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BREEAM New Construction Version 7, launching in September, is the most significant update to a scheme in over a decade. This version shifts the focus from design intent to proven performance, with higher benchmarks, stricter minimum standards, and new credits that target whole-life carbon reduction, operational efficiency, and biodiversity protection. 

Crucially, the updates align BREEAM with key sustainability and investment frameworks including ESG reporting, the English Biodiversity New Gain (BNG) legislation, and the EU taxonomy. For developers and design teams, this means earlier engagement, more integrated strategies, and a greater focus on measurable outcomes.  

Why This Matters  

These changes to BREEAM V7 go beyond technical updates, they represent a real change in how sustainability is measured and achieved in the built environment. Instead of just looking at design plans, the focus is now on how buildings perform, making sure they achieve genuine environmental benefits. 

For developers, design teams, and investors, this means: 

• Collaboration: It is crucial to embed sustainability from the start 

• Targets: Clearer, data-driven goals to reduce carbon and resource use  

• Alignment: Better alignment with regulatory and investor requirements 

• Credibility: Improved market credibility and future-proofing against tightening standards 

By understanding and preparing for these changes now, your projects can stay ahead, reduce risks, and unlock new opportunities for sustainable development. 

Below, we outline the most notable changes, from revised scoring thresholds and stricter minimum standards to new requirements for whole-life carbon and environmental performance.   

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) 

Life Cycle Assessments are now mandatory for all Excellent and Outstanding assessments, the Mat 01 Lifecycle Assessment requirement has been expanded across the concept, technical, and post-construction phases.  

There is also a stronger emphasis on reducing operational, embodied, refrigerant, and transport-related emissions across all project stages.  

The LCA tool can now be submitted within 20 working days of submitting the planning application.  

Water  

Benchmarking is now more stringent, making it harder to achieve 3 credits (≥45% improvement, up from 40%).  

There has also been an introduction of Wat 05 ‘Prediction of Operational Water Consumption.’ This rewards projects for predicting operational water consumption, setting performance targets, and monitoring use based on expected occupancy.  

Indoor Air Quality Plans 

Indoor Air Quality plans are now a minimum standard for a Very Good rating.  

They are also worth one credit, even for Shell/Shell and Core Assessments, where previously they were only a prerequisite.  

Ecology  

The ecology section has been updated and is now aligned with English BNG legislation. A 10% BNG improvement earns just 1 credit (reduced from a previous maximum of 4), encouraging projects to go beyond the legal minimum to gain further credits. 

Energy  

The Energy category has been expanded, with 10 additional credits now available for measures such as advanced energy controls, flexible demand systems, and performance monitoring. Early engagement at design stage will be essential to capture these opportunities.  

Management  

A briefing document must be completed before concept design, outlining project ambitions, client needs, sustainability targets, timescales, budget, key consultees, and constraints.  

A new exemplary credit rewards projects, encouraging Zero Carbon Transition Plans for projects that are not on track to be net zero carbon.  

Health and Wellbeing  

A new ‘Non-visual effects of light’ credit supports circadian rhythm health in fully fitted projects.  

Other Considerations & Key Updates 

• Outstanding projects must eliminate on-site fuel combustion and achieve one credit for natural light 

• Pass and Good thresholds are lowered by 5%, leading to an average 3-5% drop in UK project scores 

• All refrigerants must now have zero Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) 

• Smoking bans and Indoor Air Quality Plans are required within asset for very good rating or above 

• EV charging infrastructure must include at least 10% active (7kW+) and 20% passive charging spaces, with only fast charging (7kW or higher) recognised 

• Version 7 allows projects to include up to five additional asset types within a single building without triggering the need for a separate BREEAM assessment 

Conclusion 

These updates mark a significant shift in how sustainability is measured and rewarded within the BREEAM framework. With a stronger emphasis on carbon reduction, operational performance, and ecological responsibility.  

BREEAM Version 7 launches in September 2025, with a three-month transition period. Projects can still be registered under the current manual for £540 per project until December 2025. 

If you’d like to discuss how these changes might impact your project, get in touch with our team.