BREEAM Version V7 Pollution Credits | What's Changed for UK Projects

BREEAM Version 7 represents the most significant update to the assessment methodology since 2018, with substantial changes to the Pollution category affecting how developments achieve credits for flood risk, surface water management, air quality, and environmental protection. Projects registering from 2025 onwards must navigate new requirements that reflect updated climate science, tighter environmental regulations, and higher expectations for sustainable development.

The changes aren't simply incremental adjustments—Version 7 fundamentally reshapes some credit structures, introduces new mandatory requirements for higher ratings, and places greater emphasis on climate resilience and whole-life carbon reduction. For projects targeting Excellent or Outstanding ratings, the pollution category now includes several non-negotiable minimum standards that weren't present in the 2018 scheme.

Understanding these changes early in your project timeline is crucial. Decisions made during feasibility and concept design now have greater impact on achievable BREEAM ratings, particularly around heating system choices, flood resilience strategies, and surface water management approaches. What was acceptable for Very Good in 2018 may not satisfy Excellent requirements in Version 7.

Overview of BREEAM Version V7 Pollution Category Credits Changes

The Pollution category maintains its approximate 8-10% weighting of overall BREEAM score (varying by building type), but the pathway to achieving credits has changed significantly. BREEAM Version V7 pollution credits introduces several key shifts in assessment philosophy:

Enhanced Climate Resilience Focus: Flood risk and surface water management credits now explicitly require demonstrating adaptation to climate change scenarios through 2080s, not just meeting current regulatory standards. The emphasis shifts from compliance to genuine resilience.

Fossil Fuel Phase-Out: Outstanding rated buildings cannot include fossil fuel combustion on-site, fundamentally changing heating system options. This aligns BREEAM with UK net-zero targets but creates design challenges for certain building types.

Stricter Minimum Standards: The bar for Excellent and Outstanding ratings rises substantially, with specific pollution credits becoming mandatory rather than optional. You can no longer trade pollution credits for gains elsewhere at these rating levels.

Operational Performance Emphasis: Version 7 places greater weight on predicted operational performance rather than designed performance, requiring more sophisticated modelling and evidence of real-world effectiveness.

Embodied Carbon Integration: Some pollution credits now link to whole-life carbon considerations, recognising that environmental impact extends beyond operational emissions to include construction and material impacts.

Detailed Changes by Pollution Credit

Pol 01: Impact of Refrigerants - Enhanced Requirements

Version 7 tightens GWP thresholds for refrigerants, reflecting rapid technology advancement and F-Gas regulation changes since 2018.

Updated Credit Thresholds:

Two Credits - Very Low GWP: Threshold reduces from GWP ≤10 to GWP ≤5 for all system types. This eliminates some previously acceptable refrigerants:

• R290 (Propane): GWP 3 - Still achieves 2 credits

• R600a (Isobutane): GWP 3 - Still achieves 2 credits

• R744 (CO2): GWP 1 - Still achieves 2 credits

• R1270 (Propylene): GWP 2 - Still achieves 2 credits

• R717 (Ammonia): GWP <1 - Still achieves 2 credits

  
  

The practical impact is minimal—refrigerants meeting the previous ≤10 threshold mostly had GWP ≤5 anyway. The change signals BREEAM's direction towards natural refrigerants only for highest credits.

One Credit - Low GWP: Thresholds tighten to GWP ≤3 for indirect systems (previously ≤5) and GWP ≤500 for direct systems (previously ≤675).

The GWP 500 threshold for direct systems excludes R32 (GWP 675), which achieved 1 credit under Version 6/2018 but achieves zero credits under Version 7. This is a significant change affecting air conditioning specification.

