BREEAM V7 Technical Manuals Released – key things to know

If you’re managing a construction project, a property portfolio, or planning a major refurbishment, then the fact that the BREEAM Version 7 (V7) technical manuals have been released, will be of interest. It sets higher standards for sustainability, compliance, and asset value across the built environment. Achieving BREEAM certification now demonstrates leadership, reduces risk, and futureproofs assets in a world where climate, regulation, and investor expectations are rapidly evolving.

What’s new and why does it matter?

BREEAM is the world’s leading science-based certification system for buildings. BREEAM V7 sharpens its focus on operational and embodied carbon, climate risk, biodiversity, and alignment with international standards such as the EU Taxonomy and GRESB. Whether you are targeting compliance, higher asset values, or a competitive edge, understanding the updates in V7 is essential.

Key aspects:

Internal Lighting is raising standards for comfort and wellbeing
Lighting’s no longer just about saving energy. In V7, assessments cover both artificial and natural light, as well as ‘non-visual’ effects on occupants. The revised Hea 01, Hea 02, and Hea 03 credits reward projects that exceed minimum lux levels, incorporating daylight access, glare control, and consideration of circadian rhythms. For example, a school applying the new standards should observe improved comfort and concentration among its pupils.

Climate Risk and decarbonisation
There is a stronger mandate for measuring and managing climate risks and advancing decarbonisation. This includes operational and embodied carbon, refrigerants, and transport emissions. All MEP (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing) systems, such as ducts, pipes, equipment, and refrigerants, must now be incorporated in embodied carbon calculations.

Flexible and realistic approaches to energy
Energy performance assessments have become much more detailed, with additional credits for those incorporating flexible demand response and nuanced controls for heating, hot water, and HVAC systems. Projects may achieve ‘Excellent’ or ‘Outstanding’ based on predicted (Ene 01) or actual (Ene 02, e.g., using TM54) energy performance, hich rewards proven and not just theoretical efficiency.

Lifecycle Assessment and whole-life impact
Lifecycle Assessment (LCA) features centrally in BREEAM’s materials criteria (Mat 01). Projects targeting ‘Excellent’ or ‘Outstanding’ now require whole-life carbon assessments, reporting on all life stages from construction to end-of-life. This needs careful planning for operation, refurbishment, and decommissioning.

Performance and monitoring in use
The emphasis has moved more towards real-world results and outcomes. Rigorous post-occupancy evaluation and third-party verification is now mandatory. Energy credits promote early-stage modelling as well as ongoing performance monitoring, all of which requires building developers and managers to collect evidence beyond just the initial design.

New thresholds in scoring and standards
The minimum standards set for ‘Excellent’ and ‘Outstanding’ have increased, while ‘Good’ and ‘Pass’ thresholds now stand at 25% and 40% respectively. The ‘Simple Buildings’ pathway has been withdrawn, bringing more robust and consistent requirements to all schemes.

Data and reporting streamlining
Data collection and reporting are now designed to align more easily with major ESG frameworks such as GRESB, making benchmarking more straightforward and helpful.

Ecology, health, biodiversity, and resilience benchmarking
V7 updates physical and operational benchmarks to align with the latest Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) legislation and DEFRA metrics. Off-site ecological enhancements are recognised, and standards for air quality, comfort, and safety have been strengthened. Buildings must now be proven to be resilient to climate risks for both occupants and asset value.

EU Taxonomy and better bridging for international portfolios
Alignment with the EU Taxonomy simplifies compliance and reporting for organisations with international portfolios, which is a vital part of the update for investors and asset managers.

Stricter water and resource usage baselines
Tougher requirements for water consumption now apply. Achieving a ‘Good’ rating or above will need considered water-saving design from the earliest stages.

Complying with these new requirements may seem daunting, but working with qualified BREEAM assessors and professionals can make a huge and helpful difference. enevo’s expert team can support whole-life carbon calculations, operational energy modelling, LCA, acoustic performance, daylighting, and more, which ultimately helps you attain and improve your compliance position.

BREEAM V7 undoubtedly establishes a new benchmark for sustainable construction and asset management. Embracing these changes is not solely about compliance, but is now an opportunity to demonstrate quality, foresight, and responsibility. For those working on projects and seeking to understand how these new standards apply, contact the Building Compliance team at enevo to ensure maximum value and long-term performance.