2011 - KBCN0489
The methodology for assessing energy within Ene 01 is unchanged, however the means of defining the baseline for assessing the performance of a new building in each UK territory has changed. In the 2011 version the England and Wales building regulation for energy (Part L 2010) was used to calibrate the Ene 01 translators in the UK scheme, and therefore all buildings assessed in the UK used the same baseline, regardless of location. In the BREEAM UK NC 2014 version, the energy related building regulation local to each UK territory is used to set respective baselines for the Ene 01 issue. BREEAM Guidance Note 12 provides a more in-depth explanation of the Ene 01 methodology.
Ene 01 software submission - KBCN0434
In countries with an existing National Calculation Methodology (NCM), the tool(s) approved for use under the NCM can be used as approved building energy calculation software without our prior approval, provided that the software conforms the following modelling requirements as set out in Directive 2002/91/EC on the energy performance of buildings (16 December 2002):
(a) thermal characteristics of the building (shell and internal partitions, etc.) which may also include air-tightness;
(b) heating installation and hot water supply, including their insulation characteristics;
(c) air-conditioning installation;
(d) ventilation;
(e) built-in lighting installation;
(f) position and orientation of buildings, including outdoor climate;
(g) passive solar systems and solar protection;
(h) natural ventilation;
(i) indoor climatic conditions, including the designed indoor climate.
Where the design team wishes to use an alternative modelling software package, the assessor should first check the Approved Standards and Weightings List to see if the software is listed there. If the software cannot be found in the ASWL, please download and fill out the Ene 01 Approval for Energy Software form from the BREEAM Extranet, and submit this to the BREEAM technical team via
[email protected], along with the appropriate evidence.
25/09/2017 Clarified to include requirements of Directive 2002/91/EC
Energy consumption and carbon emissions of untreated spaces - KBCN00049
Where the assessment contains a mix of treated and untreated spaces, untreated spaces can be excluded and the performance based on the treated spaces only. Where the entire assessment is untreated, the whole of the structure(s) must be assessed on the basis that this issue is critical for certification.
BREEAM is primarily designed to assess permanent, treated and occupied structures. Untreated structures are unlikely to gain many credits when being assessed.
24/08/2022 - Applicability to UKNC V6 confirmed
Energy efficient laboratories – scope - KBCN1254
This Issue is also applicable to 'Offices with Research and development areas' and other buildings with research and development facilities that contain laboratory space and containment devices/areas.
Technical manual to be updated accordingly in next reissue.
Energy modelling for PV - KBCN0992
Where PV is being specified on the recommendation of a compliant LZC feasibility study, iSBEM can be used to calculate the reduction in regulated CO2 emissions.
The outputs from iSBEM should be as accurate as those from DSM modelling; (iSBEM takes into account the type of PV module, the level of overshadowing and the ventilation strategy).
Energy modelling not required for Building Regulations compliance - KBCN0487
For the purposes of demonstrating BREEAM compliance, it is still necessary to undertake energy modelling to generate the required performance data.
24/08/2022 Applicability to UKNC V6 confirmed
Energy monitoring and management systems and small useful floor areas - KBCN1361
The requirement for an energy monitoring and management system (Building Management System – BMS) applies to useful floor areas that are greater than 1,000 m2. For developments where useful areas are monitored by single utility meters (of the same fuel) and are smaller than 1,000m2, the BMS requirement is not applicable. This is because the value of monitoring given by a BMS is not appropriate for such small areas.
For example, in a situation where a large building is served by several utility meters (of the same fuel), with none of them covering a useful floor area greater than 1,000 m2, the requirement for BMS is not applicable.
Energy performance assessment for part of a whole building - KBCN0596
If the assessment is only covering part of a whole building, the energy performance assessment must be representative of the part of the building being assessed. Simply taking the energy performance assessment of the whole building would not therefore comply, especially if the non-assessed parts of the building were of a different use. A separate energy assessment of the part of the building is likely to be required.
The energy performance assessment must be representative of the parts of the building being assessed.
This also applies to the predicted energy performance and all energy modelling for the prediction of operation energy consumption.
24/08/2022 - Applicability to UKNC V6 confirmed
Amended 01/09/2020 to cover UKNC2018 - Prediction of operational energy consumption
Energy Savings Trust website criteria - KBCN0140
In previous versions of BREEAM New Construction 2011, compliance with the Energy Saving Trust (EST) criteria for domestic scale appliances was required for credit Ene 08 Energy Efficient Equipment. As this information is no longer readily available from EST, compliance can be demonstrated where domestic scale equipment meets the requirements for the EU Energy Efficiency Labelling Scheme as outlined in the latest BREEAM New Construction 2011 manual.
Energy sub-metering – Single occupancy & function - KBCN0491
In large buildings of single occupancy/tenancy where there is only one homogeneous function (e.g. hotel bedrooms, offices), sub-metering should be provided per floor plate.
Environmental Checklist section 2.2.5 - KBCN0225
In May 2013 the Environment Agency updated their guidance document "Building A Better Environment" and Checklist 2.2.5 is no longer included. However, the EA have allowed the continued use of Checklist 2.2.5 from the original 2006 guidance for the purposes of demonstrating compliance with Man 03.
It can be found on the extranet:
Home » Extranet » BREEAM 2011 UK New Construction » BREEAM 2011 New Construction Technical Guidance » Supporting Documents
Environmental management – no principal contractor - KBCN1213
In order to achieve compliance where there is no principal contractor, the criteria must be met by the party which fulfills an equivalent role in managing the construction.
The intent of the criteria is to ensure that the site is managed in accordance with demonstrably sustainable principles by the party having overall control of site management and operations.
Environmental management – Timing of obtaining ISO 14001/EMAS certification - KBCN0229
The contractor must be in possession of the ISO 14001/EMAS certification prior to starting works on the development under assessment.
This is to ensure that the aim of the issue, to ‘encourage construction sites managed in an environmentally sound manner’, can be achieved. To uphold the robustness of BREEAM, the date of certification to ISO 14001/EMAS must be prior to initial works starting on the site.
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)- Calculating the percentages of materials - KBCN00070
When calculating the contribution of EPDs to an element's point score in the Mat 01 tool, the percentage of material in an element should be based on its mass.
EPD for systems of products always installed together - KBCN1102
Where an EPD is for a system of products, from the same manufacturer, that are always installed together, this system of products shall be considered a single product for the purposes of assessment in BREEAM. Examples of this include:
- a flooring system of products comprising of the floor finish and an adhesive
- a cladding system of products comprising panels, fixing brackets, insulation and seals etc.
EPDs – Products containing multiple materials - KBCN1127
Construction products can comprise of either a single material, or multiple materials.
Where a product (with an EPD) is comprised of more than one material, the assessor should decide which material category classification should be used for classifying the EPD at their own discretion, and in accordance with the categories listed in the manual.
To do this, the assessor may base the EPD classification on the material that represents the majority of the product’s volume. For example, if a product comprises 0.8 m3 of metal and 0.6 m3 of glass, then the classification to use for the EPD is "Metal".
Other reasonable approaches may be used. Whatever approach is used, it must be applied consistently across all EPD classifications.
EPDs’ validity - KBCN0798
EPDs which have expired or are pending verification at the time the relevant product was specified, cannot contribute to awarding credits. However, it is not necessary that they are valid at the time of the design or post-construction stage submissions.
BREEAM is primarily trying to encourage designers to take EPDs into consideration when specifying products.
04/11/2019 Confirmed applicability to UK NC2018
27/03/2020 Added applicability to Green Guide ratings and ISO 14001 certificates
27/05/2020 Reference to ISO 14001 removed - Whilst the same principle applies, the wording relating to product specification does not - See KBCN1401.
12/08/2021 Clarification regarding the validity of EPDs during QA submission and removal of reference to Green Guide ratings
Equipment types not included in relevant schemes - KBCN0387
Equipment types not covered by the relevant schemes in the criteria do not need to be assessed.
Erratum – 2018 to V6 – scope – external doors - KBCN1651
The scope of this issue includes external doors.
Currently, external doors are missing from the Mat 03 scope 'internal finishes'.
This will be corrected in future versions.
Erratum – Commissioning and handover – Shell only assessments - KBCN1591
There is an error in the assessment scope of Man 04 under Shell only. 'Ref 1.1' does not apply to Shell only assessments
This will be corrected in the next re-issue
Erratum – Criterion 8 – ‘No net loss’ - KBCN1210
In Criterion 8 of this issue, the wording, 'No net loss of ecological value' should read, 'No overall loss of ecological value'.
This corresponds to the definition of 'No overall loss' provided in the guidance for this Issue.
Technical manual to be updated accordingly in next reissue.
Erratum – exemplary level requirements - KBCN0739
The exemplary level credits are awarded where volatile organic compound emission levels for products are not exceeded. Criteria 29 and 31 should refer to criteria 8-9 instead of 10-15.
11-Oct-2022 Title renamed for clarity and consistency.
Technical manual to be updated accordingly in next reissue.
Erratum – UK NC2018 LE 05 – criterion 6 - KBCN1189
Criterion 6 should not have been included in the
Planning, liaison, data, monitoring and review management and maintenance credit. Instead it is a requirement of the below credit as follows;
6. Landscape and ecology management plan, or equivalent, is developed in accordance with BS 42020:2013 Section 11.1 covering as a minimum the first five years after project completion and includes:
6.a: Actions and responsibilities, prior to handover, to give to relevant individuals
6.b: The ecological value and condition of the site over the development life.
6.c: Identification of opportunities for ongoing alignment with activities external to the development project and which supports the aims of BREEAM's Strategic Ecology Framework
6.d: Identification and guidance to trigger appropriate remedial actions to address previously unforeseen impacts
6.e: Clearly defined and allocated roles and responsibilities.
7. The landscape and management plan or similar is updated as appropriate to support maintenance of the ecological value of the site.
Please follow these criteria instead of what is written in the BREEAM UK NC 2018 Manual
Erratum – UK NC2018 Pol 03 – Peak rate of run-off for greenfield sites - KBCN1063
The 30% improvement on the peak rate of run-off, required under criterion 6, is only applicable to Brownfield sites. Post-development, Greenfield sites are only required to achieve a peak rate of run-off that is no greater than the pre-developed site.
The 2014 UK NC scheme required both Greenfield and Brownfield sites to not increase the peak rate of run-off as a result of the development. A 30% improvement for brownfield sites is in keeping with BREEAM's aim to continue to drive improvements and mitigate the impacts of development.
10/08/18 - Technical manual updated. Only relevant to v1.0 of the manual
Erratum – UK NC2018 Pol 03 – Prerequisite for Simple buildings assessments - KBCN1067
The prerequisite requiring the appointment of an appropriate consultant is applicable to Simple buildings assessments for the Flood resilience and Minimising watercourse pollution credits. The prerequisite must also be met if the two credits and exemplary credit are awarded for Simple Buildings achieving compliance to the Surface Water Run-off criteria. Refer to the text under 'Up to two credits - Simple Buildings - Surface water run-off'.
The prerequisite does not, however, apply to the 'Simple buildings only' criteria 24-25.
Assessment scope for a Simple building:
Erratum – UK NC2018 Tra 02 – Table 7.6 Building Types - KBCN1074
The text relevant to Building Group 5 in the building types key for this table should read as follows:
BG 5: Multi-residential.
Therefore, please ignore the text: '(
two credits are available and each can be awarded independently of the other)'.
10/08/18 - Technical manual updated. Only relevant to v1.0 of the manual
Erratum – up to v1.0 – issue overview icons - KBCN1070
Some icons in the recently published UKNC2018 technical manual indicate incorrect numbers of credits available by assessment type. The table below summarises the error and correction needed.
12-Oct-2022 - Title amended for clarity.
10-Aug-2018 - Technical manual updated. Only relevant to v1.0 of the manual.
Erratum – up to v1.2 – timing of pre-requisite – indoor air quality plan - KBCN1206
In Issues 1.0 and 1.2 of the technical manual, the prerequisite requires the Indoor air quality plan to be produced no later than the end of Concept Design.
Clarification of the requirements in Hea 02:
The prerequisite currently states:
‘1. A site-specific indoor air quality plan has been produced and implemented in accordance with the guidance in Guidance Note GN06. The plan must be produced no later than the end of Concept Design. The objective of the plan is to facilitate a process that leads to design, specification and installation decisions and actions that minimise indoor air pollution during occupation of the building…’
Clarified criterion:
‘1 A site-specific indoor air quality plan has been produced and implemented in accordance with the guidance in Guidance Note GN06. The objective of the plan is to facilitate a process that leads to design, specification and installation decisions and actions, which minimise indoor air pollution during occupation of the building…:’
12-Oct-2022 Title amended for clarity.
This will be confirmed in the next re-issue of the technical manual, but can be applied immediately in all issues of the UK NC2018 scheme.
Erratum – up to V6 – checklist A5 – lighting - KBCN1629
Item 1 of Checklist A5 states:
This is incorrect. The requirements should be:
- Non-day lit areas with intermittent occupancy must have occupancy controls.
- Day-lit areas must have daylight detection controls.
- The controls conform to either ASHRAE 90.4 or California Energy Code.
Erratum – up to V6.0.0 – covered parking areas (CN3.1) - KBCN0983
CN3.1 mistakenly refers to criteria 2 to 11, but should refer to criteria 1 to 11.
The technical manual will be updated accordingly in the next re-issue.
12-Jan-2023 - Title amended for clarity.
Erratum – UK NC2018 LE 05 – Prerequisite criterion 2 - KBCN1123
Clarification of the LE05 prerequisite reference to LE 04 will be made in the next manual re-issue. It will distinguish more clearly between the Route 1 and Route 2 requirements as follows:
2. The following must be achieved according to the route being assessed:
2a. Route 1 - Criteria 3-4 in LE 03 have been achieved.
2b. Route 2 - Criteria 3-4 in LE 03 have been achieved, and at least one credit under LE 04 for 'Change and Enhancement of Ecology' has been awarded.
Escalators or moving walks – variable speed drive - KBCN1621
The requirements refer to 'a load sensing device that synchronises motor output to passenger demand through a variable speed drive'.
The intent is that the inverter must operate full-time to moderate output based on passenger demand.
Evacuation lifts - KBCN0437
Evacuation lifts, which will be used during an emergency only, can be excluded from the relevant BREEAM criteria. However, if these lifts are used during the normal operation of the building, then they still need to be assessed.
Evidence – Photographs not permitted for security reasons - KBCN0389
Where photographs are not permitted during a site visit for security reasons, in addition to any alternative evidence requirements listed in the Schedule of Evidence for each issue, the assessor will also need to provide a detailed site inspection report and/or as-built drawings (where permitted by the client). If following this approach, full justification and documentary evidence from the client will be required for QA purposes.
Evidence requirements – responsible sourcing of materials at post-construction - KBCN1599
Whilst the UK BREEAM manuals are less prescriptive in the evidential requirements to allow flexibility, to ensure consistency across the schemes, it is expected that robust evidence should be provided to verify the source of any certified materials and how the assessor has confirmed the products and manufacturers used.
Evidence supplied at post construction stage must reflect the completed building and confirm the responsibly sourced materials that have been procured and installed on the project. Supporting documentation is required to validate letters of confirmation or schedules of materials.
Evidence provided could include proof of purchase, for example, invoices, delivery tickets, purchase orders or correspondence from suppliers. This may be an example for each material sourced, rather than every delivery ticket for instance. Alternatively, evidence of the use of the responsibly sourced materials may include as-built drawings, O&M documentation or site photographs.
Evidence: Final design/’as-built’ drawings as evidence - KBCN0393
Where drawings are not clearly marked to indicate their 'as-built' status, additional evidence would need to be provided by the design team to confirm the drawings represent the completed development and that there have been no changes relevant to the BREEAM/HQM assessment. This could, for example, be a written confirmation from the architect or the contractor, as appropriate.
Evidence: Post construction assessment evidence - KBCN0407
For the purposes of robustness and completeness, both design AND post-construction stage evidence is required for a post construction assessment. However, it is possible to provide only post construction stage (PCS) evidence where it is clear that this completely supersedes the design stage (DS) evidence and renders it unnecessary.
Excluding applications from assessment - KBCN0875
Where a structural engineer has determined that recycled or secondary aggregate cannot be used in line with the criteria for a particular application, or where they will not allow the minimum BREEAM level to be used, that application can be excluded from the assessment. Where the engineer allows some content to be used, this percentage must still be specified in the excluded application. The engineer's decision must be suitably justified (for example following the BS8500 series and associated standards) and must be provided as evidence for the BREEAM assessment.
Excluding excavation waste from ‘Diversion of resources from landfill’ - KBCN0226
Excavation waste should not be included and assessed against the requirements under ‘Diversion of resources from landfill’.
This also applies to BREEAM Communities RE05 - 3rd/4th credits.
Excluding large untreated warehouse spaces from ‘Useful floor area’ - KBCN00069
For industrial buildings, where there are offices and the untreated warehouse space does not include any energy-intensive systems or processes, the warehouse space can be excluded from the calculation of 'useful floor area' to determine whether Criterion 2 or 3 (Criterion 2 only in UK New Construction 2018) is applicable.
For speculative developments, if Planning Consent includes Distribution or Warehousing (UK Planning Use Class B8 or equivalent local planning consent) and the design team and assessor can justify that this is the intended use, the above approach can be followed for untreated warehouse space.
Where there is minimal energy consumption, complex sub-metering such a space would add little benefit.
28 Oct 2022 - Applicability to INC V6 and UK NC V6 confirmed.
Wording clarified and note added relating to speculative developments - 16/12/2016
Wording clarified relating to speculative developments - 06/01/2020
Exclusions when calculating the uniformity ratio, minimum point daylight factor, and minimum daylight illuminance - KBCN0348
The uniformity ratio calculation, minimum point daylight factor and minimum daylight illuminance can exclude areas within 0.5m of walls. Areas within 0.5m are not regarded as part of the working plane for this purpose, although they are included in the average daylight factor and average daylight illuminance calculations.
Exemplary credit – Ene 01 credits required - KBCN1556
For the exemplary credit, the requirement for 'Ene 01 Reduction of energy use and carbon emissions' is to achieve four credits, (rather than the eight stated in the manual). This is due to the altered credit scale in NC V6 Ene 01.
This will be updated in the next reissue of the technical manual
Exemplary credits for Post-occupancy stage - KBCN1400
The 'Four credits - Prediction of operational energy consumption' need to be achieved before assessing the two exemplary credits for 'post-occupancy stage'.
This is so that the post-occupancy stage commitments have a prediction to be compared to.
SH 24/08/22 Not needed for UKNC V6
Exemplary level credit - KBCN1131
The exemplary level credit of Hea 06 requires the use of a compliant risk based security rating scheme and for the project's performance against the scheme to be confirmed through independent assessment and verification.
Where this criterion has been met and the exemplary level credit is achieved, the 'Security of site and building' credit of Hea 06 is also automatically achieved. This is because the compliant risk based security rating scheme will cover the requirements of the 'Security of site and building' credit, in addition to covering many other aspects.
Exemplary level credit – Non-compatible schemes - KBCN1228
The following cannot currently be considered compliant with the requirements of the exemplary level credit for this Issue, which requires certification through a
‘compliant risk-based security rating scheme’ where
‘performance against the scheme has been confirmed by independent assessment and verification’:
- Secured by Design (SbD)
- Vulnerability Self Assessment Tool (VSAT)
18 Mar 2022 - Title and content updated to include VSAT
11 Nov 2021 - Updated (superfluous commentary removed).
Exemplary level credit – Using SABRE - KBCN1499
Order of certification
To achieve the BREEAM exemplary credit, the SABRE 'design stage' or 'as-built' certification (as applicable to the BREEAM assessment stage) must be completed before BREEAM certification.
Please also refer to
KBCN1549 - Shell only and Shell and Core assessments - using SABRE
Evidence output
The most appropriate evidence output for this exemplary credit is a SABRE certificate corresponding to the stage of the BREEAM assessment (i.e. ‘design stage’ or ‘post-construction stage’). Providing the certificate demonstrates that the requirements of SABRE have been met and validated, which can mitigate any potential delays to the BREEAM QA process.
SABRE 'design stage' certification can be sought at any time during the RIBA design stages, whilst 'as-built' certification is sought at handover.
Timing of SABRE assessment
Unlike the 'Security of site and building' credit, there is no strict cut-off point by which the SABRE assessment process must commence, however RIBA Stage 2 is recommended as a reasonable time by which to begin working towards SABRE certification.
04 Nov 2022 - Reference to KBCN1549 added
Exemplary level criteria – not all product categories specified - KBCN0636
The assessment of exemplary level criteria assumes that every product category is specified. It awards credit(s) based on the number of product categories that meet the exemplary levels.
Where the assessment does not contain every product category,
all product categories must meet the exemplary level requirements.
[accordion]
[accordion_block title="1 exemplary credit"]
Exemplary credit requirement: 3 out of 4 product types meet the exemplary requirements.
An assessment has only specified 3 product types in total. To achieve the credit, all product types must meet the exemplary criteria.
[/accordion_block]
[accordion_block title="2 exemplary credits"]
Exemplary credit requirement:
- 1 exemplary credit: 4 out of 5 product types meet the exemplary requirements.
- 2 exemplary credits: 5 out of 5 product types meet the exemplary requirements.
An assessment has only specified 3 product types in total.
- No exemplary credits are awarded if 2 out of 3 product types meet the requirements.
- 2 exemplary credits are awarded if 3 out of 3 product types meet the requirements.
[/accordion_block]
[/accordion]
19-Oct-2022 - Wording and title clarified. Scheme applicability updated. Scenario added.
Exemplary level criteria – option 5 - KBCN0529
In order to use option 5 to achieve the Exemplary level credit, two credits must be achieved in this option.
Exemplary level criteria – Shell only assessments - KBCN1511
Criterion 10c requires the credit for Pol 05 to be achieved.
For shell only assessments, where Issue Pol 05 is filtered out, this requirement does not apply.
Exemplary level criteria – Wider site sustainability – Pol 03 requirements - KBCN1539
Criterion 10.b. is intended to be read as follows:
Pol 03 Flood and surface water management - Achieve
ALL credits for 'Surface water run-off' and 'Minimising watercourse pollution'
Technical manual to be updated accordingly in next reissue.
Exemptions from hard landscaping and boundary protection - KBCN00062
Where a third party, such as the local authority, enforces strict constraints on the materials that can be used by the project for hard landscaping or boundary protection, and these materials do not achieve a Green Guide rating of A/A+, it is possible to exempt these materials from the assessment of this issue, on the condition that robust evidence confirming this is given.
In this instance the developer does not have control over the materials specified, therefore it is not appropriate to include them in the assessment.
Existing materials recycled on site - KBCN0813
When existing elements are recycled (ie crushed and used as aggregate) on site, they can contribute to awarding credits as recycled aggregates.
This issue aims to recognise and encourage the use of recycled and secondary aggregates and addresses waste rather than materials. It refers to recycled aggregate obtained on-site or off-site, based on materials identified as waste and removed during construction works.
Previous incorrect KBCN text amended. CN 'Aggregates in existing applications' to be amended accordingly in next reissue of the RFO Technical manuals.
Existing travel plan - KBCN1068
If an up to date organisational travel plan, that is BREEAM compliant, exists for a site on which an assessed building is located, it can be used to meet the relevant criteria. All building users (in existing and new buildings) and additional travel resulting from users of the new building need to be taken into account.
Extending a lift shaft - KBCN0802
Where the scope of works regarding a lift only includes extending the lift shaft to other floors, then assessment of this lift is not appropriate. Where changes are made to the lift system, then assessment is required.
Where changes to lift systems are made, these lifts need to be included in the assessment to encourage specification of energy efficient transport systems.
Extension to existing buildings - KBCN1039
Facilities within the existing building can be used to assess compliance. These facilities must cater for the total volume of predicted recyclable waste arising from the new extension and existing buildings.
Extension using existing building services - KBCN0914
When assessing an extension, which is served by existing building plant, the existing plant, should be considered as contributing to the existing pre-development background noise level. Any additional plant or changes to the operation of the existing plant should be considered as a new noise source.
This Issue seeks to address any increase in background noise levels which result from the assessed development.
22/02/2018 Wording amended to clarify how existing plant should be considered
Superseded wording:
Existing building services serving a building extension have to be included in the assessment of this issue.
Issue Pol 05 is applicable to all treated buildings, even where existing building services are used for an extension building, without being upgraded. The issue assesses the impact on any nearby noise-sensitive buildings of existing and newly specified plant and the effectiveness of any fabric measures to reduce this.
Extensions – Retaining existing heating plant - KBCN0336
When assessing an extension where existing heating plant is retained, the current emissions output should be used to determine compliance. The emissions should not be taken from the original manufacturers information at the time of installation.
Extensions and infill developments - KBCN1055
When assessing a new extension or infill development on an existing site, only new lighting specified as part of the assessed works needs to be considered.
External lighting – architectural façade lighting - KBCN0650
Architectural façade (or other decorative) lighting, which does not provide users with lighting to perform tasks outdoors, does not need to be included in the assessment of external lighting.
This Issue seeks to ensure that lighting levels are appropriate for tasks which building users will be undertaking outdoors.
External lighting – High frequency ballasts - KBCN0278
The requirement for all fluorescent and compact fluorescent lamps to be fitted with high frequency ballasts does not apply to external lighting.
External lighting – Residential balconies and terraces - KBCN1507
Where an external balcony or terrace serves a single dwelling and is accessed directly from the dwelling, the requirements for lighting controls for the external lighting serving this space are not applicable.
Such spaces are owned and controlled by the occupant and should be considered in the same way as internal lighting.
05 Nov 2024 - Not applicable to BREEAM NOR
External lighting inside wider building - KBCN0906
Where a building undergoing assessment is located inside of another building, for example a retail unit within a shopping centre, Ene 03 External lighting and Pol 04 Reduction of night time light pollution should be assessed as follows;
Ene 03
'External lighting' that is inside of the wider building, using the example above the lighting is external of the retail unit itself but inside of the wider shopping centre, criteria relating to the luminous efficacy should be applied as presented within the manual. For the criteria relating to controlled for prevention of operation during daylight hours and presence detection in areas of intermittent pedestrian traffic, however, instead of demonstrating that the lighting is not operational during daylight hours, it should be demonstrated that the lighting is not operational outside of the operational hours of the wider shopping centre. Any external lighting within the scope of works being assessed that is located outside of the wider shopping centre, for example if the retail unit had an entrance or exit that leads on to the street outside, this would need to be assessed against the criteria presented within the manual.
Pol 04
If the building undergoing assessment has no external lighting that is outside of the wider building, it can be considered that the building has no external lighting. However, as above, any external lighting within the scope of works of the assessment that is located outside of the wider building will need to be assessed as the criteria is presented within the manual.
10/05/2019 Reference to specific criteria numbers removed and made applicable to UK NC2018
External works – waste reporting requirements - KBCN1379
Waste arising from external works does not need to be included within the calculations for construction resource efficiency. To do so would be incongruous with reporting waste relative to the building's floor area. This follows the logic of excluding excavation waste from this criterion.
However, waste from external works should be addressed in the RMP and should also be reported in the calculations for the Diversion of resources from landfill credit, which is not reported relative to the building's floor area.
Fabric testing and inspection in hot climates - KBCN0790
The requirements for thermographic survey and air tightness testing are applicable to both, cold and hot climates. A suitably qualified professional will advise on the appropriate testing conditions and specific methods in order to address this issue in different climatic conditions.
Building fabric air tightness is important in different climates in order to ensure than no additional energy is consumed due to increased heating or cooling demand originating from the lack of integrity of the building fabric.
Facilities provision for public bicycle sharing systems - KBCN0276
Where a public bicycle sharing system is being used to account for up to 50% of cycle spaces provided, the total number of cycle spaces, including those provided by the bicycle sharing system, should be the basis on which the compliant cyclist facilities are provided.
This is because people using public cycle spaces will still need the use of cyclist facilities such as showers and lockers.
13.08.2018 KBCN applied to the BREEAM In-Use scheme.
Feasibility study – comparison with connection to existing LZCs - KBCN0563
In carrying out a feasibility study (covering all the areas required as stated in the manual) the primary intent is to demonstrate to a reasonable level of certainty that the chosen LZC is the most appropriate of all those available.
Some of the options (for example community heating/cooling schemes) may not allow for a simple like for like comparison but a comparison can be made overall across many factors. For example in a community heating scheme the life cycle costing estimate might need to be simply the cost of using and maintaining the system for the measuring period, if upfront costs and payback period information is not available. Similarly for an existing community scheme, planning would not be a barrier but land use and noise impacts could be compared.
The feasibility study must include a comparison of all criteria and for it to show that each has been factored into the final option being made. While some options may provide information in different formats and differing levels of detail making direct comparisons not straightforward, a comparison can still be made and this should aim to be as comprehensive and representative as possible. This will serve to demonstrate with reasonable certainty that the chosen option is the most appropriate.
Fewer than four cycle spaces - KBCN0134
The minimum number of compliant cycles spaces is always four. To ensure that an adequate minimum number of spaces are provided, where the 50% reduction is applicable, it cannot be used to reduce the number to fewer than four spaces.
Fire hydrants and sprinklers – Leak detection - KBCN0680
Where it is confirmed by an appropriate project team member that it is not possible to fully meet the leak detection criteria for fire hydrants or sprinklers, an alternative approach can be implemented for these systems.
This must demonstrably meet the aim of the issue by detecting and alerting the building management to major water leaks.
Previous guidance - superseded on 30 May 2024
To meet BREEAM compliance, emergency systems such as fire hydrants and sprinklers need also to be covered by a leak detection system.
The leak detection system must cover all mains water supply between and within the building and the ‘site boundary'.
11 Sep 2024 - Applicability to BIU V6 confirmed - QN-75509-C8H8V1
30 May 2024 - New guidance introduced to clarify that BREEAM compliance should not compromise the operation of building safety-critical systems. Applicability to NC V6 standards confirmed.
Fit-out level – Selecting the appropriate assessment type - KBCN1627
Projects designed and constructed as fully fitted should not be evaluated as ‘Shell and core’ or ‘Shell-only’ where the intent is to limit the scope of the BREEAM assessment without further justification.
Where the fit-out level of a project is not consistent, the BREEAM assessment type should be considered in line with
KBCN0702
Fitting elements in Shell and Core assessments - KBCN0835
All elements present in a building need to be assessed. Therefore, where fitting elements are included in a development being assessed as shell and core, they need to be included in the BREEAM assessment.
Fleet operator definition – Responsible construction management items p and q - KBCN1473
The definition of the fleet operator states that “transportation to the project is likely to be by several fleet operators many of which will not be under the control of the constructor. The criteria relate to all fleet operators, nonetheless.”
Following feedback on the difficulties of applying the requirements to fleet operators who do not directly work with the contractor, these requirements will only apply to those who are under the control of the principal contractor.
‘Fleet operators’ should now, therefore, be read as ‘all vehicles used or present on site which are owned, leased or hired by the principal contractor’. For clarity this may include, but is not limited to:
- company vehicles (cars and vans)
- movable plant or powered equipment (such as dumpers, diggers, cranes)
- trucks, lorries or waste removal wagons
Item P should, therefore, read:
For any company vehicles or plant owned, leased or hired by the principal contractor; driver or operator training and awareness is undertaken to promote safety within the development footprint and off-site.
Item Q should read:
The principal contractor records, investigates and analyses any vehicular accidents, incidents and near misses; and learnings are incorporated in updated policies and training.
This will be amended in the next reissue of the technical manual and GN33.
26 September 2024: This has been updated to provide additional clarification on what is meant by fleet operators under the control of the principal contractor.
Flexibility of acoustic requirements for naturally ventilated buildings - KBCN0219
When the Design Capability Supply Rate of 8 l/s per person is provided by natural ventilation, the design can achieve the BB93 performance standards for the indoor ambient noise levels in Table 1.1 of BB93 then the requirements can be increased by 5 dB LAeq,30min. This approach can be followed where BB93 is applicable.
Flood Resilience - KBCN1478
In order to award two credits
- Flood risk must be determined by a compliant, site-specific Flood Risk Assessment and cannot be based solely on on EA Flood Maps
- The credits for flood risk are awarded based on the pre-development site
Sites which have a medium or high flood risk from
one or more sources (pre-development) can only achieve one credit, subject to mitigation measures being implemented as part of the development.
The criteria seek to encourage the development of sites in areas of low flood risk from all sources.
01/11/2021 Clarified: 'Sites which have a medium or high flood risk from one or more sources...'
Flood resilience – appropriate consultant - KBCN1453
Where compliance is only sought for criteria 2-4a, if the assessor is satisfied and can justify that the person conducting a flood risk assessment for the development has the appropriate level of knowledge to undertake it, then they do not need to meet the full definition of the 'appropriate consultant'.
Flood resilience – Pre-existing flood defences - KBCN1021
In an area protected by existing flood defences, (designed to withstand a certain magnitude of flooding), the appropriate number of flood risk credits can be awarded where the defences reduce the risk to ‘low’ or ‘medium’ and the following conditions are met:
1. The development is not located in an area where new flood defences have to be, or have been, constructed to minimise the risk of flooding to the site and its locality purely for the purpose of the development or its wider master plan.
2.The development is located on previously occupied land (as defined by the criteria in BREEAM issue LE 01 Site selection).
3.The relevant agency confirms that, as a result of such defences, the risk of a flood event occurring is reduced to low or medium risk. If firm confirmation is not provided then the credit cannot be awarded.
A statutory body’s local or regional office may be able to provide more information on existing defences in the area in which the assessed development is located.
Flood resilience – Third party feature acting as flood defences - KBCN1022
There are many landscape feature defences, owned by third parties, which due to their location act as a flood defence by default, e.g. motorway, railway embankments, walls etc. It can be assumed that such embankments will remain in place for the lifetime of the development, unless the assessor or project team have reason to believe otherwise. For walls, assurance must be sought that the wall is likely to remain for the design life of the building.
Flood risk – Site situated across numerous flood zones - KBCN0532
Where a site is situated across more than one flood zone, the flood zone with the highest probability of flooding, i.e. the worst case scenario, must be considered for the purpose of the BREEAM assessment. An exception to this would be where the areas in the higher probability zone include only soft landscaping and it can be demonstrated that access to the building will be maintained in a flooding event.
This is to ensure that the site has adequately managed the worst case scenario level of flood risk associated with the site's location.
22/07/2022 Applicability to HQM One confirmed
07/03/2018 Updated to include circumstances where an exception may apply.
Flood risk assessments to National Planning Policy Framework - KBCN0901
The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) is made up of a number of Planning Practice Guidance (PPG) documents. This means that flood risk assessments that confirm they follow the NPPF can be accepted as being compliant to all relevant PPGs (for example PPG Flood Risk and Coastal Change).
Flow control devices – combining flow control - KBCN1034
Flow control devices are not required for each individual fitting and may control one or more WC area, such as adjacent male and female toilets within a core. However, when using a single device to control the supply to multiple areas, the strategy must account for the occupancy and function of each space, to ensure that the aim of the criterion is met.
Combining multiple cores with varying occupancy using a single flow control device has the risk that faults in infrequently used sanitary facilities could continue to leak undetected.
Flow control devices – residential accommodation - KBCN0415
The credit for the specification of flow control devices in WC areas or facilities does not apply to ensuite facilities in residential areas, e.g. ensuite facilities in individual private bedrooms and a single bathroom for a collection of individual private bedrooms in halls of residence, key worker accommodation or sheltered accommodation. The credit and criteria are however applicable to buildings which have guest bedrooms with ensuite facilities, e.g. hotel rooms, and communal WC areas or facilities, e.g. communal WC facilities in hotels or hostels and care homes.
In accommodation where occupancy is long-term and there is a sense of ownership of the space, flow control does not need to be assessed as the occupants are likely to detect and report leaks.
26 Oct 2023 - Applicability to BIU V6 Commercial confirmed
Flow control devices – Use of devices on individual sanitary fittings - KBCN1550
The intent of the requirement for flow control devices is to minimise the impact of undetected wastage and leaks from sanitary fittings and supply pipework.
The use of flow control devices on individual sanitary fittings alone does not, therefore, fully meet this aim.
Flow control devices for multiple blocks - KBCN1186
The criteria are set to encourage isolation of the water supply to each WC block when it is not being used. If a single flow control device, for example one programmed time controller, is adequate to switch the water on at predetermined times that suit the usage patterns of more than one WC blocks or facilities, this can be used to demonstrate compliance.
Please note that if only one timed controller is used for a large area/number of facilities, the assessor must justify that this is appropriate to the usage patterns within the building and confirm that multiple timers would be redundant (i.e. they would all be set to the same time). Consideration should be given of any facilities that may be open longer than others, requiring these timers to be programmed differently in different areas.
As long as the aim of the credit (‘to reduce the impact of water leaks that may otherwise go undetected’) can be achieved through the specification of an appropriate number of flow control devices, the credit may still be achieved if timers cover more than one WC area/facility to prevent minor water leaks.
14 Apr 2023 - Applicability to BIU V6 Commercial confirmed.
Flow control devices on rainwater supply for toilets - KBCN0868
Flow control devices will be required on water supplied from rainwater and serving the toilet facilities. Rainwater tanks are topped up by mains water and leaks could reduce levels of stored water and hence increase the use of mains water.
The leak detection requirements apply to all relevant water systems, regardless of the water source.
Flow control devices – Prison cells - KBCN1709
Flow control devices in WC areas or facilities are not required in residential areas of long-term residential accommodation.
This can be applied to prison cells with ensuite facilities on the basis that they are long-term residential accommodation. It does not apply to holding cells, other short-term accommodation, staff areas or other non-residential areas of a cell block.
Flow control devices – use of time controllers - KBCN1037
Where a time controller can be justified as an effective means of activating a flow control device, for example, where the facilities are in constant use for a fixed period each day, this may be considered compliant.
BREEAM seeks to be outcome-driven and to encourage the most appropriate solutions in meeting the aim of the criteria.
Flow control on cold water supply - KBCN0417
A shut-off on the cold water supply to the whole WC facility provides a simple and effective way of reducing potential water loss.
Taps which contain built in shut-off valves will not prevent any water leaks from the supply to the tap and so do not fulfil this intent.
The intent of the flow control criteria is to prevent minor water leaks occurring within the pipework of WC facilities.
Flow rate for ‘click’ taps - KBCN0543
The flow rate for click taps should be taken as the maximum flow rate, as quoted by the manufacturer, of the lower range before the water break or 'click'.
All water consumption is based on 'typical' use patterns and it is assumed that most operations of 'click' taps will be at the lower level.
Flow rate for a mixture of taps - KBCN0173
Whichever is the higher of the 'average flow rate' or the 'proportionate flow rate' should be used within the Wat 01 Calculator.
Flow restrictors - KBCN0976
If a flow restrictor can be demonstrated to effectively reduce the flow of water and it is integral to the fitting or supply pipework (ie not easily removed by the building occupant), this can be accounted for in calculations for this Issue.
Such devices must be fit-for-purpose. Proprietary flow restrictors, therefore partly-closed isolation valves, for example, are not an acceptable solution.
Flush stud lighting - KBCN1028
Flush stud lights used for safety purposes in vehicle manoeuvring areas may be excluded from the assessment.
Flushing control – patients with frail or infirm hands - KBCN0414
When determining whether the WC fittings in healthcare facilities are suitable 'for operation by patients with frail or infirm hands', the assessor should be satisfied that this requirement has been met, as it will be product type dependent. If unclear to the assessor, evidence obtained from the relevant manufacturer confirming that their product is specifically designed, and has been tested and approved, for this purpose would be acceptable.
16/04/2018 Rewritten for clarity
FRA more than 5 years old - KBCN1580
Where more than five years have passed since the FRA was carried out, to be able to use the FRA in your assessment evidence would be required to demonstrate that the basis of the FRA has not changed in that time.
Free-standing recycling bins - KBCN1359
Free-standing internal recycling bins may be acceptable to demonstrate compliance for this Issue. These are not required to be built-in or fixed, as long as all the criteria are met, such as the provision of sufficient space in a suitable location.
In cases where the recycling bins cannot be placed in the kitchen, but are located in a nearby store cupboard, for example, signage must be provided, to indicate the location of the recycling bins.
Freestanding commercial fridges and freezers - KBCN0577
Freestanding commercial fridges and freezers must be included in the assessment of the Pol 01 issue, even when they are not connected to the building cooling system. Only domestic white goods are excluded from the assessment of this issue.
FSC and PEFC Mixed Sources certified timber - KBCN00091
Products labelled:
- FSC Mix or
- PEFC Mixed Sources
Meet the BREEAM responsible sourcing requirements. This means any such products:
- In HQM, and in BREEAM NC 2016 or older schemes: meet the prerequisite for legally harvested and traded timber.
- In BREEAM NC 2018 or newer schemes: meet the prerequisite for legal and sustainable timber.
- In all schemes: can be used to demonstrate responsible sourcing.
Products carrying the FSC Mix label contain at least 70% FSC certified and recycled material. These products may contain a small proportion of FSC Controlled Wood (KBCN00054). However for BREEAM compliance, the FSC Mix label is sufficient to meet our requirements.
14-Mar-2024 - Wording clarified and expanded. Relevant prerequisites and requirements clarified. Scheme applicability updated.
FSC Controlled Wood - KBCN00054
The
FSC Controlled Wood label minimises the risk that wood comes from illegal or controversial sources, however it does not eliminate this risk.
Therefore, products which are:
- Labelled as FSC Controlled Wood or,
- Where the majority of material in a product is comprised of FSC Controlled Wood,
Do not meet the BREEAM definition of responsibly sourced.
Where FSC Mix labelled products contain FSC Controlled Wood, see KBCN00091.
This means that any such products:
- In HQM, and in BREEAM NC 2016 or older schemes: do not meet the prerequisite for legally harvested and traded timber.
- In BREEAM NC 2018 or newer schemes: do not meet the prerequisite for legal and sustainable timber.
- In all schemes: cannot be used to demonstrate responsible sourcing.
14-Mar-2024 - Wording clarified and expanded. Relevant prerequisites and requirements clarified. Scheme applicability updated.
Fully-fitted assessments with shell & core areas – 75% GLA guidance - KBCN0379
Where a single assessment of a fully-fitted development, with a small proportion of shell and core has been permitted, the guidance relating to 75% of the floor area being covered by a GLA (see Appendix D) must be 75% of the shell & core area, excluding the fully-fitted area.
13/01/2017 - Re-formatted and amended for clarity.
Functional adaptation strategy study – content - KBCN0930
To achieve compliance with Wst 06, the building-specific functional adaptation strategy study should consider all the items listed in the relevant compliance note 'Functional adaptation strategy study'.
Due to site specific constraints, it may not always be possible to pursue all of the items listed. In these cases, any omissions must be clearly justified in writing when submitting as evidence.
Functional adaptation strategy study – timing - KBCN0730
Late consideration of the strategy appraisal, might reduce the study to a ‘paper exercise’, with minimal value to the project.
However, where the assessor is satisfied that there is clear justification for the study being developed at a slightly later stage (i.e. early RIBA stage 3) AND there is clear evidence that the strategy has achieved the intended outcomes (i.e. the later consideration has been in no way detrimental to the outcomes of the strategy study/appraisal and the benefits can still be realised on the project), this will be sufficient for compliance. In any case, all other requirements of the issue must be met for the credit to be awarded.
The requirements for the timing of the functional adaptation strategy study are intended to ensure that the benefits of the study are realised through early consideration.
Future transport nodes - KBCN0966
Where a transport node is currently inactive but will become active soon after project completion, it can be included when calculating the existing AI.
To demonstrate this, confirmation of the start of service date and service frequency from the appropriate public transport authority or company will be required.
Gabion as boundary protection - KBCN000008
A gabion can be excluded from the assessment if it acts as a retaining wall or any other form of a supporting structure. If it acts purely as a boundary and a generic Green Guide rating cannot be found for a specification, the BREEAM assessor will need to submit a Bespoke Green Guide Query proforma detailing the specification details.
Glare control – adjacent buildings - KBCN1211
It is acceptable to account for surrounding buildings, structures or other permanent environmental features when using simulation modelling to assess the risk of glare, provided this accounts for both direct sunlight and reflected glare from glazing or reflective surfaces.
Glare control – alternative measures - KBCN0139
Alternative forms of glare control to those listed in the guidance can potentially be accepted, if it can be justified to the BREEAM assessor that the proposed system will effectively eliminate disabling glare and the assessor accepts this.
Glare control – blackout blinds - KBCN0447
Blackout blinds can be used to meet the glare control requirements.
Where the criteria set an upper limit for transmittance value, but no lower limit, blackout blinds will meet this requirement.
Glare Control – no relevant areas - KBCN0429
If the scope of the assessment does not include any relevant building areas, as defined within the manual, the criteria for Glare Control can be considered as met by default.
Only spaces that fall within the definition of relevant areas and are within the assessment's scope need to be assessed.
22/06/17 Wording clarified
16/06/17 KBCN amended to exclude content of KBCN0146.
Glare control – no windows in relevant areas - KBCN0146
Where a ‘relevant area’ as defined in the manual does not include any windows, the glare control criteria can considered as met for this area.
Note that the view out and daylight criteria would not be achieved in rooms with no windows.
Where there are no windows in a room there would be no potential for disabling glare, so the aim of the credit would be achieved.
Glare control – residential institution and multi-residential bedrooms - KBCN0666
Assuming that occupants are generally elsewhere during daylight hours, lighting and resultant glare are not considered to be problematic for bedrooms in residential institution and multi-residential assessments.
The only exception to this is where designated additional office working space is provided. In these circumstances it is the role of the assessor to determine if individual spaces should be determined as 'relevant building areas' in accordance with guidance provided.
Glare control criteria apply to building areas where lighting and resultant glare could be problematic for users.
Glare control – transmittance value - KBCN0709
Transmittance values should be based on those quoted for 'visible light' or 'optical transmittance'.
10 Mar 2021 Reference to 'optical transmittance' added for clarity
Glare control – use of tinted windows - KBCN0862
Solar control or 'tinted' glazing could potentially support the attainment of this requirement. However, the assessor must be satisfied and provide evidence to demonstrate that the particular glazing type, when used on the assessed building for a given location, is meeting this overarching aim of preventing disabling glare. It should be noted that whilst certain types of glazing, such as low emissivity glazing, may be slightly tinted, they may not necessarily be effective in reducing disabling glare.