Refrigerants Now Achieving Zero Credits:

• R32: GWP 675 - Achieved 1 credit in V6, now achieves 0 credits in V7

• R452B: GWP 698 - Previously 0 credits, remains 0 credits

• R410A: GWP 2,088 - Previously 0 credits, remains 0 credits

Impact on Project Specification:

The R32 change is substantial. This refrigerant became industry standard after 2018, replacing R410A in most air conditioning systems. Projects registering under Version 7 cannot rely on R32 for any Pol 01 credits—they must specify either:

Option 1: Natural refrigerants (R290, R600a, CO2) achieving 2 credits but requiring specialist design for safety

Option 2: Advanced HFO refrigerants with GWP ≤500 (R454B at GWP 466, R1234yf at GWP 4) achieving 1 credit

Option 3: Indirect chilled water systems using natural refrigerants in central plant achieving 2 credits

Most projects will move towards Option 3 for medium/large buildings—chilled water systems with natural refrigerant chillers provide best combination of safety, performance, and BREEAM credits under Version 7.

Leak Detection Requirements Unchanged:

Leak detection requirements remain as per previous versions: mandatory for systems with >10kg charge, flammable refrigerants, or toxic refrigerants. The specifications for detection systems, alarm functions, and compliance standards continue unchanged.

Pol 02: Local Air Quality - No Fossil Fuels for Outstanding

Version 7 introduces the most dramatic change to air quality credits: Outstanding rated buildings cannot include fossil fuel combustion on-site.

Credit Structure Changes:

The three-tier NOx emission structure continues but with additional restrictions:

• 1 credit: NOx ≤100 mg/kWh at 0% excess oxygen (unchanged)

• 2 credits: NOx ≤70 mg/kWh (unchanged)

• 3 credits: NOx ≤40 mg/kWh (unchanged)

New Minimum Standard for Outstanding Rating:

To achieve Outstanding, buildings must have zero fossil fuel combustion on-site for space heating, water heating, or cooking. This means:

Not Permitted for Outstanding:

• Gas boilers (regardless of NOx class)

• Oil boilers

• LPG systems

• Biomass boilers (despite being renewable)

• Gas CHP systems

• On-site gas generation

Permitted for Outstanding:

• Heat pumps (air source, ground source, water source)

• Electric heating (though energy performance implications apply)

• District heating from renewable or waste heat sources

• Solar thermal

• Heat recovery systems

Implications for Different Building Types:

• Residential: Outstanding rating requires heat pumps or district heating. Gas boilers cannot achieve Outstanding regardless of efficiency or NOx emissions. This aligns with UK policy moving towards heat pump deployment but creates cost challenges for volume housebuilders.

• Commercial offices: Relatively straightforward transition to heat pumps or district heating. Many offices already use these technologies for efficiency reasons.

• Industrial/warehouse: More challenging. Process heating may require gas, preventing Outstanding rating for entire building even if office/welfare areas use heat pumps.

• Healthcare/laboratories: Potential issues with critical backup heating, sterilisation equipment, or emergency power systems requiring fossil fuel backup.

• Hotels/leisure: Commercial kitchens typically prefer gas for cooking. Projects must choose between gas cooking (preventing Outstanding) or all-electric kitchens (achieving Outstanding but with operational concerns from chefs).

Exemptions and Flexibility:

Version 7 provides limited exemptions:

• Emergency backup generators (provided they're genuinely emergency-only, not peak-shaving or regular operation)

• Process equipment where alternatives are not technically feasible (requires justification)

• Listed buildings where heat pump installation would damage heritage value

Standard backup boilers do NOT qualify for exemption—if they're sized to provide heating, they count as fossil fuel combustion.

The Excellent Rating Path:

For Excellent rating, fossil fuel combustion remains acceptable. Projects can use ultra-low NOx boilers (≤40 mg/kWh) achieving 3 Pol 02 credits whilst staying within Excellent band. This provides a pragmatic pathway for buildings where Outstanding's heat pump requirement isn't feasible.

Pol 03: Flood and Surface Water Management - Enhanced Resilience

Version 7 significantly strengthens flood risk and surface water requirements, reflecting updated climate science and increased flooding frequency.

Flood Risk Credit Changes:

Minimum Standard Introduction:

For Excellent rating: Minimum 1 flood risk credit mandatory (none required previously)

For Outstanding rating: 2 flood risk credits mandatory (none required previously)

This represents a fundamental shift. Previously, projects could ignore flood risk entirely and compensate with credits elsewhere. Under Version 7, Excellent and Outstanding projects must achieve flood risk credits—no trading allowed.

