BREEAM Version 7. Key changes and what New BREEAM means for your project

BREEAM Version 7 has arrived and it 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 BREEAM schemes so owners and design teams can compare performance with confidence. These changes to BREEAM help projects align with net zero goals and meet investor and regulatory expectations.

What is BREEAM and why Version 7 matters

BREEAM is the UK’s leading sustainability assessment method for the built environment. It evaluates assets across categories that shape greener, healthier, and more efficient buildings:

• Energy
• Health and Wellbeing
• Pollution
• Transport
• Materials
• Waste
• Water
• Ecology
• Management

With BREEAM Version 7, projects get clearer pathways to deliver measurable outcomes and to evidence performance for ESG and finance reporting. The update realigns criteria with modern decarbonisation strategies and resilience needs.

The biggest changes to BREEAM in Version 7

• Whole life carbon and embodied carbon move to the centre of assessment, with clearer benchmarking and reporting at design and as‑built stages. This supports measurable reductions across operational and material impacts.
• Energy and carbon performance shifts from demand‑based metrics to outcome‑based evidence, improving the link between design intent and real‑world results. Projects can forecast operational energy and carbon early to guide decisions.
• Biodiversity Net Gain receives stronger treatment to drive nature‑positive development across sites and landscapes.
• EU Taxonomy alignment is available through optional criteria, streamlining sustainable finance reporting when required.
• Consistency across BREEAM schemes improves comparability from New Construction through Refurbishment, Fit‑Out, and In‑Use.

BREEAM v7 timeline and the close of V6 registrations

BREEAM New Construction Version 7 launched on 30 September 2025. New registrations under BREEAM 2018 and V6 close on 27 January 2026. A phased roll‑out brings other schemes online after NC v7. If your project is entering design now, plan for v7 registration and early credit capture.

How KJ Tait prepares your team for BREEAM New Construction Version 7

• Embed BREEAM v7 requirements from concept so credits are secured efficiently.
• Model operational energy and carbon to inform optioneering and drive outcome‑based decisions.
• Coordinate whole life carbon assessments and embodied carbon benchmarks across stages.
• Plan for Biodiversity Net Gain from site strategy through handover to deliver nature‑positive outcomes.
• Map evidence to ESG frameworks where EU Taxonomy alignment supports finance or disclosures.

FAQs on BREEAM Version 7 changes

What is BREEAM Version 7?
It is the latest update to BREEAM New Construction. It prioritises whole life carbon, resilience, and biodiversity with optional EU Taxonomy alignment.

What are the biggest changes to BREEAM?
Outcome‑based energy and carbon performance, expanded whole life carbon reporting, stronger biodiversity requirements, and improved consistency across schemes.

When does BREEAM v7 apply and when does v6 close?
NC v7 launched on 30 September 2025. New registrations under 2018 and v6 close on 27 January 2026.

Does BREEAM v7 align with the EU Taxonomy?
Yes. Optional criteria support EU Taxonomy alignment and help streamline sustainable finance reporting.

How does BREEAM v7 relate to NABERS UK Design for Performance?
Both focus on measured operational outcomes. Using BREEAM v7 with NABERS UK DfP strengthens energy performance in operation.

Next steps

Planning a 2026 start. Register under BREEAM Version 7 and lock in early credits.  Contact KJ Tait to align your strategy and secure a robust rating.

Sources

https://bregroup.com/en/web/breeam/breeam-newconstructionv7BRE. Introducing: BREEAM New Construction Version 7.

BRE News. Launch of BREEd timelines ·
BRE Knowledge Base v7 FAQs