For facades receiving direct sunlight, tinted windows alone are unlikely to be sufficient in the majority of situations.
Glare control for roof lights - KBCN0319
Where roof lights are present, they must be considered when demonstrating that the glare control strategy provides adequate control/measures for minimising glare in that space.
All sources of glare need to be considered when designing out the potential for disabling glare.
Glare control in residential areas - KBCN00040
Glare control criteria apply to building areas such as study bedrooms or facility management offices, where work or study will be carried out and where glare would hinder such activities. It does not apply to other residential areas.
GN01 NC 2011 Assessment Reporting - KBCN0610
Introduction
This guidance is intended to clarify the procedure for producing assessment reports for certification using the BREEAM New Construction 2011
assessment scoring and reporting tool and assessment references tab.
View full Guidance Note (licensed assessors only)
View all Guidance Notes (licensed assessors only)
GN02 BREEAM 2011 Ene 01 - KBCN0614
This guidance note is withdrawn.
GN03 Scheme classifications of developments with domestic elements – BREEAM New Construction 2011 - KBCN0615
Scheme classifications of developments with domestic elements - BREEAM New Construction 2011
Introduction
This document provides guidance for BREEAM scheme classifications of developments with domestic elements and reflects where buildings consisting of self-contained dwellings and/or rooms for residential purposes are suitable to be assessed under the BREEAM New Construction scheme 2011 version.
View full Guidance Note (licensed assessors only)
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GN04 BREEAM 2011 Ene 01 Calculation Methodology Review - KBCN0616
Introduction
This guidance details the analysis of and subsequent changes made by BRE Global Ltd to the BREEAM New Construction 2011 version of the Ene 01 assessment issue methodology and benchmarks.
View full Guidance Note (licensed assessors only)
View all Guidance Notes (licensed assessors only)
GN05 Considerate Constructors Scheme and the BREEAM schemes - KBCN0617
Introduction
This guidance note applies to all BREEAM UK versions and schemes including New Construction, Domestic Refurbishment and EcoHomes. Up and coming changes to the Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS) will have an impact on the performance levels required under all schemes and versions of BREEAM, EcoHomes1 and BREEAM Domestic Refurbishment2 i.e. issue Man 02. This guidance note outlines the changes to the CCS and how this will affect BREEAM assessments
View full Guidance Note (licensed assessors only)
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GN08 – Scope of IMPACT compliant tools and data submission requirements - KBCN0621
Scope of IMPACT Compliant (or equivalent) Tools and Data Submission Requirements - BREEAM UK New Construction 2011 and 2014
Introduction
This Guidance Note relates to complying with the exemplary level criteria for route 2, as defined under the Mat01 issue of the BREEAM New Construction 2011 and 2014 versions. It provides information about IMPACT and the level of detail (the Quality Requirements) and file transmission requirements for the Building Information Model (BIM) from IMPACT compliant (or equivalent) tools. It also outlines criteria for demonstrating the equivalence of a proposed alternative to IMPACT compliant tools for BRE Global approval.
View full Guidance Note (licenced assessors only)
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GN10 Assessing mixed use developments and multiple buildings (or units) of similar function - KBCN0623
Summary
The purpose of this Guidance Note is to assist BREEAM assessors with scheme classifications and the application of BREEAM for mixed use developments and developments with multiple buildings or units on the same site.
Note: This guidance note has been revised to v1.0 April 2018
View full Guidance Note (licensed assessors only)
View all Guidance Notes (licensed assessors only)
17/04/18 Wording clarified
04/06/18 Note added regarding revision and hyperlink updated
GN11 Considerate construction scheme administrator guidance - KBCN0624
GN11 Organisational, local or national considerate construction scheme requirements: guidance for scheme administrators
Introduction
The purpose of this guidance note is to provide guidance for considerate construction scheme administrators/operators, against which they can determine whether their scheme is potentially eligible for recognition in BREEAM as a ‘compliant scheme’ and therefore whether performance, as assessed/rated by that scheme, is appropriate for the purpose of awarding BREEAM credits. Where the administrator has reviewed their scheme against the requirements below and wishes to have the schemed listed in BREEAM as a ‘compliant scheme’, they should contact the BREEAM office at BRE Global, providing the following information:
1. A description of the scheme’s operation, including how it monitors and verifies compliance and to what standards it or its assessors are accredited
2. The scheme’s code of practice
3. How the scheme scores/rates contractor and site performance against that code of practice
4. If relevant, the number of projects that have used the scheme and the average score/level of performance achieved.
BRE Global will then inform the scheme operator of the next steps in the review and listing process.
View full Guidance Note (licensed assessors only)
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GN12 Ene 01 – Guidance on the calculation methodology - KBCN0625
The purpose of this guidance note is to describe the calculation methodology used for assessment of the Ene01 Issue.
View full Guidance Note (licensed assessors only)
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GN13 Relating ecologist’s report and BREEAM - KBCN0626
Introduction
This guidance note is to be used for registered BREEAM UK New Construction 2014 and RFO 2014 and International New Construction 2016 and RFO 2015 assessments, where an ecologist has been appointed by the client and has produced an ecology report for the proposed development.
The purpose of this guidance note is to help the BREEAM Assessor relate the content of the ecologist’s report to the BREEAM Land Use and Ecology section criteria (assessment issues LE 02, LE 03 (UK only), LE 04 and LE 05). The guidance within this document has been produced to support the assessment of the aforementioned BREEAM issues and should not be interpreted as criteria. If the BREEAM Assessor chooses to use the template provided within this guidance note as evidence in the assessment (use of this document is optional) the assessor or the appointed suitably qualified ecologist must complete all relevant sections
View full Guidance Note (licensed assessors only)
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01/04/2020 Clarified applicability to UK RFO 2014 and International RFO 2015 schemes
GN14 BREEAM UK New Construction 2014 scheme assessment timeline - KBCN0627
BREEAM UK New Construction 2014 scheme assessment timeline
Introduction
The assessment timeline has been produced to assist with optimising project sustainability performance. It outlines at which RIBA stage credits should be addressed and ideally when these should be considered by the design team, planner, contractors, owners/occupiers and other members of the project team to achieve the highest possible BREEAM rating at the minimum cost. It demonstrates that where BREEAM advice is taken on too late within the design and construction phases a number of BREEAM credits may not be achieved.
View full Guidance Note (licensed assessors only)
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GN15 Relating drainage reports to BREEAM UK NC 2014 - KBCN0629
Latest version: v0.2, November 2014
Guidance Note 15 (GN15) has been produced to help assist BREEAM Assessors relate the contents of drainage reports to the ‘Surface water run-off’ and ‘Minimising watercourse pollution’ criteria in Pol 03 for BREEAM UK New Construction 2014. The guidance note does not cover the criteria for ‘Flood resilience’.
Completing the template is optional. It is an aid for demonstrating compliance and not a requirement.
A separate guidance note exists for BREEAM UK New Construction 2018 (see
GN38).
Download Guidance Note 15
View all Guidance Notes on BREEAM Projects (licensed assessors only)
GN17 Bespoke Green Guide Specifications - KBCN0633
Introduction
This Guidance Note provides advice for BREEAM and Code for Sustainable Homes assessors where a Green Guide rating cannot easily be found or matched on the online Green Guide.
View full Guidance Note (licensed assessors only)
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GN18 BREEAM Recognised Responsible Sourcing Certification Schemes and BREEAM Scheme Applicability - KBCN0723
Latest version: v3.7, May 2023
BREEAM awards credits for responsibly sourcing construction products (typically under the Mat 03 issue) to encourage responsible product specification and procurement in construction. To achieve these credits, applicable specified products (as listed in the relevant technical manual) must be covered by an Environmental Management System (EMS) or a responsible sourcing certification scheme (RSCS) recognised by BREEAM.
Guidance Note 18 lists the responsible sourcing certifications schemes recognised by BREEAM along with the relevant summary scores to be used in BREEAM assessments.
Download Guidance Note 18
Download Guidance Note 18 v2.0 (licensed assessors only - optional for projects registered prior to release of v3.0 in September 2016)
View all Guidance Notes on BREEAM Projects (licensed assessors only)
GN19 BREEAM UK New Construction 2011 scheme assessment timeline - KBCN0716
The assessment timeline has been produced to assist with optimising project sustainability performance. It outlines at which RIBA stage credits should be addressed and ideally when these should be considered by the design team, planner, contractors, owners/occupiers and other members of the project team to achieve the highest possible BREEAM rating at the minimum cost. It demonstrates that where BREEAM advice is taken on too late within the design and construction phases a number of BREEAM credits may not be achieved.
View full Guidance Note (licensed assessors only)
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GN24 Demonstrating compliance with Mat 03 in BREEAM - KBCN0721
Latest version: v1.1, May 2022
Guidance Note 24 provides additional guidance to assessors and specifiers on demonstrating compliance with the criteria set out in Mat 03. It should be read in conjunction with the Technical Manual for the relevant assessment scheme. It covers:
- How to deal with constituent products/materials including those with certification that is different from the overall product.
- The precision required in estimating quantities:
- For the cut-off volume
- Of products/materials in the building (route 2 only)
- Of different material categories in products/materials.
- An example route 2 calculation.
- ‘Broken chain’ situations.
- How to treat building services.
Download Guidance Note 24 (licensed assessors only)
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GN25 BREEAM International New Construction 2016 Ene 01 Calc - KBCN0722
A new calculation methodology for determining the number of credits achieved in Ene 01 was introduced in BREEAM International New Construction 2013. The core principles of this methodology have been retained in BREEAM International New Construction 2016, but there have been some changes to the way in which the methodology is implemented. This guidance note describes the main Ene 01 methodology and provides further detail on how it is implemented in the 2016 scheme.
View full Guidance Note (licensed assessors only)
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GN30 BREEAM International New Construction 2016 scheme assessment timeline - KBCN0988
The assessment timeline has been produced to assist with optimising project sustainability performance. It outlines at which stage credits should be addressed and ideally when these should be considered by the design team, planner, contractors, owners/occupiers and other members of the project team to achieve the highest possible BREEAM rating at the minimum cost. It demonstrates that where BREEAM advice is taken on too late within the design and construction phases a number of BREEAM credits may not be achieved.
View full Guidance Note (licensed assessors only)
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GN32 Energy prediction and post-occupancy evaluation – BREEAM UK New Construction 2018 - KBCN1096
Latest version: v2.0, October 2022
The purpose of
Guidance Note 32 is to describe the methodology for energy performance prediction and subsequent post-occupancy evaluation in BREEAM UK New Construction 2018. The guidance note relates specifically to the criteria within Ene 01 for:
- Prediction of operational energy consumption (4 credits)
- Post-occupancy stage (2 exemplary credits)
Download Guidance Note 32
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31-Oct-2022 - Updated following the closure of separate post-occupancy stage assessment. See KBCN1532.
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).
28-Feb-2023 - Updated link for Guidance Note 33
GN33 has been updated - KBCN1282
Guidance Note 33 (GN33) has been updated with new mapping results following the 2022 update to the Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS). A full description of the change can be found in the 'Schedule of changes' in GN33.
28-Feb-2023 - Updated to refer to latest version of GN33 (v2.0, February 2023). This KBCN previously referred to the changes in GN33 v1.1. The full change history can still be found in the 'Schedule of changes' in GN33.
GN38 Relating drainage reports to BREEAM UK NC 2018 - KBCN1564
Latest version: v1.2, January 2023
Guidance Note 38 (GN38) has been produced to help assist BREEAM Assessors relate the contents of drainage reports to the ‘Surface water run-off’ and ‘Minimising watercourse pollution’ criteria in Pol 03 for BREEAM UK New Construction 2018 and BREEAM UK New Construction Version 6. The guidance note does not cover the criteria for ‘Flood resilience’.
Completing the template is optional. It is an aid for demonstrating compliance and not a requirement.
A separate guidance note exists for BREEAM UK New Construction 2014 (see
GN15).
Download Guidance Note 38
View all Guidance Notes on BREEAM Projects (licensed assessors only)
31-Jan-2023 – Release of GN38 1.2. Fixes issue with incorrectly linked inputs (8c and 10a).
GN39 Ene 01 Calculation Methodology – BREEAM UK NC 2018, V6.0, and V6.1 - KBCN1098
Latest version: v3.0, June 2023
Guidance Note 39 describes the calculation methodology for the energy performance criteria (up to 9 credits) in Ene 01 for BREEAM UK New Construction 2018, Version 6.0, and Version 6.1.
Download Guidance Note 39
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14-Jun-2023 - Updated for release of UK NC V6.1
GN40 Reporting template for ecology assessment issues in BREEAM and HQM - KBCN1190
Latest version: v0.2, July 2022
Guidance Note 40 is an optional template to help Assessors relate information generated during a project to the latest ecology assessment issues in BREEAM and HQM. This document has been produced to support the assessment of these issues and should not be interpreted as criteria. If the Assessor chooses to use the template as evidence, then the Assessor, project team member, or appointed Suitably Qualified Ecologist must complete all relevant sections. The completed document can be used by the Assessor along with relevant project documentation to demonstrate compliance with BREEAM or HQM criteria.
Download Guidance Note 40
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GN48 Ene 01 Calculation Methodology – BREEAM International NC V6 - KBCN1487
Latest version: v1.1, February 2022
Guidance Note 48 describes the calculation methodology for energy performance under the Ene 01 issue of BREEAM International New Construction Version 6. The methodology has been revised for the new version of the scheme and uses a triple metric approach that addresses energy demand, energy consumption, and CO
2 emissions. The aim of using this approach is to recognise and promote designs that minimise energy consumption in buildings, and reduce the carbon emissions from that energy use.
Download Guidance Note 48
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Government Buying Standards for Water - KBCN1357
The Government Buying Standards for water are relevant to government departments and organisations. Although they are best practice, they are not a requirement for buildings that are not part of the public sector.
Granular fill and capping - KBCN1378
Granular fill and capping only refers to roadworks and not building foundations.
Greater Manchester Accessibility Level (GMAL) - KBCN1394
The Greater Manchester Accessibility Levels (GMAL) method has been created to provide a way of measuring the density of public transport provision at any location within the Greater Manchester region. It is derived from the Public Transport Accessibility Level (PTAL) approach used by Transport for London. As such, the Greater Manchester Accessibility Index (GMAI) scores generated by the GMAL method can be used as evidence of compliance against the BREEAM and HQM Accessibility Index requirements. Please note that project teams must ensure that they use the version of the GMAL dataset that is current at the time the transport assessment is undertaken. This is available from the data.gov.uk website (
https://data.gov.uk/dataset/d9dfbf0a-3cd7-4b12-a39f-0ec717423ee4/gm-accessibility-levels-gmal).
02 08 2022 - Updated to clarify that the dataset used must be current at the time of the transport assessment, but this does not need to be updated at post-construction stage
Green Guide – Updated validity requirements - KBCN1466
It has been recognised that, due to the withdrawal of the Green Guide methodology in the current version of BREEAM UK New Construction, some manufacturers are not updating their product certifications against this environmental profiling scheme.
Therefore, where robust evidence can be provided that the composition and properties of such products or materials have not changed since they were certified, the expired Green Guide Rating may be used, where available.
This supersedes the guidance previously provided in relation to Green Guide validity in KBCN0798
Green Guide Rating of raised access flooring - KBCN00016
There are currently no Green Guide ratings available for raised access floors, therefore the components making up the raised floor element itself should be excluded from the assessment of this issue.
24 01 18 Wording clarified to refer to raised floor components only
Green Guide ratings for multi-residential - KBCN0788
For multi-residential buildings please use the Green Guide ratings listed under the ’Domestic’ category.
Where the Multi-residential building is a high rise building i.e. more than 3 stories high, ratings from the ‘commercial’ category of the Green Guide must be used for the external walls and window elements.
To obtain appropriate Green Guide ratings for floor finishes within Multi-residential development, select the ‘healthcare’ category for floor finishes fitted in the communal areas and corridors and ‘domestic’ for those fitted in the over threshold area.
Green lease agreement – applicability - KBCN0897
Green Lease Agreements or other shell & core options (green building guide and developer-tenant collaboration), which were included in UK NC 2011, International NC 2013 and earlier scheme versions are no longer available to demonstrate compliance.
The only exception to this is for Issue Ene 01 for Shell and Core assessments (as detailed in CN/Specific note 1.2).
For all other Issues projects are assessed based on the level of works/assessment type being undertaken.
17/04/18 Reference to 'specific note' added to align with UK NC2018
Green Lease Agreement – reference to the technical manual - KBCN0881
The technical manual includes criteria, intended for the guidance and interpretation of licensed BREEAM assessors. It does not generally provide detailed practical solutions to meet the criteria.
In the BREEAM UK New Construction 2011 and International New Construction 2013 schemes, Shell only/Shell & core assessments included provision for demonstrating compliance for fit-out items using a Green Lease Agreement (GLA).
The future tenant and their design team should not have to rely on a licensed BREEAM assessor to assist them in interpreting the GLA to achieve a compliant fit-out. Specifications for achieving compliance must therefore be explicitly included within the GLA, with reference to the relevant BREEAM criteria, to allow the fit-out team to understand exactly what is required.
A compliant Green Lease Agreement must be a robust alternative to the actual implementation or installation of fit-out measures. A Green Lease Agreement which relies solely on reference to the BREEAM Technical manual is not considered a robust solution.
Green Lease Agreement: an alternative to - KBCN0378
A legally binding lease agreement between the developer and tenant which requires tenants to use a fit-out guide with mandatory BREEAM requirements can be considered a Green Lease Agreement.
Green Lease Agreements refer to the mandatory BREEAM requirements. If the fit-out guide refers to non-mandatory BREEAM requirements, this can be considered a Green Building Guide.
Green lease agreements – developments with multiple tenants - KBCN0411
The 75% rule only applies to the floor areas of the building which are subject to a Green Lease Agreement. Areas of the building which are fully fitted or subject to any of the other shell and core options cannot contribute towards this rule.
Green roofs - KBCN0628
For the purpose of assessment, hard landscaping does not include green roofs.
Green roofs – habitat distinctiveness - KBCN1332
In GN36 Appendix C - Habitat Type Classification and Reference Index the distinctiveness types which have been set for Extensive and Intensive green roofs in part relate to ‘likely’ planting taking into consideration possible options for these roofs.
Taking into consideration evolving and changing practices around green roofs (and generally relating to habitat classification) notes A&B in GN36 Appendix C provide the ecologist with the flexibility to use their professional judgement to use alternative information / classification as long as this is justified.
As such, whilst the distinctiveness levels set in Appendix C should be used in normal circumstances, where the ecologist can provide evidence/justification for doing so, they can specify the distinctiveness of the green roof based specifically on the planting that has implemented on that project.
Green walls – recognition of ecological value - KBCN0869
Green walls cannot be considered compliant for the, 'Minimising impact on site ecology' Issue due to concerns over high maintenance requirements, whereby the plants are not self-supporting and cannot, therefore, be considered as a sustainable solution in themselves or in mitigating the impact of the loss of ground-based planting.
In terms of 'Enhancing site ecology', however, where a specific green wall system and species mix are supported by the SQE's recommendations and there is evidence that a comprehensive on-going maintenance strategy will be in place, this can be recognised.
In such cases, a separate calculator tool may be completed for this Issue to demonstrate the species richness of the site, including the contribution of the green wall.
The following methodology may be used:
- Make a copy of your completed calculator tool for LE 03 to create a separate LE 04 calculator.
- Add the species numbers from the green wall to the total species for the site, keeping the site area the same.
- Use the resulting increase in species richness as evidence to award the relevant credit for LE 04.
30/11/17 Guidance on methodology added
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.
Greenfield/Brownfield site – Definition - KBCN1259
For the purposes of this Issue, the following definitions apply:
Greenfield site
A site which has never been built on, includes minimal development or which has been substantially cleared of all buildings and associated fixed surface infrastructure* and has subsequently remained undisturbed for five years or more.
* Typically, the site includes less than 5% residual development by area.
This supersedes the definition of 'Greenfield' for this Issue in the technical manual.
Brownfield site
Any site which does not fall within the above definition of 'Greenfield site'
Grid NOx emission factors - KBCN0151
The Grid NOx emission factors should be compliant and relevant to the scheme of the development under assessment i.e. BREEAM NC 2011/ 2014 or BREEAM 2008.
In the same way that we do not apply the more stringent requirements of some BREEAM NC 2011 / 2014 Issues retrospectively to 2008 schemes, for a BREEAM 2008 scheme, the emission figures stated in the relevant manual must be used.
09 Aug 2023 - Applicability to IRFO 2015 removed due to conflict with the guidance.
Guidance Note 35 withdrawn - KBCN1355
Guidance Note 35 has been withdrawn following the publication of v3.0 of the BREEAM UK New Construction 2018 Technical manual. This manual reissue includes all of the information contained in this guidance note in a revised form and supersedes the GN content. As such the GN should not be used for assessment purposes and it has been archived. A copy can be downloaded if required for archive purposes only.
Please see
KBCN1221 regarding the original Guidance Note 35.
Guidance Note 40 to be updated - KBCN1356
Following the publication of v3.0 of the BREEAM UK New Construction 2018 Technical manual, the wording in Guidance Note 40 differs to some degree from that in the manual. However, the underlying content is the same and the form may still be used to provide evidence for assessments. Alternatively, it may be used to guide the preparation of evidence in a different format if preferred. This GN will be updated to fully correspond to the wording in the reissued manual.
Please see
KBCN1190 regarding the purpose and scope of Guidance Note 40.
Guidance Notes – Applicability to BREEAM INC V6 - KBCN1502
Some Guidance Notes that apply to BREEAM International New Construction 2016 (INC 2016) remain fully or partly applicable to assessments using BREEAM International New Construction Version 6 (INC V6):
Fully applicable
Partly applicable
Not applicable
Guidance Notes – Applicability to BREEAM UK NC V6 - KBCN1534
Some Guidance Notes that apply to BREEAM UK New Construction 2018 (UK NC 2018) remain fully or partly applicable to assessments using BREEAM UK New Construction Version 6 (UK NC V6):
Fully applicable
Partly applicable
Not applicable
31-Jan-2023 - Updated link for GN38
Habitat classification – Assigning a different classification to that specified in GN36 - KBCN1515
Where the SQE provides written confirmation and robust justification that a particular feature should be assigned to a different habitat classification, the assessor can consider this as valid for their assessment.
Habitat management plan – Level of detail required - KBCN0132
The level of detail required in the landscape and habitat management plan needs to be commensurate with the complexity and extent of the landscaped areas. If there is a limited amount of landscaping, then a simple plan would be acceptable, commensurate with the significance of the area assessed.
Where the suitably qualified ecologist, appointed prior to commencement of activities on site, confirms that a landscaping and habitat management plan is not applicable due to the nature of the site and its surroundings, such as being nearly all or entirely hardstanding or having little or no external space, then full credits can be awarded for demonstrating that the relevant legislation has been followed.
21 Feb 2023 - Applicable to UK NC2018/V6
Hard landscaping – shared site - KBCN1458
Table 9.2 of Mat 01, NC 2018 states:
Include hard landscaping that is installed as part of the project under assessment and:
- Is within a defined curtilage of the building.
- Or is clearly more associated with it (for example, an access road or car park that is intended to serve only the building under assessment or the building and, to a lesser extent, other buildings).
Hard landscaping with no such distinction shall be excluded.
Where a site is shared between multiple assets, only assess the hard landscaping directly associated with the assessment. Exclude all shared elements.
Hazards – Applicability of the issue - KBCN0541
The applicability of issue Hea 07 Hazard is related to the risk of natural hazards in the country, or region, in which the project is situated. This is reflected in the environmental weightings.
The approach to this issue changes according to the country and to the scheme.
BREEAM International New Construction 2013 and BREEAM International Refurbishment and Fit Out 2015
This issue should not be taken into consideration for countries which have a weighting for this issue equal or lower than 1%. The suggested threshold to start considering this credit is more than 1%.
Where no risks are identified in the risk assessment report, this issue will not be applicable, even if the related weighting has a value higher than 1%. Thus before undertaking a risk assessment, it is recommended to investigate if the area might be subject to the natural hazards listed in the technical manual.
BREEAM International New Construction 2016
Countries with no or very low risk, have a weighting of 0% for this issue. Thus, according to the BREEAM scoring and rating system, this issue should not be considered. The suggested threshold to start considering this credit is more than 0%.
Where no risks are identified in the risk assessment report, this issue will not be applicable, even if the related weighting has a value higher than 0%. Thus before undertaking a risk assessment, it is recommended to investigate if the area might be subject to the natural hazards listed in the technical manual.
Head-end systems for smart meters - KBCN0933
As the central component in an Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), head end systems allow data communication and collation from a large and disparate set of smart meters.
Where smart energy meters and sub-meters are to be installed, a head-end system is required for any strategy utilising this technology to be considered for compliance.
Healthcare buildings and HTM07-02 - KBCN1239
Table 6.5 should be interpreted to mean that the analysis is only applicable to Healthcare developments that have large-scale equipment or sets of electrical equipment (numbering more than 50). If the development does not have either of these, the analysis does not need to be done.
Healthcare: BREEAM Assessor Training for Healthcare Buildings - KBCN0470
There are no requirements for training or becoming a licensed BREEAM assessor specific to healthcare buildings. Please review the relevant courses available from the
BRE Academy relating to BREEAM New Construction and BREEAM Refurbishment and fit-out.
17/04/18 Guidance clarified
Healthcare: BREEAM requirement - KBCN0472
From 1 July 2008, all health authorities in the UK (Department of Health, NHS Wales, NHS Scotland and the Department of Health Social Services and Public Safety of Northern Ireland) require new healthcare buildings seeking Outline of Business Case (OBC) approval to commit to an EXCELLENT rating (assessed against BREEAM New Construction) and all refurbishments (assessed against BREEAM Non-Domestic refurbishment and fit-out) to commit to a VERY GOOD rating.
In Scotland, project specific requirements in relation to the BREEAM assessment will be dealt with by Health Facilities Scotland as part of the NHS Scotland Design Assessment Process.
UK health authorities capital cost thresholds below which a BREEAM assessment is not required:
England: where capital cost1 is <£2M.
Scotland: where capital cost1 is <£2M.
Note: For NHS Scotland Boards, reference should be made to the Scottish Capital Investment Manual (available on http://www.scim.scot.nhs.uk/), especially the business case guide, which sets out the BREEAM requirements for Healthcare buildings.
Northern Ireland: where capital cost1 is <£2M.
Note: In Northern Ireland, listed buildings do not require assessment.
Wales: No minimum capital cost1 thresholds, however the Welsh Governments Planning Policy for all non-residential development applies.
All Countries: Where the capital cost falls below the relevant threshold, a Pre-Assessment should still be undertaken (at the OBC stage) to determine whether BREEAM certification is appropriate to that project.
1. Total Capital Cost for Publicly Funded Build Schemes includes all the items contained in the Capital Investment Manual Cost Forms OB1/FB1 (i.e. Construction Works, Fees, Non-Works Costs, including Land Purchase, Statutory and Local Authority Charges, Decanting, Enabling and Temporary Works etc., Equipment, Contingencies, including Optimism Bias, and VAT, as applicable). The Total Capital Cost for Privately Funded Schemes includes all the same items as for Publicly Funded Schemes plus the cost of Financing the Capital (i.e. rolled up Interest, Banking Fees - Arrangement, Due Diligence, Lawyers etc.
– Third party Equity Costs).
Healthcare: Privately owned healthcare developments - KBCN0481
Where the project goes through outline business case approval, the development will be expected to also comply with the requirement for BREEAM (where the ‘thresholds’ outlined in KBCN0472 are met). This is in line with the fact that all UK health authorities support the Governments’ commitment to the sustainable development agenda and recognises the importance of delivering on this agenda through the design and build process.
In Scotland, project specific requirements in relation to the BREEAM assessment will be dealt with by Health Facilities Scotland as part of the NHS Scotland Design Assessment Process.
Healthcare: Reasons to achieve a BREEAM rating - KBCN0474
There are many reasons why organisations wish to achieve the required BREEAM rating:
- BREEAM has a positive influence on the design, construction and management of buildings, demonstrating a good
management approach with efficiency and effectiveness at its heart
- It provides a tool to help design buildings with reduced running costs and improved working and living environments.
- Demonstrates an organisation’s commitment to sustainable building practices and its interest in the local community, staff, patients and the general public
- The BREEAM rating provides a transparent reflection on the performance of the building to denote those buildings that have performed better than the regulatory baseline
- BREEAM addresses a wide-range of environmental and sustainable issues to enable designer, developers and building managers to demonstrate their environmental credentials to clients, planners and other parties.
Healthcare: Related publications/reports - KBCN0477
The following publications/reports might help in addition to the BREEAM New Construction Manuals to support in the understanding of BREEAM and sustainability in the NHS:
- Health Technical Memorandum (HTM) 07-07 ‘Sustainable health and social care buildings: Planning, design, construction and refurbishment’ answers the why/when/who/what/how of sustainable development by taking key issues through a building’s life highlighting key actions, commitments and responsibilities at every stage. It also explores early consideration of reuse of existing buildings and provides advice on possibilities for sustainable refurbishment.
- HTM07-02 EnCode 2015 also provides guidance on managing responsible energy use within the health sector, outlining any mandatory requirements and best practice in energy efficiency.
Healthcare: Required stages of assessment - KBCN0478
The requirement from the Department of Health (and other health authorities) embeds BREEAM in the design from the beginning of the design process: the target rating demonstrated in a Pre-Assessment for the Outline Business Case (OBC) approval or at RIBA stage 1 (Preparation and Brief).
Appointing a licensed assessor early will ensure the assessment process is well planned and proceeds smoothly. Appointing a Sustainability Champion at this stage can also add credits. This will ensure sustainable buildings are delivered without resorting to ‘engineering fixes’ that are often a very expensive last resort.
The Design Stage assessment should be carried out by a licensed assessor and the report submitted to BRE Global for Interim certification. This Interim certification would be used for Full Business Case (FBC) approval, or equivalent.
The mandatory Post Construction Stage report has to be completed after practical completion and final certification demonstrated as part of the Post Project Evaluation (PPE).
Healthcare: The NHS & BREEAM - KBCN0475
The Department of Health supports the Government’s commitment to the sustainable development agenda and recognises the importance of delivering on this agenda through the design and build process. As the successors to NEAT BREEAM Healthcare 2008, and going forward with BREEAM New Construction (which incorporates Healthcare buildings), supports that process to ensure standards continue to improve. This is further reinforced through HTM 07-07 Sustainable health and social care buildings: Planning, design, construction and refurbishment. BREEAM is a Government requirement under:
- Government Construction Clients- Achieving Sustainability in construction procurement- Sustainability Action Plan 2012-2015, November 2012
- UK Government Sustainable Procurement Action Plan
- BERRs (now BIS) Strategy for Sustainable Construction
- Government Buying Standards
- Common Minimum Standards for the procurement of built environments in the public sector
- Sustainable Procurement in Government: guidance to the flexible framework
- Scottish Capital Investment Manual
- Planning Policy Wales
Heat pumps powered by renewable energy - KBCN0422
Where renewable energy is used partially to offset grid electricity in heat pumps, this can contribute towards a reduction in equivalent NOx emissions. To account for seasonal variations in renewable energy generation, this must be calculated over the course of a year.
High frequency ballasts - KBCN0284
Fluorescent and compact fluorescent lamps are the only types of lighting where high frequency ballasts are required. The requirement does not apply to any other type of lamps.
Home composting – Multi-residential - KBCN1004
The requirement to provide home composting facilities and an information leaflet applies to both multi-residential developments with only self-contained units and those with individual bedrooms and communal facilities.
Home composting facilities – clarification - KBCN0927
Home composting facilities are individual composting containers placed within the kitchen area or communal space for each self-contained dwelling, bedsit or communal kitchen.
These containers are either emptied into local on-site communal facilities or are collected by composting collection services run by the waste collection authority.
Individual composting containers should be:
- Located in a dedicated, non-obstructive position.
- Easily accessible to all users.
- Durable, low maintenance and cleanable.
- Enclosed to manage odour and pest issues.
Hot water supplied by grid electricity - KBCN0549
Where grid electricity is used to supply the hot water heating system, the NOx emissions will be the same as that stated in the guidance for any other heating systems.
Hotels – acoustic performance standards - KBCN0644
As hotels fall under the BREEAM Other/Residential Institutions building type, they need to be assessed against the ‘Office, Industrial, Prisons, Courts and other building types’ criteria, for which two credits are available.
Hotels – calculating the required number of water coolers in public areas - KBCN0184
The number of building users should be based on the maximum number likely to be using the public areas of the hotel, such as the gym or bar area, at any time during a typical day. Hotel bedrooms can be excluded from the calculation.
ILP Guidance Note 1 updated - KBCN1385
Pol 04 references the ILP
Guidance notes for the reduction of obtrusive light 2011.
This has now been updated to the ILP
Guidance note 1 for the reduction of obtrusive light 2021.
This is available for free from the
ILP website.
Requirements
Table 2 of the guidance note classifies different lighting environments into Zones E0 to E4. Use this table to define which sets of requirements apply to the assessment.
Tables 3-8 of the guidance note define the requirements for criterion 2.
For cut-off type luminaires which (by design) block out light in obstructive directions, calculations are
not required for meeting requirements relating to:
- Vertical illuminance (Table 3), and
- Luminous intensity (Table 4).
This update will be reflected in the future revisions of the relevant manuals.
02-Nov-2021 Applicability to all UK BREEAM schemes confirmed.
27-Sep-2023 Updated for ILP Guidance Note 1 2021. Requirements clarified. Scheme applicability updated.
IMPACT Compliant (or equivalent) Tools - KBCN0929
The following are IMPACT compliant tools
- IESVE
- eTool LCD
- One Click LCA
The following are equivalent to IMPACT compliant tools:
- Sturgis Carbon Profiling LCA Tool
IMPACT compliant software - KBCN0809
For a list of all IMPACT compliant software please see
How to get IMPACT on the
IMPACT website.
Impact of refrigerant – Refrigerants with low GWP - KBCN1472
Where systems only use refrigerants with GWP ≤ 10
The Pol 01 calculator
does not have to be completed.
Providing evidence of the compliant systems and refrigerants used is enough to award maximum credits for impact of refrigerant.
Mix of systems with GWPs below and above 10
The Pol 01 calculator
does have to be completed.
The calculator must include systems with GWP ≤ 10 to ensure credits are based on the average value across all systems.
20-Dec-2023 Updated to include scenarios where there is a mix of systems with GWP above and below 10.
Inclusive and accessible design (non-residential only) - KBCN0863
Shared and accessible facilities are applicable where relevant.
For office, retail and industrial buildings, if there are no spaces suitable to be shared with members of the public or community, this can be justified and the ‘inclusive and accessible design’ credit met by demonstrating compliance with the other criteria.
Commercial buildings are unlikely to provide spaces that are suitable to be shared with members of the public/community.
Inclusive and accessible design – Hotels and Residential institutions-short term stay - KBCN0911
An error in Issue 1.0 of the technical manual refers to the incorrect criteria for Hotels and Residential institutions-short term stay. As per Issue 2.0 (onwards), for this building type, criteria 12 to 14 are to be followed against Inclusive and accessible design. The minimum standard is not applicable.
30/10/2018 Clarified that this KBCN refers to Issue 1.0 of the technical manual and reference to criteria 11-13 corrected to read 'criteria 12-14'
Inclusive and accessible design – TAN 12 in Wales - KBCN0324
For buildings in Wales, ‘TAN 12: Design' can be used to support the design of the building so that it is inclusive and accessible. However, the document 'Design & Access Statements in Wales - Why, what and how' (referenced within TAN 12) will need to be used in addition to TAN 12 in place of the CABE publication as this gives specific guidance for writing the access statement itself.
Independent Air Testing Scheme (IATS) – Elmhurst Airtightness Scheme (EAS) - KBCN1699
Please note that the Independent Air Testing Scheme (IATS) has been rebranded as the Elmhurst Airtightness Scheme (EAS) and therefore where referenced, this may also be accepted.
Independent Air Tightness Testing Scheme (IATS) - KBCN1076
Professionals with membership to the Independent Air Tightness Testing Scheme (IATS) attained at organisational level maintaining UKAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Service) accreditation (as air tightness testing laboratories to ISO 17025) can be considered a Suitably Qualified Professional for airtightness testing.
Independent consultation and engagement - KBCN0366
Where the person/company responsible for writing the consultation plan is also responsible for the independent facilitation of the consultation and engagement process, they must:
- be from a company independent of the development
- not have another role on the project team
This means they must not be directly involved in the detailed design of the development such as the architect.
Principle
Being independent from the development and not having another role within the project team means that they can be considered as being independent.
Having someone who is knowledgeable about the consultation will also likely improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the consultation process and its facilitation.
Independent party - KBCN00058
The client/design team carrying out the consultation/post-occupancy evaluation can demonstrate compliance with the requirement for an independent third party in two ways:
1) An independent third party, not involved in the design or development of the building, has conducted the necessary consultation exercise using a compliant method.
2) If the evaluation is carried out by an organisation involved in the design of the building, evidence demonstrating the party's independence of the design process must be provided. The design team or relevant individual must demonstrate a credible level of independence to meet the requirement.
Individual and shared drying facilities in larger developments - KBCN0260
Individual bedrooms: an adequate internal or external space with posts and footings, or fixings capable of holding:
- Two metres of drying line per bedroom where drying facilities are provided in each room, OR;
- Two metres of drying line per bedroom for the first 30 bedrooms, plus one metre of drying line for each additional bedroom where drying facilities are shared.
This is to avoid over-provision of shared drying facilities in larger developments.
Indoor air quality plan – Guidance Note 6 - KBCN0618
Latest version: v2.1 August 2022
Guidance Note 6 provides guidance to assessors and project teams regarding the content and rigour of an Indoor Air Quality Plan (IAQP) as required by the Hea 02 Indoor air quality criteria in the BREEAM New Construction and Refurbishment schemes.
It should not be interpreted as BREEAM criteria. It is intended to provide assessors and project teams with further, flexible information and guidance regarding the rigour, content and tasks of an IAQP.
Download Guidance Note 6 (licensed assessors only)
View all Guidance Notes (licensed assessors only)
10-Oct-2022 - Title amended to align with standard KBCN naming format for clarity and consistency.
Indoor air quality plan – later consideration - KBCN1544
Where BREEAM has been engaged at a later stage in the project (for instance, at the beginning of a Post-Construction Assessment) the IAQ plan must still be produced.
The late stage plan must clearly identify opportunities to improve indoor air quality that:
- Were lost during design and construction.
- Remain before hand-over and occupation.
- Can be applied during operation.
The plan is focused on decisions and actions that can still be practically carried out.
The indoor air quality plan is an on-going consideration that extends into the operational life of the asset.
Indoor air quality plan – pre-requisite – no link to later performance - KBCN1541
The indoor air quality plan is a pre-requisite to achieving other credits in Hea 02.
However, achieving the pre-requisite does not depend on achieving the other credits in the issue:
- Ventilation.
- Emissions from construction products.
- Post-construction indoor air quality measurement.
The pre-requisite requirement is only for a compliant indoor air quality plan to be written.
17-Nov-2022 Wording clarified.
Indoor air quality plan – scope - KBCN0294
Where possible, the indoor air quality plan must cover all items in the criteria. This means the plan must be completed for:
- Situations where BREEAM has been engaged later in the project (see KBCN1544).
- Shell only / shell and core projects - the plan must be completed for the scope of works being assessed.
- Refurbishment projects with a limited scope of works.
Within these requirements, there is flexibility for the design team to use their professional judgement to determine what is appropriate to meet the criteria.
Any exclusions must be clearly evidenced and justified.
As the basis for effective asset management, the indoor air quality plan must be written in a consistent and comprehensive manner. The report must address relevant aspects as fully as possible within the scope of the development.
11-Oct-2022 Title updated for clarity. Wording clarified. Content merged with KBCN0556. Reference to KBCN1544 added. Scheme applicability updated.
Instant hot / cold drinking water systems - KBCN0136
In principle it is acceptable to use instant hot / cold water systems (for example zip taps) to meet the drinking water requirement, provided that their use is appropriate for the building type and user profile.
Internal lighting levels where computer screens are used - KBCN0283
For areas where computer screens are regularly used projects can specify 300 lux, as referenced in CIBSE Lighting Guide 7, rather than the levels prescribed in the standard EN 12464:2011.
07/12/2021 Applicability to BIU V6 Commercial confirmed.
International suitably qualified professionals - KBCN1266
In some issues the International NC and RFO schemes prescribe specific requirements for suitably qualified professionals. We appreciate that some countries might have different recognition schemes in place, and these might differ from the BREEAM requirements. Where this is the case, assessors should submit a technical query with appropriate information, and we will review and approve each situation on a country basis.
Internationally approved Ene 01 calculation software - KBCN1177
The following calculation software are approved internationally and can be used, provided local weather files are available in the country of the assessment.
Please make sure the approved version, in brackets, is used. If you wish to use a different one, please submit a technical query to
[email protected] providing details of the changes.
- IES VE (all versions from 2014 onwards).
- Design Builder (version 4 onwards).
- TRNSYS (version 17 onwards).
- eQUEST (versions 3.63b and 3.64 onwards).
- Energy Plus (version 3 and version 6 onwards).
- EDSL Tas (v9.5.0 onwards).
Any software that has been approved on the ASWL for a particular country can be used in other countries, provided relevant weather files are available.
26-Mar-2024 - Scheme applicability updated.
08-Aug-2022 - Applicability to BREEAM Communities 2012 confirmed.
30-Jun-2023 - Added note relating to software approved for a particular country.
Kitchen and catering facilities – CIBSE TM50 (2021) - KBCN1474
The BREEAM guidance refers to TM50: Energy efficiency in commercial kitchens.
The BREEAM guidance refers to TM50: Energy efficiency in commercial kitchens. The 2009 version has now been superseded by TM50 (2021).
The updated version may be used to demonstrate compliance, however a number of the relevant section numbers have changed. These relate to the current BREEAM guidance, which is based on TM50 (2009) as follows:
|
TM50 (2009)
|
TM50 (2021)
|
1
|
Section 8 – Drainage and kitchen waste removal
|
Section 9
|
2
|
Section 9 – Energy controls – specifically controls relevant to appliances
|
Section 8
|
3
|
Section 11 - Appliance specification – excluding fabrication or utensil specifications
|
Section 13
|
4
|
Section 12 – Refrigeration
|
Section 14
|
5
|
Section 13 – Ware-washing: dishwashers and glasswashers
|
Section 15
|
6
|
Section 14 – Cooking appliance selection
|
Section 16
|
7
|
Section 15 – Water temperatures, taps, faucets and water-saving controls
|
Section 10
|
17 Nov 2021 - Re-formatted and applicability to BREEAM International schemes confirmed
Knowledge Base – Applicability of INC 2016 KBCNs to INC V6 - KBCN1501
The transition from BREEAM International NC2016 to V6 includes a significant update to the Energy section of the technical manual, however most of the criteria in other categories remain unchanged.
We are in the process of migrating KBCNs from NC2016 to V6 and adding new V6-specific content. In the meantime, assessors should consider that where the criteria have not changed in the transition, all relevant NC2016 KBCNs are valid for V6.
If, having compared the criteria of both schemes, you are unsure whether a KBCN can be applied to V6, please contact us for clarification using the
assessor webform.
Knowledge Base – Applicability of UK NC 2018 KBCNs to UK NC V6 - KBCN1531
The assessment issues and criteria in BREEAM UK NC V6 are the same as BREEAM UK NC 2018 except for specific changes in:
- Ene 01 Reduction of energy use and carbon emissions
- Hea 02 Indoor air quality
The changes in Hea 02 do not affect the applicability of any current UK NC 2018 KBCNs
All UK NC 2018 KBCNs for assessment issues other than Ene 01 are, therefore, applicable to UK NC V6.
For Ene 01 we have reviewed and, where necessary, amended relevant KBCNs for UK NC V6. We are also taking the opportunity to update some of these for UK NC 2018.
Please also refer to the summary of changes for NC V6, provided in
KBCN1530.
26/08/2022 Updated following review, to clarify that all current NC2018 Hea 02 KBCNs are applicable to UK NC V6.
Laboratory containment level category definitions - KBCN0943
BRE does not designate or define containment levels for laboratories. The categories listed in the manuals are based on industry standard definitions.
For further information, please refer to HSE/COSHH or DEFRA definitions, depending upon the hazard type.
Laboratory facilities not restricted to building type - KBCN1340
In order to allow buildings with appropriate laboratory facilities to assess the energy performance of their labs, all assessments containing laboratory space and containment areas will be able to assess Issue ‘Energy efficient laboratory systems’, even where the relevant technical manual confirms that the Issue is not applicable to this building type. The Issue remains not applicable to primary and secondary school buildings given the limited scale of their laboratories.
Assessments registered prior to 1 July 2019 have the choice to follow the guidance as stated in the technical manual. They can exclude laboratories by responding negatively to the questions regarding laboratory facilities. For assessments registered after this date, all projects containing laboratories within the scope of the assessment should include the Issue in the assessment.
Land reclaimed from the sea - KBCN0558
Land reclaimed from the sea cannot be considered as previously developed land.
It has not been occupied by a permanent structure and any associated fixed surface infrastructure (please refer to the Additional information section).
Landscape and Habitat Management Plan – SQE involvement - KBCN0564
Even if not stated explicitly, it is implied and expected that the Suitably Qualified Ecologist (SQE) does verify the content of the Landscape and Habitat Management Plan to ensure that it is consistent with the whole site ecological strategy.
19 Nov 2021 Applicability to UK NC2018 confirmed
Late appointment of SQSC/SQSS - KBCN0339
Provided the appropriate security specialist confirms that the implementation of security measures has not been restricted due to the later stage at which their involvement was sought, i.e. everything that would have been recommended can be still be implemented, then the credits can still be awarded (provided all other compliance requirements met).
Considering the security requirements at an early stage of a project should ensure that the full range of security options is still available to the project, leading to the best solution. If advice is sought later but this does not restrict the options available, then the intent of the issue can still be met.