Updated Climate Change Allowances:

Version 7 mandates climate change allowances aligned with latest Environment Agency guidance (updated 2024):

• Central estimate: +35% peak flows (2080s, central)

• Higher central: +45% peak flows (2080s, higher central) - now BREEAM default

• Upper end: +70% peak flows (2080s, upper end) - required for critical infrastructure

Previous guidance used +40% as standard. Version 7 increases this to +45% as the default position, requiring larger attenuation storage and higher flood resilience measures.

Flood Zone Assessment Updates:

Flood zone definitions align with updated EA mapping incorporating recent climate science:

• Surface water flood maps (updated 2024) must be assessed alongside fluvial mapping

• Groundwater flood susceptibility must be explicitly considered

• Sewer flooding risk in urban areas requires assessment

Resilience Measure Specifications:

For sites in Flood Zones 2 or 3, Version 7 provides more detailed specifications for resilience measures:

600mm Freeboard Option: Continues but with clarifications:

• Measured from updated design flood level including +45% climate change

• Access routes must also achieve 600mm freeboard, not just building threshold

• Safe refuge areas required above flood level for buildings where evacuation may not be possible

• Emergency vehicle access routes must remain passable during design flood

BS 8533 Compliance Option: Enhanced requirements:

• Must address 2080s climate scenarios, not just current design events

• Resilience measures must consider cumulative impacts (multiple flood events in short periods)

• Recovery time must be explicitly designed and stated

• Materials must remain functional after multiple flood events, not just survive single flooding

Surface Water Management Credit Changes:

Run-off Rate Requirements:

Brownfield: 50% improvement required (increased from 30% in Version 6)

Greenfield: Maintain greenfield rates (unchanged) BUT using updated IH124 methodology with climate change

The brownfield threshold increase is significant. Sites previously achieving credits with 30% reduction now need 50% reduction. This typically requires:

• Larger attenuation storage volumes

• More extensive SuDS features across site

• Green roofs or other source control measures

• Possibly combining infiltration with attenuation

New Volume Reduction Credit:

Version 7 splits surface water into three credits rather than two:

• 1 credit: Run-off rate control (brownfield 50% improvement or greenfield rates)

• 1 credit: Run-off volume reduction (new credit)

• 1 credit: Water quality treatment (carried forward from previous version)

Volume Reduction Specifications:

Achieve through demonstrating:

• 30% reduction in annual run-off volume compared to pre-development

• OR maintain pre-development infiltration rates through SuDS

• OR capture and reuse minimum 50% of rainfall from roof areas

This typically requires combinations of:

• Green roofs providing evapotranspiration

• Rain gardens and bioretention absorbing water

• Permeable paving with infiltration capacity

• Rainwater harvesting for toilet flushing or irrigation

• Enhanced landscaping with absorbent soils

Water Quality Requirements Enhanced:

The water quality credit requirements strengthen:

Previously: Appropriate treatment for pollution risk level

Version 7: Mandatory treatment train with minimum two stages plus:

• Pollutant removal efficiency must be modelled and demonstrated

• Treatment effectiveness must be verified post-construction

• Maintenance regime must be specified and funded for development lifetime

• Monitoring points must be included for water quality verification

For high-risk areas (car parks >20 spaces, commercial vehicle areas), Version 7 requires:

• Full retention Class 1 interceptor (unchanged)

• Bypass arrangements with alarm (unchanged)

• NEW: Spill containment with automated shut-off valves

• NEW: Emergency response procedures included in building user guide

Exemplary Level Changes:

Version 7 introduces new exemplary level criteria:

• Achieve net positive water balance (site exports less water annually than pre-development)

• Implement nature-based solutions across >80% of site area

• Demonstrate measurable biodiversity net gain through SuDS features

Pol 04: Reduction of Night Time Light Pollution - Tightened Standards

Version 7 substantially strengthens light pollution requirements, recognising growing evidence of ecological damage from artificial lighting.

