BREEAM Services – navigating Version 7, credits, and sustainable strategy

At enevo, we understand that navigating the evolving landscape of environmental sustainability is crucial, not just for compliance but for long-term success. As the demand for sustainable building practices continues to rise, BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) remains one of the most respected frameworks for assessing, rating, and certifying the sustainability of buildings worldwide. With BREEAM Version 7 now being phased in for new construction projects, the framework is evolving, presenting new challenges and opportunities for developers, architects and sustainability consultants.

In this article, we’ll explore how to successfully navigate BREEAM V7, the key credits to focus on, and how your strategy can align with global sustainability goals, including the outcomes of the recent COP30 Week 2 and the growing importance of the circular economy and carbon reduction.

BREEAM V7 – a new era of sustainability

BREEAM V7 introduces a more holistic approach to sustainability, shifting beyond just energy and water efficiency. This version includes a greater emphasis on climate resilience, biodiversity, and circular economy principles, offering a comprehensive pathway to achieving high levels of environmental performance.

Key Changes in BREEAM V7:

1. Circular Economy: BREEAM V7 has expanded its focus on circular economy principles. Projects must now consider how materials are sourced, used, and disposed of in a way that promotes resource efficiency and reduces waste. This aligns perfectly with global sustainability goals, as seen at COP30 Week 2 discussions, where circular economy practices were highlighted as critical for reducing carbon emissions.
2. Carbon Impact: BREEAM V7 places a stronger focus on whole life carbon. Projects must measure carbon across the full lifecycle of the building, which is done through Whole Life Carbon Assessments produced at key project stages. These assessments are mandatory for schemes targeting an Excellent or Outstanding rating. The aim is to reduce both embodied and operational carbon, so the building performs efficiently in use and has a lower impact over its lifetime.
3. Health and Well-being: In addition to environmental performance, BREEAM V7 considers occupant health and well-being, encouraging designs that create healthier living and working environments.

Key BREEAM credits to focus on

To successfully achieve a high BREEAM rating, it’s essential to understand which credits will have the most significant impact on your project. Here are the key credits to focus on in BREEAM V7:

1. Energy and Carbon: Achieving optimal energy performance and carbon reduction strategies are crucial in BREEAM V7. A well-designed energy strategy will help you meet BREEAM’s new carbon reduction requirements, which focus on both operational energy use and embodied carbon in materials.
2. Material Selection (Circular Economy Credits): BREEAM V7 requires projects to reduce their impact on the environment through the selection of sustainable, low-carbon materials. A key focus is on the cradle-to-cradle concept, ensuring that materials can be reused or recycled at the end of their life.
3. Water Efficiency: With water scarcity becoming an increasing concern, BREEAM V7 encourages the implementation of water-saving technologies and strategies. Credits are awarded for reducing water usage while maintaining occupant comfort.
4. Waste Management: Credits for waste management focus on reducing waste during construction and throughout the building’s lifecycle. Proper waste management strategies, including recycling and reusing materials, are essential to meeting the BREEAM V7 standards.
5. Health and Well-being Credits: These credits focus on creating spaces that enhance the well-being of occupants, from indoor air quality to natural light and acoustics. Well-being is a growing priority for both developers and tenants alike, and these credits help ensure that buildings contribute positively to health.

Strategy for achieving a high BREEAM rating

Successfully achieving a high BREEAM rating requires a well-thought-out strategy that addresses all aspects of sustainability. Here’s how you can navigate the process:

1. Early Engagement: Start planning your BREEAM strategy early in the design process. Involve sustainability consultants, architects, and contractors early to identify opportunities for credits and to ensure that sustainable choices are integrated from the beginning.
2. Set Clear Sustainability Goals: Align your project’s goals with global sustainability targets, such as those outlined during COP30 Week 2. This might include a commitment to carbon neutrality, circular economy principles, or biodiversity enhancements. Having clear sustainability goals helps ensure a cohesive strategy.
3. Maximise Credits: Understand which credits are most relevant to your project type and location. Work with BREEAM assessors to target the credits that will have the greatest impact and ensure the project meets or exceeds BREEAM V7 standards.
4. Post-Construction Monitoring: Achieving BREEAM certification is just the beginning. Post-construction monitoring and management are essential to ensure that the building continues to perform at a high level. BREEAM V7 also encourages ongoing performance monitoring, which can help in identifying areas for improvement.

The Circular Economy and Carbon in BREEAM V7

At COP30 Week 2, the importance of the circular economy and carbon reduction took centre stage as global leaders recognised that these are critical for achieving net-zero goals. Buildings are major contributors to both waste generation and carbon emissions, but by adopting circular economy principles, we can significantly reduce their environmental impact.

BREEAM V7 encourages the use of circular economy principles by promoting the reuse and recycling of building materials, reducing waste to landfill, and designing for disassembly. Reducing embodied carbon through sustainable material choices and construction methods is a key component of this strategy. With carbon reduction increasingly being a focus of both regulation and investor interest, buildings that integrate these principles are not only environmentally responsible but also more likely to attract tenants and investors looking for long-term sustainability.

Summary

Navigating BREEAM V7 is an exciting opportunity to position your project at the forefront of sustainability. With a stronger focus on circular economy practices, carbon reduction, and overall environmental and social performance, BREEAM V7 is more relevant than ever as we move toward a greener future. By aligning your project’s strategy with global events like COP30 and embracing the circular economy, you can ensure your development meets the challenges of today’s environmental landscape while creating lasting value for the future.

At enevo, we are here to guide you through every step of the BREEAM process, helping you unlock the full potential of your project while contributing to a more sustainable world. Reach out to us today to start your journey towards BREEAM certification.