Late appointment of the Suitably Qualified Ecologist - KBCN0603
If the Suitably Qualified Ecologist (SQE) is appointed after the commencement of activities on-site and if the other requirements of this issue are met, then credits can still be awarded, provided that:
- the SQE confirms that all relevant UK and EU legislation relating to the protection and enhancement of ecology has been complied with during the design and construction process
- the SQE confirms that their late appointment has not compromised the adoption of any measures to improve the assessed site's long term biodiversity.
13th Jul 21 Correction - applied to UK NC2018 LE05
Late confirmation of site boundary - KBCN0307
The ecologist must be appointed and engaged early on (equivalent RIBA Stage 1) so that they are able to inform the design brief. For projects where the site boundary is only confirmed at the next design stage (equivalent RIBA Stage 2), it would be acceptable to delay the full ecology survey until this time. In these circumstances, the ecologist's input at design brief may be based on a desk study or initial viewing of the site and its potential boundaries.
The aim of early engagement with an ecologist is to facilitate and maximise potential ecological enhancement, exact boundary definition does not negate this.
LCA Concept Design stage submission before the assessment is registered - KBCN1437
In certain circumstances, it may be necessary for the design team to submit the Concept Design stage LCA before the BREEAM assessment has been registered.
In such cases, please submit the LCA tool and associated files along with details of your situation as follows:
LCA modelling for multiple BREEAM assessments - KBCN0960
Multiple buildings' assessments
Site-wide approaches are not acceptable and each BREEAM assessment needs to have its own Life Cycle Assessment model (using an IMPACT compliant software tool or equivalent).
This applies in all cases, including when the buildings are on the same plot and are built to the same specifications.
Developing assessment-specific LCA models ensures that material quantities are accurate, refer to the actual building (and building type) and account for external works included within the scope of the specific assessment.
Single building with multiple assessments within it
Where multiple assessments are conducted for different parts of a building, it is acceptable to have a single LCA model covering all assessments. In this case, an explanation of the allocation process used should be provided and the following guidance applies:
- Common elements (e.g. roof, foundations, external walls etc): apportion a percentage of the total impact of the element to each assessment based on their percentage share of the total GIFA (e.g. if an assessment accounts for 10% of the total GIFA, 10% of the element’s impact is apportioned to that assessment).
- Elements that are only in a given assessment (e.g. internal partitions, internal finishes etc): 100% of the impact is allocated to the assessment they are in.
LCA submission stage – Applications for planning consent - KBCN1148
An application for planning consent can fix aspects of the design very significantly, depending on the information included. The opportunity for building LCA to guide the design towards lower environmental impacts reduces as a consequence. More credits are, therefore, available for a building LCA submission at ‘concept design’ stage (which must be made before an application for planning consent has been submitted that includes information on external products or materials).
Concept Design Stage Mat 01 submissions
Two factors determine whether a Mat 01 concept design submission is valid: -
• The local authority planning and building control status
• The stage of the project
The table (link below) shows whether a Mat 01 concept design submission is valid according to the status of these two factors.
If a Mat 01 concept design submission has already been made but is now out of date (e.g. due to a change to the client’s brief or planning being refused) it becomes invalid. To achieve the concept design credits, an up-to-date re-submission must be made.
IMPORTANT: This KBCN shall be read in conjunction with KBCN1147 ‘LCA submission stage – ‘Concept design’ and ‘Technical design’’
NOTE: ‘Technical Design’ stage Mat 01 submissions are not affected by the planning status.
NOTE: According to the RIBA Plan of Work, “Planning applications are typically made using the Stage 3 [Developed Design] output”.
KBCN1148 Table
Exceptions (added 18.11.2020)
In circumstances where it is illogical to make the submission to BRE prior to planning consent, it may be appropriate for the assessor to take a view and/or seek guidance on the timing of the Mat 01 submission. This is envisaged in cases where buildings are ‘up-scheming’ (i.e. moving from UK NC 2014 to UK NC 2018, for example) or where a building was granted planning consent prior to the launch of UK NC 2018.
In these circumstances, it must be demonstrated that there would be no value lost in an adjusted application of LCA or post-planning approval submission (one example would be if an independent review has supported the case, such as a technical design panel and/or other third party).
A later submission would be accepted by the BRE where sites are located in a conservation area and/or have other designated status, such that the timing of a planning application would not significantly limit early design options; where aspects such as height, shape/massing, style, external materials are constrained. Assessors will need to quote this KBCN entry and submit evidence in support of their claim, including planning submission reference number(s) and the specific impacts on the building form of any constraints and designations.
There may be other examples where the assessor believes this approach is appropriate. In such cases, the assessor should submit a technical query outlining why the project is unable to submit Mat 01 prior to planning AND how it is able to evidence that no LCA value would be lost in a later submission. Please ensure that the supporting information (evidence) accompanies the query to enable an expedient determination.
18.11.2020 'Exceptions' paragraph added
05/10.03.2020 Updated for clarity and Table added
21.11.2019 Wording clarified
LCA submission stage – ‘Concept design’ and ‘Technical design’ - KBCN1147
As a building design passes through successive design stages, more and more aspects of the design become fixed. The opportunity for building LCA to guide the design towards lower environmental impacts reduces as a consequence. More credits are, therefore, available for a building LCA submission at ‘concept design’ stage, when there are more opportunities than at the later ‘technical design’ stage.
Concept design Mat 01 submissions
Two factors determine whether a Mat 01 concept design submission is valid: -
- The local authority planning and building control status
- The stage of the project
The table in
KBCN1148 shows whether a Mat 01 concept design submission is valid according to the status of these two factors.
If a Mat 01 concept design submission has already been made but is now out of date (e.g. due to a change to the client’s brief or planning being refused) it becomes invalid. To achieve the concept design credits, an up-to-date resubmission must be made.
Technical design Mat 01 submissions
As stated in the manual, a technical design Mat 01 submission shall be submitted at the end of technical design.
If a technical design submission has already been made but is now out of date (e.g. due to a change to the client’s brief) it becomes invalid. To achieve the technical design credits, an up-to-date re-submission must be made.
Where parts of a project are at different design stages
The whole project will often be at the same stage in the design process. However, it is possible for the three Mat 01 issue scope types ‘Superstructure’, ‘Substructure and hard landscaping’ and ‘Core Building Services’ to be at different stages. For each scope type, the most developed element comprising the scope type determines its stage. For example, if the roof element is at ‘concept design’ stage but the façade element is at ‘technical design’ stage, the ‘superstructure’ scope type is considered to be at the ‘technical design’ stage. In situations that are unclear,
KBCN1156 should be used to confirm the design stage for the building and, if necessary, each scope type.
Which scope types can be included in a Mat 01 concept design stage submission depends on the stage each scope type has reached. For example, if the ‘Superstructure’ and ‘Core building services’ are at concept design but ‘Substructure and hard landscaping’ has already progressed to a later stage, only ‘Superstructure’ and ‘Core building services’ can be submitted at concept design. If ‘Superstructure’ has progressed to a later stage than ‘concept design’, none of the Mat 01 scope types can be submitted at ‘concept design’.
IMPORTANT: This KBCN shall be read in conjunction with
KBCN 1148 ‘LCA submission stage – Applications for planning consent’
05//03/2020 Updated for clarity
10/10/2019 Clarifications added to paragraphs 2 and 4
LCC – Competent person - KBCN1582
The technical manual provides the following definition:
Competent person
An individual who has acquired substantial expertise or a recognised qualification for undertaking life cycle costing studies and is not professionally connected to a single manufacturer.
It is the responsibility of the assessor to determine whether an individual meets this definition, and they must provide evidence and justification (if necessary) in their assessment.
BREEAM does not approve or hold a list of competent LCC practitioners.
LCC – LZC energy sources discounted - KBCN0606
When sufficient information can be provided to justify that LZC energy sources are not appropriate for the development, the LCC analysis, for those LZC sources, do not need to be included in the feasibility study.
The feasibility study (covering all the areas required as stated in the manual) intends to demonstrate, to a reasonable level of certainty, that the chosen LZC is the most appropriate of all those available.
LE03 / LE04 calculator – number of habitat types rows - KBCN0880
Unfortunately, due to the complexity of the calculator tool it takes a significant amount of time to add additional rows, but in cases where there are more than 20 habitat types, the following method can be followed to calculate the overall ecological value and number of credits achieved:
- Open two LE03&LE04 calculator tools (LE03&LE04 Ecology Calculator 2)
- Enter 20 habitat types into the first tool
- Take the total Ecological Value for pre-development (cell H51) from the first tool and enter this into the first habitat row of the second tool (cell F8 in NC 2011 v1.10 and cell F9 in NC 2014 v.2.0)
- Take the total site area for pre-development (cell H49) from the first tool and enter this into the first habitat row of the second calculator (cell H8 in NC 2011 and H9 in NC 2014)
- Take the total Ecological Value for post-development (cell K51) from the first tool and enter this into the second habitat row of the second calculator (cell F10 in NC 2011 and cell F11 in NC 2014)
- Take the total site area for post-development (cell K49) from the first tool and enter this into the second habitat row of the second calculator (cell K10 in NC 2011 and cell K11 in NC 2014)
- This will combine 20 species types into 2 rows, leaving space for a further 18 habitat types
- Send in both tools as evidence at QA, including this compliance note.
For a project which needs even more rows, this process can be repeated using a third tool if required. In this case all tools need to be send as evidence to QA, including this KBCN.
Leak detection – extent of responsibility - KBCN0688
For the credit to be awarded, all the pipework in a development that the owner/occupier has responsibility for must meet the leak detection criteria. In situations where third party organisations place restrictions on the pipework that can be metered, the scope of works (and hence placement of a meter for the use of leak detection) will start immediately after this point. For instance where the utility company's meter is placed midway between the boundary and the building, the scope of leak detection for BREEAM purposes will be between utility meter and the building, not to the boundary (as stated in the guidance).
The scope of the BREEAM criteria is only on pipework that the owner/occupier has control over.
Leak detection – inseparable building and site boundary - KBCN0388
Where there is no distinction between the site boundary and the building; the utility meter being either located on the boundary or within the building, the leak detection criteria apply to the mains water supply within the building only.
The BREEAM criteria apply to the pipework that the owner/occupier has responsibility for.
Leak detection – recycled water use - KBCN0433
The leak detection requirements still apply to all relevant water systems where water recycling systems are specified for WCs and urinals.
Recycled water should be considered as a valuable resource as it replaces potable water use and, in many instances, recycling systems will still incorporate a mains-water back up.
Leak detection – shell-only projects - KBCN0900
For shell-only projects, where no internal plumbing works are within the scope of work and the developer is only providing a capped-off water supply, it is acceptable to demonstrate compliance using one of the shell & core options 1-3.
The assessor must also demonstrate that the developer has, within the base-build, provided the necessary infrastructure to facilitate the future installation and connection of a leak detection system which complies with criteria 1 and 2.
Where the scope of the developer's work does not allow the installation of a leak detection system, the shell & core options provide a route to compliance.
Leak detection – using a BMS - KBCN0439
A BMS can be used for leak detection purposes if it can be demonstrated that its integrated or add-on features meet all the requirements for a leak detection system.
07 Feb 2022 - Applicability to BIU V6C confirmed
Leak detection between building and utilities meter - KBCN1116
For all pipework which is the responsibility of the building owner or occupier leak detection is generally required between the building and the utilities water meter. This requirement is applicable regardless of the length of the pipework.
However, for campus type developments or those with multiple buildings on the same site served by common pipework, leak detection is required both within the building and externally for the length of pipework that exclusively serves that building.
Where it can be demonstrated that it is not physically possible for a meter to be installed on the pipework outside the building, the requirement for leak detection between the building and the utilities meter can be considered not applicable, and the credit awarded based on the leak detection within the building.
02 Jul 2024 - Updated to account for campus type developments. Applicability to UK NC V6 and INC V6 confirmed.
Leak detection system based on pressure changes - KBCN0326
A system that uses pressure changes to detect leaks is not necessarily compliant. To be deemed compliant the leak detection system would need to monitor the refrigerant pressure and the operating conditions to address the problem of natural fluctuation.
Leak detection system notification - KBCN0245
So long as the compliant system alerts the appropriate person to the leak so they are able to respond immediately, the assessor can judge if the aim of the issue is being met by a reliable, robust and fail-safe means of notification.
Leak detection technologies – Compliance Principle - KBCN1566
Where it can be demonstrated that alternative water leak detection technologies can meet or exceed the capabilities of systems set out in the BREEAM guidance, subject to approval, these can also be considered compliant.
It is the role of the Assessor and the project team to provide evidence and justification in a compliance principle query (see
KBCN1555).
The following alternative solutions are currently recognised:
- Smart leak detection systems that are based on 'self-learning' (machine learning) to determine normal water use patterns are an acceptable alternative to systems that require manual pre-sets or manual programming.
Leak isolation - KBCN0849
Although there are three credits in Wat 03, a maximum of two credits are available, as the credits are not applicable to all buildings.
The leak detection system credit (criterion 1) is not applicable to the assessment of residential - single dwellings.
The flow control devices credit (criterion 2) is not applicable to residential assessments.
The leak isolation credit (criterion 3) is only applicable to residential assessments.
The compliance notes CN1, CN2 and CN2.1 confirm this. The criteria will be clarified in the next re-issue of the technical manual.
Learning Mat 01 - KBCN1343
To support learning of the UK New Construction 2018, Mat 01 issue, an online e-learning module is available on the BRE Academy website which pulls together much of the information and links contained in this KBCN.
https://www.bre.ac/course/mat-01-explained
The module is free to access, and requires signing up for a free account with BRE Academy.
For additional detail on Mat 01, the below lists a recommended sequence (to optimise learning and understanding) of learning resources consisting of a variety of reading material and video tutorials.
- Why whole building life cycle assessment (LCA)?
Explains why BREEAM has introduced building LCA.
- Getting results with building LCA
Explores ways to reduce impacts using building LCA.
- The BREEAM UK New Construction manual
Note that the mat 01 issue allows for flexibility:
- In the tool used; results are accepted from several different 3rd party building LCA tools.
- In the assessment approach:-
- Comparison with the BREEAM benchmark - to see how the design compares with average buildings of the same type.
- Option appraisal – to encourage designers to explore options to reduce impacts for their specific building (regardless of how it compares with the benchmark).
- In the stages building LCA is done.
- In how many design options are appraised.
- In what parts of the building is included in the assessment scope (superstructure; substructure and hard landscaping; core building services).
- and
- Reward for integrating LCA options appraised with LCC options in Man 02 – to better inform the designers and client on overall sustainability.
- Reward for having the building LCA work done by, or verified by, an independent 3rd
- Credit Score Ready Reckoner
A tool to assist users early in the process to determine what they need to do to achieve different credit award levels. There is a PDF and interactive Excel version.
- The Results Submission Tool
To submit results from the chosen building LCA tool and to work out the credit award.
The following video tutorials provide detailed guidance
Further reading
- Building LCA benchmarks
Explains how the benchmarks are developed and how they are used in BREEAM.
- The BREEAM Simplified Building LCA tool
A free tool for users instead of the paid-for 3rd party full building LCA tools.
The following video tutorial provides detailed guidance
- The knowledge base
Guidance on how to comply if specific situations arise on a project.
Case study webinars
- Tips & Tricks to master Mat 01 for BREEAM 2018 from One Click LCA
Demonstration on how to achieve LCA credits with One Click LCA (Life Cycle Assessment software) and Buro Happold.
- Life Cycle Design Modelling for BREEAM UK NC 2018 using eToolLCD
Demonstration of the basics of completing life cycle design modelling in eToolLCD LCA software from start to finish.
Note: More webinars and other related content may be added to the BRE Academy website from time to time.
Legally harvested and traded timber – Examples - KBCN0956
The following examples are considered compliant for BREEAM purposes.
Legally harvested:
- Evidence of compliance with the CPET (see here, timber bought inside the UK only)
- FSC, PEFC or SFI certification
- Evidence of compliance with the EUTR (timber bought inside the EU only)
- Risk assessment/due diligence documentation demonstrating a low risk of non-compliance with the ‘legally harvested’ requirements given in the manual.
Legally traded:
- Evidence of compliance with the CPET (see here, timber bought inside the UK only)
- FSC, PEFC or SFI certification
- Risk assessment/due diligence documentation demonstrating a low risk of non-compliance with the ‘legally traded’ requirements given in the manual.
Legally harvested and traded/Legal and sustainable timber – Reclaimed/recycled timber - KBCN0654
Timber should, wherever possible, be sourced in accordance with the UK Government’s Timber Procurement Policy. However, if for reclaimed timber the original procurement details are unobtainable, robust evidence to demonstrate it has been reclaimed can be acceptable.
The government UK Government Timber Procurement Policy Timber Procurement Advice Note (6th edition) states:
As an alternative to demanding timber and wood-derived products from a Legal and Sustainable source, Contracting Authorities can demand ‘recycled timber’. Documentary evidence and independent verification will also apply to recycled timber and recycled wood-derived products but will focus on the use to which the timber was previously put rather than the forest source.
And defines ‘recycled timber’ as:
“…recovered wood that prior to being supplied to the Contracting Authority had an end use as a standalone object or as part of a structure and which has completed its lifecycle and would otherwise be disposed of as waste. The term ‘recycled’ is used to cover the following categories: pre-consumer recycled wood and wood fibre or industrial by products but excluding sawmill co-products (sawmill co-products are deemed to fall within the category of virgin timber), post-consumer recycled wood and wood fibre, and drift wood. It also covers reclaimed timber which was abandoned or confiscated at least ten years previously.”
As per the above policy, BREEAM requires “Documentary evidence and independent verification” that all reclaimed/recycled timber products meet the definition of ‘recycled timber’ given above.
01/06/2020: Amended to clarify and extended applicability to Mat 03
Legally harvested and traded/Legal and sustainable timber – Reclaimed/recycled timber - KBCN1402
As an alternative to virgin timber and wood-derived products from a Legally harvested and traded timber/Legal and Sustainable source, ‘recycled timber’ is acceptable. For the purposes of these prerequisites, ‘recycled timber’ is defined by BREEAM as:
Recovered wood that prior to being supplied to the assessed project had an end use as a standalone object or as part of a structure and which has completed its lifecycle and would otherwise be disposed of as waste. The term ‘recycled’ is used to cover the following categories: pre-consumer recycled wood and wood fibre or industrial by products but excluding sawmill co-products (sawmill co-products are deemed to fall within the category of virgin timber), post-consumer recycled wood and wood fibre, and drift wood. It also covers reclaimed timber which was abandoned or confiscated at least ten years previously.
BREEAM requires documentary evidence that all reclaimed/recycled timber products meet the definition of ‘recycled timber’ given above.
Life Cycle Cost - KBCN0385
Life Cycle Costing (LCC) is a methodology that aims to generate a cash flow prediction over a given period of time for a building and undertake option appraisal studies to evaluate various solutions in order to determine the optimal option.
An LCC should therefore consider:
- At least two design option appraisals and,
- Include comparison cash flow scenarios for each design stage option appraisal in order to determine the most appropriate option.
This allows project teams and clients to make informed choices about the long term financial implications of different design decisions.
24-Oct-2024 - Updated for clarity
27-Mar-2024 - Wording and requirements clarified. Scheme applicability updated.
Life cycle cost (LCC)- QS change - KBCN0605
If a Quantity Surveyor (QS) changes during a project, the new QS must demonstrate that subsequent criteria are met in order to gain the 2nd and 3rd credits. While the initial modelling data may not be available, the results and outputs given to the client team will be and can be used to remodel the LCC at the later stages of development using the new QS's data. Provided the new QS can model and determine the best option based on the latest project information, the 2nd and 3rd credits can still be attained.
It may be necessary to repeat modelling where there has been a change of QS however, provided the intent of the issue and criteria are met, the credits can still be awarded.
Life cycle cost – Multiple assessments on the same site - KBCN000003
Where there are multiple assessments on a site and a single life cycle cost (LCC) plan will be carried out, it is acceptable to use this plan as evidence provided that the results of the LCC plan can be applied to all of the assessed buildings and therefore may have a positive influence on the material specification of such buildings. Where the design of some assessments differ to the extent that the LCC plan cannot reasonably be applied, a separate LCC plan is necessary to achieve credits for this issue.
Where multiple assessments are covered under a single LCC plan, there must be sufficient detail for each building to enable them to be adequately assessed.
Life cycle environmental impact of curtain walling - KBCN0178
Curtain walling performs two functions – the provision of windows and the provision of external walls. Specifications performing the same function are grouped together in the Green Guide to Specification. This means that curtain walling needs to be modelled as two separate building elements (external walls and windows).
The overall performance of the curtain wall will combine the ratings for the two parts according to their areas. It will depend on the curtain walling system selected, the choice of internal lining and the relevant proportion of glazed and opaque elements.
- For the opaque area of the external wall (Area A in the figure below):
- Select the relevant generic specification from the Green Guide (element category – External walls / Curtain walling, then either aluminium or timber framed and the internal skin specification) and note the rating and element number. If your specification is different from all of the generics, please submit a request for a bespoke rating.
- Enter the rating into the BREEAM Materials calculator with the area for the opaque section of the curtain wall (Area A).
- For the glazed (window-like) area of the curtain wall (Area B):
- Select the relevant specification from the Commercial window element category of the Green Guide. There are two specifications: Aluminium curtain walling system (Element no: 831500016) and Laminated timber curtain walling system (Element no: 831500015)
- Enter the rating into the BREEAM Materials calculator with the area for the glazed (window-like) section of the curtain wall (Area B).
The BREEAM Materials calculator will calculate the overall performance for the curtain walling system. It will also calculate the performance of the building elements and the overall number of credits to be awarded.
Lifetime Homes – Accessibility criteria - KBCN1554
The technical manual refers assessors to the Lifetime Homes website, where the Design Guide was available to view. However, it has been brought to our attention that this website is currently unavailable. Unfortunately, due to potential copyright issues, BRE is unable to provide these requirements as part of our criteria.
The Lifetime Homes Design Guide is available to purchase from the CAE website,
here, or as a PDF download or paper copy from the BRE Bookshop,
here
Lifts with speeds 0.15m/s or less - KBCN1146
Lifts with speeds 0.15m/s or less fall outside the scope of ISO 25745 and can, therefore, be excluded from the assessment of this Issue. This applies, for example, to lifts in single dwellings or those installed in other low-rise buildings, specifically for the use of persons with impaired mobility.
Lighting zones and control - KBCN0131
Where the occupancy density is known to be greater than 1 person/workspace per 10sqm, justification for the zones to be greater than every four workspaces, for example to fit with the adopted lighting strategy, is acceptable. The assessor must be satisfied that the aim of this criterion is upheld, i.e. that there is suitable zoning/control of lighting to enable a reasonable degree of occupant control over lighting in their personable work area. The relevant design team member, e.g. lighting consultant, should set out how this is to be achieved in such an instance.
Limited site space for segregation and storage - KBCN1036
When a site has limited space to segregate materials on site, a waste contractor can be used to separate and process recyclable materials off-site. Manufacturers' take-back schemes can also be used to do this. In such cases, evidence to demonstrate segregation of materials was carried out to the agreed levels and that materials were reused or recycled appropriately must be produced. Such evidence could be Environment Agency (EA), Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), Environment Agency Wales (EA Wales) or Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) Waste Return Forms.
Location of car sharing priority parking - KBCN0796
Priority spaces for car sharers need to be located in the nearest available parking area to the main building entrance or to an entrance regularly used by the car sharers.
22 09 2022 - Applied to UK NC2018
Technical manual to be updated accordingly in next reissue.
Louvered panels/facades on Green Guide - KBCN1252
The BRE Green Guide defines the 'functional unit' for applicable materials, which may be assessed under the Mat 01 Issue:
- Functional unit for External Walls:
1m² of external wall construction, to satisfy current Building Regulations, and a U value of 0.3 W/m²K. Where relevant, the specification will also include an internal wall finish.
- Variation for retail/industrial:
1m² of external wall construction, to satisfy current Building Regulations, and a U value of 0.3 W/m²K.
Louvres on a facade provide a role outside of the 'functional unit' and hence can be excluded from the calculations for the external wall.
Only elements forming part of the 'functional unit' need to be included in the external wall.
Low or no ecological value to manage and maintain - KBCN1383
The purpose of the criteria is to recognise projects that are positively contributing to local ecological value by managing and protecting it as part of the site being assessed.
If there is no ecological value to maintain or manage on the site, the purpose of the criteria is not being met and credits cannot be awarded by default.
For sites with low ecological value to begin with, the criteria encourage projects to consider ways to create ecological features that support local biodiversity as part of the development (e.g. habitat creation as part of the ecology issues focused on ecological enhancement).
LZC – Local regulations and private wire arrangements - KBCN1658
Where local regulations do not permit electricity generated by on-site renewables to be connected directly to the building, and where evidence of the relevant regulations is provided at QA, the requirement for a private wire arrangement can be waived.
LZC feasibility study – timing - KBCN1052
If a feasibility study is undertaken at a stage later than Concept Design, this must include an explanation for any local LZC technologies ruled out because of constraints arising from the late consideration. Compliance may still be achieved if other LZCs are feasible and the criteria are met. If the late completion of the feasibility study resulted in no LZC being installed, the credit must be withheld.
LZC technologies – energy centre or other LZCs connected at a later stage - KBCN0267
If a project specifies LZCs that have been proposed in the feasibility report which reduce emissions, and/or will be connected to a site-wide energy centre operational at a later stage of the phased development, after the Post Construction Stage review has been submitted, the Energy and Pollution issues can be assessed as follows:
In a phased development where the primary heating system will be upgraded at a later stage than the building being assessed, a commitment to install the new heating source must be made in the General Contract Specification (as per the BREEAM requirements). BREEAM does not specify a particular time for phasing as it is difficult to set parameters, however as a rule building users should have to wait the least time possible before they can use the upgraded heating source.
For the quality audit, two Energy model outputs/EPCs must be produced at the final stage - one with the actual interim system installed for building control, and one for the BREEAM assessment which can include the predicted energy from the proposed energy centre. Additionally, the legally binding general contract specification for the new heating source must be submitted with details of the timescales proposed for the completion of the second phase of work. Where this approach is to be followed BREEAM must be consulted in each case to ensure that the arrangements are sufficiently robust to award the credits.
BREEAM seeks to recognise the environmental impacts of a building's energy use throughout its life, therefore temporary arrangements can be accommodated, provided there is robust evidence on future connection to the permanent systems.
24/08/2022 - Applicability to UKNC V6 confirmed
LZC technologies – planning conditions and restrictions - KBCN0535
Where a mandatory planning condition exists (eg to attach to a District Heating Scheme), this will clearly affect the number of options available in a feasibility study. In such cases, compliance can still be achieved where evidence on the planning condition restrictions is provided, and it is clarified how this excludes other technologies from being considered.
The feasibility study will still need to be carried out to cover the remaining energy needs of the building (eg Electrical and lighting load in the case of a district heating scheme).
LZC technologies – shell only feasibility study - KBCN0409
For a shell only project, compliance may be assessed on the built form only i.e. demonstrating that sufficient space and clearance for the installation of future LZCs has been considered, the built form is suitably sited, and that massing and orientation are optimised for the future systems.
LZC technologies – Compliance Note 5 - KBCN1615
If electricity is generated from a renewable source and used directly in the heat pump system, this can be considered in this issue, providing the LZC source is on or near site.
Majority of water demand from rainwater harvesting - KBCN0860
If the majority of water use is supplied by sources other than mains or private water, for example rainwater harvesting, and this use will be monitored, additional metering of the smaller water demand that is masked by the larger demand is not necessary.
Manual errata – Passive design – Industrial assets with no occupied spaces - KBCN1492
This KBCN relates to industrial assessment targeting the 'Passive Design' credit in Ene 04.
Specific note 2.1 in Ene 04 states:
Industrial
Hea 04 Thermal comfort: Criterion 1 is not applicable to industrial units that only contain an operational or storage area and are without office space or other occupied spaces. However, to achieve the Ene 04 Passive design analysis credit, compliance with criteria 1, 2 and 3.b.ii in Hea 04 Thermal comfort must be demonstrated.
This is incorrect. It should say:
Hea 04 Thermal comfort: This issue is not applicable to industrial units that only contain an operational or storage area and are without office space or other occupied spaces.
If the industrial asset is Shell Only without any occupied spaces, this specific note 2.1 overrides specific note 1.2 regarding thermal modelling requirements for Shell Only assets.
This will be clarified and corrected in the next re-issue of the manual.
Manual errata – Passive design – Shell only assets - KBCN1493
This KBCN relates to Shell Only assets targeting the ‘Passive Design’ credit in Ene 04.
Specific note 1.2 in Ene 04 states:
Hea 04 Thermal comfort: Criterion 1 is not applicable to Shell only assessments. However, to achieve the Ene 04 Passive design analysis credit, compliance with criteria 1, 2 and 3.b.ii in Hea 04 Thermal comfort must be demonstrated.
This is incorrect. It should say:
Ene 04 Low Carbon Design: Criterion 1 is not applicable to Shell only assessments. However, to achieve the Ene 04 Passive design analysis credit, compliance with criteria 1, 2 and 3.b.ii in Hea 04 Thermal comfort must be demonstrated.
This will be corrected in the next re-issue of the manual.
Manual errata – up to V6 – prediction of operational energy consumption and minimum standards - KBCN1602
The technical manual refers to ‘4 credits for prediction of operational energy consumption’ as one of the requirements for achieving either Excellent or Outstanding minimum standards.
This reference to 4 credits is incorrect, and will be removed in a future update. This is to make it clear that the requirement for Simple Buildings is for achieving the 'Prediction of operational energy consumption' criteria, not achieving four credits.
08-Nov-2023 - Title updated. Wording clarified.
26-Jun-2023 - This errata KBCN separated from KBCN1336.
Manual watering - KBCN0553
Where the design team can justify that manual watering provides a reduction in unregulated water consumption, this can be considered as an acceptable method for reducing unregulated water use.
Manufacturer’s information – system specific data - KBCN0926
The BREEAM technical manual provides a set of default figures, for use within the DELC calculation. Where available, system-specific data, provided by the manufacturer, can be used in the calculation where this is more representative. Any such system-specific figures used must be supported by publicly available, published data, which substantiates the manufacturer’s figures.
Master plans with multiple stakeholders - KBCN0953
Assessment of a building forming part of a master plan co-ordinated by a third party (developer or local authority)
In such cases, it may not be possible for the design team to control elements affecting issues such as land use and ecology, access, external lighting and surface water pollution.
It is therefore acceptable for the assessor to define the assessment boundary according to one of two following options:
- Restrict the boundary only to what the design team can control.
- Extend the boundary to include elements of the master plan, assessing any associated benefits or disadvantages that arise. Relevant Knowledge Base Compliance Notes should be reviewed, and BREEAM Technical contacted for additional guidance if required.
The assessment boundary must remain consistent throughout all issues. Facilities outside of the boundary but serving the assessment (i.e. cycle facilities, parking etc) can be assessed as standard.
Assessment of a building forming part of a master plan co-ordinated by the design team with third party elements
Where there are third party elements in the master plan which are not BREEAM compliant (e.g. external lighting by local authority), evidence should be submitted to QA that efforts have been made with the third party to align these elements with BREEAM criteria.
Where this is not possible, these elements can be excluded. Full justification should be provided when submitting the assessment for certification.
Mat 01 / Mat 03 calculator not big enough - KBCN0647
If a project has more specifications than there is rows available in the tool you can group specifications that have the same green guide rating/responsible sourcing level with each of the specifications with the same rating listed in the same row. The proportion that they contribute to the overall area is also combined. For example where a project has 30 different upper floor specifications, if 10 upper floor specifications are A+, 10 are A, 5 are B and 5 are C then you would only need to use 4 lines.
Mat 01 Calculator Option 1 – verified LCA tools - KBCN0237
Before an LCA tool can be recognised by BREEAM, the tool developer must submit evidence to BRE to verify the tool’s points scored in the Mat 01 Calculator.
The LCA tool is then given its own tab in the calculator, which confirms the maximum score the tool can achieve, if used to its fullest extent. Items coloured green within the calculator are locked because they do not change when using the LCA tool. The items in blue should be edited by the design team to confirm the extent the tool has been used on the project. For RFO schemes, the assessment parts must also be selected.
Items listed as ‘N’ in column W ‘
Included in assessment?’ cannot be changed to a ‘Y’, as the LCA tool cannot be used for this element. For example internal doors cannot be assessed by the Green Guide. An element listed as ‘Y’ can be changed to a ‘N’ if the LCA tool has not been used for the element in the assessment.
Column S confirms if the assessed building includes the element and should be included. For example if there are no stairs in the assessment, then this element is removed from the calculation by saying ‘N’ to cell S15 (in the green guide calculator).
12/01/2017 Reference to LCA approved tools updated.
Mat 01 EPD uplift calculation - KBCN1335
The methodology for calculating the EPD uplift requires use of the Responsible Sourcing of Materials search tool, available on the assessor extranet.
The Responsible Sourcing of Materials search tool will list the relative mass of each constituent material of a defined element as a percentage. However, due to an error on the system the Responsible Sourcing of Materials search tool is currently referring to volume instead of mass.
This error will be resolved shortly. However for clarification in the interim, the EPD uplift calculation is based on mass, as per the methodology within the manual. The Responsible Sourcing of Materials search tool lists the relative mass of each constituent material of a defined element as a percentage, and until the tool is updated the term ‘volume’ should be ignored.
Mat 01/02 Results Submission Tool – brief guidance - KBCN1107
This is available on BREEAM Projects within the 'Tools and Calculators' folder of this scheme along with 'how-to' tutorials'.
06/09/2018 Updated following publication of further guidance
Mat 01/02 Results Submission Tool – concept and technical design submission - KBCN1209
As stated on the Mat 01/02 Results Submission tool, uploading the Mat 01/02 Results Submission Tool to BREEAM Projects is the required method for submitting the tool at Concept and Technical Design stages; it is not required to be submitted to BRE via email. The upload will be date-stamped for the purposes of QA checks.
Mat 03 calculator – combined elements - KBCN1245
Where a building element acts as two or more of the building elements combined (e.g. reinforced concrete slab that acts as substructure and ground floor), the assessor has a choice between two methods for inputting the elements into the Mat 03 calculator tool:
Method 1: The entire element specification can be entered into one of either element. This produces the worst case scenario.
Method 2: The element specification can be split into notional specifications as if the elements act independently.
Example: a reinforced concrete slab that acts as foundation and ground floor
Method 1: The element specification is input as one of either the foundation/substructure OR ground floor
Method 2: The notional specification as if the slab acts solely as ground floor is entered under ground floor (components of the specification that are 'added' to the slab so that it also acts as foundation are removed) AND the notional specification as if the slab acts solely as foundation is entered under substructure/foundation (components of the specification that are 'added' to the slab so that it also acts as ground floor are removed)
Material not listed in the Green Guide calculator - KBCN0377
Please refer to Guidance Note GN17 'Bespoke Green Guide Specification Guidance' available from the BREEAM Extranet under 'Green Guide to Specification - Assessor information'
Meaningful reduction in emissions - KBCN00027
The definition of 'meaningful reduction' is context specific. The required reduction in active cooling demand or CO2 emissions are not specified in the criteria as this is specific to each project. To demonstrate a meaningful reduction, the passive design analysis must show that:
- A rigorous and pragmatic approach was taken in selecting the most suitable strategies / technologies
- The strategies sought to maximise the potential for reduction in energy consumption, taking into account technical and site constraints
As the potential for reduction is context specific, the assessor's judgement can determine whether a 'meaningful reduction' has been achieved. For instance:
Scenario 1: Assessment has multiple site constraints which result in a 2% reduction in CO2 emissions. The assessor is satisfied that the design team have made a significant effort to maximise the potential for reduction having considered technical and site constraints. This would be considered a meaningful reduction.
Scenario 2: The passive design analysis has highlighted a potential for significant reduction with LZCs, however many of these technologies were discounted due to capital cost considerations. The resulting building achieves a 6% reduction in CO2 emissions, however the actual potential was significantly higher. This would not be considered a meaningful reduction.
Measurements and calculations for reporting on amenities – design stage - KBCN1381
Reporting on accessible amenities is an explicit requirement of the Site-Specific Transport Assessment in Tra 01. However, if this assessment does not provide enough information to satisfy the relevant requirements for Tra 02, it must be supplemented by an additional report. This does not have to be provided by author of the transport assessment, and could, for example, be produced by the BREEAM assessor or a member of the design team.
02 Nov 2023 - Reference to calculating the AI removed. This, and reporting on accessible amenities are explicit requirements of the transport assessment in Tra 01. Title and wording updated to clarify the intent and made applicable to Tra 02.
Measures for protecting features of ecological value - KBCN0583
Where the actions outlined in CN 'Protecting features of ecological value' are deemed not appropriate for a particular site, by a suitably qualified ecologist (SQE), it would be acceptable for alternative means of protection to be used where recommended by an SQE. Where alternative approaches are being used, the assessor must ensure that adequate evidence is collated to demonstrate the ecologists recommendations have been implemented, this should include clear photographic evidence of the solution implemented.
This is to ensure that professional expertise is applied to appropriately address specific scenarios.
Measuring ecological change – Using Defra Metric 3.0, 3.1, 4.0 and the Statutory Biodiversity Metric - KBCN1476
Defra Metric 3.0, 3.1 and 4.0 have been mapped to the BREEAM Change in Ecological Value Calculator and can be used in assessments for BREEAM UK New Construction 2018, BREEAM Infrastructure Version 6 (formerly CEEQUAL Version 6), and Home Quality Mark ONE.
Please see the table below for the applicable benchmarks where Defra Metric 3.0, 3.1 or 4.0 is used. The benchmarks from the Defra Metric are taken from the lowest score from the three metrics (Habitat, Hedgerow, River).
If a metric is not present, e.g. there is no river on the site, the score of 0 for that metric must be ignored when taking the lowest score.
Metric result |
Credits awarded |
BREEAM (GN36) / Defra Metric 2.0 |
Defra Metric (3.0, 3.1, 4.0)
and the Statutory Biodiversity Metric |
BREEAM UK NC 2018 |
HQM ONE |
BREEAM Infrastructure V6 |
Less than 75% |
Less than -25% |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Between 75% and 94% |
Between -24% and -6% |
1 |
2 |
10 |
Between 95% and 104% |
Between -5% and 4% |
2 |
4 |
20 |
Between 105% and 109% |
Between 5% and 9% |
3 |
6 |
30 |
110% and above |
10% and above |
3 + 1 exemplary level credit |
8 |
40 |
The above approach can be used to determine the percentage score that describes ecological change in Guidance Note 36 (Table 9: Reward Scale), if the following is also met:
- A Suitably Qualified Ecologist confirms that they have used the Defra Metric tool to measure ecological change in line with up to date good practice regarding the Mitigation Hierarchy and Biodiversity Net-Gain including CIEEM, CIRIA & IEMA, 2019, Biodiversity Net Gain. Good practice principles for development: A practical guide (https://cieem.net/i-am/current-projects/biodiversity-net-gain/)
- The Methodology sections of the relevant ecology assessment issues are followed
- All other relevant criteria are met
- One calculation tool is used consistently throughout the development to determine the change in ecological value. i.e. A mixture of outputs from the BREEAM Ecological Change tool and Defra Metric cannot be combined
Alternatively, the BREEAM Change in Ecological Value calculator tool will continue to be accepted until stated otherwise.
03 Mar 2022 - Updated to clarify how Defra Metric 3.0 can be applied to current schemes
27 May 2022 - Updated to Defra Metric 3.1
21 Sep 2022 - Clarification on the figure to use from Defra Metric 3.0 or 3.1
14 Oct 2022 - Updated following rebrand of CEEQUAL to BREEAM Infrastructure
16 Feb 2023 - Added rules and clarification from KBCN1407.
01 Jun 2023 - Addition of DEFRA Metric 4.0
Measuring ecological change with Defra Metric 2.0 ~ superseded ~ - KBCN1407
For DEFRA Metric 3.0 and 3.1, please see
KBCN1476 - Measuring ecological change – Using Defra Metric 3.0 and 3.1
The Defra Metric tool 2.0 can be used to determine the percentage score that describes ecological change in Guidance Note 36 (Table 9: Reward Scale), if the following is also met:
- A Suitably Qualified Ecologist confirms that they have used the Defra Metric tool 2.0 to measure ecological change in line with up to date good practice regarding the Mitigation Hierarchy and Biodiversity Net-Gain including CIEEM, CIRIA & IEMA, 2019, Biodiversity Net Gain. Good practice principles for development: A practical guide (https://cieem.net/i-am/current-projects/biodiversity-net-gain/)
- The Methodology sections of the relevant ecology assessment issues are followed
- All other relevant criteria are met
- One calculation tool is used consistently throughout the development to determine the change in ecological value. i.e. A mixture of outputs from the BREEAM Ecological Change tool and Defra Metric 2.0 cannot be combined
Alternatively, the BREEAM Change in Ecological Value calculator tool will continue to be accepted until stated otherwise. This is subject to change as part of transitioning to Defra Metric 2.1, once this has been finalised and released. The latest timescales and information on this are available from Natural England: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/natural-england
Edited 21/09/22:
The BREEAM Ecological Change tool determines credits using the lowest 'Post development percentage of Pre development' score for the Area based and Linear habitats. If the Defra Metric tool 2.0 has been used, the 'Total net % change' results should be used to calculate this, which is the lowest score of the three metrics.
For example, if the Defra Metric 2.0 tool suggests that there is a net change of -65%, then the 'Post development percentage of Pre development' would be 35% for the purposes of BREEAM. Likewise, if the net change is +8%, then the percentage would be 108%.
21 09 2022 Paragraph added to clarify
Measuring the flow rate of domestic components - KBCN0641
On site testing can be carried out by an appropriate professional to determine the flow rate and capacity of domestic components. This must be overseen by the client’s facilities manager and as-built drawings must be provided to confirm the presence and location of the components and any flow restrictors. Note that the conditions under which the testing is completed must be recorded, e.g. the pressure and the temperature of the water for taps. The assessor could conduct the test provided they are able to carry it out accurately.
15/02/2021: amended to cover all component types.
Metering recycled water - KBCN0658
Water-consuming plant or building areas consuming 10% or more of the building’s total water demand need to be sub-metered. This applies to recycled water, such as rainwater, grey water or process water as well as mains water.
The aim of the Issue is to encourage reductions in water consumption, which is beneficial, regardless of its source. Monitoring the use of recycled water, may also help to reinforce the benefits of doing so and encourage further reductions.
Methodology items to consider – Land use and ecology - KBCN1264
The methodology section provides a list of considerations for several credits, for example, a list of possible stakeholders and a list of items to be included as part of the survey and evaluation. The items in these lists can be applied flexibly, therefore if they are not deemed appropriate or relevant to the site by a Suitably Qualified Ecologist (or project team member if using route 1), they do not need to be included or referred to in the report. The items should be used as a basis for ensuring the delivery of the required outcomes, by ensuring all relevant aspects have been considered.
Minimising water course pollution – no water courses present - KBCN0550
The credit for 'minimising water course pollution' has to be assessed even in cases where no water courses are in close vicinity to the site under assessment. This is because the aim of this credit is to encourage developments to minimise water course pollution by restricting the discharge of potentially contaminated water from entering the public sewer.
Minimising water course pollution does not focus on water directly entering water courses.
Minimising watercourse pollution – end of pipe solutions - KBCN1025
End-of-pipe solutions, such as ponds and basins, will only be deemed to comply with the 5mm criteria where the principal run-off control, to prevent discharge from the first 5mm of a rainfall event, is achieved using source control and site control methods.
Minimising watercourse pollution – Extensions and infill developments - KBCN1027
When assessing an individual building on an existing site, i.e. infill development, the criteria apply to areas within the construction zone that present a risk of pollution as well as any areas outside the construction zone affected by the new works, eg. drainage onto or from the proposed development.
Minimising watercourse pollution – First 5mm of rainfall requirement - KBCN1059
It may not be possible for the first 5mm of rainfall to be prevented from leaving a site completely. An appropriately qualified professional must explain comprehensively why this criterion cannot be fully met and design a system to meet the intent of this criterion as far as possible. Where this can be justified and all other relevant criteria have been achieved, the credit can still be awarded.
Minimising watercourse pollution – Green roofs - KBCN1026
Rain that falls onto the surface of green roofs can contribute to this requirement. Evidence,however, still needs to demonstrate that the 5mm rainfall from all impermeable surfaces on-site is being dealt with.
Missing criterion – external lighting standards - KBCN0883
The following criterion, included in the BREEAM INC 2013 scheme, was omitted in error from the BREEAM IRFO 2015 and BREEAM INC 2016.
- The external lighting strategy has been designed in compliance with the limits set for light technical parameters in section 2.7 of CIE 150-2003 and table 2 of CIE 126-1997.
Projects registered after the announcement of this KBCN in the July 2017 Process Note must comply with this and other relevant criteria within Pol 04 in order to achieve the credit.
Technical manual to be updated accordingly in next reissue.
Modelling basecase for Low/Zero carbon technology – efficiency of gas boiler - KBCN0297
Assume the worst acceptable efficiency permitted by the relevant Building Regulation or, the efficiency that would be required to ensure the Buildings Emission Rate (BER) is the same as or better than the Target rate (TER) so that it is compliant with Part L2 of the Building Regulations.
Note: Low or Zero Carbon (LZCs) technologies may have been specified to help a building achieve its TER; replacing the LZCs with a gas boiler results in the BER failing to achieve or better the TER and as such, the building is theoretically not compliant with Building Regulations. Under these circumstances, it is not considered robust for BREEAM compliance to account for the carbon dioxide emissions savings delivered by the specified LZCs in bringing the building's BER up to the TER. Thus, where the BER is worse than the TER (for the purpose of this analysis) the percentage reduction in regulated CO2 emissions as a result of specifying an LZC technology should only account for CO2 savings made on the TER and not the BER.