Credit Threshold Changes:

Previously (Version 6):

• 1 credit: Limit upward light and control obtrusive light

• Zero prescriptive lumen limits

Version 7:

• 1 credit: Meet ILP Guidance Note 1 environmental zone E2 limits

• 2 credits: Meet environmental zone E1 limits OR demonstrate 30% reduction below E2

• Exemplary: Achieve zero upward light and adaptive lighting controls

Environmental Zone Definitions:

E1 - Intrinsically dark landscapes: Natural areas, dark sky areas, rural locationsLight limits: 0 lux upward, maximum 2 lux at boundary, maximum 5 lux average in lit areas

E2 - Low district brightness areas: Suburban areas, small town centresLight limits: 0.5 lux upward, maximum 5 lux at boundary, maximum 10 lux average in lit areas

E3 - Medium district brightness areas: Urban areas, town centresLight limits: 1.0 lux upward, maximum 10 lux at boundary, maximum 25 lux average in lit areas

E4 - High district brightness areas: City centres, major commercial areasLight limits: 2.5 lux upward, maximum 25 lux at boundary

Mandatory Requirements Version 7:

All projects regardless of location must:

• Complete external lighting zone assessment

• Demonstrate compliance with appropriate zone limits

• Specify lighting controls preventing unnecessary operation

• Provide lighting management plan for building operators

• Include lighting in building user guide with adjustment instructions

New Ecological Impact Assessment:

For sites within 500m of:

• Designated wildlife sites (SSSI, SAC, SPA, Ramsar)

• Priority habitats

• Protected species breeding/roosting sites

• Watercourses with ecological designations

Projects must conduct lighting impact assessment by appropriately qualified ecologist, demonstrating:

• Proposed lighting will not disturb protected species

• Light spill onto sensitive habitats minimised

• Lighting timing considers species activity patterns

• Monitoring proposed for lighting impacts on ecology

Adaptive Lighting Requirements for Exemplary:

Exemplary level requires adaptive controls:

• Presence detection reducing output when areas unoccupied

• Daylight sensing preventing operation during ambient light conditions

• Time controls limiting operation to necessary hours

• Remote monitoring enabling performance verification

• Fault reporting for rapid maintenance

Pol 05: Reduction of Noise Pollution - New Requirements

Version 7 substantially expands noise pollution assessment beyond previous requirements.

Credit Structure Expansion:

Previously (Version 6):

• 1 credit: Acoustic performance meeting appropriate standards

Version 7:

• 1 credit: Meet internal and external noise standards

• 1 credit: Implement noise management strategy

• Exemplary: Achieve enhanced acoustic performance

Internal Noise Standards:

Version 7 specifies maximum internal noise levels from building services:

• Bedrooms: 30 dB LAeq,T (night)

• Living rooms: 35 dB LAeq,T

• Offices: 40 dB LAeq,T

• Circulation: 45 dB LAeq,T

These align with WHO guidelines but are more stringent than previous BREEAM requirements. Projects must demonstrate through acoustic modelling or testing that building services (HVAC, lifts, pumps) achieve these levels.

External Noise Impact:

For buildings with external plant (chillers, heat pumps, generators, extract fans), Version 7 requires:

• Noise impact assessment at site boundary

• Compliance with BS 4142 assessment methodology

• Maximum rating level (LAr,Tr) not exceeding background LA90 by more than +5dB during day, +0dB during night

• For sensitive receptors within 50m, rating level must not exceed background

Heat Pump Noise Management:

With Outstanding rating requiring heat pumps, noise becomes critical. Version 7 includes specific heat pump noise requirements:

Air Source Heat Pumps:

• Maximum 42 dB LAeq,T at 1m from unit

• Acoustic screening where necessary to meet boundary limits

• Positioning to minimise impact on neighbours

• Low-noise operating modes for night operation

For residential developments with individual heat pumps per dwelling, achieving these requirements requires:

• Careful unit positioning away from boundaries

• Acoustic barriers or enclosures

• Specification of low-noise units

• Possibly ground or water source heat pumps for constrained sites

Noise Management Strategy:

The second credit requires documented strategy addressing:

