New Construction / UK / 2018 /

03 Energy

Information correct as of 22ndDecember 2024. Please see kb.breeam.com for the latest compliance information.

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 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.

Accredited energy assessors – directories - KBCN1465

The directory of accredited energy assessors has moved. For England, Wales and Northern Ireland, accredited energy assessors can be found here: https://getting-new-energy-certificate.digital.communities.gov.uk/ For Scotland, accredited energy assessors can be found here: https://www.scottishepcregister.org.uk This will be updated in future manual re-issues. 
24 Aug 2022 - Applicability to UKNC V6 confirmed

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:
  1. Ene 01 Reduction of energy use and carbon emissions (two credits for Post-Occupancy Stage)
  2. Ene 02 Energy monitoring
  3. Wat 01 Water consumption
  4. 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.

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 CO2/m2 notional CO2/m2 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 500m2, 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

Centralised air handling units (AHU) - KBCN0941

The requirements of the: 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.

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: 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.

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.

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:

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.

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

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 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

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.

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

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 

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

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. 

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: Download Guidance Note 32 View all Guidance Notes (licensed assessors only) 
31-Oct-2022 - Updated following the closure of separate post-occupancy stage assessment. See KBCN1532.

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 View all Guidance Notes on BREEAM Projects (licensed assessors only) 
14-Jun-2023 - Updated for release of UK NC V6.1

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.      

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.

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 1st 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 1st September 2021 and requirements for re-labelling tumble dryers are yet to be confirmed. This means:

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.

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; 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: 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.

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).

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.

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: Amended definitions Performance is calculated based on amended definitions of an actual and a notional building: Amended actual building: Amended notional building: *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 CO2 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 – 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.

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.

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.

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:
  1.  Transfer to the UK NC V6 scheme
  2. Assess under UK NC 2018 and do two Part L models:
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

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.

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 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.

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.

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.
 

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 - KBCN1101

For Shell only projects, 9 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. 
24/08/2022 Applicability to UKNC V6 confirmed

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

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

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: 
26-Mar-2024 - Wording clarified. Scheme applicability updated.

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.

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.

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

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:

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.

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.

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.

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

[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.
 
Information correct as of 22ndDecember 2024. Please see kb.breeam.com for the latest compliance information.