ModeScore Sustainable Transport certification - KBCN1705
Achieving
ModeScore Gold or Platinum certification can be submitted as part of the supporting documentation
to award credits for implementing sustainable transport options,
provided the BREEAM criteria were targeted, as follows:
Scheme |
Issues |
Credits |
BREEAM International NC 2016 and V6 |
Tra 03a Alternative modes of transport |
2 + Exemplary credit |
Tra 03b Alternative modes of transport |
2 + Exemplary credit |
Tra 04 Maximum car parking capacity |
1 |
BREEAM UK NC 2018 and V6 * |
Tra 02 Sustainable transport measures |
10 |
BREEAM Int RFO 2015 |
Tra 01 Sustainable transport solutions |
5 |
Tra 04 Maximum car parking capacity |
2 |
BREEAM UK RFO 2014 |
Tra 01 Sustainable transport solutions |
3 |
Tra 03 Cyclist facilities |
2 |
Tra 04 Maximum car parking capacity |
2 |
BREEAM In-Use Commercial and Residential (International and USA) |
Tra 01 Alternative modes of transport |
8 |
Tra 02 Proximity to public transport |
3 |
Tra 04 Pedestrian and cyclist safety |
2 |
* BREEAM UK NC 2018 and V6 credits can be awarded provided the transportation assessment and travel plan (criterion 1) are met
When the assessor submits a ModeScore certification as evidence, they should include their report and highlight the BREEAM criteria or credits that were targeted.
About ModeScore Sustainable Transport certification:
ModeScore assess and certify sustainable transport facilities and services in buildings. ModeScore encompasses ActiveScore within its assessment criteria, covering four pillars of sustainable transportation while incorporating accessibility into each:
- Public Transportation
- Environmentally-Friendly Private Vehicles
- Active Transportation
- Site-Wide Mobility
ModeScore evaluates the connectivity potential of any building in any location, offering four levels of certification with a total scorecard of 120 points. ActiveScore (Travel Facilities) counts for 10 points:
- Certified (0-39%)
- Silver (40-59%)
- Gold (60-79%)
- Platinum (80-100%)
See more information and details at https://modescore.com/
Multi-Residential: Internal recyclable waste container if waste is sorted off site - KBCN0354
Where the Local Authority or waste management company for the scheme provide evidence confirming that recyclable waste will be sorted after they have collected it from site, it is acceptable to provide one internal storage bin of a minimum capacity of 30 L rather than 3 separate internal bins. The relevant recycling scheme must collect at least 3 of the following materials; paper, cardboard, glass, plastics, metals or textiles.
Multi-residential: Waste storage shared by more than six bedrooms - KBCN0856
Where multi-residential buildings contain communal facilities shared by more than six bedrooms, the requirement for total waste storage can be increased on a pro-rata basis to demonstrate compliance.
For instance, if the standard requirement is 30L for six bedrooms, this equates to 5L per bedroom. Where assessing a flat with eight bedrooms, this requirement increases to 40L (8 x 5L).
The minimum size of individual containers remains unchanged as per the criteria.
Multi-storey car parks - KBCN0729
The hard landscaping requirements of this BREEAM issue do not apply to a multi-storey car park.
The aim of the issue is to encourage the specification of new materials with low environmental impact to external hard surfaces only.
Multiple buildings on a wider estate - KBCN1065
For one or more buildings or units assessed as part of a wider estate or campus, compliance can be demonstrated through the provision of dedicated centralised storage space and waste management facilities. These must have the capacity to accommodate the recyclable waste material generated from all buildings and their activities.
Multiple buildings on the same site - KBCN0559
The areas of hard landscaping and boundary protection that need to be assessed on a site that contains several developments/buildings depends on the scope of works and scope of the assessment(s) being undertaken.
Essentially, the areas that need to be assessed are all the areas of hard landscaping (as defined within the relevant definitions of the credit issue) and boundary protection within the construction zone (again defined within the relevant definitions) that are within the scope of works of the building under assessment.
Therefore, if all buildings on one site are being assessed in one BREEAM assessment, then the hard landscaping and boundary protection related to all of these building's scope of works will need to be assessed.
If there are several buildings with individual assessments and their own defined scope of works, then the hard landscaping and boundary protection applicable to the scope of works of each individual building will be assessed for each associated assessment.
The assessment is concerned with the hard landscaping and boundary protection associated to the project under assessment, i.e. the areas under the control of the project under assessment.
Multiple developments monitoring construction waste on a site - KBCN00036
Where the same contractor is working on a site with more than one development, a single Site Waste Management Plan (SWMP)/Resource Management Plan (RMP) can be produced to demonstrate compliance, if it can be justified that separation of the waste would be impractical.
Where the developments are of a similar nature, such as all new-build or all refurbishment with similar scope, the results from the whole development can be apportioned on the basis of floor area to derive the figures upon which the separate developments will be assessed.
Where the buildings are not similar, the design team will need to provide calculations to demonstrate that the waste has been apportioned as accurately as possible according to the project types.
21/11/16 Clarification added in relation to dissimilar projects on the same site.
NABERS – Compliance with the requirements of Ene 01 - KBCN1463
Undertaking energy modelling for NABERs (DfP process) can be used to demonstrate compliance for the 4 predicted energy modelling credits and also the 2 exemplary credits for committing to post-occupancy measurement of energy.
National waste recovery rate – Error in the ASWL - KBCN0996
When the national waste recovery rate is unknown, the project team should assume that it is 50% by weight, according to CN3.4 in the BREEAM International NC 2016 manual. The value given in version 30.0 and previous versions of the ASWL refers to the BREEAM International NC 2013 and RFO 2015.
The value has been corrected in ASWL version 31.
Natural ventilation – use of CIBSE TM52 - KBCN0935
For a naturally ventilated building, it is acceptable for the thermal comfort limits and calculation methodology in CIBSE TM52: The Limits of Thermal Comfort: Avoiding Overheating in European Buildings to be used in place of ISO 7730:2005.
BREEAM recognises that adaptive comfort models can provide more appropriate thermal comfort limits for naturally ventilated buildings.
NCM does not cover a building type - KBCN0686
If the NCM does not cover a building type or the Shell Only / Shell and Core project types, assessment using "Option 1 – Use of approved building energy calculation software" can still be used according to the guidance given in the technical manual.
The generation of the notional building can be done by using the Appendix G Performance Rating Method of ASHRAE Energy Standard 90.1-2013 (for all buildings except low rise residential buildings) or ASHRAE Energy Standard 90.2-2007 (for low rise residential buildings). Any imperial units used in the standards are to be converted to metric first before they are used in any calculations.
Prior to taking this approach the assessor should be satisfied that the NCM does not cover the assessed building type, and relevant evidence should be submitted to demonstrate this.
For International 2013 assessments where ASHRAE Appendix G is used, regardless of the robustness of local regulations the correct Ene 01 translator curve used is "2. Good International Practice."
New build extension using existing lifts - KBCN0444
Where the assessment is only of a new build extension (and not the existing building), lifts present in the existing building fall outside the scope of Ene 06 and do not need to be assessed. The applies only when the lifts are not being renewed or undergoing a major refurbishment.
New EU energy labels - KBCN1445
Background
In recent years, the market for domestic-scale appliances has seen excellent progress, with increasingly energy-efficient products becoming widely available. Consequently, the A-rated category was extended over time to include A+, A++, and A+++ ratings. Meanwhile, the lower ratings, such as E, F and G have become increasingly rare. It was clear that an adjustment to a new, simpler set of ratings was required.
Statutory Changes
From 1
st March 2021, the European Commission requires new, updated energy labels of A to G for dishwashers, washing machines, fridges and electronic displays.
Lamps will require the new ratings from 1
st September 2021 and requirements for re-labelling tumble dryers are yet to be confirmed.
This means:
- A+ to A+++ will transition mainly to C through to F
- A and B will initially apply to very few products
- G ratings will be phased out, with F ratings to follow
Changes for BREEAM and HQM
As a result of the introduction of the new EU ratings and in order to maintain the original intent of the BREEAM criteria, the approach for our schemes has had to change.
It is not possible to establish direct equivalence between the old and new energy labels, therefore the updated approach will be to recognise the best-performing 25% of each appliance type, based on a comprehensive market sample. The table below shows how this translates into the new EU Energy Labels for different appliance types.
Appliance type
|
Rating required
|
Fridges, fridge-freezers, freezers
|
E
|
Washing machines
|
B
|
Dishwashers
|
D
|
Washer-dryers
|
D - D
|
This approach will ensure that BREEAM continues to drive the energy efficiency of appliances by demonstrating a meaningful reduction in energy consumption. Note that these new requirements will be reviewed from time to time and may be subject to change.
Where assessments have already specified (and can procure) products bearing the old labels, it is acceptable to follow the previous criteria. However, where products bear the new label and for all assessments registered after 31/05/2021, the new criteria must be met.
17 Apr 2023 - Applicability to NC2013 confirmed.
21 Mar 2022 - Confirmation added that washer-dryers require a D rating for both cycles
23 Nov 2021 - Reference to 'freezers' added to appliance types
12 May 2021 - Guidance updated and applicability to HQM One and BREEAM NOR confirmed
Night-time operation – requirement for controls - KBCN1048
Projects
or areas of an asset which operate at night-time can adapt or omit the requirement to provide controls or presence detection to align with the building’s hours of operation.
This could, for example, include service yards or car parks.
The aim of this Issue is to reduce the energy use for external lighting and should not interfere with the building’s operation.
02 Oct 2024 - Updated to clarify the scope of the this guidance and applied to NCV6 and BIU.
No acoustically sensitive areas or rooms used for speech - KBCN0660
If written confirmation is provided by the Suitably Qualified Acoustician that there are no acoustically sensitive rooms or rooms used for speech (as defined in the technical guidance), the credits can only be awarded based on achieving all the remaining, applicable credit(s).
Where compliance with criteria for this Issue cannot be demonstrated due to the nature of the development, the credits are not awarded by default, but by demonstrating that the acoustic performance has been addressed by meeting the available criteria.
16/12/16 - Clarification added for situations where there are no acoustically sensitive rooms and/or rooms used for speech.
No car parking provision - KBCN00059
Where the assessment criteria are applicable to a building that has no car parking spaces and where there are no parking spaces accessible to building users, the benchmarks can be considered to be met. If, however, parking is shared with other buildings or parking spaces are available on a campus-type site then the provision must still be assessed.
No change in impermeable area - KBCN1273
The Methodology includes a section titled 'No change in impermeable area'. Where this text is applied to a site, and the Surface Water Run-off - Rate credit is not targetted, criterion 5 is not applicable because no calculations or surface water design solutions are required.
Note: the design for exceedance criterion (criterion 10) must still be demonstrated.
No data for AI at Design Stage - KBCN0551
If there is insufficient data for a future transport service to include this in the calculation of the AI at the Design Stage, it should not be accounted for.
If at Post Construction stage the data is available, this can be incorporated.
Whilst certain Design Stage requirements can be based on commitments to achieve a certain performance, this must be based on verifiable data.
16/04/18 Wording amended to clarify that this applies to future services and to allow applicability to UK NC 2018
No demolition - KBCN1122
Where, under the developer's ownership, no demolition will be undertaken to enable the assessed development, the pre-demolition audit credit is filtered-out of the assessment.
To be clarified in the next re-issue of the manual.
No discharge for up to 5mm rainfall - KBCN0599
The criterion requires no run-off to leave the developed site into the local watercourse(s) for a storm event that results in rainfall depths up to 5mm. It is not acceptable to collect the rainfall within an attenuation tank and allow the runoff to be released from the site at a restricted rate. This simply slows the rate at which it is released to the watercourse(s).
Compliance should be based upon zero runoff from the first 5mm rainfall for 80% of events during summer and 50% in winter. This is in line with the recommendations within Chapter 24.8 of The SuDs Manual (C753), CIRIA 2015.
The 5mm rainfall event is considered one of the most common rainfall events and, therefore, a system should be designed to prevent this run-off leaving the site thus protecting a receiving watercourse from pollution.
Where ground conditions prohibit the use of SuDs techniques to manage the rainfall onsite or it is not be possible for the first 5mm of rainfall to be prevented from leaving a site completely. An appropriately qualified professional must explain comprehensively why this criterion cannot be fully met and design a system to meet the intent of this criterion as far as possible. Where this can be justified and all other relevant criteria have been achieved, the credit can still be awarded.
16.08.2024 Clarification added on calculation requirements and text from KBCN1059 now included.
No external plant specified - KBCN0931
Where there is no external plant specified and the acoustician confirms that there is no significant noise source, it is acceptable for the acoustician to provide a formal statement in lieu of the noise impact assessment. All other evidence for this issue must be provided as listed in the Evidence table.
The formal statement should be produced by a 'suitably qualified acoustician' (as defined in the Relevant Definitions for this issue) and should justify this approach with reference to the specific internal plant to be installed and the proximity of any noise sensitive areas or buildings.
The statement must explain clearly how the aim of the issue is being met.
No refrigerant use – shell & core assessments - KBCN1058
The credits for Pol 01 can be awarded if the asset requires no refrigerants as per the criteria.
In speculative assessments, future tenant systems are unknown. To award the credits, evidence must show that the asset has been designed to operate without the need for air-conditioning or comfort cooling for the conditioning of occupied spaces. One way to demonstrate this is to achieve the ‘Free cooling’ credit.
Only refrigerants used for occupant comfort are assessed. Do not assess any refrigerant use for process-related functions.
21.09.2021 Wording amended for clarity
No relevant areas for room acoustics - KBCN1291
Where a building does not have areas relevant to the 'room acoustics' criteria, the credit available for room acoustics can be awarded by default where the building complies with the indoor ambient noise levels and the sound insulation criteria.
No unregulated energy consumption in the building - KBCN00066
Where there are no items, contributing to the unregulated (or equipment) energy consumption in the building, there is currently no mechanism to award credits. If, however, in this situation, significant contributors, not listed in the table, will be specified, the design team should justify how a meaningful reduction will be achieved for these contributors, in order to demonstrate compliance.
08/05/19 Wording amended to account for situations, where a meaningful reduction in unregulated energy can be demonstrated by other means.
18.05.2017 KBCN applicability removed for NC2011 and NC2013, for which compliance can be demonstrated via the three shell and core options, as per the technical manual.
No water components installed by the developer - KBCN000007
For shell and core developments where no sanitary fittings are installed by the developer, no credits can be awarded for issue Wat 01. However, the minimum standard can be waived.
The Assessment Scoring and Reporting tool reflects the above change to the minimum standards for Wat 01. If a previous version of the tool is used, the assessor should submit a technical query providing justification and requesting an amended tool.
Where a proportion of the element are not installed, for example tea points, a 'base performance' level should be assumed for those fittings.
Not enough rows in the Pol 01 calculator - KBCN1274
If additional rows are required in the calculator, it is acceptable to add the specification of multiple models together in one tool, provided they are the same model and have all the same inputs for columns F to M. The weighting of the systems across the building is done by the System Capacity and Total Refrigerant Charge (columns E and F), so you would multiply each of these two figures by the total number of the system specified. This gives the contribution of the systems to the building's cooling capacity and charge.
If further rows are still required please submit a query using the
webform in BREEAM Projects, attaching a copy of the tool and specify the number of additional rows required.
08/10/21 link to webform added
NOx emissions – Units of measure - KBCN1393
For gas and oil appliances, NOx emissions should be measured on a dry basis at 0% excess oxygen, in accordance with the Ecodesign regulations.
Obligation to provide a minimum number of car parking spaces exceeding BREEAM requirements - KBCN0401
Where it can be demonstrated (by documentary evidence) an obligation to meet a ’minimum car parking requirement’ which exceeds the BREEAM benchmarks is imposed by the planning authority, as long as no more than the stipulated minimum spaces are provided, a single credit can be awarded.
Occupancy calculation – Buildings with shift patterns - KBCN0431
In buildings with shift patterns, as shifts may overlap, the building users calculation should be based on the maximum occupancy of the building at any given time.
Occupancy rates – 24-hours consulting or treatment rooms - KBCN1258
The default occupancy rate for 24-hour consulting or treatment areas in hospitals and care homes is 0.07.
Published pending reissue of the technical manual UKNC2014/REISSUE UKNC2018/REISSUE
03.11.2021 Issue 2.0 of the UK RFO technical manual amended.
Occupant control – BMS and degree of control - KBCN0175
A Building Management System controlled set point with local override controls limited to a set range would satisfy the occupant control requirement so long as the temperature range available to building users is confirmed as appropriate for the building type and user profile.
Occupant control – spaces requiring user controls - KBCN0170
This guidance is intended to clarify the types of area for which user controls are required or would be considered beneficial.
Zoning is required in all areas of the asset where specified in the assessment criteria. Please refer to the specific requirements of the applicable BREEAM standard to interpret this guidance appropriately.
User controls required
Spaces where users are expected to have independent control over their environment.
- Owned spaces: small rooms for a few people.
For instance, cellular offices, owned spaces in residential assets.
- Temporarily owned spaces: where occupants expect to operate the environmental controls while they are there.
For instance, meeting rooms and hotel bedrooms.
- Shared spaces.
For instance, multi-occupied areas such as open-plan offices or workshops.
User controls not required
Spaces where users are not expected to have independent control over their environment.
- Managed spaces: where environmental control is expected to be centrally managed.
For instance, atria, circulation areas, concourses, entrance halls, function halls, restaurants, libraries, and shops.
- Occasionally visited spaces.
For instance, storerooms, bookstacks in libraries, aisles of warehouses, toilets.
14-Dec-2022 - KBCN applicability updated to include BIU. Wording clarified, and amended for compatibility with BIU criteria.
Off-site ecological enhancement - KBCN0651
BREEAM does not recognise enhancements which are not within the boundary of the site being assessed, as the aims of the land use and ecology section relate to the ecological value and biodiversity of the specific site under assessment.
However, off-site ecological enhancement can be accepted where:
- It is within the wider site, surrounding or adjoining the development.
- The land is currently under the ownership of the developer and intended to remain so (i.e. there are no immediate plans to sell);
- The Suitably Qualified Ecologist (SQE) confirms that the proposed ecological enhancements are appropriate and more effective than can be done solely within the red line boundary;
- The owner remains responsible for the on-going maintenance of the land.
Full justification and robust evidence must be submitted when relying on this approach.
BREEAM recognises that the red-line boundary drafted for planning purposes may not reflect the entire site within the control of the developer or building owner.
Off-site ecological enhancement - KBCN1495
In line with LE 04 Criterion 4, in certain circumstances, BREEAM may recognise ecological enhancements which are not within the boundary of the site being assessed.
Off-site enhancement may be accepted where:
- Assessment Route 2 is followed
- On-site enhancement is not possible, or the Suitably Qualified Ecologist (SQE) confirms that the proposed ecological enhancements are appropriate and more effective than can be done solely within the red line boundary.
- The enhancement is made within the “Zone of Influence” [See LE 02 - Definitions]
- There are arrangements in place for the on-going maintenance of the enhanced land. This could be demonstrated by compliance with LE 05
Full justification and robust evidence must be submitted when relying on this approach.
Off-site waste sorting / no dedicated on-site waste storage - KBCN0696
BREEAM assesses the
dedicated space for recyclable waste storage. This must be a permanent structure on-site, or space in the asset.
Where this space does not exist:
For NC or RFO
The aim of the issue is met by provide evidence covering all points 1-4:
- A waste management plan which provides on-site storage between collections, adequately sized based on the frequency of collection.
- An on-going waste recycling contract.
- The typical recycling rates from the waste management company.
- A permanent structure (or internal space) within the asset site boundary that can be converted to comply with all criteria requirements. Layout drawings must be provided showing how this space could be converted in future, including meeting all relevant criteria for:
• User and vehicle access,
• Area requirements for waste storage,
• Appropriate size and number of containers for the expected waste streams, and
• Space allowance for any additional waste processing requirements e.g. compactors, composting containers, water outlets etc.
This ensures that there is:
- A robust off-site waste management strategy,
- Proof of future convertibility for on-site waste storage.
For BIU
The above approach for NC / RFO only applies to waste storage for construction fit-outs, which are temporary in nature. It does not apply to any other credits, and compliance cannot be met based on future commitments. This means that the above approach:
- Does not apply to recyclable waste storage.
Answers C + D | Rsc 02 | BIU Commercial V6.
- Does apply to off-site sorting for construction waste arising from fit-out activities.
Answer E. Only points 1-3 apply - a future commitment for permanent storage facility is not required.
- Do not apply to the storage of reusable construction products
Answer F.
For BIU, new storage areas will be recognised once they are completed and assessed in future certification cycles.
18-Nov-2024 - Requirements for BIU projects clarified relating to all answers in Rsc 02. Title clarified.
09-Feb-2024 - Requirements clarified. Applicability updated to include construction waste storage for BIU V6 Rsc 02.
17-Jan-2024 - Scheme applicability updated.
16-Apr-2018 - Wording clarified.
Office equipment – mobile devices - KBCN00041
Mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets, which are generally used without connection to an electrical power source, should be excluded from the assessment of the energy efficient equipment issue.
Devices which are not generally connected to an electrical power source when used are excluded from the 'office equipment' definition as they do not directly affect the unregulated energy consumption of the building.
On site fabrication - KBCN1292
Where concrete (or another construction product) is produced on site, there is no requirement to provide responsible sourcing certification for the end product. As in this case fabrication on site is effectively part of the onsite building process, the certification of the individual products (e.g. aggregates, cement), as delivered to site, shall be used in the assessment instead.
On-demand public bus services - KBCN1404
These can be recognised as follows:
- The location of the transport node should be determined as the nearest available pick-up point to the assessed building
- The frequency of the service should be considered as the published maximum wait time (or actual average wait time, if the service is established and this data is available)
- Such services, whilst they may serve multiple destinations, should be considered as a single route
- It must be demonstrated that information on the availability and how to access the service is made available to building users
This is limited to genuine on-demand bus services, which are operated as public transport with multiple pick-up and drop-off points and does not extend to private hire, taxi or other similar operations.
On-site LZC – whole site shared connection - KBCN1424
To be recognised in BREEAM, the on-site Low and Zero Carbon (LZC) technology must have a direct physical connection to the assessed asset.
OR
Where the LZC technology is;
- Located on the same site,
- Is owned and managed by the same organization as the assessed building, and
- Where it is impractical to physically connect the assessed building to the system,
It is acceptable to allocate the renewable energy generated proportionally as a calculation of the asset's predicted energy consumption compared to the total energy consumption of the whole site.
To allocate renewable electricity by proportional consumption:
- Obtain the total annual renewable electricity generated on-site.
- Exclude all renewable electricity which has been exported to the grid.
- Determine the respective electricity consumption of all assets on the whole site (predicted for new builds and measured for existing assets).
Where consumption data is missing, renewable electricity must not be allocated to the assessed asset. In this case, it is assumed that all electricity consumed is sourced from the grid.
17-Jan-2024 - Applicability BIU V6 Ene 13 removed, as this approach is not applicable to assessing the area of PV fitted.
21-Dec-2022 - Applicability to In-Use V6 confirmed.
24-Aug-2022 - Applicability to UKNC V6 confirmed.
Only lifts in building are for persons with impaired mobility - KBCN1330
Where the only lifts, escalators or moving walkways in the assessed development are for persons with imparied mobility with speeds no greater than 0.15m/s, and there are no lifts which fall within the scope of the criteria, the Issue should be filtered out of the assessment. Credits cannot be awarded by default.
Operational waste – Additional requirements for multi-residential buildings with individual bedrooms and communal facilities only - KBCN1519
These criteria are intended for situations where occupants of individual rooms have access to shared kitchens, which can be used to prepare food, regardless of whether central catering is also available.
In developments where all catering is managed centrally and no communal/shared kitchens are provided, these requirements do not apply.
If, for example, catering is managed centrally, but there are small satellite kitchens for staff to sort/reheat food for residents, the assessor must justify whether and to what extent recyclable waste will be generated in these kitchens and demonstrate that adequate recyclable waste storage provided as appropriate.
Operational waste requirement for catering – applicability - KBCN1162
The additional operational waste storage requirement for developments which include catering is generally only applicable where a commercial scale kitchen is present.
Where the design team can justify that there will be no significant waste streams from a modest facility, such as a small cafe, selling only drinks and pre-prepared snacks, the additional waste storage area identified in the default values does not need to be provided to meet compliance.
Operational waste storage sizing - KBCN0560
The dedicated space requirements given in the technical manual are default guidance, for situations where it is not possible to demonstrate the required size based on known waste streams.
Compliance can, therefore, be achieved provided that it is clearly demonstrated and evidenced that there is adequate justification for the type of facilities & size of waste storage provided, and that the assessor is satisfied that the sizes and facilities meet the criteria based on the building type, occupancy and the likely waste volumes generated as a result of these.
Optimal Ecological Outcome - KBCN1265
The optimal ecological outcome for a site can be defined as a solution that both, provides maximum benefit to the ecology, whilst accounting for other priorities for the development. This may result in several options/iterations and the most favourable option selected and justified, taking account of all site-specific considerations (for example scale, scope, size and any other priorities).
Option 1 scoring based on robustness and extent of LCA - KBCN0674
For Option 1, BRE Global verifies the LCA tool's score within the Mat 01 calculator based on the rigour of the life cycle assessment tool and the extent it is used on the assessment. For this reason, as opposed to the UK New Construction schemes, the performance/scoring of building elements is not to be taken into consideration and Green Guide ratings for building elements are not linked to the scoring of the Mat 01 tool and credits achieved.
Please see KBCN0237 for further details on using the calculator with verified LCA tools.
Other buildings specified fittings worse than baseline - KBCN00021
Where the performance of a sanitary fitting is worse than the baseline level, the baseline level as specified in the manual should be input as the level of performance in the Other Buildings calculator tab of the Wat 01 tool.
Outdoor foundations - KBCN0787
Outdoor foundations for lighting poles, bike racks, charging stations, etc., need to be included under hard landscaping, provided they are above the cut-off volume.
Outdoor space – shared with other buildings - KBCN1045
Where a building has existing external space, or will be developing new external space, that is or will be shared with other buildings, this can be deemed acceptable if the space meets the definition of ‘Outside space’ and is of a size able to cater for the building users of all the associated buildings.
Outside space – Appropriate seating areas - KBCN1509
For fully-fitted assessments, where the end-user is known, a compliant outside space must have suitable outdoor furniture installed . However, where justified by the design team, for shell only, shell and core and all speculative assessments, it is sufficient to provide evidence that an appropriate 'seating area' is provided including any associated hard landscaping, along with design drawings showing a suggested arrangement and type of furniture.
The installation of outdoor furniture at an incomplete and unoccupied building could lead to security issues and attract antisocial behaviour.
03/05/21 Wording amended to clarify the level of detail required for the future fit-out.
Outside space – Public realm - KBCN1508
As per the definition, compliant outside space must be non-smoking. This requirement precludes compliance for areas within the public realm, where a non-smoking policy would be unenforceable.
Park and Ride Schemes - KBCN0754
'Park and ride' bus services run from one or more car parks to a city centre or other destination to allow travellers to park their car at a convenient location and complete their journey by bus. These generally stop at transport nodes en route to allow passengers to board or alight.
Provided the service meets the aim of the Issue with reference to the guidance, they can be considered for this Issue in the same way as any other bus service.
Parking integral to development’s use - KBCN1145
Dedicated on-site parking which is integral to the function of the development can be excluded from the calculation of parking capacity. Examples could include, but are not limited to:
- Dedicated bays for police vehicles at a police station
- Parking for delivery vehicles at an industrial warehouse
- Holding bays for damaged vehicles at a vehicle repair centre
The spaces are only to be used for this purpose, and must have appropriate signage and / or markings.
Parking spaces with electric car recharging stations - KBCN00044
Electric car spaces should be included in the total number of car parking spaces calculation for maximum car parking capacity.
Whilst electric cars provide benefits in terms of reduced emissions, they do not directly reduce congestion which is one of the aims of this issue.
Part Shell and Core Part Fully Fitted assessment - KBCN0426
This CN has been suspended and is currently undergoing technical review.
Partial assessments - KBCN1001
Where the assessment covers only some of the floors in the building, the roof must still be assessed as it is protecting the assessed building below. If the roof is directly above domestic accommodation (e.g. flats), the equivalent domestic Green Guide rating for the roof must be used, as opposed to the ratings for non-domestic roofs. Roof areas not protecting parts of the assessed building or space can be omitted from the assessment.
Parts of the building not subject to national thermal regulations - KBCN0534
Where you have parts of the assessed building which are not subject to national thermal regulations then these should be omitted from the EPR calculation.
24/08/2022 - Applicability to UKNC V6 confirmed
Passive design analysis – Modelling the standard building when existing building elements are retained - KBCN1270
In circumstances where an existing building element (e.g. a facade) is being retained it is acceptable to incorporate them into the modelling of the 'standard building' baseline, for the purpose of undertaking passive design analysis.
All other building elements should be modelled with fabric performance equivalent to that of the local Building Regulations Notional Building (or for Scotland, an equivalent compliant building) and without the passive design measures (where feasible i.e. building orientation is likely to be fixed).
Passive design analysis where Hea 04 is not applicable - KBCN1236
Where Hea 04 is not applicable to the building type and options selected (for example an industrial building with no office areas), criterion 1 of Ene 04 is not applicable.
Performance standards of BB101 - KBCN0249
The Compliance Note ‘appropriate industry standards and criteria for schools’ must be followed, which states that Requirement a) of BB101 must be improved upon. Therefore if this improvement is achieved for performance standard a) then it is sufficient, for BREEAM compliance, for EITHER b) or c) of BB101 to be achieved.
Photovoltaics’ delivered energy - KBCN0841
The BREEAM best practice specification refers to 'on-site electrical generation'. This requires information on the delivered energy from photovoltaic panels, rather than the relevant primary energy.
Please refer to GN25: BREEAM International New Construction 2016 Ene 01 Calculation Methodology for more information.
Playground or other specialist surfaces - KBCN0694
Where the hard landscaping surface is specified to meet safety related performance (e.g. non-slip or soft surfaces for playgrounds) or particular performance related requirements (e.g. specialist sports performance surfaces such as astro-turf, netball courts and running tracks), then these surfaces can be omitted from the assessment. The standard specification of surfaces for multi-use areas (e.g. cement, tarmac, asphalt) must still be assessed.
PMV and PPD reporting for mixed mode ventilation buildings - KBCN0632
When assessing buildings where both naturally ventilated and air conditioned spaces are included, reporting the PMV and PPD indices is required.
Pods or privacy booths used as workstations – Impact on view out - KBCN1697
Provided the space or room itself is compliant based on a more traditional furniture arrangement, the enclosure of workstations in booths or pods can be disregarded when considering compliance with the ‘View out’ criteria.
Point of use water heaters - KBCN0773
Small 'point of use' water heaters can be excluded from the sub-metering requirements.
Only major energy consuming systems that have a measurable impact on the operational energy consumption need to be included.
Pol 01 Prerequisite – Applicable standards - KBCN1537
ASHRAE standards (ASHRAE 15-2016 'Safety Standard for Refrigeration Systems' or ASHRAE 34-2016 'Designation and Safety Classification of Refrigerants') can be used in place of the ISO/EN standards referenced in the prerequisite.
This is only applicable to countries outside Europe.
Pol 02 benchmarks – Oil-fired boilers - KBCN1208
It has come to our attention that there is an error in Table 12.4 in Pol 02, relating to the NOx emission benchmarks for oil-fired boilers. The table below confirms the correct benchmarks.
Appliance type and unit |
Fuel |
1 credit (Low pollution location) |
1 credit (High pollution location) |
2 credits (Low pollution location) |
2 credits (High pollution location) |
Boiler (mg/kWh) |
Oil |
56 73 |
56 |
55 67 |
50 |
This will be confirmed in the next re-issue of the technical manual, but can be applied immediately in all issues of the UK NC2018 scheme.
Pollution Prevention Guidance documents - KBCN1051
On 17 December 2015, the Pollution Prevention Guidance documents (PPGs) published by the Environment Agency were withdrawn. These can be found in the National Archives or on the Scottish Environment Protection Agency website where they are still current documents.
Many BREEAM schemes and the Home Quality Mark refer to these PPG documents as they are still considered to be best practice even though they have been withdrawn. Projects should continue to use the PPGs referenced in the relevant manuals.
BREEAM will continue to review this situation and provide an update as and when appropriate.
26 09 2018 Made applicable to Man 03 and Pol 03 in UK NC2018 and Man 03 in UK NC 2011, UK NC2014 and UKRFO 2014
Portable clothes drying racks - KBCN0164
Portable clothes drying racks are not compliant.
These are not a fixed feature of the built asset and could be removed or moved to rooms which are not sufficiently ventilated.
Post construction noise level testing - KBCN00043
Noise level measurements do not need to be taken at the post construction stage if the acoustician has accurately modelled the noise level from the plant, using manufacturer's literature, and site measurements taken at the design stage. Any attenuation measures specified by the acoustician in their report must be confirmed as being present post construction.
If the acoustician has been unable to model the noise level accurately, post construction measurements are needed to demonstrate compliance.
Calculations and recommendations from the acoustician are relied on to be accurate and in keeping with best practice; attenuation measures are assumed to be specified and installed correctly.
Post Occupancy Evaluation – Bespoke - KBCN0678
It is acceptable to use a bespoke POE providing that the assessor is satisfied that the methodology covers all relevant aspects of a compliant POE. The assessor should therefore refer to the further guidance on POE provided in the BREEAM technical manual for information on what a compliant POE methodology should contain, as copied below:
- The BCO guide to Post Occupancy Evaluation (POE), British Council for Offices, 2007
- BRE Digest 478, Building performance feedback: getting started, Building Research Establishment, 2003
- Guide to Post Occupancy Evaluation Report and Toolkit, HEFCE, AUDE & University of Westminster, 2006
Post-construction measurement – formaldehyde / VOC levels exceed limits - KBCN0258
If the measured formaldehyde / VOC concentrations were above the prescribed limits, the appropriate remedial action must be taken, as described in the IAQ Plan. The criterion requires confirmation of 'the measures that have or will be undertaken' however it does not specifically address re-testing. We would expect, however that the IAQ Plan should outline what remedial measures are appropriate depending upon the severity and type of the non-compliance with prescribed limits. Such measures may include re-testing as a matter of 'best practice'.
Where levels are found to exceed these limits, the project team confirms the measures that have, or will be undertaken in accordance with the IAQ plan, to reduce the TVOC and formaldehyde levels to within the above limits.
10-Oct-2022 - Title amended to align with standard KBCN naming format for clarity and consistency. Made applicable to UK and International NC V6.
Post-construction measurement – sampling methodology and KPIs - KBCN0380
When testing for VOCs post-completion and pre-occupancy, a representative sample of the building needs to be carried out. Each sample TVOC and formaldehyde measurement needs to achieve the threshold levels individually, either in the initial testing or after remedial measures have been implemented. This ensures that all tested areas of the building are below the limits, and that areas of non-compliance are not ‘averaged out’.
'When providing KPI test results for air quality post-construction / pre-occupancy within scoring and reporting tool, where the limits are exceeded and remediation and re-testing are carried out, the figure should be an average for the whole building post-remediation, as this is the key figure that reflects the building at its certified state'.
Where testing is not a requirement of the IAQ Plan and this is not carried out, the original testing figures should be entered and the assessment report should provide details of the remediation measures undertaken to reduce these to within the prescribed limits.
10-Oct-2022 Title amended to align with standard KBCN naming format for clarity and consistency. Scheme applicability updated.
06-Dec-2017 Amended to account for situations where re-testing is not required by the IAQ Plan.
Post-construction measurement- TVOC concentration using BS ISO 16000-6: 2021 VOCs in air by active sampling - KBCN1642
Where BS ISO 16000-6: 2021 VOCs in air by active sampling is used, the TVOC concentration measurement can be performed over a 40-60 minute period.
Postal pick up service - KBCN0303
An organisation's postal pick up service would not be sufficient to meet the criteria for this issue, even if the organisation guarantees a regular post picked up service equivalent to a post box. The aim of BREEAM is to assess performance of the built asset not necessarily the operational procedures of the organisation that will occupy the building. The operational procedures for the building's post service are reliant on the management of that building and can be altered at any time.
Potential for natural ventilation – areas exempted - KBCN0806
For projects where the majority of a building's occupied spaces will meet the criteria to achieve the potential for natural ventilation credit, but a relatively small area will not comply due to functional requirements of the space, (e.g. a lecture theatre), the credit can be awarded where this approach can be justified.
The intention is to encourage the design of buildings where a strategy of (potential for) natural ventilation has been implemented as far as practically possible, given functional constraints.
Potential for natural ventilation – mechanically ventilated and mixed mode assets - KBCN1533
Scope of KBCN
This KBCN clarifies the associated compliance note for this credit.
- NC 2011 & 2013 - No CN, but the principle of this KBCN can be applied.
- NC 2014 v5.0 - CN 3.1
- INC 2016 v2.0 and INC V6 - CN 3.11
- RFO 2014 v2.0 - CN 7
- RFO 2015 v1.4 - CN 5.2
Clarification
Mechanically ventilated and mixed mode assets can potentially achieve the 'potential for natural ventilation' credit by:
- Meeting the relevant criteria for room depth and glazing area OR, where this is not possible:
- Show through modelling that the building has the potential to be ventilated entirely via a natural ventilation strategy.
For 2. the second paragraph of the CN allows flexibility in demonstrating adaptability to an entirely natural ventilation strategy.
An asset can allow for mechanical ventilation for ≤ 5% of its annual operating hours to boost ventilation rates, and (for this credit) can still be considered to be a fully naturally ventilated strategy.
≤ 5% mechanical ventilation requirement
The focus of this credit is to demonstrate future adaptability to introduce fresh air into the asset for occupant comfort, so this requirement relates only to the time that mechanical systems are used to drive air through the asset. The use of active heating / cooling is not considered in this calculation.
Natural Ventilation Heat Recovery Units (NVHR) systems can also be used, provided it meets this ≤ 5% requirement.
≤ 5% is a weighted average over all of the asset's occupied spaces. The basis for the weighting will be determined by the modelling software used.
Scope and time scale of modelling
The modelling covers all occupied spaces. Where relevant, exclusions are allowed - see related KBCNs for details.
The modelling period is one year, during the asset's operating hours.
The modelling must be based on a plausible scenario that is realistic. This means that:
- Potential changes can be practically and reasonably achieved by future occupants.
For example, the adaptation strategy must not require new or modified openings in the building envelope or include significant or disruptive changes to the internal layout.
- The changes do not compromise the intended function or operation of the asset.
- For speculative assets, a realistic notional layout can be used. See KBCN0408.
- The modelling assumption does not need to factor in climate change.
The aim of the credit is prove the validity of a future naturally ventilated scenario - if and when this is carried out is outside the scope of the certification.
22-Oct-2022 Content from KBCN1126 merged to this KBCN.
Potential for natural ventilation – shell only assessments - KBCN0408
Where compliance depends on a speculative layout which is unknown, it is the responsibility of the design team to demonstrate that it is feasible for a future tenant to achieve compliance in the relevant areas via the use of a notional layout.
This ensures that the shell allows the potential for compliance, and if this can be demonstrated the credit may be awarded.
Potential for natural ventilation – use of doors to comply - KBCN0690
Doors can only be used to demonstrate potential for natural ventilation where:
- They can be used to achieve at least 2 levels of ventilation control as required in the criteria AND,
- Using them does not cause accessibility or security issues during asset operation.
In all cases, the use of doors must be clearly and robustly justified by the Assessor.
19-Oct-2022 - Wording clarified. Scheme applicability updated.
Pre-demolition audit & diversion of resources from landfill - KBCN00025
There is currently no requirement to carry out a pre-demolition audit to allow the award of the credit for diversion of resources from landfill.
Pre-demolition audit – criterion 1d - KBCN1168
To clarify, the comparison between actual waste arisings and waste management routes used with those forecast is to be drawn by re-visiting the pre-demolition audit, following completion of the relevant work.
The intent of this criterion is to draw lessons learnt from the project under assessment to inform future improvements.
The pre-demolition audit criteria will be clarified in the next re-issue of the technical manual.
Pre-demolition audit – demolition in a later phase - KBCN1012
Where the demolition of an existing building forms part of the works to enable the assessed development, a pre-demolition audit must be carried out to comply with the criteria, even if the demolition occurs as part of a later phase.
28/02/2018 Wording amended for clarity
Pre-demolition audit requirement - KBCN0243
Where the site demolition/clearance does not form part of the principal contractor’s works, but has been undertaken by the developer for the purposes of enabling the assessed development, a pre-demolition audit must be carried out and referenced within the SWMP as per the guidance.
Where justification and robust evidence can be provided, the following exceptions may apply:
- Where it can be demonstrated that demolition/clearance was carried out prior to the developer acquiring the site and no pre-demolition audit is available.
- Where the demolition was expedited for health and safety reasons.
- Where the demolition has been carried out by the same developer, but as part of a significantly earlier site clearance, occurring prior to RIBA stage 0 and no less than 12 months ahead of the requirement being set to carry out a BREEAM assessment. In such cases it must be clearly demonstrated that the demolition was unrelated to the current re-development.
This requirement seeks to encourage good practice by developers and design teams in relation to previously developed sites.
28.03.2022 Reference to pre-refurbishment audit removed, and separate KBCN1504 drafted for pre-refurbishment audit exemptions.
11.12.2019 Additional exception added to align with KBCN1257 and guidance re-structured for clarity
22.11.2017 Reference added to the pre-refurbishment audit for RFO assessments.
15.11.2017 Wording amended for clarity
Pre-demolition audit/(pre-refurbishment) on other structures and hard surfaces - KBCN00045
A pre-demolition/(pre-refurbishment) audit is required where any existing buildings, structures or hard surfaces are present on a development site.
The intent of the pre-demolition/(pre-refurbishment) audit is to ensure that any potentially useful materials are considered for re-use or diversion from landfill, not just materials resulting from buildings.
22.11.17 Reference added to the pre-refurbishment audit for RFO assessments.
Pre-payment systems - KBCN0293
Pre-payment systems do not meet the criterion for a cash machine and therefore cannot be used as an alternative.
Cash machines provide additional services for building users, such as cash to use in other shops, the checking of bank balances, which a pre-payment system would not provide.
Pre-refurbishment/demolition audit – late development - KBCN0537
Where the pre-refurbishment/demolition audit has not been done at RIBA stage 2/Concept Design, as required in the criteria, the credit can still be achieved. Robust evidence must be provided confirming that the timing of the pre-refurbishment/demolition audit has not compromised its ability to influence the design, consideration of materials re-use and the setting of targets for waste management. Evidence must demonstrate that this allowed decisions to be made before the start of strip-out/demolition works.
26.07.2018 Applicability of KBCN extended to include the UKNC2018 scheme.
Pre-requisite compliance at post construction - KBCN0667
Criterion 1 is a pre-requisite, requiring early design advice to be given by a suitably qualified acoustician. For the post construction review/assessment, evidence must confirm that this advice was given at the correct time, with the credits awarded based on the test results and performance of the building. Where the pre-requisite requirements have not been met no credits can be awarded.
Prediction of operational energy consumption – Multiple (similar) buildings assessments - KBCN1479
Sampling is not appropriate to meet the aim of the criteria; it is necessary to model the predicted operational energy consumption of all assessed units.
Credits are awarded for undertaking the detailed modelling, therefore there is no requirement to identify the worst performing unit and KNCN1382 is not applicable.
24/08/2022 - Applicability to UKNC V6 confirmed
Prediction of operational energy consumption – alternative route to Excellent minimum standard - KBCN1336
Where the ‘Prediction of operational energy consumption’ criteria are achieved, the minimum standard for Excellent in Ene 01 is met.
This is independent of meeting any minimum credit score in the issue to achieve the Excellent minimum standard. See
KBCN1602.
Substantial improvement
To meet this minimum standard, the asset must show a
substantial improvement in operational energy performance, following the ’Prediction of operational energy consumption’ criteria.
This 'substantial improvement' is defined as achieving 4 credits using amended metrics generated using the dynamic simulation modelling and for:
- UK: the Ene 01 methodology that applies to your scheme version.
- International: assessments using the Option 1 approach.
Amended definitions
Performance is calculated based on amended definitions of an actual and a notional building:
Amended actual building:
- Actual fabric.
- Expected actual occupancy.
- Actual building servicing systems.
Amended notional building:
- Notional fabric.
- Expected actual occupancy.
- Notional building servicing systems*.
*The notional building servicing system may be replaced with a gas boiler as the heat generation source.
Where the performance improvement over the amended notional building does not achieve 4 credits, the BREEAM Excellent standard may still be met. Robust evidence must be provided showing that this level of performance improvement is not possible, based on constraints outside of the control of the project team.
Additional notes for UK schemes
Projects assessed under UKNC V6.1 can manually input amended figures from the modelling into the platform to demonstrate the 'substantial improvement'. See "DSM Alternative Ene 01 inputs" in BREEAM Projects for this issue.
For the energy modelling and reporting criteria, the CO
2 metric can be calculated using either:
08-Nov-2023 - Additional wording and link to KBCN1602 added to clarify situation for UK simple buildings.
26-Jun-2023 - Content updated to apply to International schemes. Title and wording clarified. Text on manual errata in NC 2018 3.0 moved to KBCN1602.
14-Jun-2023 - Note added to confirm this is integrated into the platform for UKNC V6.1 in all countries.
24-Aug-2022 - Content updated and applied to UKNC V6
19-Aug-2019 - Clarification for UKNC 2018 3.0.
Prediction of operational energy consumption – passive design analysis - KBCN1647
The credits for ‘Prediction of operational energy consumption’ in Ene 01 require the project team to have first identified opportunities to implement passive design measures.
For Ene 01, it is acceptable for the analysis of potential passive design measures to be completed later than Concept Design if there are still opportunities to implement passive design measures in the project.
The intention of including the criterion on passive design analysis in Ene 01 is to ensure passive design features that could reduce the operational energy demand of the building have been considered before credits are awarded for predicting operational energy demand. The analysis must occur when there are still opportunities to influence the design.
Prediction of operational energy consumption – risk assessment - KBCN1477
The risk assessment ensures that the asset (as designed) is able to achieve the predicted performance.
It identifies where differences between the design assumptions and the operational situation could negatively impact on energy performance, and proposes how these risks can be managed.
The risks that should be considered may include:
- Product specification and the management of value engineering decisions.
- Construction and installation considerations, particularly for complex or novel systems.
- Sensitivity to occupancy assumption (particularly for speculative projects).