• Identification of all significant noise sources

• Mitigation measures for each source

• Acoustic treatment specifications

• Operational controls limiting noise outside working hours

• Monitoring arrangements verifying performance

• Complaint response procedures

Construction Noise:

Version 7 newly includes construction phase noise in assessment:

• Maximum construction noise levels at sensitive receptors

• Restrictions on noisy operations (piling, demolition) near schools/hospitals/residential

• Construction hours limitations

• Community engagement on construction noise

• Monitoring and reporting procedures

Minimum Standards Summary Version 7

Version 7 significantly strengthens minimum standards for Excellent and Outstanding ratings:

For Excellent Rating:

• Minimum 1 credit flood risk (NEW)

• Minimum 2 credits surface water management (NEW)

• NOx emissions ≤70 mg/kWh for 1 credit minimum (UNCHANGED but reinforced)

• Refrigerants meeting low GWP thresholds (NEW)

For Outstanding Rating:

• Minimum 2 credits flood risk (NEW - requires low flood risk site OR comprehensive resilience)

• Minimum 3 credits surface water management (NEW - requires rate, volume, and quality)

• Zero fossil fuel combustion on-site (NEW - most significant change)

• Refrigerants GWP ≤10 maximum (NEW)

• External lighting meeting E2 standards minimum (NEW)

• Noise management strategy implemented (NEW)

These minimum standards cannot be traded. Previously, weak performance in pollution could be offset by strong performance in energy or materials. Version 7 requires fundamental competence across all environmental categories for top ratings.

Strategic Implications for Project Teams

Early Engagement Essential:

Version 7's stricter requirements mean decisions made during RIBA Stage 1/2 have greater impact on achievable ratings than under previous schemes. Key decisions affecting pollution credits include:

• Site Selection: Flood risk now determines whether Excellent/Outstanding is achievable. Sites in Flood Zones 2/3 can reach Excellent but need substantial resilience investment. Outstanding strongly favours Zone 1 sites.

• Heating Strategy: The fossil fuel ban for Outstanding must be addressed at concept stage. Heat pump feasibility, district heating availability, or acceptance of Excellent as target rating all need deciding before detailed design begins.

• Cooling Approach: R32 achieving zero credits under Version 7 means reconsidering cooling strategies. Chilled water with natural refrigerant plant becomes more attractive relative to VRF systems.

• Surface Water Management: The 50% brownfield improvement and volume reduction credit require substantially more SuDS than previous schemes. Site layouts must accommodate larger attenuation, more extensive green infrastructure, and possible rainwater harvesting.

• External Lighting: Cannot be left to later design stages. Environmental zone assessment and compliance strategy needed during planning stage, potentially affecting building design if adaptive controls or reduced lighting levels impact architecture.

Project Cost Implications:

Version 7's enhanced requirements typically add 2-5% to project costs for Excellent rating, and 5-10% for Outstanding, compared to achieving the same ratings under Version 6. The increases primarily reflect:

• Heat pumps vs gas boilers (capital cost increase)

• Larger SuDS infrastructure (attenuation, treatment, landscaping)

• Enhanced flood resilience measures (resistant materials, raised levels)

• More sophisticated external lighting (adaptive controls, impact assessment)

• Acoustic treatment for heat pumps and services

The Outstanding Rating Decision:

Many projects previously targeting Outstanding may need reassessing under Version 7. The fossil fuel ban represents a step-change in requirements that may not be economically or technically feasible for all building types.

Honest assessment early in projects prevents pursuing unachievable ratings and wasting design effort. For some buildings, Excellent under Version 7 represents exceptional performance and may be the pragmatic target.

