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After many iterations and updates, and within an increasingly competitive market for alternative assessment methods, the latest BREEAM 7 is perhaps one of the most demanding, reports Designing Buildings (DB) and becomes the only option from September 2025.
Designing Buildings writes:
Originally setting out to raise awareness of sustainability, cut the environmental footprint of construction, and encourage continuous progress BREEAM is now an Internationally known and used assessment method and brand. More than three decades later, after many iterations, updates, within an increasingly competitive market for alternative assessment methods the latest BREEAM 7 is perhaps one of the most demanding and become the only option from September 2025
This latest version reaffirms the ongoing purpose of assessments in responding to climate challenges, tighter regulations, investor scrutiny, and scientific insights building on lessons learnt from earlier and other schemes. BREEAM in particular has grown into staple tool for many developers, asset owners, and funders, albeit alongside a plethora of environment and sustainability frameworks, assessments and certifications. In many cases going beyond voluntary sustainability badges, with schemes (BREEAM but also to a lesser degree others) often being used as a requirement for planning permission, client requirements and finance. In London as well as other regions, BREEAM certification is often mandatory for larger projects and almost all publicly funded schemes, with assessors become a core consultant.
BREEAM 7 raises the bar further, applying yet more pressure for schemes to integrate its requirements at the earliest stages of the design process, rather than getting away with later stage detail additions, to better manage expectations, costs, and outcomes. It puts a spotlight on whole-life carbon, operational energy, refrigerants, and transport emissions, where minimum standards are stricter, net-zero pathways are clearer, and EU Taxonomy alignment is built in to support investor reporting. Achieving these outcomes will require more robust energy modelling, stronger design collaboration, and greater evidence, which in turn means higher upfront investment but more resilient, future-proofed assets.
‘BREEAM New Construction Version 7 Technical Manuals underpin the assessment process, providing guidance to assessors and project teams undertaking assessments. Browse our library of downloads relevant to BREEAM New Construction Version 7, including Technical Manuals, Summary of Changes, and Training Modules.’ For related downloads visit the BRE website page here: https://breeam.com/breeam-newconstructionv7/downloads