- Appropriate commissioning of servicing systems.
- Making sure end users know how to operate the building as intended.
For risks that cannot be directly managed by the design team, (and may, for instance, be under the control of the contractor or asset owner), evidence should be provided showing how the recommendations of the risk assessment are communicated to these parties, and any agreed actions.
The risk assessment is not intended to be a complex document. It is a list of risks to changes in the design, and how they will be managed in a practical way.
The format of the risk assessment can vary, and could include:
- Annotations or comments in the energy modelling report.
- An addendum to the energy modelling report.
- A separate document.
If the risk assessment is part of another document, relevant sections and comments should be clearly highlighted so that QA can identify how the intent of the criteria has been met.
Preliminary design workshop – RIBA stage requirement - KBCN1207
In Issues 1.0 and 1.2 of the technical manual, Criterion 2 appears under the heading 'Prerequisite' and must be completed prior to the end of ‘Concept Design’ stage.
Clarification of the requirements in Ene 01:
The prerequisite currently states:
‘2. Prior to completion of the Concept Design, relevant members of the design team hold a preliminary design workshop focusing on operational energy performance.’
Clarified criterion (superfluous reference to 'Prerequisite' removed):
‘2. Involve relevant members of the design team in an energy design workshop, focusing on operational energy performance (see Methodology).'
This will be confirmed in the next re-issue of the technical manual, but can be applied immediately in all issues of the UK NC2018 scheme.
Prerequisite – Alternative compliance for Route 2 - KBCN1475
The purpose of the prerequisite (Criterion 2) is to ensure that there is ecological value to be managed and maintained.
To align fully with this aim, the following additional route to meeting the prerequisite can be considered compliant (see 2.c):
2.b: Comprehensive route (Route 2) - Criterion 8 in LE 03 has been achieved, and at least one credit under LE 04 for 'Change and Enhancement of Ecology' has been awarded. [Criterion 6]
OR
2.c: Comprehensive route (Route 2) - Criterion 8 in LE 03 has been achieved and one credit under LE 04 for 'Ecological Enhancement' has been awarded [Criteria 4 and 5]
Prerequisite – users with special hearing and communication needs - KBCN0969
Intent
Criterion 1c ensures that the suitably qualified acoustician has influenced the design of the asset to:
- Meet the acoustic requirements of users with special hearing and communication needs.
- Ensure that accessible acoustic design is considered where this is not adequately covered by local legislation.
What this should cover will depend on the asset type and expected users.
Asset users
The UK Department for Education document BB93
Acoustic design of schools: performance standards building bulletin 93 (February 2015) defines users with special hearing or communication needs as those with any of the following:
- Speech, language and communication difficulties.
- Visual impairments.
- Fluctuating hearing impairments caused by conductive hearing loss.
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
- An auditory processing disorder or difficulty.
- Being on the autistic spectrum.
This list is not exhaustive, and the suitably qualified acoustician must consider typical asset users, along with the other points a-d when giving early design advice regarding room layout, sound insulation and reverberation times.
Accessibility features
The principles of accessible design are universal and could be applied in a wide range of assets. Additional features that could be relevant to accessible acoustic design include, but are not limited to:
- Designation of quiet zones.
- Hearing assistive technologies.
- Induction loop systems.
- White noise machines.
- Infrared and FM systems to provide direct audio to individuals with special hearing needs.
- Noise barriers.
The suitably qualified acoustician must use their professional judgement to determine the scope of any such features as part of the design. Where no features are applicable this must be clearly justified.
04-Sep-2024: Wording and intent clarified. Information on additional accessibility features added. Scheme applicability updated. Title updated.
01-Mar-2019: Amended to clarify that this is a 'typical' list of users, but does not impose a new requirement.
Prerequisite for BREEAM AP credits (Concept and Developed Design) - KBCN1050
Agreeing on strategic performance targets aims to ensure BREEAM is considered early enough to influence the design and that relevant requirements do not increase the cost due to their late consideration. The project is not penalised if these targets are not met as the BREEAM credits can still be awarded. Justification should, however, be provided explaining the reasons why the targets have not been met.
Presence detection – illuminated signs - KBCN1671
The requirements for presence detection do not apply to illuminated signs.
In BIU V6, presence detection requirements are included as part of automatic energy saving controls. All other requirements in this criteria must still be met.
Previously developed land – temporary structures - KBCN0659
The presence of concrete and hardstanding areas established as temporary structures for enabling works are not considered to be previously developed land on a site.
The nature of enabling works are temporary; with the purpose of enabling the delivery of a development and are not constructed to be permanent. Temporary structures of this kind are not included in the definition of previously developed land no matter how long they have been present on a site.
Previously developed land- Definition of ‘Curtilage’ - KBCN0148
Although the local authority may determine the buildings curtilage in relation to planning matters, in relation to BREEAM, curtilage is considered as the small area immediately surrounding the building which comprises of hard landscaping and / or permanent fixed structures and minor areas of soft landscaping. Large expanses of soft landscaping should be excluded from the calculations.
Previously occupied land – Fixed surface infrastructure - KBCN1140
Car parks and other hard-landscaped areas often incorporate small pockets of soft landscaping. Where these are integral to the hard landscaping and constitute a small proportion of the total area, these areas can be considered as part of the fixed surface infrastructure.
Previously occupied land – multi-use games areas (MUGAs) - KBCN1464
For education assessments, playing fields are considered previously occupied land if an equivalent area of playing field is reinstated on land of low ecological value within one year of completing the construction works.
Multi-use games areas (MUGA) or similar are also acceptable as replacements for playing fields.
Previously occupied land – multiple assessed buildings - KBCN1093
For sites with multiple assessed buildings, where it is not possible to clearly define separate development footprints for each building, the assessment can be done on a site-wide basis.
In this approach, the boundary of the development footprint is considered to be the whole site.
This overall result is used to assess compliance for each included BREEAM assessment.
20-Oct-2022 Title amended for clarity. Wording clarified. Scheme applicability updated.
Principal contractor or subcontractor no longer operational - KBCN0590
In situations where the principal contractor or other company involved in the project is no longer operational where, for example, the company has gone into administration, the assessor may be unable to obtain all the evidence to meet the requirements of BREEAM or HQM.
For some BREEAM Issues, it may not be possible to demonstrate compliance retrospectively, and in such cases, the relevant credits must be withheld.
However, in this situation, a lack of complete evidence will not, in itself, prevent the project from achieving a BREEAM rating and, where relevant, a prerequisite or minimum standard can be waived. For example:
UK NC V6 Man 03 Prerequisite - Legally harvested and traded timber
or
INC V6 Wst 03a – 1 credit to achieve an Excellent Rating
This is based on the project team demonstrating appropriate efforts to obtain the evidence from the company in administration and providing the following:
- Evidence of the company going into administration
- Evidence of compliance from the company in administration, where available
- Evidence of compliance from the date a new company was engaged
28 Oct 2024 - Title and general approach updated. Applied to HQM One/V6 and NC V6.
Private transport measures – no car parking provision - KBCN1368
Options 4 and 5 cannot be awarded by default when there is no car parking provided.
Consultations indicated that compliance with maximum car parking capacity criteria was being achieved through projects conforming to external requirements and limitations (e.g. planning conditions or limited site area), rather than through actively seeking to reduce reliance on transport by private car.
Instead, where no car parking is provided, Option 11 may be available. KBCN1135 gives instructions on the requirements applicable to achieve the Option. Review by BRE for using Option 11 is still required, as stated in the manual.
Process Notes - KBCN0611
Process notes can be accessed by licensed assessors
here.
When a new process note has been released, you may be required to tick the box to confirm you have read the note to be able to access other documents in BREEAM Projects. To do this scroll to the bottom of the Process Note index page and tick the box and click next.
Process water to offset potable water demand - KBCN0586
Where it is demonstrated that it is safe to do so, process water resulting from the building under assessment, can be considered for off-setting potable water demand from components that would otherwise be supplied using potable water, when in line with the criteria requirements for greywater systems.
Process water resulting from the building under assessment can be considered as a form of greywater for the purposes of off-setting potable water demand.
21 Dec 2021 Additional wording added, requiring it to be demonstrated that process water is safe to use and KBCN applied to BIU standards.
Process: Registration date and applicable scheme manual issue - KBCN0708
Typically the scheme technical manual issue which is current when a project is registered should be used for the assessment. For example, if a BREEAM UK New Construction 2014 development was registered on 01/07/2016, the current issue of the scheme technical manual at that point would be issue 4.1, which was published on 11/03/2016 (the next issue 5.0 of the technical manual was published on 05/09/2016). However, it is permissible for the assessor to decide to use a later issue of the technical manual. The scheme technical manual version and issue used for the assessment should be clearly referenced within the assessment report.
Note that in any case, the same technical manual version and issue should be used for the entire assessment. It is not acceptable to assess different credits based on different issues of the technical manual and it is not acceptable to change issues between submissions of the assessment.
26 09 17 Clarification added that the 'Issue' of the technical manual may not be changed between assessment submissions
Product classification code for ‘Other’ materials/products - KBCN1229
In the ‘MAT02_EPDSchedule’ sheet of the Mat01/02 Results Submission Tool, the product classification ‘P8’ should be entered for products classified as ‘other’ (according to the mat 02 materials classification table in the technical manual).
Project budget - KBCN0893
The project budget is required as evidence to demonstrate that an amount of money has been set aside for the commissioning and testing programme, responsibilities and criteria.
It is appreciated that, for confidentiality issues, the principal contractor might not be willing to the project's overall budget with all stakeholders. In such cases, compliance with this requirement will be met where it is clearly demonstrated that the costs related to sustainability measures, which may involve members of the design team, have been included in the overall budget. A wish-list that will later be value-engineered out of the project will not be deemed acceptable.
The costs relating to sustainability measures included in the brief must be costed.
Project delivery planning – Operational Energy - KBCN1237
There is no interdependence between the Ene 01 requirement and achieving Man 01. The reference of Ene 01 within Man 01 Operational Energy aims to highlight what aspects of operational energy the design team should be considering in terms of Man 01 (and assuming Ene 01 is being targetted). If Ene 01 is not being targetted, then the reference is not relevant. However, compliance with Man 01 would still require appropriate consideration of operational energy.
Projected climate change weather file - KBCN0117
Although other scenarios are available, for the thermal simulation of climate change environments, the 50th percentile weather file should be used for consistency with other assessments.
03.11.2020 Amendment made to include this information in issue 2.0 of UK RFO 2014 technical manual, but this KBCN is applicable to all issues of the technical manual.
Proposed development – definition for use in assessment - KBCN1255
The correct definition to use for the assessment of LE01 is 'Proposed development'.
The definition of 'Development footprint' will be removed and Criterion 1 clarified in the next re-issue of the technical manual.
Proposing national best practice guidance on defining granular fill and capping as a high grade use - KBCN1138
Recycled aggregates used for granular fill and capping can only be considered ‘high grade’ if they:
- conform to specifications in national best practice guidance (refer to the ASWL).
- OR, where there is no national best practice guidance approved, new guidance can be proposed to BRE for approval:
- Specifications in national best practice guidance must include as a minimum, limits and requirements on the properties listed in Checklist A6.
- Specifications must be specifically for recycled aggregate for use as granular fill or capping.
- National best practice guidance is not required to cover test methodologies.
- OR, alternatively, the UK standard ‘Specification for Highway Works (SHW) Series 600 Earthworks’ and classifications as listed in the relevant definition section of the UK NC 2014 manual can be used.
If none of these apply, the recycled aggregates should be considered ‘low grade’ and excluded from the assessment of the Issue.
Protecting vulnerable parts of the building from damage – underground car parks - KBCN1331
Exposed elements, such as columns in an underground car park, should have been designed against structural damage from minor vehicle collision and, therefore, do not require any additional protection to meet compliance for this BREEAM Issue. Assessors should, however, consider whether additional protection is required at the vehicular entrance to underground car parks.
The requirements are intended to address the issue of damage to vulnerable parts of the facade, which would require repair/replacement in the event of minor vehicular collisions.
Provision of fresh drinking water – Atmospheric water generators - KBCN1674
Atmospheric water generators can be used as an alternative to point-of-use water coolers connected to the mains water supply and drainage where it can be demonstrated that the water provision:
- Is potable (safe to drink) and can provide chilled and ambient temperature water.
- Would be able to meet the water consumption needs of the occupants.
- Be reliable in the local climatic conditions.
In this situation the water supply does not need to be connected to the mains water supply and drainage. Suitable access provision in areas must still be demonstrated.
Provision of fresh drinking water – risk of contamination - KBCN0302
Mandatory requirements relating to microbial contamination must be met for all buildings, however, the provision of fresh drinking water only applies where there are relevant areas in the building types. It may be justified that the drinking water requirement is not applicable to achieve the credit.
Provision of fresh drinking water – suitable location - KBCN0825
Supply of accessible potable drinking water should be provided in a suitable location in order to ensure potable, clean and fresh water is easily reachable by all staff and permanent building users.
Proximity to amenities – Multi-residential assessments - KBCN0357
The single credits are awarded independently of each other i.e. you may have the three amenities within 500m but not the eight within a 1000m or vice versa.
PTAL report supporting evidence - KBCN0230
For developments in Greater London where a Public Transport Accessibility Level (PTAL) report is provided, this report does not need to be supplemented by additional evidence to demonstrate compliance with criteria. The assessor should be satisfied that the PTAL report is current and accurately relates to the assessed site.
Public Bicycle Sharing Systems - KBCN0473
Public bicycle sharing systems can contribute up to 50% toward providing a compliant number of customer cycle facilities for retail assessments. However, the number of customer cycle racks required must be calculated separately from the provision for staff, otherwise there could be a situation where no customer cycle spaces are provided; only cycle sharing, which would not meet the aim of the issue.
Public car parks - KBCN00092
Any public car parks in the vicinity of the assessed building, for which the building owners/operator are not providing some form of subsidy or an agreement with the car park operators to provide priority spaces for building staff, can be excluded from the assessment.
Public transport information system – requirements - KBCN1244
This transport measure requires the provision of a ‘system’, installed in a suitable location, which displays up-to-date information on local public transport systems. This could include a ‘real time’ display or other innovative system which allows building users to plan their travel on a daily basis, based on current transport information.
The provision of paper timetables or a notice board cannot be considered compliant for this transport measure.
Solutions which rely on smartphone ownership cannot be considered compliant. Whilst smartphone use is widespread, it is not universal, therefore such solutions cannot be considered as meeting the needs of all potential building users.
1st Sep 2023 - Note added regarding smartphone-based solutions.
5th March 2021 - Wording updated to clarify the intent.
Quantifying the reduced total energy demand and CO2 emissions resulting from passive design measures - KBCN1677
Please note that in order to demonstrate the reductions from passive design measures, the notional building figures may be taken from the energy model to confirm the building without passive design measures, to compare against the actual building figures, which will include passive design measures. A separate energy model is therefore not necessarily required for the building without passive design measures.
Rainwater harvesting standard – BS 8515:2009 replacement - KBCN1179
BS 8515:2009 (+A1:2013 where relevant) has been withdrawn and replaced by BS EN 16941-1:2018, which can be used for new assessments.
The
basic approach in BS EN 16941 is equivalent to the
intermediate approach in BS 8515 is. The
detailed approach is still described in the same way.
The relevant schemes will be updated in the next reissues.
03.11.2021 Issue 2.0 of the UK RFO technical manual amended.
Raised access floors - KBCN00018
For the purposes of Mat 03, raised access floors should be considered as part of the floor structure.
HQM - Applies to HQM's Responsible Sourcing of Construction Products assessment issue.
Re-used electrical equipment - KBCN0325
BREEAM does not currently recognise the reuse of electrical equipment as the most energy efficient option for compliance with this issue. If it can be demonstrated that such existing electrical appliances meet the criteria for inclusion in the relevant national or international energy efficient equipment schemes, these can be considered compliant.
If new equipment is procured in addition to the re-use of the old equipment, the existing equipment may be excluded from this assessment. In these situations the assessor must be satisfied that the new equipment would make a meaningful reduction to overall unregulated energy consumption.
This issue assesses the reduction of unregulated energy consumption in operation and does not currently assess embodied energy in the manufacture of equipment.
Recognised local ecological expertise - KBCN1193
Organisations/individuals that have the expertise to provide specialist input or guidance to inform the adoption of locally relevant (within the zone of influence) ecological measures that enhance the ecological value of the site. This may include bodies such as:
a. Local Government and other statutory relevant organisations.
b. Local community groups, organisations, or charities, such as the Wildlife Trusts.
c. Local, regional, or national fauna focused groups such as Bug life, RSPB, Bat Conservation Trust etc.
This definition will be added to the relevant technical manuals in their next re-issue.
Recognition of UK CARES SRS in the responsible sourcing tier levels - KBCN0222
UK CARES SRS falls within tier 4 of the responsible sourcing tier levels.
Recyclable, general and organic waste storage – space, labelling and segregation - KBCN1577
Strategies may vary according to the specifics of each project, their waste streams and collection arrangements.
- Any reference to ‘labelling’ refers to permanent markings or fixed, robust and weatherproof signage.
- Colour coding of bins to identify waste streams is not in itself compliant labelling.
The aim of these requirements is to encourage recycling, ensuring that it is correctly sorted and to prevent cross-contamination of waste streams.
Label the recycling area
This is required to alert building users and collection agencies to the location of the recycling facility.
Label each recyclable waste stream
This can be done by labelling the bins or their dedicated space within the recycling facility, or both. Mixed recycling bins and / or spaces are clearly labelled with their constituent waste streams.
General or organic waste have their own dedicated spaces
Sufficient space for general and, where relevant, organic waste is required in addition to meeting the requirements for recyclable waste. This does not have to be within a separate facility, but if combined with recyclable waste storage, there is greater risk of cross-contamination. The following requirements apply in this situation:
- For organic waste, see also additional hygiene-related requirements within the technical manual.
- In line with the requirement for the recycling area to be clearly labelled, general or organic waste must be stored in labelled bins and in a labelled, dedicated space within the combined waste facility.
If provision of waste bins is out of scope
Where the provision of waste bins is outside the scope of the developer, it is clearly not possible to label the bins. In this situation, the following compliance options are available:
- Provide compliant signage to the storage area and label bin spaces within the storage area according to the relevant waste streams.
- Where future waste streams are unknown, provide compliant signage to the storage area and a written commitment from the developer to ensure that the bins and/or bin spaces are labelled.
21-May-2024 - Link to KBCN0696 removed. Merged with KBCN1380. Minor clarification added on mixed recycling.
Recycled aggregate evidence prior to contractor’s appointment - KBCN0231
If the contractor has not been appointed at the time of submitting the Design Stage assessment, whilst it is imperative for the design team to demonstrate a firm commitment to meet the criteria and award the credit at this stage, a letter from the design team or developer to confirm that no contractor has been appointed should be submitted in lieu of the stated letter of confirmation. This should also be clarified in the Assessment Report.
BREEAM recognises that it may not be desirable to confirm the specification, source and availability of a particular recycled aggregate for a project where the contractor has not been appointed yet. This would restrict the contractor's ability to source the most economically viable recycled aggregate to meet the BREEAM criteria.
Recycled aggregates in concrete - KBCN0823
The relevant CN in the technical manual, which confirms that no concessions are given to the criteria, reads:
‘Where national building regulations limit the use of recycled aggregates in concrete (typically applicable to bound aggregate uses as listed), the onus for achieving this credit is on the unbound uses (please note that the total aggregate figure must still include the bound uses).’
To clarify, in the calculation, the percentage of recycled aggregates in both bound and unbound uses can be considered against the total high grade use for the project.
Technical manual to be updated accordingly in next reissue.
Recycled aggregates requirements - KBCN0343
The amount of recycled and/or secondary aggregate must be greater than 25% of the total amount of high-grade aggregate specified for the development. In order for the recycled/ secondary aggregate in each high-grade application to be included in the calculation of the 25% amount, the minimum percentages in the relevant table must first be met.
Note: not all high-grade applications must meet the percentages in the table in order to award a credit, however all high-grade aggregate must be included in the total.
The following example is taking figures from UK NC 2014. The applications and percentages vary with each scheme version.
If only Structural Frame, Building foundations and Granular fill/capping are present. The following calculation would be carried out to confirm compliance:
Structural Frame = 50 tonnes of aggregate; of which 5 tonnes is recycled/ secondary aggregate
Building foundations = 50 tonnes of aggregate; of which 8 tonnes is recycled/ secondary aggregate
Granular fill/capping = 80 tonnes of aggregate; of which 80 tonnes is recycled/ secondary aggregate
Table 54 minimum percentages are:
Structural Frame must have 15% recycled/ secondary aggregate for 1 credit, i.e. at least 15% of 50 = 7.5 tonnes. In our example we have 5 tonnes, therefore this amount cannot be included in the total calculation, and all 50 tonnes must be considered as primary aggregate.
Building foundations must have 20% recycled/ secondary aggregate for 1 credit, i.e. at least 10 tonnes. We have 8 tonnes, so again, this must all be considered as primary aggregate.
Granular fill/capping must have 100% recycled/ secondary aggregate for 1 credit. In our example all 80 tonnes is, therefore this amount can be considered as recycled/ secondary aggregate.
To determine if a credit can be awarded, the following calculation is then carried out:
Total aggregate; 50 + 50 + 80 = 180 tonnes
Aggregate to be included in calculating % = 80 tonnes (Granular fill/capping only)
% therefore is 80/180 = 44% which exceeds the 25% minimum
This shows that despite two high-grade applications not meeting the minimum threshold percentages, the overall % is sufficient to award the credit.
The same principle applies to the calculation of the Exemplary level criteria.
Recycled and sustainably sourced aggregate – Compliance prior to contractor’s appointment - KBCN1097
If the contractor has not been appointed at the time of submitting the Design Stage assessment and, as a result, there is insufficient information available to complete the Wst 02 Calculator Tool, this should be clarified in the Assessment Report.
The following documentary evidence from the design team must also be provided:
- Confirmation that the contractor has not been appointed.
- A firm commitment to meet compliance with the criteria
BREEAM does not seek to restrict the contractor’s ability to source the most economically viable recycled or sustainably sourced aggregate.
12 05 2022 Wording amended to improve clarity
Recycled materials in hard landscaping - KBCN0975
When recycled material is to be used for hard landscaping, the Green Guide rating will depend on whether the material comes from the same site or from another location.
Typically, on-site recycled material is treated with very little impact, or ignored, as there is little or no energy/material input in putting it in place. When recycled material is brought in from elsewhere, transport, as well as any processing the material has gone through to make it fit for purpose, will be taken into account.
If the assessor is in doubt, they need to submit a landscaping proforma along with any supporting documentation on the materials and their use and BRE will provide a rating and/or guidance.
Reduction of night time light pollution – Night-time operation - KBCN0697
Note: This KBCN supersedes INC 2016/INC V6 Pol 04 CN3.1
During hours of operation between 23:00 and 07:00, lighting required for operational reasons does not have to be modified for BREEAM compliance.
The aim of this Issue is to reduce light pollution by automatically switching off the external lighting or by complying with lower levels when the building is not in use.
23 Jan 2023 - Note added to address conflict with INC Pol 04 CN3.1. KBCN title updated for consistency - The technical manual will be updated accordingly in the next re-issue
008 Mar 2018 Wording amended to add clarity.
Regenerative drives – requirement for specification - KBCN1253
Requirements for the specification of a regenerative drive for lift installations are subject to an analysis of resultant energy savings. However, where it can be demonstrated that this is not financially viable, accounting for payback over the service life of the installation, this option can be discounted.
Please also refer to other scheme-specific guidance relating to this requirement.
Registering assessments to UK NC2018 or UK NC V6 – Version of Part L - KBCN1535
BREEAM UK New Construction 2018 was developed for buildings in England which are demonstrating compliance against Part L 2013. The New Construction V6 version is intended for buildings in England which are demonstrating compliance against Part L 2021.
Accordingly, UK NC 2018 will only accept 'inp' files created using Part L 2013 building regulations software for England and UK NC V6 will only accept 'inp' files created using Part L 2021 building regulations software for England.
Assessments already registered to BREEAM UK NC 2018 that must comply with the Part L 2021 of the Building Regulations may follow either of the options below:
- Transfer to the UK NC V6 scheme
- Assess under UK NC 2018 and do two Part L models:
-
- Part L 2021 for statutory compliance
- Part L 2013 for BREEAM purposes
New assessments subject to Part L 2021 may register to UK NC V6 or follow Option 2, above.
10 Feb 2023 - Applied to Issue Ene 01 to improve visibility
Relating drainage reports to BREEAM – GN15 and GN38 - KBCN1169
Guidance Note 15 (GN15) and
Guidance Note 38 (GN38) have been produced to help assist BREEAM Assessors relate the contents of drainage reports to the ‘Surface water run-off’ and ‘Minimising watercourse pollution’ criteria in Pol 03. They do not cover the criteria for the ‘Flood resilience’.
We have published two separate Guidance Notes because there are small, but significant, differences between the criteria in the two schemes (UK NC 2014 and UK NC 2018). This means that the Guidance Notes are not interchangeable:
- GN15 can only be used for the assessment of BREEAM UK New Construction 2014.
- GN38 can only be used for the assessment of BREEAM UK New Construction 2018 and BREEAM UK New Construction Version 6.
Note: Completing either template is optional. They are aids for demonstrating compliance and are not a requirement.
Relating green roofs to multiple assessments in the same building - KBCN1195
A green roof on top of such buildings can be used to award credits for each assessment for which the Land use and ecology Issues apply. The benefit can be applied to to all assessments undertaken for the building provided all are completed within the appropriate time-frame of a valid ecological survey.
Remedial works – timing of acoustic re-testing - KBCN1164
The intent of CN "Remedial works" is that, where these are required, re-testing is carried out prior to handover and occupation.
However, it is permissible to carry out the re-testing post-occupation. This is provided any specific guidance for particular building types related test conditions have been met (for instance, it may be that some building specific guidance requires furniture or carpets to not be present during the testing).
Compliance cannot be achieved based on a letter from the SQA confirming that the contractor has followed their advice to achieve the required performance.
07.11.18 KBCN amended to allow for re-testing to be carried-out post-handover.
Reporting PPD and PMV Figures - KBCN0867
The PMV (Predicted Mean Vote) and PPD (Predicted Percentage Dissatisfied) values need to be entered into the scoring & reporting tool for data recording purposes.
The thermal modelling specialist should be able to provide values for both the PMV and PPD for the asset.
The values to report are the observed range of values for PMV and PPD:
- Across all occupied areas and,
- Across all expected occupied hours.
If the software or calculation method used does not generate these PMV / PPD metrics, they do not have to be provided.
[accordion]
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An asset has the following thermal comfort ranges across its occupied spaces:
- PMV ranges from -0.3 to +0.2.
Enter '-0.3 to +0.2' into the relevant field.
- PPD ranges from 3% to 10%.
Enter '3% to 10%' into the relevant field.
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15.09.22 Wording and example clarified.
Residential buildings and long term stay residential institutions - KBCN0661
CN2 ‘Applicable assessment criteria - Single and multiple dwellings’ currently reads:
‘Both options: Criteria
1,
8 and
10 only apply.
Refer to
Appendix E – Applicability of BREEAM New Construction to single and multiple dwellings, partially and fully fitted for a more detailed description of residential assessment options.’
However, criterion 9 is also applicable to these building types.
We apologise, as this is a misprint, which will be amended in the technical guidance re-issue.
Technical manual to be updated accordingly in next reissue.
Residential institutions – short term stay - KBCN0811
The additional criteria for residential institutions
do not apply to residential institutions - short term stay.
26-Mar-2024 - Scheme applicability corrected.
Responsible construction management – corporate registration - KBCN1084
Where credits are awarded for the assessment of the site against a compliant scheme, corporate registration, which assesses the contractor's overall operations and performance across multiple sites, is not in itself recognised.
To award considerate construction credits, BREEAM requires the assessment of the specific assessed development, in line with the criteria
Responsible construction practices – Demolition or strip-out - KBCN1257
Demolition or strip-out undertaken by a previous site owner or by the current owner, as part of a significantly earlier site clearance
- Where it can be demonstrated that demolition was unconnected to the current development, the requirements of Man 03 do not apply to the demolition phase. This would typically be where demolition was undertaken prior to RIBA stage 0.
- Exceptions may also be considered where the demolition was expedited for health and safety reasons. In such cases, this should be fully justified and evidenced.
Demolition or strip-out undertaken by the current developer to enable the assessed development
- This must be included in the scope of the Man 03 issue. The site should be managed responsibly at all stages. The risks inherent in demolition and strip-out are as significant as during construction.
- This is indicated in the following guidance in the technical manual:
- The wording of Criteria 2-4
- Methodology: ‘Scope of the responsible construction management’
- Definitions: ‘Construction process’
- Demolition undertaken by a separate demolition contractor, prior to the principal contractor taking possession of the site
- All criteria are applicable.1 The demolition contractor is responsible for compliance.
- Where a BREEAM AP has not yet been appointed, Criterion 6 does not apply.
- Demolition undertaken by the principal contractor or by others when the principal contractor has control of the site
- All criteria are applicable.1 Responsibility is criteria-dependent.
1 Project scale
For smaller contractors/projects, for ‘Monitoring of construction site impacts’ and ‘Environmental management’, it may be acceptable to demonstrate that the intent of the criteria has been met for this stage of works, as far as possible. This should be proportionate to the scale and risks associated with the demolition or strip-out. In such cases, the approach should be fully justified and evidenced.
12 Jan 2022 Wording and title updated to clarify the intent.
Responsible construction practices – Multiple contractors on the same project - KBCN0352
It is the site that must comply with BREEAM issues rather than any individual contractor. Several different contractors may have obligations to meet compliance criteria. One of the contractors and/or site managers may have responsibility for ensuring compliance during site operations. It is ultimately the client/project team's responsibility to determine and demonstrate compliance.
Responsible sourcing – Apportioning areas within a building - KBCN1334
Where there are common elements between the various areas within a building, for example where multiple assessments are conducted for different parts of a building, or where one area of a building is under assessment and others are not, an apportioned approach can be taken to Mat 03.
For products following Route 2, an allocation process can be considered acceptable. An explanation of the allocation process used should be provided and the following guidance applies;
Common elements (e.g. roof, foundations, external walls etc) - apportion a percentage of the total impact of the element to each assessment based on their percentage share of the GIFA (e.g. if an assessment accounts for 10% of the total GIFA, 10% of the element's impact is apportioned to that assessment)
Elements that are only in a given assessment (e.g. internal partitions, internal finishes etc.)- 100% of the impact is allocated to the assessment they are in.
Route 1 products do not take in to account quantities so, if they are common element, they will still need to be included in the assessment.
Responsible Sourcing – Scope when a BREEAM assessment covers only part of the new building - KBCN1217
To give reliable results, the assessment of responsible sourcing must capture the interactions that occur across an entire design (the system). A design decision in one part of the design will, in many cases, cause knock-on effects to other parts of the design. If only part of a building being designed is included in the assessment the designer may choose a design option that optimises responsible sourcing performance for the limited part analysed, but will be unaware of potential detrimental effects to the overall responsible sourcing performance of the building.
In addition, if a responsible sourcing assessment only includes the construction products that form the BREEAM assessment area, inconsistencies arise with regards to construction products that serve all areas of the building in common. For example, an assessment on a central floor that excludes the roof, compared with an assessment on the (otherwise identical) top floor that does include the roof. This approach would be unfair.
Therefore, notwithstanding the exception below for internal finishes, the responsible sourcing scope must include the whole building design (as defined in Mat 03, 'Scope of assessment') even if the area covered by BREEAM assessment is only part of the design.
The exception to this is any construction products classified as '3. Internal finishes'. Internal finishes are specific to each part of the building with little or no functional relationship with other parts. Therefore, the scope of the assessment of internal finishes shall be limited to the assessed area only.
Responsible sourcing certification – validity - KBCN1693
Where it can be demonstrated that the responsible sourcing certificates were valid either at the time of specification, or at the time of purchase, they may contribute to the awarding of the credits.
BREEAM is primarily trying to encourage designers to take responsible sourcing into consideration when specifying or selecting products and as such it is not necessary for certification to be valid at the time of design or post-construction stage submissions.
Responsible Sourcing – Evidence requirements for two (or more) BREEAM assessments on different parts of the same new building - KBCN1218
As the responsible sourcing assessment work must cover the whole new building design (see KBCN1217 'Measuring Responsible Sourcing - Scope when a BREEAM Assessment covers only part of the new building design'), it is equally applicable to all BREEAM assessments being carried out on the building, with the exception of internal finishes.
If the assessment scope does not include any construction products classified as '3. Internal finishes', the same responsible sourcing assessment evidence may be submitted for each BREEAM assessment.
If the assessment scope does include construction products classified as '3. Internal finishes', then the responsible sourcing assessment evidence submitted must be unique to each BREEAM assessment.
Responsibly sourced timber – government licence - KBCN1033
A government licence, e.g. a UK Forestry Commission felling licence certificate, can be used as evidence of legally sourced timber. It does not meet the definition of a third party timber certification scheme so cannot demonstrate compliance with the responsible sourcing requirements of this Issue.
Restricted movement within a secure perimeter - KBCN000009
Where the movement of pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles is tightly controlled within a secure perimeter due to security considerations, these areas do not need to strictly meet the safe access criteria. However, justification and evidence provided by an appropriate member of the project team must demonstrate how the layout, measures and secure nature of the site result in a safe environment for cyclists, pedestrians, and vehicle access, in line with intent of each criterion.
Where a criterion is not applicable due to the secure nature of the site, this should be noted and justified in the assessment report.
Previous guidance - superseded on 24 May 2024*
Where the movement of pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles is tightly controlled within a secure perimeter due to security considerations, these areas may be excluded from the safe access criteria. Where the whole assessment is within such a zone, the credit may be awarded by default.
24 May 2024 - New guidance introduced to ensure that safe pedestrian, cycle and vehicle movement is considered, even on secure sites with restricted movement.
* As this is a significant change, for any registered assessments where the assessor demonstrates that they have already advised the project team based on the previous guidance, the assessment can continue on that basis.
08 Jun 2022 Applicability to UK NC2018 confirmed
Retail/Industrial showroom assessments - KBCN1178
For Retail/Industrial showroom assessments, Tra 04 is not applicable as suggested in the Retail/Industrial Showroom Appendix.
In order to remove the applicability of Tra 04 for this building type on BREEAM Projects, please select any of the retail types of buildings under Tra 03, so that credits under Tra 04 become unavailable.
Regarding the assessment of Tra 03, please continue to refer to the ‘industrial’ building criteria of the BREEAM UK New Construction 2014 technical manual as per Retail/Industrial Showroom Appendix.
Retail/Industrial Showrooms Appendix - KBCN1115
This Criteria Appendix has been developed for developments such as car showrooms which incorporate both retail and industrial areas. The appendix clarifies, for specific BREEAM issues, which criteria are applicable to each area of the assessment. This should be read in conjunction with the relevant scheme version of the BREEAM UK technical manual. This is applicable to BREEAM UK New Construction 2014, 2018 and V6 and BREEAM UK RFO 2014.
Such assessments should be registered against the 'Retail' building type and the Appendix will soon be available for download in the guidance for 'Retail' assessments for each relevant scheme on BREEAM Projects.
In the meantime, the Criteria Appendix can be requested by emailing
[email protected]
22/09/2022 Applicability to UK NC V6 confirmed
22/05/2018 The title of this appendix has been changed and additional information provided. This includes removal of the specific reference to 'Car Showrooms' in order to clarify that this approach can be applied to other similar retail developments, which include industrial servicing areas.
Retaining wall acting as site boundary protection - KBCN0304
Where a retaining wall also acts as the site boundary protection it must be excluded from assessment in this issue as boundary protection is not its primary function.
Reversible heat pump (VRF) providing both heating and cooling - KBCN0735
Where a reversible heat pump, which provides heating and cooling on reverse cycle with heat recovery, is used, the cooling capacity only should be used for the Direct Effect Life Cycle CO2e emissions (DELC) calculation.
The cooling capacity of heat humps is normally less than the heating capacity, so compliance against the criteria will be based on the more challenging DELC value calculated.
Reward Scale for UKNC LE04 - KBCN1376
Guidance Note 36 outlines a rewards scale (table 9) for the credits awarded in LE04, Ecological Change and Enhancement.
Table 9 breaks down the credits into 4 sections:
- Minimising loss
- No net loss
- Net Gain
- Significant net gain
For UKNC 2018, sections 1-3 correspond to the 3 credits awarded when a project follows the comprehensive route. Exemplary level credits are given if section 4 is achieved.
RGB LED lighting - KBCN0986
RGB LED lighting must be assessed against the average external lighting efficacy benchmark.
The current criteria do not completely rule out the use of RGB LED lighting as it can potentially be combined with other types of external lighting to meet the average efficacy benchmark.
RIBA Stages 2007/2013 - KBCN0404
RIBA has published guidance on equating 2007 RIBA stages to the revised Plan of Work 2013. Please see publication 'RIBA Plan of Work 2013 Overview' which can be downloaded from the RIBA website
www.architecture.com.
RICS category for roof terraces - KBCN1344
Roof decks and terraces should be categorised under 2.3.2 ‘Roof coverings’
Risk assessment – appropriate person - KBCN0539
If an officially recognised body or a local/city authority are in charge of conducting an assessment of the natural risks for a development, and this meets the BREEAM criteria, this can be accepted as meeting compliance. In this case the body/authority can be considered an 'appropriate person'.
Risk to Ecologist’s safety - KBCN0704
In some situations a significant safety risk may prevent a suitably qualified ecologist from attending the site to undertake a site survey. In these cases a desktop study can be used to demonstrate compliance, where the ecologist confirms that it is an acceptably robust substitute.
In these cases, the assessor must provide evidence to confirm the type of significant safety risk present.
Robust Details – Testing requirements - KBCN1251
For self-contained dwellings, which form part of a Multi-residential assessment, compliance can be demonstrated where the use of constructions for all relevant building elements have been registered with and assessed and approved by Robust Details Limited (RDL) and found to achieve the performance standards required for the number of credits sought.
Robust Details (RDs) are construction solutions that provide an alternative to pre-completion sound insulation testing as a method of complying with Requirements E1 of Approved Document E (2003 Edition) of the Building Regulations (England and Wales), DOE Technical Booklet G - Sound 2012 (Northern Ireland) and Technical Handbook Section 5 - Noise, 2013 (Scotland). The relevant plots on a development must be registered with RDL and built in accordance with the RD specification. To give a reasonable level of assurance that these details will achieve the required minimum standards, RDL carry out random inspections during construction and random sound insulation tests after construction. A Robust Detail is deemed to be approved for BREEAM (Multi-residential building) credits only when it achieves a specified performance level as assessed by RDL. Robust Details can only be used in relation to assessment for new build dwellings and cannot be used to assess the performance of construction details in rooms for residential purposes or material change of use.
Role of the SQE in planning and measures on-site - KBCN1372
The main role of the Suitably Qualified Ecologist for 'planning and measures on-site' is to make recommendations in their Preliminary Ecological Appraisal. It is important that these are incorporated into the project’s scheduling, management and resources and that ultimately, they are implemented in practice. The person coordinating this does not need to be the SQE, as long as this individual has the appropriate level of authority to take the relevant actions and the methodology is followed. At post-construction stage, evidence needs to demonstrate these measures are implemented in practice, through site visits and appropriate evidence. In some cases, the SQE may need to be involved themselves in checking their recommendations are implemented for certain measures, if they consider this is required. However, if this is required, it would be up to the SQE to confirm in their Preliminary Ecological Appraisal.
Room acoustics – residential institutions in Scotland - KBCN1512
For projects in Scotland, Approved Document E3 of the Building Regulations shall be used as the benchmark for the assessment of room acoustics.
This Approved Document covers reverberation in the common areas of buildings containing flats or rooms for residential purposes.
This addresses the absence of relevant requirements in the Scottish building regulations for this building type and ensures consistency between assessments.
Rounding the number of parking spaces - KBCN0602
Where the calculated number of car parking spaces is a fraction of a whole number, this should be rounded down to the next whole number to assess the issue.
Fewer parking spaces are preferable as the more sustainable solution.
RSCS summary score level for BES 6001 products - KBCN0955
For products certified under BES 6001, the rating score (between 5 and 7) can be found in the Green Book Live. This is the rating that needs to be entered in the Mat 03 calculator.
The RSCS score that is entered into the Mat 03 calculator comes from the relevant table in Guidance Note 18. However, for BES 6001, the score is per certificate because 6001 works at different levels of rigour.
Once you have found the product, by searching on the page below, click 'More..' on the right-hand side to reveal further details, including the BREEAM score level.
GreenBookLive Responsible Sourcing
Safe access – vehicle delivery routes - KBCN1046
Vehicle delivery routes which cross cycle or pedestrian routes may be acceptable provided there are adequate physical control measures in place to ensure safe access and thus minimise the possibility of delivery vehicles coming into conflict with cyclists and pedestrians.
Examples of such measures could be vehicle barriers or retractable vehicle bollards, which only allow access to delivery vehicles when required and whose operation and controls account for cycle and pedestrian movements.
18 Mar 2021 wording clarified
07.06.2018 Intent and wording clarified.
Safe access criteria requirements for small infill developments and extensions - KBCN0810
For smaller infill developments (typically those with a total gross floor area of less than 1,000m
2) where there is no opportunity to make changes to the surrounding site or access to the building itself (other than those directly related to connecting building access points to existing pathways etc.), it is recognised that full compliance with the BREEAM criteria for safe access may not be achievable. This applies to developments where either:
- the assessed building lies within an existing site or campus under single ownership or
- the assessed building is an extension to existing buildings within an existing site or campus
In such instances the existing site layout should undergo a risk assessment against the BREEAM 'Safe Access' criteria to identify areas where there is potential for enhancement across the site. The findings should be reported to the client and design team and any non-compliant aspects should be resolved as far as practically possible within the scope of the project, however there is no express requirement to achieve full compliance in every respect. Where the assessor is satisfied that the above requirements have been met, the credit for 'Safe access' can be awarded.
31/03/17 Reference to achieving 'Security' credit removed
Safe pedestrian routes: definition, measurement and verification - KBCN0238
Definition
Safe pedestrian routes include pavements and safe crossing points, which may be controlled or, for example, be identified by tactile paving, a crossing island or a dropped kerb. An element of judgement may be required, in which case justification should be provided.
Measurement
Distances could be measured, for example, along a pavement, across a road at a safe crossing point and along the pavement on the other side. The distance should not be measured diagonally across a road, following the most direct route.
Evidence from Google Maps or other digital sources may be used to indicate routes and distances, provided that the scale is appropriate and clearly indicated.
Verification
The assessor’s site inspection is an important aspect of the assessment of this issue as it must confirm that all relevant information is current and should include photographs of any key areas. This may also help to identify safe crossing points or hazards which may not be apparent from a desktop study.
For BREEAM NC and RFO assessments, Google Streetview may be acceptable as evidence to demonstrate safe pedestrian routes and the presence of key features or amenities at Design Stage only. Such information must be verified as above for Final Certification.
07 Mar 2024 - No changes have been made. This appears as 'updated' due to an administrative error.
11 Jan 2024 - Wording re-structured for clarity
19 Dec 2023 - Applicability to BIU V6 confirmed
Safety and security lighting – definition - KBCN0888
BRE does not provide a specific definition of safety and security lighting, as this could vary, depending on the project and location of the lighting. Together with the design team, the assessor is required to determine which lights are provided purely for safety and security purposes and which should be considered as general lighting.
Sanitary fittings used in religious practices – updated - KBCN1624
Such fittings should
not be included in the scope of this Issue. Please refer also to
KBCN0418
This guidance relates to fittings and facilities used in some religious practices, for example, for washing before prayer.
03 Nov 2023 - Updated. Previous guidance was incorrect and contradicted the approach outlined in KBCN0418
Schedule of changes in the technical manual - KBCN0870
For Issue 1.1 of this scheme, this can be found in Appendix H.
Scheme classification – Education - KBCN0398
The Education scheme classification criteria is tailored to the requirements of buildings that are likely to be used by large numbers of students, whose requirements differ slightly from the general population. Where a building on an education campus, or owned by an educational institution:
- is not used for teaching / study
- is primarily used by staff or other non-students
- and transport requirements differ from a standard Education building
The building may be assessed under a different, more appropriate scheme classification. Where it is unclear how this building should be assessed, a scheme classification query should be submitted.
Scheme classification based on anticipated occupancy & building use - KBCN0421
In the instance where there is potential for the building occupancy and use to change during the building lifetime, scheme classification should be based on the most likely occupancy and use of the building as anticipated at the time of the assessment.
Please refer to Guidance Note 10 (GN10) for further details
Scheme classification for residential projects (UK) - KBCN1225
Choosing the right scheme for developments is the starting point to ensure successful outcomes and value, in terms of quality and sustainability to building owners and for occupants of the building.
In light of the release of Home Quality Mark (HQM) ONE we have reviewed the existing guidance around scheme classifications of new build residential buildings and have removed ‘GN03 – Scheme Classification – Domestic buildings’ from BREEAM Projects.
When GN03 was written, the Code for Sustainable Homes (CSH) did not fully consider communal areas within residential blocks as part of the assessment. CSH was also not applicable in Scotland. GN03 was developed to clarify the differences between BREEAM Multi-Residential, CSH and EcoHomes, and when each scheme should be applied.
There is now a clearer distinction between BREEAM Multi-residential and HQM and when these should be used. Ultimately, the determining factor for a scheme classification is now focused on the intent of the building and who is going to be the end user (as opposed to previous guidance which considered aspects such as percentage of communal areas, etc.). Broadly, if the building’s main purpose is for long term homes then Home Quality Mark is the correct scheme to use.
Please use the following as guidance to identify the most appropriate scheme:
Home Quality Mark (HQM)
HQM has been designed with the occupant in mind. It assesses homes individually, but can also account for common areas associated with blocks of self-contained homes. HQM outputs (rating and indicators e.g. ‘my cost’, ‘my wellbeing’ and ‘my footprint’) are specifically aimed at those living in the home and are designed to better inform the occupant about the benefits of the home that they are purchasing or renting.
