BREEAM Version 7 represents the most significant evolution of the standard in more than a decade, following its launch for New Construction in September 2025. The new framework marks a clear shift away from design intent alone and places measurable, real-world performance at the centre of assessment across the full building lifecycle.
At Stroma, we are working closely with clients to help them navigate this transition, translating the updated requirements into practical, achievable strategies across design, delivery and operation.
This article supports our recent podcast discussion with Stuart Oakes, Director of Energy Services, and Rob Waiting, Principal Consultant at Stroma where we discuss how BREEAM V7 for new construction, aligns with net zero targets, ESG expectations and regulatory drivers such as the EU Taxonomy and what this means for future proofing-built assets.
BREEAM V7 raises the bar to focus on outcomes that futureproof assets rather than simply demonstrating compliance on paper.
Listen to 'The Future of BREEAM' podcast
Key Takeaways on BREEAM V7
- BREEAM v7 is a step-change, not an update
The new version fundamentally shifts the focus from design intent to measurable, real-world performance across the entire building lifecycle. - Whole-life carbon is now non-negotiable
Life Cycle Assessments are embedded into the standard, with earlier and more frequent carbon reporting required to achieve Excellent or Outstanding ratings. - Early engagement is critical
Sustainability input must begin at concept stage. Tight timeframes for assessments mean late-stage compliance is no longer viable. - Occupant wellbeing and energy performance carry more weight
Enhanced criteria around daylight, air quality, smart energy systems, and electrification reflect a more people and performance-led approach. - Higher ratings require expertise but deliver long-term value
While achieving top ratings is more demanding, BREEAM v7 supports future-proofed assets, stronger ESG credentials, and improved long-term value when guided by the right expertise.
The Whole-Life Carbon Revolution
At the heart of BREEAM Version 7 sits whole-life carbon. Rather than being an optional or secondary consideration, carbon assessment is now embedded within the criteria and particularly for projects targeting higher BREEAM levels.
Mandatory Life Cycle Assessments (LCA) must be completed at the concept design, technical design and post construction stages to ensure that embodied and operational carbon are addressed early and are tracked throughout delivery. Crucially, the scope now explicitly includes Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing engineering (MEP) systems, bringing greater accuracy and accountability to assessments that previously focused heavily on building structure.
Earlier Decisions, Greater Impact
Under BREEAM new construction V7, concept design LCAs must be completed within 20 working days of planning submission. This places clear pressure on project teams to engage sustainability consultants from the outset rather than treating assessment as a downstream task.
As highlighted in our podcast, this early sustainability allows carbon-intensive design choices to be challenged while there is still flexibility to adapt. This approach supports effective decision-making and avoids unnecessary, costly redesign later in the programme.
Transparency and Industry Leadership
BREEAM V7 introduces new credits for benchmarking carbon performance against recognised scales, to encourage projects to demonstrate leadership rather than minimum compliance. An exemplary credit is also available for publicly reporting embodied carbon data.
This transparency helps to drive consistency across the industry and allows designers, clients and investors to better understand performance and compare outcomes across projects. It also reinforces the growing role of BREEAM UK as a benchmark for sustainability reporting.
Health, Wellbeing, and a New Energy Focus
Occupant-centric design plays a much stronger role in BREEAM Version 7, reflecting the wider recognition that building performance extends beyond energy alone. Updated criteria places greater emphasis on daylight, glare control, indoor air quality and lighting design that supports occupant wellbeing.
As discussed in our podcast, this shift recognises that sustainable buildings must work for the people who use them, not just perform well in models or assessments.
Smarter, All-Electric Energy Strategies
Under BREEAM UK, energy assessment has been restructured to focus on operational performance rather than prescriptive demand metrics. BREEAM V7 clearly places emphasis on electrification, with Outstanding ratings requiring projects to demonstrate no on-site fossil fuel combustion.
New credits also reward flexible demand response and installed controls that support energy use and this reflects the move towards all-electric, grid responsive buildings, aligning with net zero strategies and long-term resilience.
Biodiversity, Resilience, and Practical Implications
BREEAM Version 7 strengthens biodiversity net gain criteria to align more closely with emerging UK legislation and to encourage developments to deliver measurable ecological improvements. The enhanced resilience requirements also promote early assessment of physical climate risks such as flooding and overheating.
While these changes may increase modelling, coordination and initial upfront costs, they do help to ensure assets remain resilient, compliant and valuable in our changing climate. This is particularly relevant for projects targeting higher ratings under BREEAM.
Final Thoughts: Preparing for BREEAM Version 7 with Stroma
BREEAM V7 establishes a performance-led, science-based framework designed to support future-ready buildings. Success under the new standard greatly depends on early engagement, accurate modelling and strategic sustainability advice throughout the project life cycle.
At Stroma, we work closely with clients to support compliance and maximise BREEAM ratings to help project teams to interpret requirements, manage risk and deliver measurable performance outcomes in line with BREEAM UK.
What You Get with Stroma:
- Expert BREEAM assessors and sustainability consultants: A dedicated team with a deep understanding and experience in delivering BREEAM ratings, supporting projects from early strategy through to final certification.
- Early-stage whole-life carbon and energy modelling support: Robust modelling at concept and technical design stages to inform decisions early, reduce carbon impact and avoid costly late-stage redesign.
- Practical guidance to achieve higher BREEAM ratings while managing cost and programme risk: Clear, proportionate advice that balances ambition with buildability, to help teams target Excellent or Outstanding ratings without unnecessary complexity.
FAQs About BREEAM Version 7
When does BREEAM Version 7 come into force?
BREEAM Version 7 came into force for New Construction in September 2025. A transition period followed, after which registrations under Version 6 closed. Version 7 is now the applicable standard for new projects.
What are the main differences between BREEAM V6 and V7?
The main differences between BREEAM V6 and BREEAM V7 are that version 7 now places a greater emphasis on whole-life carbon, operational performance, occupant wellbeing and transparency to raise expectations across all BREEAM levels.
How can projects achieve Excellent or Outstanding under BREEAM v7?
Projects can achieve Excellent or Outstanding ratings by demonstrating early sustainability engagement, robust carbon modelling, high-performing energy strategies and strong evidence of real-world performance through delivery.