BREEAM: a guide to version 7

BREEAM, which stands for Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method, was the first environmental assessment method for buildings. Created in 1990 in the United Kingdom by BRE, it is now the most widely used worldwide, with more than 600,000 certifications in over 80 countries.

Version 7, published in July 2025, marks a change of approach. It focuses on three measurable points: whole-life carbon of the building, the energy consumption actually predicted rather than the regulatory calculation alone, and biodiversity net gain. It is also explicitly aligned with the EU Taxonomy, which makes it a tool for evidencing green finance eligibility.

The building is assessed across ten weighted categories. The weightings below are those commonly observed in France; they vary depending on the project type.

Management≈ 12%

A stronger role for the BREEAM AP; an ISO 14001-certified environmental management system mandatory on site (Man 03); CO₂ emissions from the transport of materials included in reporting.

Health and Wellbeing≈ 15%

Daylight factor above 2% over 80% of floor areas; strict VOC emission criteria (Hea 04); adaptive thermal comfort verified against heatwave weather files.

Energy≈ 19%

Prediction of actual consumption using the TM54 method (Ene 01/02), going beyond the regulatory calculation; operational carbon targets aligned with net zero; exemplary credits beyond regulated net zero.

Transport≈ 8%

Public Transport Accessibility Index (PTAI); charging points of at least 7 kW; relaxed cycling requirements for rural sites more than 50 km from an urban centre.

Water≈ 6%

3/6 L dual-flush toilets and reduced flow rates; major leak detection with automatic shut-off; rainwater harvesting.

Materials≈ 12.5%

Building life cycle assessment mandatory for Excellent and Outstanding (Mat 01); whole-life carbon, modules A1 to C4, reported at three stages; FSC or PEFC timber and ISO 14001-certified manufacturing plants.

Waste≈ 7.5%

Over 70% of construction waste recovered; disassembly and adaptability manual (Wst 06); exposed, reversible connections to make reuse easier.

Land Use and Ecology≈ 10%

No construction on arable land or threatened habitats, in line with the EU Taxonomy (Lue 01); biodiversity net gain mandatory (Lue 04); an ecologist involved from the outline design stage.

Pollution≈ 10%

Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and phase-out of fossil fuels (Pol 01); low-NOx boilers, below 40 mg/kWh; limited external lighting.

Innovationup to 10% as a bonus

Credits awarded for exemplary performance beyond the requirements, or for technical solutions recognised as pioneering.

The move from V6 (SD250) to V7 (SD6073) is the most significant change to the standard in years. The main changes are:

BREEAM does not simply validate a building: the weighted score achieved across the ten categories determines a rating.

Certification involves two parties and takes place in two stages.

The parties

BREEAM APAccredited Professional

Supports the design team, advises on technical choices and optimises the score. Their involvement in the project itself earns credits.

BREEAM AssessorAssessor

Independent and licensed by BRE, the assessor checks the evidence, writes the assessment report and applies for certification.

The two stages

Design StageDesign

Desk-based assessment: drawings, specifications (CCTP), simulations. It leads to an Interim Certificate, with no mandatory site visit.

Post-Construction StageConstruction

Final assessment after handover, with a mandatory site visit by the assessor to verify actual compliance. It leads to the Final Certificate.

Certification fees

Two cost items add up: the fee paid to BRE, the British certification body, and the assessor’s fees, plus those of the AP where applicable.

Additional construction cost and return on investment

Beyond fees, the effects on rents, service charges and value depend on the level targeted.

Advantages

• International recognition, often essential for foreign tenants.
• A standard suited to new construction, refurbishment and operation (In-Use).
• A whole-life cost approach that brings operating costs down.

Limitations

• A heavy documentation burden: invoices, photos, technical data sheets.
• Standards written in English, built on a technical culture sometimes far removed from French law.
• Evidence gathering that weighs heavily on the design team.

Achieving Very Good does not mean chasing every point. The following table shows, by project type, how easily the points in each category can be obtained. It says nothing about their financial return, which is covered below.

To help you decide, here is the added value observed for each category, based on international references (BRE, WGBC, RICS).