An HQM project will meet one or more of the following criteria:
Be designed to meet the function of a long-term self-contained home even though there may be some provision of communal facilities which can be used on a voluntary basis
Be classified under Building regulations Part L1a (i.e. required to complete SAP assessments, although there may be some linked SBEM assessed spaces associated with the project)
As such, HQM projects could be homes for sale, social housing or homes for rent (PRS and Built to Rent). They may also include some student and retirement/sheltered accommodation where the units are comparable to a normal self-contained flat/home.
BREEAM Multi-residential
For the purposes of BREEAM Multi-residential assessments, the term ‘multi-residential’ is used in the context of buildings that contain rooms for residential purposes alongside communal facilities for catering, leisure, care etc. These residential rooms would normally not have the full, self-contained functions of a home. This scheme usually covers more specialist residential care homes, student halls of residence, and other more communal accommodation. The scheme can cater for a small number of self-contained dwellings where these form part of a larger multi-residential development (e.g. on-site warden homes etc.). Under this scheme, the project is assessed on a whole building basis and as such does not seek to reflect the performance of individual residential units/rooms.
A BREEAM Multi-residential project will meet one or more of the following criteria:
Be provided for transient /non-permanent occupants
Provide suitable accommodation for occupants requiring support from carers, wardens or similar
Include shared living spaces
Be classified under Building regulations Part L2a (i.e. required to complete SBEM assessments, but can account for some SAP assessed spaces where associated with the project)
As a rule of thumb, if the building contains rooms rather than self-contained flats or homes, a BREEAM Multi-residential assessment would probably be most appropriate. We are aware of some confusion over the meaning of the term ‘multi-residential’ in this context and will be considering the use of term as part of the next review of the BREEAM Multi-Residential scheme.
If you are unsure of the appropriate scheme classification for a particular project, please contact the BREEAM office before registering the project.
Scheme classification queries - KBCN0540
As the Operational Guidance clarifies ‘…A scheme classification requires the assessor, client or design team to submit floor plans showing the layout of the building(s) along with its intended functional areas and any other relevant information. BRE Global will then confirm the appropriate means of assessing the development, using either one or more standard schemes or by developing project-specific bespoke criteria…’
BREEAM Technical cannot definitively confirm a scheme classification in the absence of drawings.
Relevant information could also include specification of the scope of works, clarification of general building functions, spaces within them, as well as their management and access to the public.
Scope – Fully-fitted assessments with areas completed to shell & core - KBCN1233
In such situations, the following options can be followed:
1. Include the shell & core area in the fully-fitted assessment, however this may have a negative impact on the assessment, as all aspects of this area would need to be assessed against the fully-fitted criteria.
2. Exclude the shell & core areas from the assessment. Note that this may require the BREEAM certificate to be endorsed to clarify that the whole building has not been certified.
It may be possible to assess the shell & core area separately, if required.
3. Wait until the shell & core areas have been fitted-out before certifying.
Please also refer to KBCN0702.
Scope of ‘Building services’ location/use category - KBCN000001
'Building services' refers to the equipment and distribution systems specified for providing heating, power, ventilation, lighting, air-conditioning and domestic water services in a building. As a minimum, this location/use category should include the equipment and controls specified for the building services.
Refer to Guidance Note GN24: Demonstrating Compliance with BREEAM Issue Mat 03 issue for more information.
18/10/2018 Applicability to UK NC2018 removed; relevant guidance is included in the technical manual.
Scope of construction works included - KBCN0642
Only the scope of works the principal contractor is responsible for needs to be considered in the assessment of this Issue. This also includes works carried out by sub-contractors that are engaged by the principal contractor.
03.11.2021 Above text added to issue 2.0 of the UK RFO technical manual. Text remains applicable to all previous issues of the manual.
Scope of energy efficient cold storage - KBCN00029
Technical guidance
The intent of the following wording in the technical manuals is to exclude self-contained refrigeration units.
NC 2018 Ene 05:
“The scope of this issue covers freezer or cold storage rooms which are integral to the building and served by the building’s own refrigeration systems.”
NC 2016 Ene 05:
"If the building contains no refrigeration systems or only refrigeration systems which stand-alone, i.e. are not integral to the building and served by the building services, this issue is not applicable to the assessment.
Clarification
The scope of this issue covers freezer or cold storage rooms which are integral to the building, and includes cooling systems that require commissioning and optimisation for the specific requirements of the cold storage space. This applies whether the cold storage space has a dedicated cooling system serving this space, or one which is connected to wider building cooling services.
"Kitchen and catering facilities", are excluded from this issue. They refer to commercial-sized, but self-contained, off-the-shelf units - these include large freezers, fridges, or stand-alone self-contained walk-in cold storage units. These types of units are manufactured as a self-contained product, and contain their own integral cooling systems - they operate according to manufacturer pre-sets, and do not require commissioning of the cooling system.
For this reason, these are not assessed under this issue, but they may still fall within the scope of the 'Energy efficient equipment' issue.
The guidance will be clarified in future reissues or updates of the technical manuals.
22-Feb-22 Wording clarified.
02-Jun-17 Wording clarified.
02-Dec-16 Wording clarified - no change to approach.
Scope of hard landscaping - KBCN0634
For the purpose of assessment, hard landscaping includes (but is not limited to) parking areas (including manoeuvring areas, lanes, roads within the parking area), pedestrian walkways, paths, patios. The definition excludes basement parking, access or approach roads and designated vehicle manoeuvring areas, balconies, roof terraces,specialist sports areas (running tracks, netball areas etc.) and retaining walls.
Scope of hard landscaping - KBCN1305
Roads, paths and paving-like elements that are within the footprint of the building or are internal to it are to be classified under substructure or superstructure (as appropriate). Those that are outside the building’s footprint or are external are external works.
date amended: 26/03/2021 to align with RICS NRM
Scope of issue – clarification – fixed installations - KBCN1660
The scope of this issue covers noise from external building services (or 'fixed installations' as written in the manual) serving areas
designed for human comfort.
The noise impact assessment excludes:
- Noise from process-related plant.
- Noise from emergency or back-up plant which are not used during normal operation.
Scope of the criteria for lifts – Small service lifts (dumbwaiters) - KBCN1589
Small service lifts, of the type typically used to transport prepared food and crockery in restaurants (sometimes referred to as 'dumbwaiters'), fall outside the scope of this assessment issue.
Scope of the refrigerant leak detection system - KBCN0530
The refrigerant leak detection system is required to cover any part of the plant or pipework which contains refrigerant.
21/08/17 KBCN amended to include pipework containing refrigerant.
Scope: Assessment of apart-hotels - KBCN0396
Where the apart- hotel has been classed as ADL2a by building control and therefore not considered as 'self -contained dwellings', BREEAM Other buildings Residential Institutions assessment should be used to assess it.
However, if the building is classified by building control as ADL1a (‘new dwellings’) and therefore considered as 'self-contained dwellings' then it would not be appropriate to use BREEAM New Construction Other buildings Residential Institutions. Where this is the case floors plans and details of the operation of the building (e.g. management of apart/hotels, cleaning and other services, etc.) should be submitted to BRE for confirmation.
Scope: BREEAM UK New Construction 2014 and 2018 in different countries - KBCN0498
Separate versions of the BREEAM UK New Construction 2014 and 2018 technical manuals are available for England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland to reflect the differences in building regulations for each country. These separate versions are derived from the main BREEAM UK NC technical manual and enable country-specific assessments within the single UK scheme.
BREEAM UK NC accounts for the differences in building regulations in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland.
17/04/18 Amended to include BREEAM UK NC2018
Scope: Discontinued Schemes – Fire Stations & Forestry Commission Visitor Centres - KBCN0493
The standalone BREEAM New Construction schemes for Fire Stations and Forestry Commission Visitor Centres have been discontinued. Assessments of these building types should be registered under BREEAM UK New Construction, which addresses all relevant issues from the superseded schemes.
Scope: Fully fitted, shell and core and shell only – guidance for classification - KBCN0702
In cases where a project is a mix of fully-fitted, shell & core, or shell only, or the scope falls somewhere between assessment types, BREEAM cannot determine the type of assessment on behalf of the assessor/developer.
For example, assessing a project which falls between (or is a mixture of) shell only and shell & core as 'shell only' will result in a BREEAM certificate for that part of the work and will not account for any work beyond the scope of that assessment type. For the same development a 'shell and core' assessment would take account of a wider scope of work, however some BREEAM credits might not be achievable because compliance cannot be demonstrated for the shell only areas. The latter approach would achieve a higher level of certification (as shell & core) but may result in a lower score and BREEAM rating being achieved.
Similar considerations apply in the case of fully fitted and shell and core projects.
The assessor should, therefore, review the scope of the development and advise the developer accordingly.
Scope: Mixed BREEAM CSH/HQM developments - KBCN0383
In general terms, any relevant areas or facilities which serve the building should be included in the BREEAM assessment, regardless of whether they are also assessed under CSH/HQM.
Whilst CSH is a Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) scheme, it was developed by BRE Global and the requirements are generally aligned with BREEAM. This should not, therefore involve the duplication of work, but means that the same evidence can be applied to each scheme as appropriate.
Seasonal commissioning evidence - KBCN0818
Where the criteria require that seasonal commissioning activities are to be completed over a minimum 12 month period following the occupation of the building, it is accepted that completed records may not be available at the time of Final Certification.
In such cases, evidence of the appointment of a seasonal commissioning manager and schedule of commissioning responsibilities which fulfils the BREEAM criteria are acceptable to demonstrate compliance.
Seasonal commissioning of Solar Photovoltaics (PV) - KBCN0244
Solar PVs can be excluded from the requirements for seasonal commissioning. This is because commissioning at a particular time of the year will not affect the original commissioning of the system.
Secure Government sites – Security criteria - KBCN1652
Government security procedures, such as those for MoD sites, may take precedence in dealing with security risk. Therefore, the security criteria under which this issue is assessed may not be fully appropriate.
However, BREEAM requires that a Suitably Qualified Security Specialist (SQSS) or the relevant Government department's security consultant undertake a risk-based security needs assessment during or prior to the Concept Design stage. The final design must embody the recommendations of the security consultant.
Evidence requirements
Where it is confirmed that, due to security issues, the assessor cannot provide complete evidence of the security assessment and implementation of the recommended measures, the following can be accepted:
A written statement or report from the SQSS confirming:
- Justification of why the evidence requirements cannot be met
- Details confirming their status as SQSS for the project
- Dates of their consultations and inspections
- Confirmation that all the recommended security measures have been implemented
Secure Government sites – Security criteria (2011-2014 schemes) - KBCN0785
Government security procedures, such as those for MoD sites, may take precedence in dealing with security risk. Therefore, the Secured by Design criteria under which this issue is assessed may not be appropriate.
However, BREEAM requires that a Suitably Qualified Security Specialist/Consultant (SQSS/C), such as the MoD security consultant, should be consulted during or prior to the Concept Design stage or equivalent, and the final design must embody the recommendations / solutions of the MoD security consultant, in line with the security criteria.
Evidence requirements
Where it is confirmed that, due to security issues, the assessor cannot provide complete evidence of the security assessment and implementation of the recommended measures, the following can be accepted:
A written statement or report from the SQSS confirming:
- Justification of why the evidence requirements cannot be met
- Details confirming their status as SQSS for the project
- Dates of their consultations and inspections
- Confirmation that all the recommended security measures have been implemented
06/07 Mar 2024 - Title updated and minor clarifications to wording. Additional paragraph on 'Evidence requirements' added
Secured by Design certificate - KBCN0772
The Secured by Design (SBD) consultation process, when undertaken in-line with the BREEAM criteria, may provide an appropriate framework for demonstrating compliance, however achieving SBD certification is not a specific requirement of BREEAM.
27/02/17 Amended to clarify that SBD framework may comply but BREEAM criteria must be met
Security – Change of SQSS and recommendations - KBCN1044
If the SQSS working on the project changes during the assessment, the recommendations of the original SQSS can be modified if the new SQSS can provide justification for this.
15 Nov 24 Made applicable to UK RFO 2014.
Security lighting - KBCN0915
The criteria generally apply to all external lighting, including security lighting. However, due to specific security requirements, there may be situations where a particular aspect of the criteria cannot be met, as they would compromise the development's security. For example, the use of PIR sensors may not be appropriate in high security developments, where continuous night-time CCTV surveillance is required.
In such cases, where this is justified by the security consultant or other appropriate member of the design team, compliance can demonstrated for the security lighting by meeting all other relevant criteria.
BREEAM does not seek to not impose requirements which could potentially compromise the development’s security strategy
10.03.2020 - KBCN amended following review. It has been determined that the criteria for this Issue must be applied to all security lighting, except as described above. KBCN no longer applicable to UK NC2011 as there is no criterion relating to PIR in this scheme.
Security lighting - KBCN1029
Light fittings specified to comply with specific security standards, but which conflict with the BREEAM criteria, can be excluded from the assessment of this issue. The assessor must obtain evidence confirming the specific security standards and that they are applicable to the assessed development.
Security needs assessment (SNA) – Formal consultation with relevant stakeholders - KBCN1470
Providing the SQSS can provide evidence of reasonable attempts to obtain feedback from relevant stakeholders, this aspect of the SNA requirements will be satisfied.
In the event that a relevant stakeholder does not provide a response when consulted (e.g. if they do not respond following a reasonable period, or they confirm that are unable to deal with the enquiry), it would be expected that SQSS consider alternative sources of information. For example, the SQSS may decide to refer to freely-available crime data on the
Police UK website, and include a summary or analysis of this in their SNA.
13 Sep 2021 Applicability to HQM confirmed
Security Needs Assessment for ‘Shell only’ /Part1 and ‘Shell and core’ projects - KBCN0109
The Suitably Qualified Security Specialist (SQSS) must confirm that they have addressed all parts of the project where it is feasible to do so. Where security recommendations cannot be made for certain aspects of the project, this should be explained / justified in the Security Needs Assessment by the SQSS.
Self-contained dwellings / bedrooms with shared facilities – mixed recycling - KBCN1664
Where there is mixed recycling, the number of recyclables containers can be reduced to match the final waste streams being collected.
For example, the standard BREEAM requirement is
three recyclables containers per dwelling / communal facility.
- Where there are two waste streams (for example mixed paper, plastics and metals with a separate glass collection) then only two containers are required.
- Where there is only one waste stream, only one container is required.
The total combined storage volume requirements are the same as stated in the manuals.
To apply this KBCN, the project team must provide evidence to QA of the waste collection policies that apply to the asset.
Self-contained dwellings or units with individual utility meters - KBCN0199
Where self-contained dwellings or units covered by the assessment have their own individual energy supply and utility meter (e.g. water, gas or electricity), this supply can be excluded from the scope of the issue. All shared energy supplies and common areas under the responsibility of building management are still included in the assessment.
For example, if self-contained flats in an assisted living development have individual gas supplies with their own utility meter, this supply will be excluded from the assessment. However, the lighting and small power comes from a shared distribution board on each floor, in which case this shared supply will need to be sub-metered in accordance with the criteria.
This same principle applies to scenarios involving speculative industrial or retail units with capped services, where these units have their own utility meter.
12/09/2018 Applicable to Water Monitoring Issue where appropriate
27/09/2017 The word 'units' added to include a wider range of scenarios falling under this principle.
17/06/2022 Added other industrial / retail situations for further clarity on the applicability of this KBCN.
Setting of Responsible Sourcing Certification Scores (RSCS) - KBCN00017
Mat 03 credits require the majority of the materials used to be sourced with a high RSCS score. While maximum points (10) are available for reused materials the points available for RSCS's are typically less than 10. The available points are representative of the relative merits of each source while also providing some incentive for each scheme to improve and gain higher scores in the future.
The latest points scores for each RSCS route are available in the latest version of GN18.
Shared ecological enhancements - KBCN0656
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.
Similarly, where a building comprises more than one assessment, eg different floor assessments, a green roof on top of that building can be used to award credits for each assessment for which the Land use and ecology issues apply.
The benefit can be applied on a site-wide basis provided all developments are completed within the appropriate timeframe of a valid ecological survey.
Shell & Core – ‘Condition of sale agreements’ as evidence - KBCN0485
A 'condition of sale agreement' provides a less robust solution than a 'green lease agreement' and cannot be used to demonstrate compliance under Option 1.
Conversely, a Green Building Guide (Option 2) whilst considered less robust than Option 1, would be equally likely to be implemented, whether the building were leased or sold. Where a shell & core building is being developed for sale, it is therefore acceptable for half credits to be awarded on the basis of a Green Building Guide. This includes mandatory credits/minimum standards, but only for Issues where a green Building Guide is a recognised route to compliance as indicated in the guidance.
Shell & core assessments – elements outside the scope of the base-build - KBCN0167
For shell & core developments, all building elements which fall within the developer's scope of work should be assessed as set out in the technical manual. For any aspects which can be justifiably considered as falling within the future tenant's scope of work, compliance can be demonstrated using Shell & Core Option 1 or Option 3.
Where relevant building elements are not within the scope of the base-build, but are required to ensure the robustness of the completed building following fit-out, the developer is not expected to install these. These options cannot, however, be used to impose onerous requirements on the future tenant, which could reasonably have been included in the base-build.
05 07 2017 - Wording amended to clarify and principle expanded to explain the limitations on the applicability of this CN
Shell & core options where tenants become known before final certification - KBCN0858
In such situations the route to demonstrating compliance may change from that at design stage certification. The following approaches to some possible scenarios should be followed:
- Where tenants become known and a Green Building Guide (Option 2) is supported by the tenants' own compliant fit-out specification, full credits can be awarded on the basis of Option 3.
- Where tenants become known and the developer has fulfilled their obligation in producing a compliant Green Building Guide (Option 2) at the appropriate time and provided this to the prospective tenant, half credits can be awarded regardless of whether the tenant follows the guide.
- If the tenants become known and a Green Lease Agreement (Option 1) will not be signed and complied with in full, the GLA is no longer valid. Where relevant, a revised GLA document must be produced, signed and enforced for credits to be awarded.
No recognition can be given for any Issues in the original GLA which will not be complied with as the superseded GLA cannot be retrospectively considered as a Green Building Guide.
Shell & core project: Completing as fully-fitted - KBCN0394
It is possible to complete an assessment as fully fitted following a design stage certification as a shell & core project. Whilst the assessment will reference much of the same evidence gathered for design stage, it must be re-registered and may be submitted as a fully-fitted Post-construction assessment.
17/04/18 Wording clarified
Shell and Core – Green Lease Agreements – 75% rule - KBCN0392
The 75% rule, referred to in Appendix D Option 1, only applies to the floor areas of the building which are subject to a Green Lease Agreement. Areas which are fully fitted or subject to either of the other shell and core options cannot contribute towards this.
Shell and Core Floor Finishes – Mat01 Calculator - KBCN0593
Floor finishes are always applicable, however if they are not specified due to the speculative nature of the building and therefore CN11 is applicable you should select 'Shell Only Applicable' in the drop-down list in the Floor Finishes section of the Mat 01 tool.
Shell and Core Options – Change option between Design Stage and Post Construction - KBCN0595
It is acceptable for the Shell and Core option to change between Design Stage and Post Construction Review. For example, Option 1 (Green Lease Agreement) could be used to award credits in the Design Stage assessment. As a project progresses, if a tenant was found, Option 3 (Tenant collaboration) could then be used to award credits in the Post Construction stage assessment.
Shell and core – option 2 for floor finishes - KBCN0877
If Option 2 ‘Green Building Guide’ is selected to demonstrate compliance, the Mat 01 calculator will halve the points achieved for this element type rather than the credits, as stated in the relevant Compliance Note.
Only the contribution of the element type assessed under this option should be halved.
Shell and core/speculative assessments for residential - KBCN0923
The shell only options are not applicable to Residential buildings. This has been made clear in the scoring and reporting tool.
Shell only – energy demand parameter not available - KBCN0576
In 2016 New Construction (NC) international scheme shell only assessment, energy demand is the required assessment metric for Ene 01. A lot of international assessments are unable to provide the energy demand performance information, and as such, this approach won’t always be possible. Where there is no demand parameter available, follow the same approach as outlined for ‘shell and core’.
26-Nov-2024 - Scheme applicability updated.
Shell only – Installation of building services - KBCN00078
Content removed. Please refer to
KBCN1488 for more comprehensive guidance.
Shell only – retail glazing not within scope - KBCN0937
Where a retail building envelope is not complete and glazing will be provided by the future tenant/(s), there are two options available:
A 'Green fit-out agreement' (see Definition under this Issue in the technical manual) can be used to ensure that the performance level of the glazing used in the energy model is met in the completed building. This must be accompanied by evidence that the performance of the assumed glazing does not impose overly onerous requirements on future tenants and that it falls within the scope of glazing typically used in retail developments.
Alternatively, the assessment can be based on worst permissible performance under the relevant national building regulations.
In all cases, for shell only assessments, the assessment method detailed in CN1 (for UK New Construction 2014 and International New Construction 2016) and Assessment type specific note 1.3 (for UK New Construction 2018 and UKNC V6) must be followed.
24/08/2022 - Reference and applicability to UKNC V6 added
14 11 2017 Wording amended to clarify the intent
Shell only – zero net regulated carbon emissions - KBCN0567
For Shell only projects, 12 credits can be awarded when the EPRED ratio is 0.90, without the requirement for zero net regulated CO2 emissions applying.
Shell only projects only assess the buildings heating and cooling energy demand and so credits are awarded just on this basis.
Shell only – zero net regulated carbon emissions - KBCN1101
For Shell only projects, 9 credits can be awarded when the EPR
ED ratio is 0.90, without the requirement for zero net regulated CO
2 emissions applying.
Shell only projects only assess the buildings heating and cooling energy demand and so credits are awarded just on this basis.
24/08/2022 Applicability to UKNC V6 confirmed
Shell only and Shell and Core assessments – using SABRE - KBCN1549
Where the SABRE assessment is registered and certified as shell & core, this can be accepted for meeting both the standard and exemplary level criteria of shell only/shell and core BREEAM assessments.
Currently, Shell and Core SABRE certificates are identified as 'interim', but there is no requirement for further 'final certification' of shell & core SABRE assessments or any further evidence of the fit-out.
Please also refer to
KBCN1499 - Exemplary level credit – Using SABRE
Shell only assessments – demonstrating compliance - KBCN0771
It is recognised that shell only developments may only include a capped-off water supply, with responsibility for installing the water meter and leak detection system resting with the incoming tenant. In such cases, compliance can be demonstrated where the spatial arrangements, distribution strategy and infrastructure can be shown to facilitate future compliance.
This could be demonstrated by evidence such as schematic drawings showing how compliance can be achieved for the assessed development at the fit-out stage.
Whilst shell only assessments are intended to consider only aspects which fall within the scope of such developments, in order that the aim of the Issue can ultimately be met, the works should not preclude future compliance.
Shell only – Energy modelling requirements - KBCN1488
For a shell only assessment, only the EPR demand metric is used to determine the energy performance. Therefore, we would not expect to see improvements to equipment and services accounted for in the BRUKL/NCM calculation. It is, therefore, recommended that assessors submit a BRUKL/NCM document incorporating the fabric improvements, but which retains the equipment and services of the notional building with heating and cooling provided by multi-split systems.
Credits for shell only assessments are determined by the demand metric alone. The inclusion of more efficient equipment and services may, therefore, lead to lower heat gains, a subsequent increase in demand for space heating and, hence, a lower number of credits being awarded.
28 Aug 2022 - Guidance updated and applied to UKNC V6
Shell only/shell and core assessments and applicability of minimum standards - KBCN0612
For BREEAM Issues where the Minimum Standard refers to work which falls outside the scope of a shell only/shell and core assessment, as noted in the technical manual, the Minimum Standard is not applicable.
This affords shell only/shell and core projects the potential to achieve their target BREEAM ratings.
Shower with multiple shower heads - KBCN0855
To calculate the water use of a shower with more than one shower head, one of the following should be done:
- If all of the shower heads can be turned on at once, the flow rates should be added up.
- If the shower heads can only be used one at a time, the highest flow rate should be used
22 Feb 2024 - Applied to BIU, BREEAM NC and RFO standards
Showers and taps where use is physically time-limited – Calculating flow rates - KBCN1690
Where a timer is used to physically limit the use of showers or taps within a set period of time, this can be used as the basis for calculating a reduced flow rate.
For example, where use is limited to 2 minutes, 4 times per hour, for a shower or tap with a flow rate of 8 l/minute, the flow rate can be calculated as follows:
8l/minute x 8 minutes/hour = 64 l/hour = 1.07 l/minute
Similar speculative developments (Shell and Core) - KBCN1382
For speculative, Shell and Core projects there will be a significant level of uncertainty regarding equipment loads and usage patterns. Project teams should make the best estimates they can based on available data for similar projects, instead of using the National Calculation Methodology occupancy assumptions. Where sites have multiple speculative, Shell and Core buildings it is acceptable for the 'Prediction' work to be the same across all the units. The design team would need to be sure that all the units would have the same type of tenant and be used in the same way. This is in keeping with the aim of the 'Prediction' credits; to predict energy consumption as accurately as possible. If the users are known to be different, this approach would not be acceptable.
24/08/2022 Applicability to UKNC V6 confirmed
Simple Buildings – definition - KBCN0448
The building services are predominantly of limited capacity and local in their delivery, largely independent from other systems in the building fabric and avoid complex control systems. The building can be classified as any of the building types within the scope of the scheme, including mixed use developments or building types. For UK NC 2011 assessments please refer to the Simple Buildings Guidance on the Extranet. For UK NC 2014, 2018 and UK RFO 2014 please refer to Appendix E within each technical manual.
Simple Buildings – Additional training - KBCN0464
The Simple Buildings technical guidance does not constitute a separate BREEAM scheme. It is an approach which can be applied to developments which meet the relevant BREEAM definition. This means that a suitably trained, qualified and licensed assessor can conduct a Simple Buildings assessment without further training.
Simple Buildings – Category weightings - KBCN0458
Category weightings are the same for standard and Simple Buildings assessments.
Simple Buildings – connecting to existing services - KBCN00037
Where a building extension will connect to existing building services, a Simple Buildings assessment can be carried out if the total services systems is of limited capacity and complexity conforming to the definition and scope of a Simple Building.
Refer to the Applicability of Simple Buildings assessments for more detailed information.
For example, the total capacity, when assessing the space and/or hot water heating services, must be less the 100kW.
Compliance would be met by any of the following:
- A standalone system serving the extension only with a capacity of <100kW
- Connection to an existing system in the rest of the building with a capacity of <100kW
- A standalone system and existing system with a combined capacity <100kW
The assessment (in this case, extension) cannot be assessed against the Simple Buildings methodology if the definition of a Simple Buildings is not meet.
Simple Buildings – connection to BMS - KBCN1405
For Simple Building assessments, criterion 3b does not apply.
Simple Buildings generally do not have BMS, or other complex monitoring and management systems.
This is a manual error which will be corrected in the next re-issue.
Simple Buildings – Introduction and robustness of Simple Buildings criteria set - KBCN0454
Simple Buildings criteria have been developed to meet the need expressed by stakeholders for a simplified and cost effective approach for the assessment of less complex buildings.
The standards and robustness of a BREEAM rated building have not been compromised by the development of Simple buildings criteria. The criteria have been carefully reviewed to be more in line with and relevant to simpler buildings and servicing strategies.
Simple Buildings – No size or cost limits - KBCN0451
Variations in project specification make setting limits on the size or the cost of simple buildings problematic. Therefore, no limits have been set.
Simple Buildings – Quality Assurance (QA) - KBCN0459
The process and rigor of quality assurance does not change for Simple Building assessments. As with any assessment, the correct classification of the development will be checked. Where a project is incorrectly classified, the project will require re-assessment against the correct BREEAM criteria before the QA and certification process can progress. There may be additional charges associated with this process.
Due to Simple Buildings not being a separate scheme, the audit level assigned to the assessment (Admin, Partial or Full) will follow the standard approach, i.e. previous audit records for that building type will be reviewed. Also, QA response times are the same as for other assessments of the same building type.
Simple Buildings – Shell & core assessments - KBCN00026
Registrations for assessments applying the simple buildings criteria to shell & core developments are not permitted. These are incompatible because the shell & core criteria are already simplified.
15 11 17 Applicability to UK NC 2011 removed - see separate guidance under KBCN0397
Simple Buildings – Use of BMS - KBCN0948
Where a building does not require complex controls, but a BMS is installed primarily for its monitoring capabilities, this does not preclude assessment using the simple buildings criteria set.
Buildings which require complex control systems cannot be considered as simple.
Simple Buildings: Applicability of Shell & Core - KBCN0397
Shell and Core options cannot normally be applied to Simple Buildings with the following exception;
- The Simple Buildings classification must be based on the full fit-out of the speculative building. This may be achieved through Shell and Core Option 3 (developer-tenant collaboration) only.
If the project team is unable to demonstrate this (for example where the end-user is unknown or the end-use is uncertain) the full version of BREEAM New Construction must be used.
Shell and Core Option 3 ensures a collaborative process between the developer and tenant which allows the assessor to be certain of the end fully-fitted specification. Thus the assessor can be certain that, in its fully-fitted state, the building will still fall within the remit of a 'Simple Building'.
Simplified transport analysis - KBCN0562
Where a single lift is provided in a low rise building for the purpose of providing disabled access only; or where a goods lift is selected based on the size of the goods it is intended to carry, a simplified transport analysis can be provided in the form of a written statement from the appropriate member of the design team.
Single functional area and no tenanted areas – operational energy monitoring - KBCN00056
Where the building has a
single functional or tenanted area for sub-metering, with no other significant energy uses that must be separately metered, then:
- The sub-metering of functional and tenanted areas credit can be awarded by default if,
- The sub-metering by end use credit is achieved.
26-Mar-2024 - Wording clarified. Scheme applicability updated.
Site clearance prior to purchase of the site - KBCN1197
For sites cleared prior to purchase of the site and less than five years before assessment, a Suitably Qualified Ecologist should estimate the site’s ecological value immediately prior to clearance using available desktop information (including aerial photography) and the landscape type/area surrounding the site. Where it is not possible for the ecologists to determine ecological value of the site prior to site clearance, i.e. where there is no evidence to determine compliance, the credits must be withheld.
For sites cleared more than five years ago, the ecological value of the site must be based on the current situation, on the basis that, within five years, ecological features would have started to re-establish and this is, therefore, representative of the site’s ecological value prior to development.
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.
Sites with multiple assessed buildings - KBCN0920
For sites with multiple assessed buildings, where it proves difficult to clearly define separate construction zones for each building, the assessment of this Issue can be done on a site-wide basis where the boundary of the construction zone is considered to be the whole site.
Similarly, when it is difficult to define the proposed development footprint for each assessment, the issue can be assessed on a site-wide basis.
This can be applied to each BREEAM assessment.
Small power significantly contributing to unregulated energy consumption - KBCN1224
Small power has been removed from the list of potential significant contributors of unregulated energy consumption, as in most cases tenants would select their new office equipment or reuse the already existing and hence this was not applicable in most assessments. However, it is up to the design team to calculate the unregulated energy consumption and decide if small power is a significant contributor of unregulated energy consumption and hence if it should be included in the assessment. If small power is identified as an additional significant contributor, the design team should justify how a meaningful reduction will be achieved for this contributor.
Small retail stores not meeting the definition of ‘baseline supermarket’ - KBCN1121
Where the design team can confirm that the 'baseline supermarket' defined in the Refrigeration Road Map does not provide an appropriate benchmark for the small retail store (i.e. it is below 2,000m2 as specified in the Road Map and the store has proportionately higher energy per sq m delivered values) then it would be appropriate to comply with the 'Carbon Trust Refrigeration Road Map' guidance in the Methodology section and generate a more appropriate baseline. As per the guidance, typical installations and technologies should be proposed for this baseline where the systems being compared should have the same duty/service conditions and include relevant consumption from the refrigeration systems’ ancillary equipment.
Small retail stores not meeting the definition of ‘baseline supermarket’ - KBCN0214
Where the design team can confirm that the 'baseline supermarket' defined in the Refrigeration Road Map does not provide an appropriate benchmark for the small retail store (i.e. it is below 2,000m2 as specified in the Road Map and the store has proportionately higher energy per sq m delivered values) then it would be appropriate to comply with the guidance on 'Non retail buildings and the Carbon Trust Refrigeration Road Map Action Plan' and generate a more appropriate baseline. Typical installations and technologies should be proposed for this baseline where the systems being compared should have the same duty/service conditions and include relevant consumption from the refrigeration systems’ ancillary equipment.
Soft Landings Framework - KBCN1263
Embedding the principles of the Soft Landings Framework within a project can be used to demonstrate compliance with various aspects of the BREEAM criteria, particularly the Management issues.
Solid concrete washout - KBCN00063
Solid concrete washout waste should be included in the waste resource efficiency benchmarks.
Sound insulation measurement standard - KBCN1377
The reference to (EN)
ISO 140-4:1998 in assessment criterion 5 of technical manual SD233 2.0 is incorrect. This standard has been withdrawn and standard EN
ISO 16283-1:2014 should be used, as confirmed under the methodology section.
Technical manual to be updated accordingly in next reissue.
Space heating as major energy use - KBCN0939
Where possible, space heating should always be considered as a major energy use for sub-metering purposes.
Where space heating cannot be separated from hot water, this must be fully justified by the design team at QA.
See KBCN0329: Combined system for space heating/cooling and domestic hot water.
Where electric space heating is used, this in itself cannot be used as justification for combining the space heating along with lighting and small power unless there is a clear justification for doing so.
See KBCN00068: Combined sub-metering of electric heating and small power equipment.
Specialist assisted baths in care homes - KBCN0228
Specialist assisted baths in care homes or similar specialist applications can be excluded from the assessment of this issue.
Due to the specific access and care needs of users, it may not be possible to reduce the volume of specialist assisted baths.
Speculative ceiling finishes – Substantial alterations - KBCN1141
The aim of this Issue is to avoid the unnecessary waste of materials, therefore the installation and subsequent removal of speculative finishes should not be permitted. However, BREEAM recognises that incoming tenants may need to adapt ceiling finishes to suit the requirements of their fit-out. Therefore, where ceiling finishes are installed throughout, in line with Criterion 2, the following applies:
A tenancy agreement, applied to the first tenancy, should stipulate that ceiling finishes may only be modified where necessary, for example, to accommodate new partitions, lighting or other services, to replace worn or damaged components or to replace small, localised areas with a specialist ceiling to account for abnormal conditions, such as wet areas.
Speculative finishes – multiple residential developments – fully-fitted - KBCN1448
Where fully-fitted multiple residential units are developed exclusively for the rental market, compliance for this Issue can be achieved where it is demonstrated that the tenancy agreement to be implemented stipulates that the finishes cannot be replaced by the tenant.
Speculative floor finishes – Take-back and re-use policy - KBCN1702
Where a developer has an established written policy whereby unwanted floor finishes will be removed for re-use elsewhere prior to the tenant taking possession, this can be considered as meeting the aim of this issue.
This is only applicable to types of flooring which are suitable for re-use, can be easily removed and do not require the use of adhesives or other permanent means of fixing.
Additionally, the tenancy agreement must otherwise prohibit the removal of the flooring by the tenant
Evidence to support this approach would include:
• A copy of the take-back policy
• Details of the flooring type and material
• A copy of the tenancy agreement
Speculative office including floor finishes/suspended ceiling - KBCN0259
The requirements can still be met where a speculative development includes the installation of floor finishes/suspended ceilings provided a Lease Agreement will be implemented to confirm that tenants are not permitted to remove these finishes.
BREEAM recognises that incoming tenants may need to adapt ceiling or floor finishes to suit the requirements of their fit-out. Therefore, where these finishes are installed throughout, in line with Criterion 2, the following applies:
A tenancy agreement, applied to the first tenancy, should stipulate that floor or ceiling finishes may only be modified where necessary, for example, to accommodate new partitions, lighting or other services, to replace worn or damaged components or to replace small, localised areas with a specialist floor or ceiling to account for abnormal conditions, such as wet areas.
Documentary evidence of this must be provided as evidence for the credit to be awarded.
18/04/2017 KBCN made applicable to NC 2016 and IRFO 2015
05/07/2018 Paragraph added to clarify the requirements of the tenancy agreement
27 Jul 2021 Clarified that the terms of paragraph 2 apply also to floor finishes
SQSS – Individuals Recognised - KBCN1485
Individuals can continue to be considered a ‘Suitably Qualified Security Specialist’ (SQSS) for the purposes of compliance with HEA 06 (1 credit – Security of Site and Building) where adherence to the SQSS criteria 1-3, detailed below and in HEA 06, is evidenced to the BREEAM Assessor.
- Minimum of three years' experience in a relevant security profession (in the last five years). This experience must clearly demonstrate a practical understanding of factors affecting security in relation to construction and the built environment, relevant to the type and scale of the project being undertaken.
- Holds a qualification relevant to security.
- Maintains a full membership to a relevant professional body, institute or certification scheme that has a professional code of conduct, to which members adhere.
Alternatively, individuals can be considered a ‘Suitably Qualified Security Specialist’ where adherence to the SQSS criterion 4 (detailed below and in HEA 06) is demonstrated to the BREEAM Assessor.
- A specialist registered with a BREEAM recognised third party licensing or registration scheme for security specialists.
The following licensing/registration schemes are recognised as meeting the requirements of criterion 4 of the Suitably Qualified Security Specialist (SQSS) criteria. As such, individuals listed are also eligible to perform the role of SQSS:
A. SABRE Registered Professionals with ‘SQSS’ status – Live list here
B. Chartered Security Professionals (CSyP) - Live list here
C. Register of Security Engineers and Specialists (RSES) ‘General Security Advisor’ (GSA) - Live list here
Note: DOCOs can be considered as suitably qualified subject to meeting criteria 1-3 and regional police forces may provide services in support of BREEAM. However, the Metropolitan Police has indicated that it will not provide services solely for the purposes of meeting the BREEAM Security Needs Assessment (SNA).
In all cases, Notes 1 and 2, below, shall apply to the appointment of the SQSS and the award of the available credit respectively.
Notes
- Security professionals often possess knowledge and skills in relation to specific aspects of the discipline, whilst others may possess more holistic knowledge. Therefore, when appointing an SQSS, consideration should also be given to their experience and background, as well as the appropriateness of the individual to carry out the task assigned. The SQSS should be able to demonstrate independence and that they have experience dealing with similar projects with comparable security levels and risks.
- Irrespective of who performs the role of SQSS, the 1 credit available for ‘Security of Site and Building’ may only be awarded if the assessment criteria are satisfied i.e. where a compliant, documented Security Needs Assessment (SNA) has been produced and subsequent risk-commensurate security recommendations have been implemented.
Definitions
SABRE Registered Professional
SABRE Registered Professionals are deemed to meet the competency requirements of the various specialist deliverables within the SABRE security assessment scheme including: threat assessments, risk assessments, security strategies, technical design & engineering and concepts of operations (CONOPS). The registration is also intended to act as an indicator of professionalism for the benefit of the wider industry.
Chartered Security Professional (CSyP)
The Register of Chartered Security Professionals (CSyP) was established under a Royal Charter granted to the Worshipful Company of Security Professionals in the UK and launched in 2011. Registrants use CSyP as a post nominal. Being admitted to the Register and becoming a CSyP is a means of being recognised and continuing to represent the highest standards and ongoing proficiency. It is the gold standard of competence in security practice. CSyPs must comply with a Code of Conduct, a Professional Disciplinary Code, and also complete Continuous Professional Development each year. The Register is recognised across the UK, including by the Association of Security Consultants (ASC), the International Professional Security Association (IPSA), The Security Industry Authority (SIA) and CPNI (Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure).
Register of Security Engineers and Specialists (RSES)
The Register of Security Engineers and Specialists (RSES) was established to promote excellence in security engineering by providing a benchmark of professional quality against which its members have been independently assessed. Registration is open to engineers, applied scientists and specialists who apply their knowledge to securing the built environment and infrastructure. RSES is sponsored by the Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure (CPNI) and administered by the Institution of Civil Engineers’ (ICE) Membership Division.
04 Aug 2023 - Additional paragraph added to clarify that, if a DOCO is willing and able to do so, they can undertake the role of SQSS for BREEAM, provided they meet the eligibility criteria set out in criteria 1-3
15 Jul/07 Sep 2022 - Reference to DOCOs' suitability to perform the role of SQSS under Option 4.D. removed - The Metropolitan Police has indicated that DOCOs will not provide a consultation service solely for the purposes of meeting the BREEAM Security Needs Assessment (SNA).
10 Dec 2021 - Further clarification added
17 Nov 2021 - First paragraph updated for clarity
SSM replacing BREEAM AP for on-site monitoring - KBCN0601
It is acceptable for a suitably qualified Site Sustainability Manager (SSM) to take over the monitoring of site impact role (Sustainability Champion (construction)) from a BREEAM AP.
In some instances it may be more appropriate for an SSM to carry out the role of the 'construction' Sustainability Champion. Therefore where a BREEAM AP has provided design input, an SSM could take over the role to complete the on-site requirements.
Stage 1 referenced in Guidance Note 14 - KBCN0800
The climate change adaptation strategy appraisal for structural and fabric resilience must be conducted by the end of Concept Design (RIBA Stage 2 or equivalent) as described in the technical manual.
The reference of Guidance Note 14 to Stage 1 is incorrect and will be amended.
Stage 1 referenced in Guidance Note 14 - KBCN0799
The building-specific functional adaptation strategy study must be undertaken by Concept Design (RIBA Stage 2 or equivalent) as described in the technical manual.
The reference of Guidance Note 14 to Stage 1 is incorrect and will be amended.
Stakeholder consultation – Building occupier unknown - KBCN0227
Where the building occupier is unknown, it is still possible to achieve the credit. The end user requirements must be assumed and considered by other project parties (e.g. client, design team, etc.) using their experience and judgement until such time as the occupier is known.
Stakeholder consultation – Definition of “independent third party” - KBCN0428
The definition of independent third party should be taken to mean that the party i.e. the individual(s) rather than the organisation undertaking the consultation is independent of the design process. BREEAM is not prescriptive about how to evidence this. It is the assessor's responsibility to collect robust evidence which proves this to be the case.
Stakeholder consultation – Existing shared facilities - KBCN0360
The consultation must include any existing shared facilities relied on to achieve compliance as well as the new facilities.
To ensure the shared existing facilities are appropriate and in line with the users' requirements.
Statutory requirements for energy modelling differ from BREEAM - KBCN0127
For the purposes of BREEAM, Issue Ene 01 should be assessed using a BRUKL output based on the prevalent UK country Building regulations applicable to that scheme.
This applies even when the building does not need to undertake energy modelling to comply with Building Regulations.
Where a different analysis is required for statutory compliance, due to the location of the project or registration to an earlier or later version of Part L, a different output must be produced for this purpose.
Alternatively, where applicable, the BREEAM registration could be updated to the latest version, so the same energy model output can be used for both purposes.
To maintain consistency and comparability for all assessments registered to a scheme.
24/08/2022 Applicability to UKNC V6 confirmed
Studio Bedroom Daylighting Calculations - KBCN0733
Where studio rooms in multi-residential projects include multiple area types (e.g. A kitchen and lounge area), compliance can be achieved where either:
1. The entire studio room meets the more onerous requirements
or
2. The room is nominally divided into the relevant spaces and the requirements are applied to each as appropriate.
Sub-metering at least 90% of each fuel - KBCN0657
In a scenario whereby several energy consuming systems are not sub-metered because they account for less than 10% of the annual energy consumption (see Ene 02 methodology), and this results in less than 90% of the estimated annual energy consumption of that fuel being metered, the M&E consultant should review the metering strategy and advise which of these energy consuming systems would most benefit from sub-metering to make up the 90%.
This may be based on which of the energy consuming systems has the highest annual energy consumption, or which has the most potential for reducing energy consumption as a result of sub-metering. This will not necessarily have to mean that the energy consuming systems chosen have to have their own sub-meter, the M&E consultant may decide they would most benefit from metering alongside another consuming system. However ultimately 90% of each fuel must be metered.
Justification should be given within the metering strategy and the BREEAM assessment report as to which lower energy consuming systems were chosen to be sub-metered to make up the 90%, and how this was done to best suit the development (i.e. individual sub-meters or paired with another consuming system).
Sub-metering by calculation - KBCN0700
For simple sub-metering strategies, it is acceptable to calculate a single end-use by subtraction of known, sub-metered end-uses from the relevant main utility meter reading. For more complex strategies, where a BMS/BEMS is used, the software should be capable of calculating and displaying all required end-uses in line with the criteria.
Sub-metering of high energy load and tenancy areas – applicability - KBCN1188
As per specific note 2.0 of Ene 02 Energy Monitoring; The first credit is applicable to all building types. The second credit is not applicable to preschools, primary schools, law courts, prisons and multi-residential buildings. This credit will be filtered out for these building types with the exemption of below.
If the assessment is targeting the Post-occupancy stage exemplary credits in Ene 01 Reduction of energy use and carbon emissions, indicated via the question on the 'initial details' page of BREEAM Projects (or the scoring and reporting tool). As per criterion 10, the assessment must; Achieve maximum available credits in Ene 02 Energy Monitoring. Therefore, where these exemplary level credits are sought, preschools, primary schools, law courts, prisons and multi-residential buildings must also meet the requirements of the second credit for sub-metering of high energy load and tenancy areas. This credit is therefore applicable to all building types, in this case.
Sub-metering technologies – Compliance Principle - KBCN1561
Where it can be demonstrated that alternative sub-metering technologies can meet or exceed the capabilities of systems set out in the BREEAM guidance, subject to approval, these can also be considered compliant.
It is the role of the Assessor and the project team to provide evidence and justification in a compliance principle query (see
KBCN1555).
The following metering standards or technologies are currently recognised as alternatives to pulsed output meters:
- M-bus.
I.e. systems that comply with the EN 13757 series of standards.
Also includes systems complying with the OMS (Open Metering System) standards.
Sub-metering using non-intrusive load monitoring (NILM) systems - KBCN1710
Non-intrusive load monitoring (NILM) systems cannot be used to demonstrate compliance for the sub-metering credits within BREEAM. Hardware-based sub-meters must be installed. NILM systems are generally retrofit systems which can be easily removed and are not integral to the building or installed building services.
