BUILDING REGULATIONS


BREEAM V7 updates – why early design decisions have never been more crucial


Katy Venables, sustainability consultant at Whitecode Consulting, assesses the BREEAM V7 updates before revealing how early design decisions on energy strategy and structure can substantially enhance energy efficiency and occupant comfort to ensure targets are achieved


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he launch of the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) New Construction V7 update from the Building Research Establishment (BRE) in September is set to shake up the industry. The reforms place a stronger emphasis on advancing decarbonisation efforts across the UK, rather than just compliance, focusing on more transparent reporting and benchmarking of carbon emissions. The Climate Change Committee revealed the built environment contributes to around 23% of the UK’s total carbon emissions. It has therefore never been more important for energy managers, specifiers, consultants and local authorities to work together to substantially decarbonise residential and commercial buildings across the UK – especially with the 2050 net zero target ever-approaching. As a globally recognised environmental assessment method, BREEAM plays a critical role in helping the design and construction of more sustainable and greener buildings while driving stronger economic performance and improving occupant wellbeing.


Since 1990, BREEAM has measured and


reduced the negative environmental impacts of buildings through the encouragement of sustainable design, construction and operation. It is regularly updated to align with ever- evolving technological advancements, legislative reforms and new scientific breakthroughs, now focusing on commercial and residential building types as well as new office buildings.


What are the BREEAM V7 changes?


Aiming to directly acknowledge ongoing issues, such as biodiversity, wellbeing and climate change challenges, and concentrating on four key pillars of improvement, the updates launched in September 2025. With carbon reporting and management a major focus, a building’s total carbon footprint will be assessed and monitored at each stage of its lifecycle; from materials specified and used during construction through to its operational footprint and any future planned demolition. Aligned with the English Biodiversity Net Gain and global best practices, the new biodiversity net gain benchmarks sharpen the focus on driving the UK’s decarbonisation journey. To prompt those in charge of sites with low or zero biodiversity baselines to strengthen sustainability practices and processes, new methodologies have been put in place.


Consequently, energy credits have been


restricted to better represent updated energy performance benchmarks, while projects will be required to predict water consumption based on expected occupancy, as opposed to standard occupancy – promoting a more accurate and transparent assessment of water demands.


The BREEAM V7 update also acknowledges how building design and construction can positively impact user and occupant health and wellbeing. The concentration on air quality, daylight and access to nature, along with recommended new standards, will encourage developers to recognise and prioritise spaces that will benefit occupants long-term. Credits have been included for the use of advanced modelling techniques to maximise daylight while minimising glare. Accompanying those are minimum daylight standards – required for higher ratings. With BREEAM standards becoming increasingly stringent and sustainability growing ever-more important, integrating energy efficiency and sustainability practices into the design process as easy as possible is vital.


A holistic approach and full integration


Early integration substantially reduces clashes and errors, streamlines the specification and implementation of energy efficient systems, products and materials and enhanced cohesion between all involved trades. This holistic approach, alongside the early incorporation of energy efficiency strategies, offers incredible flexibility and enables designers to assess the energy implications of different design choices and then optimise them for better performance. This reduces energy consumption and lowers emissions.


Substantially lowered expenditure


The greater emphasis on occupant health and wellbeing exacerbates the importance of early design decisions around daylighting, air quality and external views. In fact, the provision of access to natural light through effective window and room design allows the simple and quick flow of high-quality air throughout a room or building. Additionally, implementing automated heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems early creates healthier, more productive and more comfortable internal environments.


6 BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER JANUARY 2026 Greater regulatory compliance


Early embedding of sustainability increases the likelihood of energy managers, consultants, local authorities and specifiers complying with BREEAM V7 and other crucial standards and regulations. Indeed, the greater design flexibility, reduced need for potential future adaptations and integration of safety features greatly improves chances of compliance. Furthermore, being known as an individual or


organisation prioritising sustainable practices and focusing on reducing energy consumption and decarbonising the UK’s building stock can substantially enhance trust and reputation across the competitive construction industry.


The need for enhanced understanding and awareness


Many across the built environment still aren’t aware of the importance of the BREEAM standards, nor how they can achieve higher ratings.


Consequently, there must be a collaborative


approach between energy managers, specifiers, consultants and local authorities and the BRE to make accessing this crucial information simpler. This will increase knowledge and understanding on how to achieve BREEAM ratings and the vital role this can have in providing more sustainable, comfortable and energy efficient environments. As one of MEP design and sustainability consultancy sector’s leaders, Whitecode Consulting features a hugely experienced team of BREEAM Advisory Professionals (APs). Helping clients meet their desired BREEAM ratings, its expert advice covers everything from built environment sustainability through to environmental design and assessment, such as carbon lifecycle assessments. With sustainability efforts needing to focus on actual decarbonisation strategy – rather than just compliance – utilising the expertise of building services consultants such as Whitecode Consulting will help clients meet stringent targets while ensuring a greener and better built environment.


Read the latest at: www.bsee.co.uk


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