BREEAM Version 7. Key changes and what New BREEAM means for your project
What’s new in 2026: BREEAM New Construction Version 7 launched on 30 September 2025. New registrations under BREEAM 2018 and V6 close on 27 January 2026. V7 strengthens whole‑life and embodied carbon, adds predictive operational energy credits and introduces a new digital platform. BREEAM In‑Use remains v6 in 2026 with a GRESB mapping.
BREEAM Version 7 brings a practical shift toward outcomes. The New BREEAM standard strengthens energy and carbon performance, expands whole‑life carbon reporting and brings biodiversity forward as a core outcome. It also improves consistency across schemes so owners and design teams can compare performance with confidence. These changes help projects align with net zero goals and meet investor and regulatory expectations.
BREEAM is the world‑leading sustainability assessment method for the built environment, used to improve asset performance from design through construction to in‑use. It addresses energy, health and wellbeing, water, materials, waste, transport, ecology, management and pollution to deliver measurable outcomes and robust disclosures.
NC V7 launched 30 September 2025. New registrations under BREEAM 2018 and V6 close on 27 January 2026. If your project is entering design now, plan for V7 registration and early credit capture.
BREEAM Version 7 is the latest update to BREEAM New Construction. It prioritises whole‑life carbon, resilience and biodiversity, delivered on a new platform.
V7 launched on 30 September 2025. New registrations under BREEAM 2018 and V6 close on 27 January 2026.
No. Version 7 currently applies to New Construction. Refurbishment, Fit‑Out and In‑Use are scheduled to follow on the new platform.
Expect strengthened minimums including an Indoor Air Quality Plan for Very Good, formalised whole‑life and embodied‑carbon reporting for Excellent and the removal of onsite fossil fuels for Outstanding.
Ene 02 rewards robust prediction of operational energy and carbon with options for third‑party verified models. It bridges the gap between design intent and in‑use outcomes.
Yes. V7 broadens embodied‑carbon scope to include MEP assemblies so projects can target bigger whole‑life reductions.
V7 offers optional criteria aligned to EU Taxonomy so projects can streamline evidence for green finance and portfolio reporting.
Both focus on measured operational outcomes. Combining V7 with DfP strengthens in‑use performance assurance.
Our assessors and APs guide NC, RFO and In‑Use to robust ratings.
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Official announcement of BREEAM NC V7 and the new platform.
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