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'
05 Nov 2024 - Wording clarified and link to the webform added
This replaces KBCN0695 for HQM.
Submitting an assessment at Stage 3 - KBCN1688
When submitting an assessment at Stage 3, we ask assessors to clearly state this in the submission to allow us to audit the assessment appropriately. We request that assessors also justify why the assessment is being submitted where some design information may not be advanced enough to fully satisfy all BREEAM requirements. While we are able to provide a certain level of flexibility for the BREEAM requirements in the audit, we require that the evidence submitted is robust, such as a contractually binding document.
Suitability of waste storage facilities - KBCN0186
In situations where direct vehicular access to the recyclable waste store is limited by logistics or if size is a problem, for example inner city locations, some flexibility to the application of the criteria is allowed.
The assessor can use their judgement on whether the storage space is appropriately sized and if the distance and changes in level via lifts or steps are acceptable. Convenience, H&S issues and the volume and type of waste likely to be generated must be considered. Where the assessor deems the arrangement to be satisfactory this would be acceptable.
Typically ‘accessible’ is defined as being within 20m of a building entrance. In some circumstances site restrictions or tenancy arrangements could mean it is not possible for the facilities to be within 20m of a building entrance. If, in the opinion of the BREEAM assessor it is not feasible for the facilities to be within 20m of a building entrance, their judgement can be used to determine if the facility is deemed to be ‘accessible’ to the building occupants and for vehicle collection.
Suitably Qualified Acoustician – Associate membership of the Institute of Acoustics - KBCN00064
Associate membership of the Institute of Acoustics (IOA) can be considered to demonstrate that the individual is a member of an appropriate professional body.
This supersedes previous guidance on this matter, which has been updated following confirmation from the IOA that ‘Associate members’ are bound by the same Members’ Code of Conduct as ‘Full members’.
06/06/2022 - BRE stance on this has been revised - Title also updated for clarity
13/01/2020 Wording clarified and confirmed applicability to Issue Pol 05
06/01/2020 Clarification that this applies to BREEAM UK NC2018
Suitably Qualified Ecologist – Other recognised organisations - KBCN0192
With regards to the definition of a Suitably Qualified Ecologist, in addition to the organisations already listed within the manual, full members of the following organisations are also deemed SQE's;
- Royal Society of Biology
- Institute of Environmental Sciences
Provided the individual meets all other requirements as outlined in the definition of a Suitably Qualified Ecologist (SQE).
Suitably Qualified Ecologist – Professional membership - KBCN0743
With reference to the definition provided in the technical guidance, ecologists can be considered as meeting Requirement 3 based on full membership of the organisations listed.
Those who are not full members may be considered as meeting Requirement 3, however the assessor must ensure and demonstrate, that the ecologist is covered by a professional code of conduct and is subject to peer review.
In all cases, Requirements 1 and 2 must also be met.
24 May 2024 - Updated to clarify that where ecologists who are not full members of a professional body meet the above guidance for Requirement 3, other than also meeting Requirements 1 and 2, no additional evidence or confirmation is required.
Summary of changes – BREEAM UK NC V6 - KBCN1530
BREEAM UK New Construction Version 6 (UK NC V6) was released on 24 August 2022 following the updates to building regulations in England that came into force on 15 June 2022.
The update enables new buildings in England using the latest version of Part L (2021 edition) to register and complete BREEAM UK New Construction assessments.
Buildings in England using the previous version of Part L (2013 edition) must continue to register and complete assessments using BREEAM UK New Construction 2018.
Buildings in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland may register and complete assessments using either BREEAM UK New Construction 2018 or BREEAM UK New Construction Version 6.
The changes from BREEAM UK New Construction 2018 (UK NC 2018) are listed in the table below.
The updates are limited in scope and only effect the assessment of:
- Ene 01 Reduction of energy use and carbon emissions
- Hea 02 Indoor air quality
All other assessment issues remain unchanged from UK NC 2018.
Further updates will be released when building regulations are updated in other UK nations.
Location |
Description of change |
Ene 01 |
Energy performance (Ene 01 calculator): Updated translator curves for buildings in England using the latest version of building regulations (Part L2, 2021 edition). The Ene 01 calculation methodology is described in an updated version of GN39. |
Ene 01 |
Prediction of operational energy consumption credits: Updated criteria for ‘Four credits – Prediction of operational energy consumption’. Includes new methodology section that replaces previous guidance in GN32. |
Ene 01 |
Post-occupancy evaluation of operational energy consumption exemplary credits: Updated criteria for the two exemplary credits for ‘Post-occupancy evaluation of operational energy consumption’. Replaces requirement for a specific post-occupancy stage assessment. |
Hea 02 |
Indoor air quality (IAQ) plan prerequisite: Update to criteria for ‘Prerequisite – Indoor air quality (IAQ) plan’. The criteria now specifically mention consideration of purge ventilation and local authority plans and policies. The changes have also been applied to an updated version of GN06. |
Hea 02 |
Ventilation credit: Updated criteria for ‘One credit – Ventilation’. Updated requirements for specifying or installing carbon dioxide (CO2) sensors in occupied spaces, plus a new requirement to report the number and coverage of installed sensors. Specific reference to CIBSE AM13 for buildings with mixed-mode ventilation. |
Hea 02 |
Post-construction indoor air quality measurement credit: Update to criteria for ‘One credit – Post-construction indoor air quality measurement’. The total volatile organic compound (TVOC) concentration level measured post-construction has been reverted to 300μg/m³ (was 500μg/m³ in UK NC 2018). |
Scope, Ene 02, Wat 01, Wat 02 |
Updated references to post-occupancy stage assessment, following amendments to exemplary credits in Ene 01. |
Summary of changes – BREEAM UK NC V6.1 - KBCN1600
BREEAM UK New Construction Version 6.1 (UK NC V6.1) is a minor update to BREEAM UK New Construction Version 6.0 to incorporate changes to the building regulations for energy performance in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. It was released on 14 June 2023.
The updated version of
BREEAM UK New Construction Version 6 now incorporates new translator curves for the Ene 01 calculation methodology in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. This follows the
changes that were introduced for England in Version 6.0 (see KBCN1530).
The main changes are listed in the table below.
All changes are listed in the ‘
Schedule of changes’ in the technical manual. The update includes some minor corrections for known issues in BREEAM UK New Construction 2018 and Version 6.0.
Relevant knowledge base compliance notes (KBCNs) from UK NC 2018 and UK NC V6.0 can continue to be applied to UK NC V6.1.
Location |
Description of change |
Ene 01 |
Energy performance (Ene 01 calculator): Updated translator curves for buildings in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland using the latest version of the building regulations and SBEM outputs in these countries. The Ene 01 calculation methodology is described in an updated version of GN39. |
Ene 01 |
Energy performance (multi-residential assessments): Updated methodology for multi-residential assessments that include SAP component using the latest version of the building regulations and SAP outputs in all UK countries. |
Ene 01 (online platform) |
Multiple file upload: Projects assessed under UK NC V6.1 can upload multiple _BRUKL.inp files for a single assessment and the platform will perform the calculation described in KBCN1083. |
Ene 01 (online platform) |
Alternative route to Excellent: Projects assessed under UK NC V6.1 can manually input amended figures from the dynamic simulation modelling into the platform to demonstrate the 'substantial improvement' required to achieve the Excellent minimum standard via the alternative route in KBCN1336. |
Ene 01 |
Clarified the structure and wording of the exemplary credits for 'Beyond zero net regulated carbon'. The requirements and the number of credits available are still the same. |
Ene 08 |
Removed drying lines option for multi-residential assessments (previously item 5b in section on ‘Domestic-scale appliances’). |
Hea 05 |
Updated reference to the latest design guidance for law court buildings. |
Pol 05 |
Updated the background noise level thresholds in criterion 4. [Incorrect change reverted in V6.1.1. See June 2023 Process Note.] |
Tra 02 |
Updated minimum power for electric recharging stations to 7kW (in Table 7.4 ‘Sustainable public, private and active transport measures’, assessment option 4). |
08/11/2023 - Entry for Pol 05 updated to clarify.
Surface water run-off – Derelict sites - KBCN1024
If the site has been derelict for over five years, the appropriate consultant must assess the previous drainage network and make reasonable assumptions to establish probable flow rates and volumes. They should use best practice simulation modelling to determine the 1 year and 100 year peak flow rates at the relevant discharge points. A site visit prior to development will be required unless accurate data already exists from a previous survey. The resultant professional report can then be used to determine the pre-development volumes and rates of run-off. Without this professional input, the site must be deemed as greenfield pre-development, assuming Soil type 5 for the calculation of the pre-development site run-off.
Surface water run-off – discharge to a tidal estuary or the sea - KBCN1023
The peak rate of run-off and volume run-off criteria can be deemed to be met if the site discharges rainwater directly to a tidal estuary or the sea.
The site run-off must discharge directly into the tidal estuary or the sea. Typically, drainage pipes would only carry run-off from the site and would not need to cross privately owned land outside the boundary of the development before reaching the sea.
A definition of tidal estuary is in the technical manual.
Surface water run-off – Highways and impermeable areas - KBCN1035
Where new non-adoptable highways are built, all new impermeable surfaces must be included in the calculations to demonstrate compliance with the peak rate of run-off and volume of run-off criteria. Where buildings are built beside existing highways or where adoptable highways are built, the impermeable area of the highway does not need to be included in the calculations.
Surface water run-off – no change in impermeable area - KBCN1212
CN 3.9 states: "Where the man-made impermeable area draining to the watercourse (natural or municipal) has decreased or remains unchanged post-development, the peak and volume rate of run-off requirements for the surface water run-off credits will be met by default… In this instance a flood risk assessment must be carried out and any opportunities identified to reduce surface water run-off are implemented."
Where the flood resilience credits are not being targeted, a flood risk assessment is not required. Instead, a separate study identifying opportunities to reduce surface water run-off may be carried out, and the measures implemented.
Where there is no change in impermeable area, opportunities should be identified to reduce run-off. It is not necessary to carry out a flood risk assessment to fulfill the intent of this criteria.
Surface water run-off not flooding property - KBCN0565
Where parts of a site may flood in the event of local drainage system failure, it is still possible to demonstrate compliance if the building itself will not be at risk of flooding.
Sustainability Champion role – Construction - KBCN0446
The intent of the Sustainability Champion role is to monitor and report on the project’s progress towards the relevant BREEAM target(s), over the course of the stated RIBA stages, in order to minimise the risks of possible non-compliance with the agreed BREEAM targets. To do this the Sustainability Champion should:
- Ideally be site-based, or visit the site regularly and be authorised to carry out inspection and monitoring of the works relevant to their role
- Monitor site activities with an appropriate level of frequency
- Report regularly to the principal contractor and attend relevant project team meetings, identifying potential areas of non-compliance and recommending actions to mitigate these.
03.11.2020 Issue 2.0 of the UK RFO technical manual updated with the above text. It remains applicable to previous issues of the manual.
Sustainable procurement plan – timing - KBCN1659
Where a sustainable procurement plan is not in place before Concept Design (as required in the criteria), the credit can still be achieved if:
- A sustainable procurement plan is in place before the end of Concept Design.
- The assessor justifies that the later timing has not compromised the ability of the plan to guide specification and procurement activities.
Sustainable Procurement Plan: Relevant Standard - KBCN0767
The correct standard in the definition of Sustainable Procurement Plan is now BS ISO 20400:2017, which supercedes 8903:2010 - Principles and Framework for Procuring Sustainably.
In the UK manuals BS 8903:2010 was incorrectly listed as BS 8902:2009. All relevant references will be updated to BS ISO 20400:2017 in the coming re-issues of the manuals.
05/10/2017 New reference to BS ISO 20400:2017 added.
03/11/2021 Issue 2.0 of the UK RFO technical manual corrected.
Sustainable Transport Measures – Option 2 – Phased developments - KBCN1073
In the case of a phased development where new transport services will be provided, but at a later stage than completion of the assessed building, these can be considered where:
A commitment has been made to provide the transport services within the shortest of the following periods and this is demonstrated within the General Contract Specification or in the form of a Section 106 Agreement:
- The transport services will be available for use by the time 25% of all phases have been completed and are ready for occupation.
OR
- The transport services will be available for use within 25% of the total build time for the phase in which the assessed building forms a part, measured from the completion date of that phase.
Where the transport services will not be available for use within a period of five years from occupation of the assessed building, they cannot be considered for compliance with the BREEAM criteria.
Sustainable transport measures – Shell only and shell & core assessments - KBCN1181
Assessment option 3 “Public transport information system”
A public transport information system may not be in the scope of works for a shell only or shell & core assessment.
In such cases, this measure is not available, however points can be achieved through demonstrating compliance with alternative options in this issue.
If it does fall within the scope of works, this measure is still available.
Assessment option 4 “Electric Vehicle recharging stations”
For shell only and shell & core assessments it is permissible to demonstrate compliance through provision of all necessary infrastructure required for future installation of compliant electric recharging stations.
BREEAM recognises that full installation of recharging terminals may be outside the scope of shell only and shell & core stages.
Assessment option 5 “Car Sharing”
For speculative shell only and shell & core assessments, measures 5.7 and 5.8 might not be achievable. Where this is demonstrated and justified, the one point available for this option can be achieved through compliance with measures 5.9 & 5.10 only.
Where the building occupier is not known, project teams are unable to influence the implementation phase of a car sharing scheme.
26/06/2020 Note relating to Option 3 - wording amended to clarify the intent.
Swimming pools - KBCN0812
Water use dedicated to swimming pools is considered an unregulated water use and should be included in the assessment of this issue.
Table 32 in the manual SD233 issue 2.0 - KBCN1154
For the purpose of assessing this BREEAM issue, the table to refer to is the first one, i.e. Table 32.
The two tables that follow are a typo and should not be considered.
Technical manual to be updated accordingly in next reissue.
Table 58 and CN3.2 Grid electricity amendments - KBCN0887
Table 58 and the third paragraph in CN3.2 were accidentally copied in the reissue v.2.0. Table 58 should be ignored and the compliance note should read as follows:
CN3.2 Grid electricity
Heating systems powered by grid electricity can be considered to have zero NOx emissions. If all heating in the building is provided by grid electricity the credits can be awarded by default.
The reason for this is based on the aim of this issue, which is to improve local air quality.
Technical manual to be updated accordingly in next reissue.
Table 7.3 AI and number of points achieved - KBCN1362
The header for the table should read:
- First column: “Points required for projects with AI < 25”
- Second column: “Points required for projects with AI ≥ 25 < 40”
- Third column: “Points required for projects with AI ≥ 40”
Therefore, please ignore the text in the second column “(urban centre)”.
For example, a project with an AI of 30 that achieves 4 points for implementing options in Table 7.4 would be awarded 6 credits.
Targeting ecology issues using a mixture of routes - KBCN1306
Where Route 1 is pursued initially and it is subsequently decided that Route 2 should be followed, the Suitably Qualified Ecologist appointed should review all evidence available for the issues already assessed to confirm the actions taken were appropriate.
Note: Route 1 and Route 2 are referred to as the 'Foundation' and 'Comprehensive' routes in HQM ONE, respectively.
Technical: Location of scheme technical documents - KBCN00022
All scheme technical manuals are available to view and download on the BREEAM website http://www.breeam.com/technical-standards.
Always refer to the BREEAM website to make sure that you have access to the most up-to-date version of the relevant scheme technical manual.
Technical: Scope of BREEAM UK New Construction 2014 versus 2011 - KBCN0494
Under BREEAM UK New Construction (NC) 2014, building types fall within four broad sector categories; commercial, public sector, multi-residential and ‘other buildings’; each sector containing a sub-group of buildings which can be assessed using the 2014 version e.g. commercial sector includes offices, retail and industrial types.
In addition to the building types covered by the BREEAM UK NC 2011 scheme, fire stations and visitor centres are included within the scope of the BREEAM UK NC 2014 scheme.
Also, the criteria for Simple Buildings are fully integrated in the BREEAM UK NC 2014 scheme, whilst revised guidance is included for the assessment of shell only and shell and core projects.
Temporary Car Parking - KBCN0751
The number of car parking spaces should be based on the permanent parking spaces provided specifically for the development once fully operational.
Assessors should determine whether parking spaces should be considered 'permanent' or 'temporary', based on evidence provided by the design team.
Temporary ecological enhancements prior to development - KBCN00065
Where a site has been acquired but development is not scheduled to start immediately, it is possible to determine the baseline ecological value of the site at this point. Furthermore, to recognise where positive measures to enhance ecology have been taken to manage the site until development starts, these enhancement measures will not impact on the baseline value for the purposes of the BREEAM assessment, provided that the following have been met:
- Following acquisition of the site and prior to any site clearance which involves the removal of any relevant features, the ecological value of a site is recorded in accordance with the relevant BREEAM methodology by a suitably qualified ecologist (SQE) to establish the baseline.
- The SQE confirms and records details of the temporary ecological enhancement and management strategy being implemented on the site for the period prior to scheduled development.
- For a period of up to 10 years, the initial baseline determined for the site is valid for the purposes of BREEAM assessment.
- Any enhancements prior to scheduled development that are not being carried forward into the design, construction and operational phases can be disregarded for the purposes of establishing the baseline ecological value at development.
- The assessment report shall provide documentary evidence of the above for certification.
- Any enhancement and management practices implemented prior to scheduled development that will be maintained and continued through the design, construction and into the operational phase can contribute toward the awarding of credits via the BREEAM calculator tools.
Clarification: This guidance is currently under development. Please contact BRE Global with specific project details for confirmation of whether this approach may be used.
The aim of these issues is to demonstrate the impact that a project has had on the site ecology, but comparing the site pre and post development. BREEAM does not want to penalise sites that have put in temporary ecological enhancements that enhance the ecology while waiting for development to begin.
Temporary irrigation systems - KBCN0147
Temporary watering arrangements set up purely to allow plant species or a green roof to establish are acceptable for plants relying on natural precipitation during all seasons of the year. Where this is the case, the ecologist's report must confirm the plant species and the expected time for recommended plant species to establish themselves i.e. time period for temporary watering arrangements.
Temporary power solutions in noise impact assessments - KBCN0171
Plants such as standby generators that are only used temporarily are excluded from the noise impact assessment.
Tenant fit-out of asset prior to PCR, where DS compliance is based on Option 2 - KBCN0412
If a tenant begins the fit-out in line with the Green Building Guide before the post-construction report submission, the assessor can award full credits for criteria met based on 'Option 3 Developer/Tenant Collaboration'. The assessor would need to collect evidence of the fit-out as normal for a post-construction assessment or review.
If a tenant chooses not to follow the Green Building Guide provided to them, the assessor can still award half credits in accordance with Option 2. In order to provide transparency to future occupants of the building, the assessor's post construction report must record where the tenants have chosen not to follow the Green Building Guide.
While it is recognised that the tenant is not following the Green Building Guide, the developer has fulfilled their obligations in providing the necessary documentation for the Shell and Core assessment and has influenced the tenants' decisions as far as possible.
05/04/2018 Wording clarified
Testing and inspecting building fabric – Untreated spaces - KBCN0972
Untreated spaces, which are not subject to compliance with statutory energy performance regulations, can be excluded from the scope of the 'Testing and inspecting building fabric/thermographic survey/air pressure testing' criteria.
Testing and inspecting the building fabric credit - KBCN0649
The requirements for this credit are to ensure continuity of insulation, avoidance of thermal bridging and air leakage paths. How this is achieved is up to the judgement of the suitably qualified professional.
The criteria are intended to afford the design team the opportunity to demonstrate that the above are met by whatever means are appropriate, which will generally be air-tightness testing and a thermographic survey.
Should the suitably qualified professional advise alternative means, the assessor must be satisfied and be able to demonstrate that all the above requirements have been met.
BREEAM seeks to be outcome-driven and does not, therefore, prescribe the specific testing methods to achieve the criteria in this Issue.
Testing and inspecting the building fabric – Shell Only - KBCN0573
For Shell Only assessments with spaces which are intended to be treated post-assessment, imposing the requirement for a thermographic survey on a future user is not acceptable, as it may be difficult and unreasonable to expect them to remediate any defects revealed by the survey. Therefore the credit is still applicable even if building services have not yet been fitted.
While we appreciate that it may be more challenging to achieve this credit for a shell only assessment compared to shell and core and fully fitted buildings, please note that the credits within the Management category do have a higher weighting for shell only assessments and there are also fewer credits applicable. Therefore each credit in the management category is worth more, as a percentage of the final score, than they are for shell and core / fully fitted buildings. This, therefore, helps to justify any potential additional burden felt by shell only assessments for this credit.
The importance of EPDs - KBCN0895
The publishing of a third party verified EPD by a manufacturer indicates a transparent, robust and credible step in the pursuit and achievement of real sustainability in practice. While an EPD in itself is not proof that a product is sustainable, it is a public declaration of the environmental impacts associated with specified life cycle stages of that product. A manufacturer or group of manufacturers, who carry out life cycle assessment (LCA) studies on their product(s) and publish the results in verified EPDs, help to create a knowledge base and an awareness of the environmental impacts quantified using standardised metrics. This allows benchmarking and the identification of improvement opportunities for the product’s environmental credentials. By implication, there are also opportunities for economic and social benefits to the manufacturer, such as the reduction in resource wastage through improvements in product design and manufacturing efficiency.
The reward for EPDs in BREEAM schemes promotes the above, while encouraging designers, procurers and other stakeholders to make decisions on the basis of robust and credible environmental data. This is one of the markers of BRE’s strategic approach to the selection and procurement of construction materials and products.
We recognise that there may be steep costs at the moment to small manufacturers wishing to publish verified EPDs for their products. This is a result of the maturity of the market and it is anticipated that as the awareness of the benefits of EPD increases, the increased uptake of EPDs will drive costs down.
Thermal comfort – Changing rooms - KBCN1133
Whilst thermal comfort in changing rooms may be considered as significant, such spaces are, generally, outside the scope of this Issue, as they would not fall within the definition of an 'occupied space'.
17/06/2019 - This supersedes the advice previously provided in this KBCN, which was published in error on 13/06/2018
Thermal modelling – full dynamic thermal analysis - KBCN1250
The software used to carry out the thermal modelling simulation at the detailed design stage needs to provide full dynamic analysis. For smaller and more basic building designs with less complex heating/cooling systems, an alternative less complex means of analysis may be appropriate. Further guidance on thermal modelling can be found in CIBSE AM11 Building energy and environmental modelling.
Thermal modelling – mechanical ventilation with no heating or cooling - KBCN1579
Where the building services include mechanical ventilation with no heating or cooling element this is considered "free-running". These buildings do not need to follow the air-conditioned building criteria.
If the building services do not include any mechanical cooling, then the risk of overheating is down to the use of the building fabric to afford attenuation of the diurnal swings / solar gains. Therefore the adaptive approach to thermal comfort from CIBSE AM10 is the correct approach to define and assess summer overheating /thermal comfort against. Following the Adaptive model is seen as allowing a lot of tolerance for the required indoor conditions.
A full DTM assessment will be required to show the predicted summer internal conditions.
Thermal modelling – naturally ventilated buildings with heating for the winter months - KBCN1345
Where naturally ventilated occupied spaces are heated in the winter/heating season, as an alternative to demonstrating compliance with the winter operative temperature ranges in CIBSE Guide A or other appropriate industry standard, such occupied spaces can demonstrate compliance through meeting the Category B requirements for PPD, PMV and local discomfort set out in Table A.1 of Annex A of ISO 7730:2005. Where this alternative compliance route is used, when these naturally ventilated occupied spaces are in ‘free-running mode’ (i.e. outside of the winter/heating season), it is not possible to use the ISO 7730:2005 method and therefore these spaces must demonstrate compliance with the requirements to limit the risk overheating in accordance with CIBSE TM52.
Thermal modelling for large scale projects - KBCN1171
In cases where the scale of the project makes it unfeasible to provide thermal modelling for every space, it is acceptable to demonstrate compliance with a representative sample of floors or rooms, ensuring any worst case scenarios are included.
Thermal modelling for shell only developments - KBCN0784
For shell only developments, in order to achieve criterion 1, thermal modelling can be completed on the basis of a typical notional layout and equipment specification for the particular building type (retail, restaurants, cinema etc.) can be used to demonstrate compliance.
Thermal modelling – buildings with mixed-mode ventilation - KBCN1346
Where a building has some occupied spaces that are naturally ventilated and some occupied spaces that are air-conditioned, the thermal modelling must demonstrate that the naturally ventilated spaces meet the criteria for naturally ventilated buildings and that the air-conditioned spaces meet the criteria for air-conditioned buildings.
Thermographic survey – ABCIDIA certification - KBCN0281
ABCIDIA no longer delivers certificates in thermography, however the ABCIDIA certification of thermographers is valid for three years, and individuals can report on developments while they are still covered by a valid certificate.
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.
Thermographic survey – Shell & Core - KBCN0198
Generally it is most appropriate to carry out a thermographic survey once the thermal envelope is complete and the building services have been installed. Where this is not the case, an appropriate professional should be consulted to confirm a suitable way forward for individual projects at the shell and core stage. Subject to the paragraph below, if it is not possible to undertake a full and accurate survey at this stage, the credit must be withheld.
Imposing the requirement for a thermographic survey on an unknown future tenant by using a green lease agreement or green building guide is not acceptable as it may be difficult and unreasonable to expect the tenant to remediate any defects revealed by the survey. If the future tenant is known and there is a robust arrangement and contractually binding agreement in place to undertake a thermographic survey and remedy any defects, Shell & Core Option 3 may be used, subject to the submission of appropriate evidence.
Thermographic survey and report – UK qualifications - KBCN0322
The UKTA (UK Thermography Association) defines what is currently accepted as a suitable qualification for building thermography in line with ISO 18436-7 (Building or Civil), PCN CM/GEN Appendix B Civil, and ISO 6781-3.
As of 6th June 2014, the PCN (Civil) Level 2 and ABBE Level 4 Building Thermographer qualifications are recognised by the UKTA as suitable for BREEAM thermographic surveys. Work is underway to align these requirements with other qualification routes and these will be reviewed by the UKTA on a case-by-case basis. For more information, please contact the UKTA directly (
www.ukta.org).
It is acceptable for the survey to be undertaken by other appropriately qualified building thermography professionals provided the analysis and report is undertaken or overseen, quality checked and signed by an appropriately qualified professional as defined by the UKTA.
07-Mar-2023 - Updated title to clarify that this KBCN relates to UK qualifications.
Thermographic survey for large and complex buildings - KBCN0405
In the case of large and complex buildings, it may be impractical for the thermographic survey and air-tightness testing to cover 100% of the building. The level of the survey should be decided by a Level 2 qualified thermographic surveyor. This could include, for example, airports, large hospitals and high-rise buildings.
Thermographic survey or airtightness testing impractical - KBCN0150
In the case of large and complex buildings, it may be impractical for the thermographic survey and airtightness testing to cover 100% of the building. Where a complete thermographic survey or airtightness testing is deemed impractical by a Suitably Qualified Professional (thermographic survey or airtightness testing), the following guidance applies:
- Airtightness testing: Guidance in airtightness standard TSL2 (or relevant local standard) should be followed regarding the extent of the survey and testing. This could include, for example, airports, large hospitals, high-rise buildings.
- Thermographic survey: Any building with a floor area less that 2000m2 should have a full survey unless it contains a large number of similar rooms, e.g. a health centre or hotel. Any building with a floor area greater that 2000m2 may be sampled by taking images of a representative sample of spaces on each floor including spaces with different activities and at different locations on the floor plan. Each elevation and each elevational and roof treatment/type need to be sampled. Sampling should be increased if evidence of poor building fabric thermal performance is identified from sampling.
23/11/2020 amended text to improve clarity:
In the case of large and complex buildings, it may be impractical for the thermographic survey and airtightness testing to cover 100% of the building. Where a complete thermographic survey is deemed impractical by a Level 2 qualified thermographic surveyor, the guidance in airtightness standard TSL2 (or relevant local standard) should be followed on the extent of the survey and testing. This could include, for example, airports, large hospitals, high-rise buildings.
Thermographic survey – Standards for qualification of personnel - KBCN0689
Assessors can accept reports from thermographers who hold a suitable Infrared Thermographic Testing (TT) qualification under one of the following standards, depending on which one was current at the time of the thermographer's qualification:
- ISO 18436-7:2008
- ISO 9712:2012
- ISO 18436-7:2014
- ISO 6781-3:2015
13-Mar-2017 - Compliance note amended to allow the applicability of standards based on the time of the thermographer's qualification, rather than the BREEAM scheme version.
03-Nov-2021 - Above text added to issue 2.0 of the UK RFO 2014 technical manual. The text is still relevant to previous issues of the manual.
07-Mar-2023 - Updated title to clarify that this KBCN relates to standards for the qualification of personnel.
Third party licensing or registration scheme - KBCN0902
A specialist registered with a BREEAM recognised third party licensing or registration scheme for security specialists can be considered a Suitably Qualified Security Specialist for the purposes of compliance with BREEAM Hea 06.
The following are currently recognised as a third party licensing or registration scheme for an SQSS;
• SABRE Registered Professional
Only SABRE Registered Professionals holding the designation ‘SQSS’ are recognised. A live list of SABRE Registered Professionals and their designations can be found on
www.redbooklive.com. Further information regarding the SABRE Registered Professional can be found on the SABRE website (
www.bregroup.com/sabre).
(21/03/2018) Updated to include applicability to BREEAM UK NC 2011
(19/07/2018) Updated to clarify recognition of SABRE
(03/11/2021) Issue 2.0 of the UK RFO technical manual has be amended to include this information. The information is still relevant to previous versions of the manual.
Third party verification – BREEAM Assessor or AP - KBCN1235
A BREEAM assessor or AP who meets the definition may be considered as a 'suitably qualified third party' for this credit, provided that any conflicts of interest are managed and that the individual is not directly involved in the design of the LCA options.
See also
KBCN1234
Third-party verification – Timing - KBCN1603
The third-party LCA verification requirements for concept and technical design stages do not need to be completed at a specific project stage.
It is, for example, acceptable for these to be verified as a single exercise, following technical design stage.
Time critical requirements – Concept / Technical Design stages - KBCN1711
The intent of the criteria relating to project stages in BREEAM is to ensure that actions are taken at a time when they can have the intended influence.
Where projects are following these defined stages via a traditional procurement route, referring to the project programme and work stages are a robust and convenient way to demonstrate that the intent is met.
However, not all projects will follow these work stages. In such cases, the project can show that the intent is met by demonstrating that, for the relevant BREEAM requirement, the activity has happened when the project is at an appropriate stage of development.
Concept Design
The project stage at which fundamental aspects of the design are developed.
- What has happened already: the architectural concept is established.
- What is in progress: the design is undergoing spatial coordination and design development for detailed planning approval.
- Detailed planning approval is an approval that covers all major aspects of the asset's external appearance and form. Typically this means the detailed massing, external materials, and site layout are confirmed.
- Achieving outline planning permission does not mean that the project has left Concept Design. An outline approval is an approval for architectural concept but with many of the above details still missing, and yet to be developed.
Technical Design
Once a detailed planning application has been submitted, many aspects of the design will be fixed, and the project is at Technical Design stage.
- What has happened already: full planning approval has been granted.
- What is in progress: detailed spatial coordination and developed design information is being used to develop the information needed to construct the asset.
Depending on the procurement route, there may be an overlap between technical design and the construction phase of the works.
Additional guidance
Sometimes different aspects of the design might be at different project stages.
KBCN1156 gives detailed guidance on how to define the project stage for each construction element, based on the design information available for that element. Although it was originally written specifically to address Mat 01 LCA for UK NC 2018 and V6, it may be useful in other situations.
Time critical requirements – defining project stage by construction element - KBCN1156
This KBCN was originally written to specifically clarify BREEAM requirements for Mat 01 Concept / Technical Design under NC 2018 and V6. However, the general principles may also be applicable to other assessment issues.
As a building design process passes through successive work stages, increasingly more aspects of the design become fixed. BREEAM criteria often require actions at, before or after specific project work stages, as these are the optimal stages to achieve the required sustainability outcome. When undertaken at a different stage, the criteria may be difficult to comply with, opportunities may be missed, options limited or costs may become prohibitive.
Knowing which stage your project is at
Where possible, BREEAM refers to industry-standard work stages, for example the RIBA plan of work stages. However different project teams can interpret these referenced stages differently.
Furthermore, many projects do not follow these stages in a simple linear fashion for all aspects of the design at the same time. For instance, the envelope design may be well advanced even to the point where installation has commenced before any specification decisions have been made on some interior finishes. As such, a project may not be at one project stage for all elements of the design at any one point in time.
This Knowledge Base compliance note is intended to provide supplementary information to enable projects to determine what stage they are at with respect to time critical BREEAM requirements, including where different elements are at different stages. Although project team members may be willing to offer their opinion on the stage the project has reached, this will often be subjective and hence inconsistent. Therefore, the process set out here looks at the currently available design information for the project (e.g. drawings, specifications) to determine the current work stage in relation to the issue under consideration. This provides a more objective, demonstrable approach for the assessor to follow.
Concept Design Stage
The RIBA definition of ‘Concept Design’ (RIBA stage 2) can be found here
https://www.ribaplanofwork.com/PlanOfWork.aspx . The core objective given is
‘Prepare Concept Design, including outline proposals for structural design, building services systems, outline specifications and preliminary Cost Information along with relevant Project Strategies in accordance with Design Programme. Agree alterations to brief and issue Final Project Brief.’
Table 1 and table 2 (in the link below) provide further guidance, specific to BREEAM, to help determine whether a project, or part of the project relevant to the issue/credit, is at ‘Concept Design’ stage. If there is ambiguity or uncertainty about the stage of the project, the assessor should check with the design team whether the design documentation (drawings, specifications, BIM etc.)
currently being produced by the design team will generally include the information listed.
It is possible for different aspects of the project to be at different stages in terms of how progressed the design is. For example, the substructure design may be at technical design or even installed while the internal partitions are still at concept design. Whether this matters depends on the issue/credit being pursued. The following steps take this into account.
Step 1
First, for the issue/credit being pursued, determine which of the relevant assessment scope items in table 1 and 2 are relevant. For example, if the issue/credit only relates to substructure, then only the substructure assessment scope items shall be considered. If the issue/credit is of a general nature concerning the whole project, then all the assessment scope items shall be considered.
Step 2
For the relevant assessment scope items from step 1, decide which of the following applies the most: -
- Where the items listed are in the process of being included in the design documentation, this indicates that the project, or part of the project being considered, is likely to be at the ‘Concept Design’ stage.
- If items listed are not in the process of being included, the project, or part of the project being considered, is likely to be at an earlier stage.
- If the existing design documentation already includes the items listed the project, or part of the project being considered, is likely to be at a later stage.
Please note that the items listed are indicative of the typical information produced at ‘Concept Design’ stage.
Technical Design Stage
The RIBA definition of ‘Technical Design’ (RIBA stage 4) can be found here https://www.ribaplanofwork.com/PlanOfWork.aspx . The core objective provided is ‘
Prepare Technical Design in accordance with Design Responsibility Matrix and Project Strategies to include all architectural, structural and building services information, specialist subcontractor design and specifications, in accordance with Design Programme.’
The following provides further guidance, specific to BREEAM, to determine whether a project is at the ‘Technical Design’ stage: The RIBA plan of work definition of ‘Technical Design’ clearly states that it should ‘
…include all architectural, structural and building services information, specialist subcontractor design and specifications…’. Therefore, it is a simpler task to determine whether the project, or part of the project relevant to the issue/credit, is at this stage. If there is ambiguity or uncertainty about the stage of the project, the assessor should check with the design team whether the design documentation (drawings, specifications, BIM etc.) currently under production by the design team (and the contractor’s specialist sub-contractors, if applicable) will, when finished, generally include all the final design information required for the construction works on-site.
Like concept design, it is possible for different aspects of the project to be at different stages in terms of how progressed the design is. The following steps take this into account.
Step 1
First, for the issue/credit being pursued, determine which of the relevant assessment scope items are relevant (the assessment scope items given in table 1 and 2 may be used, but the rest of the information in these tables relates to concept design).
Step 2
For the relevant assessment scope items from step 1, decide which of the following applies the most: -
- Where all the final design information required for the construction works on-site is in the process of being included in the design documentation, this indicates that the project, or part of the project being considered, is likely to be at the ‘Technical Design’ stage.
- If it is not in the process of being included, the project, or part of the project being considered, is likely to be at an earlier stage.
- If the existing design documentation already includes all the final design information required for the construction works on-site the project, or part of the project being considered, is likely to be at a later stage.
KBCN1156_IndicatorTables
06-Nov-2024 - Scheme applicability updated. Title amended. Explanatory note added.
17-Jun-2019 - KBCN updated to provide additional guidance.
Timing of Ecological survey/report - KBCN0292
If the ecologist's site survey and/or report is completed at a later stage than required, the assessor would need to be satisfied that it was produced early enough for the recommendations to influence the Concept Design/design brief stage and leads to a positive outcome in terms of protection and enhancement of site ecology.
21/02/2017 Wording clarified.
Timing of Ecological survey/report - KBCN0292
If the ecologist's site survey and/or report is completed at a later stage than required, the assessor would need to be satisfied that it was produced early enough for the recommendations to influence the Concept Design/design brief stage and leads to a positive outcome in terms of protection and enhancement of site ecology.
21/02/2017 Wording clarified.
Tools: Assessment details tab in reporting tool – heating type info unavailable - KBCN0406
While the Assessment details tab asks for heating and cooling types your selection for the type of heating or cooling system does not affect the number of credits. The number of credits are influenced only if heating or cooling systems are applicable or not. Therefore, for a situation where the design is in early stages and the building services details have not been decided, your selection simply needs to confirm whether or not the building is heated and whether or not the building is cooled using the drop down menus for “Building services – heating system type” and “Building services – cooling system type”. This must be completed for the assessment tool to function.
Tools: Tracker+ - KBCN0760
Please note that Tracker+ is not a BRE-owned or managed reporting tool. For issues concerning Tracker + please contact the provider (Southfacing) as the BRE cannot advise on technical issues relating to Tracker+.
Tools: Use of reissued tools - KBCN0384
The most up-to-date version of an excel tool should be downloaded from the BREEAM Assessor's Extranet when a new assessment is started. If an updated tool is subsequently released then it will not be necessary to use the updated tool instead of the version already being used. The assessor can choose to use the updated tool if they wish.
When new tool versions are released, assessors are notified through the monthly Process Note. We would expect Assessors to review the 'Schedule of Changes' tab when an updated tool is released. If fundamental changes have been made to the tool and they will affect the results for the issue in question please contact BRE for guidance.
TOR for schools - KBCN0172
The 'time out of range' (TOR) requirement is satisfied when a significantly better performance is justified to have been achieved in comparison to the appropriate industry standard. Where there is no appropriate industry standard available or TOR recommendation, the building services engineer needs to confirm the TOR is acceptable for the specific building.
Where there is a reference to 60 hours TOR in relation to Building Bulletin 101 recommendations, this is purely for illustration and not a compliance requirement.
Towel rails - KBCN00081
Towel rails cannot count towards the drying line requirements.
Clothes drying lines are provided to reduce the need to tumble drying clothes, which uses a lot of energy. Using towel rails to dry clothes would require the potentially damp towels to be stored while the clothes dry. This is inconvenient and therefore means the aim of the credit is less likely to be met.
Tra 01 and Tra 02 – Prerequisite and RIBA stage requirements - KBCN1205
In Issues 1.0 and 1.2 of the technical manual, the criteria state that achieving the credits in Tra 01 is a prerequisite to awarding credits for Tra 02.
In order to clarify the intent, there is a need to distinguish between the following:
- A ‘transport assessment’, which, to be effective, must be carried out during the early design stages to influence time-critical aspects of the design.
- A ‘travel plan’, which must be developed at an appropriate time during the design development to influence the implementation of appropriate transport measures during construction and operation.
The requirement to undertake an early-stage ‘transport assessment’ remains as a criterion to award any credits for Issue Tra 01, however it has now been clarified that this does not form part of the prerequisite for awarding credits in Tra 02.
The prerequisite to achieve credits in Tra 02 relates to the requirement to develop a ‘travel plan’ at an appropriate stage in the development, which informs decisions relating to the sustainable transport measures implemented in Tra 02.
Clarification of the requirements in Tra 01 and Tra 02:
Tra 01, Criterion 1
This currently states:
‘1. During the feasibility and design stages, develop a travel plan based on a site-specific travel assessment or statement.’
Clarified criterion:
‘1. No later than Concept Design stage, undertake a site-specific transport assessment (or statement) and draft travel plan, which can demonstrably be used to influence the site layout and built form; see Methodology.’
Tra 01, Criterion 3
This currently states:
‘3. The travel plan includes proposals to increase or improve sustainable modes of transport and movement of people and goods during the building's operation and use; see Methodology.’
Clarified criterion:
‘3. Following a transport assessment (in accordance with the requirements set out in criteria 2a-2g) develop a site-specific travel plan, that provides a long term management strategy which encourages more sustainable travel. The travel plan includes measures to increase or improve more sustainable modes of transport and movement of people and goods during the building's operation; see Methodology.’
Tra 02, Prerequisite
This currently states:
‘1. Achieve the Tra 01 Transport assessment and travel plan credits.’
Clarified criterion:
‘1. Achieve criteria 3-5 in the Tra 01 Transport assessment and travel plan Issue’
This will be confirmed in the next reissue of the technical manual, but the tool has been updated on BREEAM Projects and this can be applied immediately in all versions of the UK NC2018 scheme.
Tram services - KBCN000004
Tram services are classified as train services when assessing transport accessibility.
Translation of standards for approval - KBCN0435
BRE Global can translate standards for the Approved Standards and Weightings List submission.
Please contact BRE Global in advance of submitting the Approved Standards and Weightings List, so that a proposal to cover the translation work can be arranged.
Transport assessments and transport statements - KBCN1367
For many projects, a Transport Assessment or Transport Statement will be required for planning purposes. Where this is the case, this information can be used to demonstrate compliance with the requirement to undertake a site-specific transport/travel assessment. Where a Transport Assessment or Transport Statement is not specifically required for planning purposes, a site-specific transport/travel assessment must be completed that covers points a to g in criterion 2. In such instances, it is permissible for the results of this assessment to be reported within the travel plan rather than in a separate report. The applicable information must be clearly identifiable within the travel plan document, and the travel plan must clearly demonstrate how the transport/travel assessment has been used to inform the plan’s strategy.
Transport measures on masterplan level - KBCN1290
For assessment options 2 and 6, where it can be demonstrated that a measure was considered or negotiated as part of a masterplan, which includes the assessed building and that it provides a direct benefit to the users of that assessed building, this can be considered as compliant.
Transport of construction materials – Data and methodology - KBCN0413
To ensure comparability across assessments, the information completed in the scoring and reporting tool should be restricted to the minimum data specified in the technical manual.
For the purposes of this BREEAM Issue, the distances reported should be calculated from the point from which the products or materials were sourced, whether this be directly from a manufacturer or from a builders' merchant/distributor:
- For products or materials purchased directly from a manufacturer or quarry, for example, the distance should be calculated from the ‘factory gate’, including any intermediate transport.
- For products or materials, which are purchased from a merchant or distributor, only the distance from their depot should be reported.
Where products cannot be sourced locally, for example on small islands, the transport required to import the materials or products can be discounted, and only the local onward transport to the site recorded.
The aim of this requirement is to encourage developers to consider the impacts of transporting products and materials to site. As such, the criteria seek to address only those impacts, which can be influenced by the developer.
27.07.2018 Wording amended to add clarity.
Transportation analysis carried out by the lift manufacturer - KBCN0232
BREEAM recognises that lift manufacturers / suppliers are often engaged to provide such specialist advice. Where the assessor is satisfied that the analysis has been carried out correctly, the analysis can be submitted as compliant evidence.
Travel Plan – Confirmation of timing requirement - KBCN1665
The criteria require that 'a travel plan has been developed as part of the feasibility and design stages'.
To clarify:
Ideally, this will be completed and shared with the project team before the end of Concept Design Stage, so that sustainable transport options can be considered in the built form of the development.
However, in all cases, it must be demonstrated that the Travel Plan was undertaken at an appropriate stage in the design development to influence decisions on implementing sustainable transport measures.
UK NC2018 Update – Bespoke UK RFO/UK NC assessments - KBCN1079
Until the UK RFO scheme is updated to align with UK NC2018, 'Bespoke' NC/RFO assessments will continue to be registered against UK RFO2014 and apply the UK RFO2014 and UK NC2014 criteria.
Unexploded ordnance - KBCN1095
Unexploded ordnance can be defined as a contaminant as they are objects which can be classed as a hazard to health and/or the environment. Therefore, if the contaminated land specialist confirms that leaving the ordinance on the site would lead to a serious risk to human health and the environment, the site can be defined as “contaminated land” (please see the definition within the manual).
However, the credit can only be awarded where all criteria have been met, and therefore the site investigation, risk assessment and appraisal must determine that the site is “significantly contaminated” i.e. without remediation, development of the site is not possible.
Also, it should be noted that decontamination needs to occur specifically for the purpose of re-development of the site, as per the 'Contaminated land - Scope' within the methdology.
Unexploded ordnance - KBCN0775
Unexploded ordnance can be defined as a contaminant as they are objects which can be classed as a hazard to health and/or the environment. Therefore, if the contaminated land specialist confirms that leaving the ordinance on the site would lead to a serious risk to human health and the environment, the site can be defined as “contaminated land” (please see the definition within the 'additional information' section of the manual).
However, the credit can only be awarded where all criteria have been met, and therefore the site investigation, risk assessment and appraisal must determine that the site is “significantly contaminated” i.e. without remediation, development of the site is not possible.
Also, it should be noted that decontamination needs to occur specifically for the purpose of re-development of the site, as detailed in the compliance notes “Prior Decontamination” and “Health and Safety related decontamination.”