Regional Variations and Scotland/Wales Differences

Version 7 maintains regional variations for Scotland and Wales reflecting local planning policy and environmental regulations:

Scotland Specific Changes:

• Flood risk assessment aligns with SEPA guidance rather than EA guidance

• Surface water discharge limits follow Scottish Water requirements

• NOx standards align with Scottish air quality policies

• Minimum standards adjusted for Scottish building standards compliance

Wales Specific Changes:

• Flood Consequence Assessment continues (rather than FRA terminology)

• Welsh language requirements for building user guides

• Alignment with Future Wales National Plan policies

• Welsh Water adoption standards for SuDS

Regional Climate Change Factors:

Version 7 includes regionally specific climate change allowances:

• Scotland: +30% to +50% peak flows depending on catchment

• Wales: +40% to +60% peak flows with regional variation

• England: +35% to +70% depending on river basin

Transition Arrangements and Project Timing

Version 7 Applicability:

• Projects registered from 1st January 2025: Must use Version 7

• Projects registered before 31st December 2024: May continue under Version 6 or switch to Version 7

• Projects changing scope significantly: May need reassessing under Version 7

Strategic Registration Timing:

Projects close to registration dates should consider:

Register under Version 6 if:

• Heating strategy relies on gas boilers and Outstanding rating is target

• R32 cooling systems specified and design advanced

• Site in Flood Zone 2/3 and minimal resilience budget available

• Brownfield site with 30% surface water improvement already designed

Register under Version 7 if:

• Heat pump strategy already planned

• Natural refrigerant systems specified

• Strong flood resilience designed from outset

• Want to demonstrate cutting-edge environmental performance

Mid-Project Transitions:

Projects registered under Version 6 but completing under Version 7 may face issues:

• Building control approval referencing newer standards

• Purchaser expectations for Version 7 compliance

• Marketing disadvantage against Version 7 competitors

• Refinancing or green finance requirements preferring Version 7

Consider switching to Version 7 voluntarily if design accommodates new requirements, particularly if completion extends beyond 2026.

How Our Consultancy Supports Version 7 Compliance

Version 7's enhanced pollution requirements create greater need for specialist environmental input from project outset.

Our Version 7 Services:

Flood Risk and Resilience:

• Site-specific FRAs applying Version 7 climate change factors

• Resilience strategy development following enhanced BS 8533 requirements

• 600mm freeboard design verification

• Recovery time modelling and specifications

Sustainable Drainage Design:

• 50% brownfield improvement hydraulic modelling

• Volume reduction strategy development

• Treatment train design meeting enhanced water quality requirements

• Maintenance planning and adoption agreement support

Air Quality and Heating Strategy:

• Zero fossil fuel pathways for Outstanding rating

• Heat pump noise impact assessment

• Construction dust management for noise-sensitive sites

• Air Quality Neutral compliance for London developments

Integrated Environmental Strategy:

• Early stage BREEAM target setting

• Credit optimisation across categories

• Minimum standards compliance verification

• Cost-benefit analysis of rating options

Version 7 Gap Analysis:

For projects registered under Version 6 considering Version 7 transition, we provide gap analysis identifying:

• Which Version 7 requirements current design meets

• Cost and programme implications of upgrading

• Strategic recommendation on version choice

• Implementation plan if transition proceeds

Version 7 Transition Frequently Asked Questions

Can we register under Version 6 in December 2024 and still achieve Outstanding with gas boilers?

Yes. Projects registered under Version 6 before 31st December 2024 follow Version 6 requirements throughout their assessment, even if completing in 2026 or later. Gas boilers achieving NOx ≤40 mg/kWh can contribute to Outstanding under Version 6 rules.

However, consider market expectations. By 2026, Outstanding buildings with gas boilers may seem outdated compared to Version 7 Outstanding buildings with heat pumps. Also consider refinancing or sale—purchasers may query why Version 6 was used when Version 7 available.

Does Version 7 apply to refurbishment projects or just new construction?

Version 7 updates apply across BREEAM schemes:

• New Construction Version 7

• Residential Version 7 (following in 2025)

• Refurbishment & Fit-out Version 7 (following in 2026)

Each scheme adopts Version 7 principles but with assessment details appropriate to project type. The fossil fuel ban for Outstanding applies across all schemes eventually, though refurbishment may have flexibility for buildings where heat pump retrofit is technically infeasible.

What if our site is in Flood Zone 2 but planning permission already granted with 30% surface water improvement?

