As the built environment moves rapidly toward a net-zero future, BREEAM Version 7 (V7) marks a major step forward in sustainable building assessment. Replacing the 2018 (V6) framework, BREEAM V7 brings greater focus on measurable outcomes, carbon performance, and climate resilience, ensuring every project aligns with modern ESG expectations.
What's Changing?
BREEAM V7 building on BREEAM 2018 and V6, but the updates are significant.
Key Changes:
- Net Zero Alignment – Embodied and operational carbon are now central to assessments, with LCAs required at concept, technical, and post-construction stages. It is now a mandatory requirement to undertake an embodied carbon assessment for a project to achieve an Excellent rating. However, we expect projects requiring a Very Good rating to also require an assessment to achieve sufficient credits to reach their target rating. Outstanding' demands a minimum of five credits specifically for embodied carbon reduction.
- Performance-Based Credits - Credits are no longer just for doing the LCA but for achieving a reduction in embodied carbon relative to established benchmarks. This drives genuine performance improvement.
- Biodiversity and Ecology – Compliance with Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) and DEFRA metrics is now mandatory. The Ecology section has been streamlined and credit awards updated as below:
- ≥10% Biodiversity Change: 1 Credit
- ≥29% Biodiversity Change: 2 Credits
- ≥39% Biodiversity Change: 3 Credits
- ≥43% Biodiversity Change: 3 Credits + Exemplary
- Stronger Minimum Standards – Higher thresholds apply for Excellent and Outstanding ratings. New minimum standards include
- Mat01 Embodied Carbon assessment and benchmarking
- Ene01 and Ene02 Operational Energy and Carbon benchmarks
- Pol01 BREEAM Outstanding buildings must either use no refrigerants or assess refrigerant gases
- Wat01 Updated minimum standards for Water Consumption
When Do the BREEAM V7 Changes Take Effect?
BREEAM 2018 and V6 registrations close on 27th January 2026. After this, all new projects must be registered under BREEAM V7.
Other Things Changing in BREEAM V7
Health and Wellbeing
- Restructured Visual Comfort credits: artificial lighting, glare control, non‑visual lighting effects.
- New daylighting and view metrics.
- IAQ Plan mandatory for Very Good or higher ratings and stronger product emission standards.
Water
- New issue: Prediction of Operational Water Consumption.
- Updated WAT 01 benchmarks.
- Credits for efficient systems and water monitoring.
Energy
- Restructured issues including Ene 01–08.
- New credits for predictive operational energy modelling, controls, flexible demand response.
- No on‑site fossil fuel combustion for Outstanding. Updated benchmarks aligned with grid decarbonisation.
Pollution and Refrigerants
- Refrigerants must have zero ozone depletion potential.
- Updated local air quality and NOx standards.
- Stricter noise thresholds.
New Credit Issues
- Hea 03 Non‑visual lighting effects
- Ene 07 Flexible Demand Response
- Ene 08 Installed Controls
- Wat 05 Operational Water Prediction
- Pol 01 zero ODP refrigerants
How Stroma Built Environment Can Help with BREEAM
Whether you're registering your final BREEAM 2018 project or preparing for V7, Stroma Built Environment provides:
- Pre Assessments and Early-stage strategy support to meet new V7 benchmarks. Appoint an assessor as soon as possible. Many BREEAM credit criteria require action during concept stages of a project and opportunities will be missed by appointing later
- Expert guidance on LCA and energy modelling
- BREEAM-accredited assessors trained for V7 compliance
- Transition advice for projects straddling both versions
With Stroma's support, your project will remain compliant, future-ready, and fully aligned with the UK's Net Zero trajectory.
Get in touch today to discuss your project and plan your pathway to BREEAM V7 certification.