Uniclass codes - KBCN1363
The following lists the official UNICLASS 1.4 names from table P relevant to this issue:
- P5 – Timber
- P2 - Cementitious, concrete and mineral-bound materials
- P4 - Metal
- P1 - Stone, natural and reconstituted; P3 - Minerals, excluding cementitious
- P33 - Clay-based materials
- P232 – Gypsum
- P314 – Glass
- P7 - Plastics, rubber, chemicals and synthetics; P34 - Bitumen-based materials
- P6 - Animal and vegetable materials, excluding timber
The complete tables for P and L can be searched here
https://www.cpic.org.uk/uniclass1/
Uniformity of illuminance (Table 57) - KBCN0600
The criteria for uniformity of illuminance (Table 57) has been removed from the issue as it is thought the criteria is not relevant to the international scheme. However, although table 57 was deleted in V1.0, the related criteria i.e 2a was not deleted. The amendment will be in place in the next re-issue of the manual.
Technical manual to be updated accordingly in next re-issue.
Unlodged or ‘draft’ EPC - KBCN0262
Where a building is being assessed against Part L 2006, an unlodged or 'draft' EPC can be submitted as evidence, where it is only possible to lodge against the current Part L of the Building Regulations. In particular for Design Stage Evidence, draft EPCs are acceptable as a forecast of the buildings thermal performance. In such circumstances, these will also be accepted as evidence for the BREEAM Post Construction Review provided they are accompanied by additional evidence demonstrating that they accurately reflect the 'as-built' scheme. This could be in the form of a written statement from the Energy Assessor or by providing a copy of the lodged EPC for the scheme which shows identical input figures.
This only applies to BREEAM 2011 pre-June 2012 update.
Untreated buildings - KBCN1030
Buildings designed to be untreated, i.e. where internal spaces will not be serviced by heating, ventilation or air-conditioning systems and therefore have no noise generating plant will not assess this issue. An example of such a building could be for industrial warehouse storage.
Urinals – calculation of litres/bowl/hour - KBCN1010
A flushing frequency of two flushes per hour is used in the Wat 01 tool and should be applied when calculating the volume of water dispensed by urinals and compared against the water efficient consumption levels by component type for the Wat 01 issue. This method should be applied to calculate litres/bowl/hour.
For example, a 13.5 L cistern feeding 3 bowls which is flushed 2 times per hour: (13.5 L / 3 bowls) x 2 times an hour = 9 litres/bowl/h.
Use of as-designed BRUKL output for post-construction submission - KBCN0889
Where it is not possible to produce an as-built BRUKL output for the post-construction assessment, it is acceptable to produce an updated as-designed BRUKL output that accurately reflects the constructed building as evidence for the post-construction submission.
A justification should be issued to QA clarifying why an as-designed BRUKL was submitted, along with confirmation from the relevant specialist that the model is an accurate representation of the final, as-built specification of the building.
24/08/2022 Applicability to UKNC V6 confirmed
Using BRE SMARTWaste tool - KBCN0236
BRE SMARTWaste may be helpful in demonstrating the construction waste benchmarks; however its use is not compulsory to achieve the credits.
Reference to the SMARTWaste tool has been included in the issue as an example of a tool that can be used to manage and monitor waste generated during construction.
Using water from natural underground sources to offset water consumption - KBCN00094
Water from natural underground sources (for instance aquifer water accessed via boreholes) cannot be used to offset:
- NC / RFO: potable water consumption.
- IU: utility supplied water consumption.
A significant amount of water used for public consumption is already drawn from aquifers. Private boreholes may be drawing water from the same sources as public utility companies.
27-Mar-2024 - Title and text updated to broaden definition. Scheme applicability updated.
Utility consumption – units for project value - KBCN1469
When calculating the total kgCO₂/project value and entering this in the tool, the project value should be reported in pounds sterling i.e. kgCO₂/£1
Ventilation – distance between air intakes and exhausts - KBCN0638
The minimum distance required between the building's air intakes and exhausts is described by
r.
- Where the exhaust is below (A), or at the same level (B) as the intake, r is a horizontal distance.
- Where the exhaust is above the intake (C), r is a 3-dimensional distance.
- r will vary depending on the scheme and criteria being assessed, and whether the exhaust is part of the assessed building or an external source of pollution.
Where the distance does not meet
r, the design team must either:
- Design in accordance with the relevant standard listed in the manual, which allows distances smaller than r in certain circumstances or,
- Use modelling to demonstrate no intake of exhaust air.
16-Aug-2024 - Applicability to INC 2016 and INC V6 removed as the guidance does not align with the criteria.
12-Jan-2023 - Value r clarified to account for different requirements in applicable schemes.
18-Nov-2022 - Requirements clarified. Title amended for clarity.
11-Oct-2022 - Scheme applicability updated. Wording clarified. Reference to EN13779 removed for international assessments, see KBCN1054.
Ventilation – e-cigarettes - KBCN1014
The use of e-cigarettes and vaporizers is considered equivalent to smoking.
A smoking ban must also include a ban on e-cigarettes and vaporizers.
11-Oct-2022 - Scheme applicability updated.
Ventilation – external requirement for window opening restrictors - KBCN1032
Opening restrictors to windows may sometimes need to be installed to meet:
- Health and safety requirements,
- Building regulations or,
- Legal obligations.
Where such external requirements are in force, these requirements cannot be used as a mitigating factor for meeting the BREEAM ventilation criteria.
Even with window restrictors, adequate ventilation can still be achieved.
19-Oct-2022 Wording and title clarified. Scheme applicability updated.
Ventilation – filtration – non-residential assets - KBCN0797
Relevant specialist required
The design and specification of air filtration for mechanical ventilation requires the input and review of a relevant ventilation designer or specialist. It is their responsibility to interpret the requirements of this KBCN to align with local conditions.
Referenced standard
The requirements for air filtration in mechanical ventilation systems follows EN 16798-3:2017 Section B4.2. This standard replaces EN 13779:2007. See
KBCN1054.
Supply air quality
- For assessments using current standard EN 16798-3:2017 Section B4.2: The minimum supply air quality required is SUP2.
SUP 2 applies unless the asset's function dictates even higher supply air quality. Please refer to a relevant specialist for further advice.
- For assessments using legacy standard EN 13779:2007 Annex A3: The default minimum indoor air quality category required is IDA2.
For international assessments where there is no relevant local guidance in the ASWL, the default non-domestic ventilation rates stated in the ASWL equate to an EN 13779 indoor air category of IDA2.
Outdoor air quality
The filtering required to achieve SUP2 is affected by outdoor air quality. Outdoor air quality (ODA) in both EN 16798-3:2017 and EN 13779:2007 are defined as:
- ODA 1: outdoor air that meets World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines or national air quality standards.
- ODA 2 exceeds ODA 1 levels by factor of ≤1.5.
- ODA 3 exceeds ODA 1 levels by factor > 1.5.
As ODA definitions are relative to national air quality standards, these will depend on local regulations and the location of the asset. Please refer to the relevant specialist on how to correctly classify ODA for your asset.
18-Nov-2022 Title amended to differentiate between residential and non-residential filtration KBCNs.
06-Sep-2022 KBCN re-written and re-named to clarify BREEAM ventilation filtration requirements in relation to new ventilation standards. Scheme applicability updated.
Ventilation – filtration – residential assets - KBCN1279
Multiple-occupancy residential developments with central air conditioning systems can demonstrate compliance with criterion 6 by incorporating filtration with a filter class of F7.
For single occupancy dwellings, it is sufficient to demonstrate that a suitable filtration system is incorporated in the installed HVAC system, in accordance with the manufacturers' recommendations.
18-Nov-2022 Title amended to differentiate between residential and non-residential filtration KBCNs.
10-Oct-2022 Scheme applicability updated.
14-Dec-2020 Updated to account for single-occupancy dwellings.
Ventilation – school office areas - KBCN0223
Office areas in schools should comply with listed office ventilation rates set in 'BB 101: Guidelines on ventilation, thermal comfort, and indoor air quality in schools'.
19-Oct-2022 Title amended for clarity. Scheme applicability updated.
Ventilation – single room MVHRs - KBCN1042
Single room mechanical ventilation heat recovery units do not need to show that the air intake and exhaust are a suitable distance apart.
However, the air intakes of these units must be located to minimise intake of other potential external pollutants.
11-Oct-2022 - Title amended for clarity and consistency. Wording simplified. Scheme applicability updated.
Ventilation – withdrawal of EN 13779:2007 - KBCN1054
Standard EN 13779:2007 has been withdrawn (01/02/2018) and in its place the following should be used:
- To replace EN 13779:2007 Annex A2 for location of the building's air intakes and exhausts - CEN/TR 16798-4:2017 Sections 8.8.1 to 8.8.4
- To replace EN 13779:2007 Annex A3 for filtration in HVAC systems - EN 16798-3:2017 Section B.4.2
- To replace EN 13779:2007 for providing fresh air into the building – ISO 17772-1:2017 Annex I or EN 16798-1:2019 Annex B.3 (following the appropriate calculation method, as outlined below, and using either Category I or Category II).
Non-residential buildings: Both standards provide three methods for selecting design ventilation rates:
- Method 1: Method based on perceived air quality
- Method 2: Method using limit values of substance concentration
- Method 3: Method based on predefined ventilation flow rates
Dwellings (only applicable to the BREEAM International New Construction scheme): Both standards provide different options for selecting design ventilation rates:
- Total air change rate for the dwelling
- Extract air flows for specific rooms
- Supply air flows for specific rooms
- Design opening areas for natural ventilation
It is the design team’s responsibility to determine and apply the most appropriate method or option(s) for the project undergoing assessment.
Existing projects can continue to use EN 13779:2007 where applicable. Any new assessment registrations should use the replacements above.
03 Nov 2022 - First paragraph, bullet 3 updated to clarify methodology
11-Oct-2022 - Scheme applicability updated.
03-May-2020 - Typo corrected to clarify that 'EN 16798-1:2019 Annex B.3 'either Category I OR Category II default design values' are to be used.
10-Jan-2020 - KBCN updated to clarify methods for complying with new standards.
01-Sep-2019 - KBCN updated to reference new standard.
Verification of an ecology report / information - KBCN1192
If the appointed ecologist does not meet the definition of a ‘suitably qualified ecologist’ (SQE) the report / information submitted to support the assessment must be verified by an individual who does.
1. The individual verifying the report must provide written confirmation that they comply with the definition of a ‘suitably qualified ecologist’.
2. The verifier must provide
signed confirmation that they have checked and approved the report. This must clearly reference the report and can be in the form of a signed letter or their printed name and signature on a completed pro-forma. In doing so, they are deemed to confirm that the report:
a. represents sound industry practice
b. is correctly, truthful, and objective
c. is appropriate given the local site conditions and scope of works proposed
d. avoids invalid, biased, or exaggerated statements
Such confirmation from the verifier must be provided in addition to all other information required by the relevant technical manual and referenced as part of the evidence submitted to demonstrate compliance.
It can take a number of years for an ecologist to meet the SQE definition. Verification of information by an existing SQE supports the practical application of the assessment criteria and is in line with industry practice.
13/08/2019 Updated to clarify, in practical terms, what evidence of verification will be considered acceptable.
Verification of measurements undertaken by non-SQA - KBCN1661
It is acceptable for individuals who do not meet the BREEAM definition of a suitably qualified acoustician (SQA) for Pol 05 to undertake the testing for this issue, provided the measurements or calculations are verified by a SQA. The SQA must review the report and confirm in writing that they have found it to:
- Represent sound industry practice
- Be appropriate given the building being assessed and scope of works proposed
- Avoid invalid, biased and exaggerated recommendations
Additionally, written confirmation from the SQA how they comply with the definition of a SQA is required.
Version of ASWL that should be submitted to QA - KBCN0910
The version of the ASWL that should be submitted is the one that was current at the time of registration or a later version, but not an older version. The following dates were taken from the appropriate Process Note. For post construction assessment, the registration date at design stage of the project should be considered
- version 42.0 August 2024
- version 41.0 February 2024
- version 40.0 January 2024
- version 39.0 September 2023
- version 38.0 June 2023
- version 37.0 November 2022
- version 36.0 September 2021
- version 35.0 August 2021
- version 34.0 May 2020
- version 33.0 December 2019
- version 32.1 April 2019
- version 32 February 2019
- version 31.1 October 2018
- version 30 November 2017
- version 29 November 2016
- version 28 March 2016
- version 27 February 2015
- version 26 November 2014
- version 25 July 2014
- version 24 June 2014
- version 23 June 2013
- version 22.1 December 2012
- version 21 September 2012
Please always indicate the version of the ASWL that has been submitted to QA, either in the name of the document or in the report.
Please note the upload dates within BREEAM Projects (stated underneath each ASWL file) may be different to the dates above. Please ensure the dates above are always used.
View out – alternative method of compliance for fixed workstations - KBCN1484
In relevant spaces that include fixed workstations* (such as a built-in cash registers or reception desks) an alternative method can be used. This is based on the number of compliant workstations.
For instance, where the requirement is for 95% of the relevant area to comply, 95% of the fixed workstations must have a compliant view out, rounded up to the nearest workstation.
Example
A retail assessment has 35 built-in cash registers, 95% of which must comply with the view out criteria.
35 x 0.95 = 33.25, rounded up to 34.
The requirement is met for this area if 34 registers comply with the criteria.
Where an asset includes a mix of relevant areas; both fixed workstations and flexible areas, compliance for the whole assessment must be demonstrated for all areas, as appropriate, based on either area or number.
*freestanding desks and other items of moveable furniture cannot be considered as fixed workstations, regardless of whether their locations are pre-determined.
View out – Calculating the glazing to wall ratio - KBCN1506
This should be calculated based on the glazed area of window, expressed as a percentage of the area of the external wall in which the window sits.
Where the ceiling height of the room is unusually high, relative to the window height, the wall area can be calculated based on a standard ceiling height for the building type.
View out – Corrections to Table - KBCN1136
The values for distance from window to workplace in the View out Table are incorrect. The Table should read as follows:
View out – eye level - KBCN0581
BREEAM defines an adequate view out as being at seated eye level (1.2 – 1.3m) within the relevant building areas. However, where occupants will not have the option to be seated, for example in some industrial operational areas where the work being undertaken requires occupants to remain standing, the height of the view out can be changed accordingly to suit the eye level of occupants. All other view out requirements have to be met and clear justification provided for changing the height/level of the view out.
In some relevant building areas, occupants may not be sitting down to undertake tasks. Allowing the view out height requirements to be changed accordingly ensures building occupants gain maximum benefit from the view out.
View Out – First Aid Rooms - KBCN1104
The view out criteria do not apply to dedicated first aid or medical rooms in non-healthcare projects.
BREEAM recognises the need for user privacy in such areas and that these are intermittently occupied.
View out – internal view within an atrium - KBCN1240
Where the criteria are otherwise met, an internal view across an unobstructed atrium void can be considered compliant.
Internal views are generally not acceptable, however where it is physically impossible to obstruct the view with partitions, equipment or furniture, this can be accepted at the discretion of the assessor.
View out – no relevant areas - KBCN0876
If the scope of the assessment does not include any relevant building areas, as defined within the manual, the criteria for 'view out' can be considered as met by default.
Only spaces that fall within the definition of relevant areas and are within the assessment's scope need to be assessed.
View out – percentage area - KBCN0166
For the view out credit, compliance must be demonstrated for the percentage of the floor area in each relevant building area, rather than the percentage of the total relevant building area in the building.
14/2/17 Wording amended to clarify that the percentage must be achieved for each 'relevant building area'.
View out – relevant areas - KBCN0268
The aim of the View Out criteria is to allow occupants to refocus their eyes from close work.
Relevant areas are spaces where close work in a fixed position is carried out for sustained periods of time.
The view out criteria are therefore not applicable to occupied areas such as meeting rooms, or other spaces where such close work is not being carried out.
Where rooms contain areas of different functions, only relevant areas should be assessed. In this case a notional line can be drawn on the plans and calculations made based on these relevant areas only.
However, spaces such circulation routes or other transient spaces within a relevant area can only be excluded if the route or area is clearly defined by the building layout. If this is arbitrary or based solely on a proposed furniture layout, it cannot be excluded. Features of the building layout which may be considered as dictating a function area would include, for example, the position of doors or fixed furniture such as a reception desk or canteen servery.
07-Oct-2022 Additional paragraph added to clarify how function areas must be defined.
21-Sep-2022 General principle of 'relevant area' added, and applicability of KBCN extended to BIU V6 Commercial.
View out – rooms used for security or other critical functions - KBCN1040
The View out criteria are not applicable to rooms containing security or critical systems or sensitive material, such as CCTV monitoring rooms.
Where it can be demonstrated that the presence of compliant windows would compromise a critical function of the space, the criteria can be considered not applicable.
View out – Shell only/Shell & Core - KBCN1354
Where it is not possible to confirm which areas of the building will contain workstations/benches or desks, then all areas of the building designed for and/or likely to be occupied by workstations/benches or desks must comply with the relevant criteria.
View out for commercial kitchens - KBCN1216
It is not necessary to provide a view out for commercial kitchens. This is because in such a space it is likely that kitchen staff will move around, doing various tasks. This makes the requirements for the view out to rest the eyes unnecessary.
View Out – Rooms over 7m deep - KBCN1227
Where the room depth exceeds 7m, compliance can be demonstrated for the prescribed relevant areas by meeting the room depth and window/wall area ratios provided in Table 1.0 of BS 8206.
This route replaces the criteria relating to the specific maximum room depth of 7m, stated in the technical manual.
Visitor car parking spaces for Other Buildings (Transport type 2) - KBCN0242
For developments such as hotels and visitor centres, which have a relatively small number of staff and large visitor numbers, the guest/visitor car parking spaces do not need to be assessed for this Issue where these are separate from the staff parking spaces. However, if the staff and visitor’s spaces are combined (and not clearly segregated) then all spaces must be accounted for within the calculation for maximum car parking capacity.
The aim of this Issue, 'To encourage the use of alternative means of transport...' is intended to apply to those commuting to the building on a regular basis.
21 06 2017 Wording amended to clarify the type of building and building-user covered by this KBCN.
Visual audit of site and surroundings - KBCN0685
The method of conducting the visual audit of the site and its surroundings required for a Security Needs Assessment (SNA) is at the discretion of the Suitably Qualified Security Specialist (SQSS). It can be carried out as a site visit, or through the review of relevant project information and drawings, provided the SQSS is satisfied that these are sufficient to inform their SNA & associated security recommendations.
The approach should be justifiable in terms of the scale, complexity, location and any other specific aspects of the assessed development.
24/06/22 - Applicability to UK NC2018 confirmed
VOC product emission certificates – validity - KBCN1689
Where it can be demonstrated that construction product emission certificates were valid either at the time of specification, or at time of purchase, they may contribute to awarding credits.
BREEAM is primarily trying to encourage designers to take construction product emissions into consideration when specifying or selecting products and as such it is not necessary for certification to be valid at the time of design or post-construction stage submissions.
Washer dryers - KBCN0699
Where a washer dryer is specified, the water consumption figure for the wash and dry cycle should be used.
The drying cycle of a washer dryer is taken into account because it usually uses water during this drying process (e.g. for cooling during the drying cycle) and in some cases, this water usage can be significant.
18-Nov-2022 - Updated to apply to BREEAM In-Use Version 6
Washing machines and dishwashers – Water consumption data - KBCN1571
The water consumption data used to demonstrate compliance may be based on the lowest full wash cycle (i.e. not a pre-wash cycle, for example).
Waste from temporary structures - KBCN1038
Temporary support structures, or any other materials or systems brought on site to facilitate construction of a building and that subsequently enter the waste stream (albeit for recycling) will be considered as construction waste and contribute to the construction waste generated for the development.
If the support structure is reused on another site by the contractor (or another contractor) it has not entered the waste stream and, therefore, would not be included in the figures for waste generated. Reused timber formwork would be excluded in the same way.
Waste management practices - KBCN0247
16/04/2018 This compliance note is no longer valid as it does not fully explain how to approach this Issue. Please refer to the technical guidance and other compliance notes, such as KBCN0696, which deals with co-mingled recyclable waste.
The requirement to provide a dedicated space for the segregation and storage of operational recyclable waste, as well as relevant facilities (e.g. for large amounts of packaging and/or compostible waste), relates to the building, not the occupier or the local authorities. A dedicated space and facilities must be provided irrespective of the waste management practices of the relevant stakeholders.
The BREEAM certification relates to the building, not the occupier's or the local authorities' waste management practices. Therefore, the provision of a dedicated space and the relevant facilities is required to ensure the building's operational recyclable waste streams is diverted from landfill.
22/02/2017 Amended to include facilities (in addition to dedicated spaces)
Waste storage provision for catering - KBCN0755
As the manual states, the additional 2m2 per 1000 m2 of waste storage area provided for catering is measured against the "net floor area where catering is provided" and NOT the floor area of the catering facility.
Generally, a catering facility will serve building users throughout the building. If it can be demonstrated that this is not the case, for example if part of the development is subject to a separate tenancy, not served by the catering facility, the area calculation can be adjusted accordingly.
Where the net floor area is not indicative of the actual occupancy, the default values may not be appropriate. In such cases, the predicted waste streams should be calculated based on the actual occupancy and waste streams generated.
This requirement accounts for the increase in waste produced by building based on the likely number of building users served by the catering facility. Please note that these default calculations are only intended for use where it is not possible to determine accurately what provision should be made based on predicted waste streams.
15 06 2017 Wording updated to clarify
Water consumption calculation for push and automatic shut-off taps - KBCN00052
The water consumption of push and automatic shut-off taps can be calculated for input into the Wat 01 calculator using the following steps:
Step 1: Calculate the water consumption per person per use.
If a tap runs for less than 20 seconds per activation, assume it will be activated twice per person for the timed duration. For example, for a tap with a flow rate of 9 litres/min and a 15 second usage duration, the water consumed per person would be: 9 x 15/60 x 2 = 4.5 litres/min.
If a tap runs for 20 seconds or more per activation, assume one activation per person for the timed duration. For example, for a tap with a flow rate of 9 litres/min and a 20 second usage duration, the water consumed per person would be: 9 x 20/60 x 1 = 3 litres/min.
Step 2: Multiply the water consumption figure per person by 1.5 and enter this figure into the calculator tool.
Multiplying by 1.5 adjusts the consumption figure to compensate for the typical non times tap use of 40 seconds that has already been taken into account in the tool. Taking the first example above, if we multiply 4.5 litres/min by 1.5 we get 6.75 litres/min. When this is used in the tool as the flow rate specification, the consumption is 4.57 litres/person/day which more closely reflects the true level of water consumption for the push tap.
Water consumption calculation for sensor taps - KBCN0180
The water flow rate of sensor taps can be entered directly into the flow rate cells of the Wat 01 tool.
The amount of water dispensed by sensor taps for each use is determined by occupant demand in the same way as normal taps. Therefore, the default frequency of use will be applied in the Wat 01 tool and no adjustment calculation is needed for sensor taps.
Water coolers for mobility impaired users - KBCN0255
Point-of-use water coolers must be attached to both the wall and the floor to prevent vandalism, and contain security covers to protect all water and electrical connections.
Where a wall mounted point-of-use water cooler is specified which is designed to be accessible for wheelchair users, or users with other mobility impairments, this could still be deemed acceptable to meet this requirement provided the security and stability principle is still achieved in line with the aim of the issue.
23/08/2017 Title updated from "DDA compliant water coolers"
DDA guidelines superceded by the Equality Act 2010, therefore title and text updated.
Applicability to International schemes removed.
Water fittings specification evidence at design stage - KBCN0420
For a design stage assessment, it is acceptable to provide data based on reasonable assumptions if the final specification of fittings is not yet available.
Water fittings used for a process related function - KBCN0418
Water fittings used for a process related function, e.g. low level ablution taps, laboratory / classroom taps, scrub-up taps, cleaners' sinks etc., should be excluded from the assessment of regulated water consumption.
Only kitchen taps and those used for general hygiene washing are to be included in the assessment of regulated water consumption.
04/08/17 Added low level ablution taps (typically used for religious purposes) to exemptions.
Water Fountains - KBCN0648
Water fountains are generally not accepted to demonstrate compliance with Hea 04 on the basis that a typical water fountain (of the type which projects a jet of water upwards towards a user's mouth) does not allow a water bottle to be filled, and therefore does not encourage adequate fluid intake.
However, if it can be demonstrated that a particular type of water fountain is specified that addresses the issues of bottle filling, such as a water fountain with an additional bottle-filler, this can be considered acceptable.
Water monitoring when only part of a building is under assessment - KBCN0548
When only part of the building is under assessment, there are two cases for achieving compliance with the requirement to specify a water meter on the mains water supply of the building:
If the whole building is under the same tenancy or ownership and management, then a meter monitoring the entire building is acceptable.
However, if the floors subject to assessment are separately tenanted, then a meter at the point of entry to the assessed areas is required.
Assessed areas have to be monitored separately for water consumption when only part of the building falls within the scope of assessment and where the assessed areas are separately tenanted.
Water outlet - KBCN0824
A water outlet referred to in criterion 3.c is meant to be any device able to supply water (tap, faucet, hose, etc.)
Watercourse pollution from indoor parking - KBCN0545
If the design team can demonstrate that there will be absolutely no run-off from the indoor parking then the intent of the credit will be met. However, such proof would also have to demonstrate that no hydrocarbon spillage from vehicles found its way into the watercourse/sewer. It is likely that there would be water ingress from outside or that internal parking areas would have drains fitted and be cleaned regularly. In such conditions, the criteria are still applicable.
The intent of this criteria is to ensure no hydrocarbons run off to any watercourse.
Weather File Location - KBCN1013
In accordance with the guidance provided in CIBSE AM11, in instances where the weather file for the nearest location does not represent the most appropriate climatic conditions for the actual location, it is permissible to use the weather file from another, nearby location, which more closely matches the climate at the actual location.
This can take account of the climatic influences of height above sea level, a coastal location or other local, climate-moderating features such as mountains, woodland, lakes, prevailing wind direction or urban heat island effect.
Weather files applicable internationally - KBCN0732
Prometheus is currently referred to in the technical manual to demonstrate compliance with the 'Adaptability - for a projected climate change scenario' criteria. Since this is not applicable internationally, until an alternative has been formally approved, the following can be used:
Climate change world weather file generator Version 1.8
http://www.energy.soton.ac.uk/ccworldweathergen/
Weather files can be found here, or on other national sources.
https://www.ashrae.org/resources--publications/bookstore/iwec2
The instructions are included in the first link.
Technical manual to be updated accordingly in next reissue.
Weightings for Shell only and Shell and core assessments - KBCN0783
Country specific weightings set for the International New Construction 2016 scheme, displayed in the 'Location weightings' tab of the online tool (and which used to be entered manually), relate to fully fitted projects only. These weightings will be adjusted when the project scope (fully fitted, shell and core or shell only) is specified in the ‘initial details’ section of the BREEAM Projects tool.
This is why the weightings displayed in the BREEAM Rating tab may differ from those shown in the Location weightings tab, taken from the Approved Standards and Weightings List (ASWL).
Some assessment issues and their associated credits may not be applicable to a shell and core or shell only assessment. The weightings for these types of assessment are adjusted according to the number of credits scoped out and those still available.
Weightings: New Methodology for Generating BREEAM Category Weightings - KBCN0746
For a detailed description of the new weightings methodology a Briefing Paper is available
here and on the BREEAM website (Resources section)
Zoning and control – dimming - KBCN1018
Localised dimming controls installed in line with the criteria, along with a master on/off switch, can be considered as meeting the aim of the requirement for 'controls' in open plan offices.
The aim is for occupants to have local control over their lighting and maintain comfortable lighting levels.
Zoning and control – exemplary level criteria - KBCN1545
The exemplary level criteria applies only to lighting zones in the asset where:
- Zones will benefit from dimming control.
- Dimming does not interfere with the function of the space.
Where lighting zones do not have dimming controls fitted, these must be clearly evidenced and justified.
Zoning and control – PIR in circulation spaces - KBCN0332
PIR controls can be deemed compliant in circulation spaces such as corridors. In this instance 'separate occupant controls' are not required.
The requirement for user control is so that the building users can have direct control over their immediate work environment to ensure it is suitable for their personal needs. In circulation spaces, occupancy is transient and PIR control in these spaces is acceptable.
Zoning and occupant control – access to lighting controls - KBCN00032
The relevant areas for the criteria apply only to areas where users are expected to have control.
For instance, this means that areas intended for the general public, or a shop floor would not be expected to have lighting controls.
The general principle which applies to user access to general environmental controls (heating, cooling, ventilation) may also apply to access to lighting controls. See
KBCN0170.
However, the the exact approach may differ between the two types of systems and assessor judgement must be used to determine compliance.
In all cases zoning is required in all areas of the asset where specified in the assessment criteria. Please refer to the specific requirements of the applicable BREEAM standard to interpret this guidance appropriately.
14-Dec-2022 - KBCN applicability updated to include BIU. Wording updated. Link to KBCN0170 created.
Zoning and occupant control – control via BMS - KBCN0703
Occupant control via a BMS is not normally considered a compliant BREEAM solution. Any solution that requires the action of a third party (eg facilities manager) is not considered under the control of the occupant. Solutions where all relevant building occupants have control via a user-interface via BMS may be considered compliant where the assessor is satisfied that the aim of the criteria are met.
User-control must be available directly to the occupant.
01/08/2017 - KBCN applicability to Thermal comfort Issue removed.
Zoning and occupant control – PIR detection systems - KBCN0335
The aim of the Health & Wellbeing category is to recognise ways to benefit occupants through giving them control of their lighting environment. Without manual overrides, presence or absence detection lighting controls (such as PIR detection systems) are not compliant with the criteria.
BREEAM recognises the energy efficiency benefits of detection systems in buildings through the Energy category. In some cases, the design team may have to prioritise one particular lighting strategy to the detriment of achieving a credit elsewhere.
17 09 2024 Updated to apply to BIU Part 1 - Lighting Controls
28 04 2021 Wording amended to include absence detection systems.
18 09 2017 Wording amended to clarify the meaning.
Zoning and occupant control – whiteboards and display screens - KBCN1433
Whiteboards and display screens in dedicated teaching or presentation spaces require separate zoning and control for lighting, as specified in the criteria.
Lighting around whiteboards and display screens which are typically found in general office areas, meeting rooms, or in other generic spaces do not require separate zoning and control to meet the criteria. In such cases, the assessor should provide justification.
Whiteboards and display screens in dedicated teaching / presentation spaces are likely to be used frequently, and require appropriate zoning and control. An increasing number of offices and meeting rooms now include display screens - however separate zoning and control may not be appropriate.
Zoning and occupant controls – handheld remote controls - KBCN1243
Remote control light switches can be considered as compliant, on the basis that these are provided in sufficient numbers/locations to meet the aim of the criteria.
Zoning of lighting – speculative buildings - KBCN0197
Compliance note CN1 confirms that in speculative buildings, the lighting control system must have the capacity to be zoned as required, once the final tenant is known and occupancy patterns/layout are agreed.
Alternatively compliance can be demonstrated using Shell and Core options 1-3.
[KBCN withdrawn] ~ Areas assessed for formaldehyde and TVOC - KBCN1008
This KBCN is no longer applicable. Please refer to KBCN0871 for scope of 'Emission levels (products)' and 'Other information' section of the technical manual for scope of 'Emission levels (post-construction)'.
Superseded text:
Products applied or installed in parts of the building likely to affect the indoor air quality and impact the wellbeing of building users need to be assessed. Areas are not excluded on the basis of how long building users are present in those areas.
27-Feb-2018 - KBCN N/A due to ambiguity of applicability to criteria
[KBCN withdrawn] ~ BREEAM AP and BREEAM assessor – conflict of interest - KBCN0196
This KBCN has been withdrawn and replaced with the more detailed KBCN1708.
KBCN Withdrawn on 18th Oct 2024
An individual can be appointed as a BREEAM/HQM Assessor and BREEAM AP/Sustainability Champion for the same project, where the Assessor also holds current and applicable AP/Sustainability Champion credentials.
If this route is chosen, it must be made clear when submitting the assessment that both roles are being carried out by the same person and confirmed how potential conflicts of interest are identified and managed. This will mean, when appropriate, that the assessment can be escalated to a more detailed level of quality assurance checking.
[KBCN withdrawn] ~ Compliance: Conflicts of interest for the BREEAM assessor - KBCN0107
This KBCN has been withdrawn and replaced with the more detailed KBCN1708.
KBCN Withdrawn on 18th Oct 2024
The assessor can be someone within the design team or work for the same company as the design team member(s) but the assessor must identify and manage any potential conflicts of interest. The assessor should also make BRE Global aware of the situation so that, should it prove appropriate, the certification report can be escalated to a more detailed level of quality assurance checking.
If the assessor is a member of the company who are producing evidence to demonstrate compliance, there must be clear separation of the roles and the BREEAM/HQM assessor must not be personally responsible for producing such evidence.
BREEAM/HQM is a 3rd party certification scheme. Therefore, it is important to avoid any conflicts of interest between those producing evidence and those awarding credits to ensure the robustness of the certification process.
[KBCN Withdrawn] ~ Confirmation of low flood risk without an FRA - KBCN0582
The KBCN has been withdrawn and is no longer valid.
This is because its content was created on the basis of a very specific case and should not be applied generally. The authority/organisation's confirmation is no more robust or detailed than reference to flood maps, which are not in themselves compliant without a FRA.
KBCN withdrawn on 31/03/17:
Where a national or local authority/organisation has confirmed, in writing, that the site has a low risk of flooding from all sources and that a Flood Risk Assessment (FRA) is not required then this is acceptable and the two credits can be awarded. The authority/organisation's written confirmation is a sufficient indication that an appropriate level of flood risk assessment has been completed. Please note that the use of relevant flood maps without this additional confirmation from the authority/organisation is not acceptable.
[KBCN withdrawn] ~ Cycle storage spaces for all range schools and non-acute SEN - KBCN0424
This KBCN has been withdrawn and is no longer valid. Please see
KBCN0224 for relevant guidance.
This is due to duplication of guidance.
KBCN withdrawn 14 03 2018:
Where assessing an all range school, the appropriate criteria should be applied for each age range. Where this includes non-acute SEN classes and the unusual structure of the classes prevents standard assessment, the assessor should use their judgement to determine whether to apply the pre-school criteria or base on the total number of staff and students. The approach taken should be fully justified.
To encourage a sensible application of the criteria in meeting the aim of the Issue
[KBCN withdrawn] ~ Daylight requirements for residential dwellings - KBCN1431
This KBCN has been withdrawn and is no longer valid.
This is because its content was changing the criteria of the technical manual.
Guidance on daylight requirements and floor area calculations can be found in KBCN0471.
KBCN withdrawn on 08/01/2021:
The minimum values of average daylight factor required for residential dwellings apply to 100% of the relevant areas ('kitchen' and 'living rooms, dining rooms, studies - including home offices'). This is in alignment with the 100% requirement applicable to residential dwellings with regards to illuminance requirements (average illuminance and minimum point illuminance).
The technical manual currently has an error and only presents this as 80%.
[KBCN withdrawn] ~ Daylighting – Education buildings - KBCN1031
This KBCN has been withdrawn and replaced with the more detailed KBCN1272.
KBCN withdrawn on 13/08/2019:
Where the requirements of Education and Skills Funding Agency Generic Design Brief, November 2017. Technical Annex 2E ‘Daylight and electric lighting’, have been demonstrably met, the BREEAM daylighting requirements can be deemed to have also been met. The two credits for daylighting can be awarded.
[KBCN withdrawn] ~ Erratum – Table 1 in GN22 v2.5 - KBCN1436
Table 1 in V2.5 of GN22 has two footnote symbols missing:
• Product Type column – Paints and varnishes should read Paints and varnishes*
• Product Type column – Wood panels should read Wood panels^
10-Oct-2022 KBCN withdrawn as GN22 has been re-issued with fixes.
[KBCN withdrawn] ~ Exemplary credit – software output figures - KBCN0265
This KBCN has been withdrawn and is no longer valid.
KBCN withdrawn on 21/07/2021:
In order to demonstrate that up to four exemplary level credits can be awarded for Ene 01, the primary energy generated by the carbon neutral technologies will need to be calculated by applying the relevant primary energy factor.
These figures are taken from the approved building energy calculation software output.
For guidance on completing this calculation and to obtain primary energy factors please contact BRE Global.
Please note that this is applicable only to BREEAM UK New Construction 2014 and 2011 Issue 3.0, and more recent issues.
[KBCN withdrawn] ~ Exemplary credit – Beyond zero net regulated carbon/carbon negative – Software output figures - KBCN1094
This KBCN has been withdrawn and is no longer valid.
This is because its content is not relevant to the exemplary credits, which are based solely on carbon emissions, nor for standard credits, which are based on BRUKL inputs.
KBCN withdrawn on 05/08/2019:
For the 'Beyond zero net regulated carbon/carbon negative' exemplary credits, in order to demonstrate that up to three exemplary level credits can be awarded for Ene 01, the primary energy generated by the carbon neutral technologies will need to be calculated by applying the relevant primary energy factor.
These figures are taken from the approved building energy calculation software output.
For guidance on completing this calculation and to obtain primary energy factors please contact BRE Global.
[KBCN withdrawn] ~ Flood risk – Environment Agency (EA) confirm the site is in ‘low flood risk’ area
This KBCN has been withdrawn and is no longer valid.
This is because its content was created on the basis of a very specific case and should not be applied generally. EA confirmation is no more robust or detailed than reference to flood maps, which are not in themselves compliant without a FRA.
KBCN withdrawn on 17/03/17:
If the EA have confirmed, in writing, that the site has a low flood risk and that a Flood Risk Assessment (FRA) is not required then this is acceptable and the two credits can be awarded. The EA's written confirmation is a sufficient indication that an appropriate level of flood risk assessment has been completed. Please note that the use of the EA flood maps without this additional confirmation is not acceptable.
[KBCN withdrawn] ~ GN22 – Scheme version applicability - KBCN0646
Table 1 is for the use of any version of a scheme where the first version was released
pre-December 2015, and table 2 is for the use of any version of a scheme where the first version was released post-November 2015.
10-Oct-2022 This KBCN has been merged with KBCN0719. KBCN withdrawn.
[KBCN withdrawn] ~ Indoor air quality plan for shell only and shell and core assessments - KBCN0556
The indoor air quality plan must be completed for the scope of works being BREEAM assessed. This applies for shell only and shell and core assessments, as well as fully fitted.
Assessors should use their judgement to determine the applicability of each aspect of the requirements for IAQs and ensure that the report addresses relevant aspects as fully as possible within the scope of the development.
11-Oct-2022 KBCN withdrawn. Content merged with KBCN0294.
[KBCN withdrawn] ~ Natural Ventilation Heat Recovery Units - KBCN1126
Natural Ventilation Heat Recovery Units (NVHR) systems can be used to support a natural ventilation strategy where it can be demonstrated that openable windows provide sufficient fresh air to the building for the significant majority of the time that the space is occupied.
The assessor will need to use their professional judgement to determine a 'significant majority of time' and be able to justify this within the assessment report.
22-Oct-2022 Content merged with KBCN1533 and clarified with additional guidance on mixed mode systems. This KBCN withdrawn.
[KBCN withdrawn] ~ No floor or ceiling finishes fitted - KBCN00046
Where the developer has not specified or installed any floor or ceiling finishes, the requirements are met.
This issue recognises where the potential for generating unnecessary waste of materials has been avoided.
16-May-2023 - Merged with KBCN1066. Withdrawn.
20-Dec-2017 - KBCN wording simplified to add clarity.
[KBCN withdrawn] ~ Pre-requisite – indoor air quality (IAQ) plan after Concept Design stage - KBCN1155
Where the Indoor Air Quality Plan has been produced after the Concept Design stage credits may still be achievable for this issue. Provided that it can be demonstrated that the IAQP has influenced the design and that the late production of the IAQP has not hindered the ability to influence the design and specification of products this would be acceptable to meet this requirement.
11-Oct-2022 - This KBCN superceded by KBCN1206.
[KBCN withdrawn] ~ Scope of product assessment for VOCs - KBCN0871
For the purpose of this Issue, this covers any product installed or applied inside of the inner surface of the building’s infiltration, vapour or waterproof membrane or, where not present, inside of the inner surface of the building envelope’s interior facing thermal insulation layer.
Only products that are installed or applied in parts of the building where their emissions are likely to affect indoor air quality need to be assessed.
11-Oct-2022 - Content merged with KBCN0212. KBCN withdrawn.
[KBCN withdrawn] ~ Separate energy models for a single assessment - KBCN00011
This KBCN is now superseded. Please refer to KBCN0216
KBCN withdrawn.
This KBCN is suspended, pending technical review. When undertaking a similar buildings assessment, compliance must be based on the worst-performing unit for Issue Ene 01 as stated below and in the technical manuals. The area-weighted approach may only be used where multiple buildings falling under the same building type, which require separate energy models are operating as a single entity with a single occupier, such as a school. For building types other than schools, should you consider there is justification to apply the area-weighted approach, please seek advice from BRE by submitting a technical query.
Superseded content:
Where the assessment is using the Similar Buildings approach as outlined in GN10, compliance under Ene 01 must be based on the worst performing unit. In the Assessment Scoring & Reporting (S&R) tool the value entered for building floor area can be the combined area of the buildings assessed rather than just the area of the worst case building, as this shouldn’t affect the calculation of the Ene 01 score.
In certain situations, a single assessment with multiple energy models may not follow the Similar Buildings approach as this would unreasonably impact the overall performance. An example of this could be a school assessment with a separate sports hall included in the same assessment.
In these cases, the methodology below applies:
1. For each energy model, input the notional and actual performance figures into the scoring and reporting tool to determine individual EPRs.
2. Manually area-weight each individual EPR to calculate an area-weighted average EPR for the assessment.
3. Use table 25 in the NC 2014 manual, Ene 01, to determine the number of credits awarded.
We will provide an amended S&R tool which will have the relevant cell unlocked to allow the number of credits to be manually inputted. In terms of evidence for QA, we would require screenshots of the S&R EPR outputs for each building and a copy of the area weighting calculation.
Please seek advice from the BRE if in doubt on which methodology applies to your project.
15/02/2018 KBCN Suspended and clarification note added pending review and publication of further guidance.
04/06/2018 KBCN No longer applicable. Reference to GN10 v1.0 added.
31/10/2018 Re-formatted for clarity and reference to GN10 removed from superseded content to avoid confusion.
[KBCN withdrawn] ~ Shell and core applicability - KBCN0778
Please substitute the following text for compliance note CN1 of Hea 02 International New Construction 2016 manual:
Shell and Core (non-residential and residential institutions only)
Pre-requisite: criterion 1
Both options: All criteria relevant to the building type and function apply.
Indoor air quality: criterion 2
Both options: This criterion is not applicable.
Ventilation: criteria 3 to 8
Shell only: These criteria are not applicable.
Shell and core: Criteria 4 and 5 are applicable.
Emissions levels: criteria 9 to 17 and 20 to 23
Both options: These criteria are not applicable.
Adaptability - Potential for natural ventilation: criteria 18 to 19
Both options: All criteria relevant to the building type and function apply.
Refer to Appendix D – Shell and core project assessments for a more detailed description of the shell and core assessment options.
22-Oct-2022 KBCN withdrawn - manual has been updated.
[KBCN withdrawn] ~ Surface water run-off – Rainwater harvesting - KBCN1064
This KBCN has been withdrawn and is no longer valid.
This is because the BS 8515 has been withdrawn and its replacement makes no reference to storm water control.
KBCN withdrawn on 26/09/18:
BS 8515 Rainwater harvesting systems: Code of Practice, Annex A (236) must be followed where rainwater harvesting systems are relied upon for storm water control. To ensure flood risk is not increased if the rainwater harvesting system is, for some reason, unavailable, the exceedance flow route capacity provided in accordance with CIRIA report C635 should ignore the beneficial effect of the rainwater harvesting system.
[KBCN withdrawn] ~ Ventilation – BB101 - KBCN1242
This KBCN has been withdrawn and is no longer valid.
This is because Building Bulletin 101 was updated in August 2018.
KBCN withdrawn on 04/02/2019:
The web page that hosts the currently active version of Building Bulletin 101: ventilation for school buildings, available here, states that the document was published on 11th March 2014. However, when opening the document itself, the publishing date refers to '5th July 2006'.
The current version of the standard which should be used is Version 1.4 dated 5th July 2006 within the document.
[KBCN withdrawn] ~ VOC product types – other - KBCN0698
Where a product does not appear to fit into any of the defined VOC product types listed in the manual this does not mean it is automatically exempt from being assessed. If it is similar to one of the listed product types and clearly could have an impact on VOC levels it should normally be assessed.
In such cases the supplier/manufacturer should seek to demonstrate that their product meets the equivalent standards required for the closest matching product type.
19-Oct-2022 - KBCN replaced by KBCN0872.
[KBCN withdrawn] ~ VOC testing – alternative methods for compliance for paints and varnishes - KBCN0492
Manufacturers' calculations of VOC content, based on the constituent ingredients, can be used to demonstrate compliance with the testing requirement for paints and varnishes instead of ISO 11890-2:2013.
11-Oct-2022 - KBCN is withdrawn because it is a duplicate of KBCN0452.
[Withdrawn] – multiple assessments – site-wide certificate - KBCN0874
Where developments on a site are assessed under multiple BREEAM registrations, but there is a requirement for an overall, site-wide BREEAM rating, an additional certificate can be produced for the whole development.
For further details of this service and applicable fees, please contact the BREEAM technical team.
04-Dec-2023 - Withdrawn.
17-Apr-2018 - Amended to clarify.
[Withdrawn] Labelling and signage – Where provision of waste bins is out of scope - KBCN1380
[This KBCN has been merged with
KBCN1577].
Where the provision of waste bins is outside the scope of the developer, it is clearly not possible to label the bins. In this situation, the following compliance options are available:
- Provide compliant signage to the storage area and label bin spaces within the storage area according to the relevant waste streams.
- Where future waste streams are unknown, provide compliant signage to the storage area and a written commitment from the developer to ensure that the bins and/or bin spaces are labelled.
See also
KBCN1577
It is recognised that the bins may be provided by the tenant, local authority or waste management company after the time of certification.
21-May-2024 - Withdrawn. Merged with KBCN1577.
22-Mar-2023 - Updated to align with KBCN1577 and to clarify applicability to all assessment types where providing bins is out of scope.
Information correct as of 12thDecember 2024. Please see kb.breeam.com for the latest compliance information.