Version 7 assessment requires 50% improvement for brownfield sites regardless of planning conditions. However, where planning approval explicitly permits 30% improvement, BREEAM may accept this through the "statutory requirements" flexibility clause.

Provide formal planning approval documentation showing the 30% requirement. BREEAM assessors can then determine whether this satisfies Version 7 intent despite not meeting the numerical 50% target.

Alternatively, if design capacity exists, enhance the scheme beyond planning requirements to achieve 50%, securing additional BREEAM value.

Can we use renewable gas or hydrogen to meet Outstanding fossil fuel requirements?

Version 7 guidance addresses this:

Biomethane/renewable gas: Currently considered fossil fuel for BREEAM purposes. Even if carbon neutral, combustion still produces NOx and prevents Outstanding rating. Policy may evolve if renewable gas becomes mainstream, but current Version 7 treats it as fossil fuel.

Hydrogen: Pure hydrogen combustion is not fossil fuel for BREEAM purposes. However, practical considerations apply:

• Hydrogen supply infrastructure currently unavailable for most sites

• Safety considerations for hydrogen systems not fully standardised

• Cost and efficiency questions compared to heat pumps

If hydrogen heating becomes viable during 2025-2030 period, Version 7 will likely accept it for Outstanding. Currently, most projects should plan for heat pumps or district heating as reliable pathways.

Does Version 7 affect projects already on site?

No. Projects registered and commenced under Version 6 continue under those requirements. Version 7 applies only to new project registrations from 1st January 2025 onwards.

However, if projects substantially change scope or building use after commencement, BREEAM may require reassessment under current standards (Version 7). Substantial means significant floor area change, building use change, or complete heating system redesign.

Can we achieve Outstanding for a building with commercial kitchen requiring gas cooking?

Under strict Version 7 interpretation, no. Gas cooking constitutes fossil fuel combustion on-site, preventing Outstanding rating.

However, BREEAM may provide exemptions where:

• Gas cooking represents small proportion of total building energy use (<5%)

• No viable electric cooking alternative exists for the specific food service type

• All other heating and hot water uses heat pumps or renewable sources

Apply for a BREEAM Bespoke assessment if this scenario applies. Provide evidence that electric commercial cooking cannot meet operational requirements. BREEAM technical team will determine whether exemption is appropriate.

For most projects, all-electric commercial kitchens are becoming viable and increasingly common. Consult with catering designers early about electric options.

Get Expert Support for Version 7 Compliance

Version 7's enhanced requirements create greater complexity and higher technical standards across pollution category credits. Our CIWEM-qualified team provides specialist support ensuring your project achieves target ratings under the new scheme.

Our Version 7 Expertise:

We've studied the Version 7 technical manual extensively, attended BRE training sessions, and already supported multiple projects transitioning to the new requirements. We understand not just what's changed, but why changes were made and how to implement them cost-effectively.

Comprehensive Version 7 Services:

• Flood risk assessment applying +45% climate change factors

• 50% brownfield run-off improvement design

• Volume reduction strategy for new third surface water credit

• Heat pump noise impact assessment supporting fossil fuel phase-out

• Refrigerant specification review for updated GWP thresholds

• External lighting environmental zone assessment

• Integrated pollution category strategy optimising all credits

Project Stage Support:

• Feasibility: BREEAM rating options appraisal, site constraints assessment, cost implications analysis

• Concept Design: Target setting, credit strategy, minimum standards planning

• Developed Design: Technical specification, evidence preparation, assessor coordination

• Technical Design: Detailed calculations, compliance verification, final evidence package

• Construction: Performance verification, commissioning support, handover documentation

Version 6 to Version 7 Transition:

For projects considering switching from Version 6 to Version 7:

• Comprehensive gap analysis identifying compliance status

• Cost and programme impact assessment

• Strategic recommendation on whether transition makes sense

• Implementation roadmap if proceeding

Based in London and operating throughout Kent, Essex and Scotland, we provide rapid response for projects requiring Version 7 BREEAM support. Our team combines technical depth with practical construction experience, ensuring compliance strategies work in real-world delivery.

Contact us to discuss Version 7 requirements for your development.