When I sat down with Emma Richardson, a seasoned sustainability consultant, she was buzzing with excitement over the pre-release of the BREEAM New Construction Version 7 (V7) technical manual. Emma’s firm has been deeply involved in BREEAM assessments for years, and she welcomed the chance to provide feedback on the latest iteration. As I spoke with her, it became clear how significant this update is for the industry, and how it aims to align building assessments with the latest scientific data on energy efficiency and net zero carbon.
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“We’ve been eagerly anticipating this,” Emma began, her enthusiasm palpable. “BREEAM has always been a benchmark for sustainability in the built environment, but this new version is set to take it to the next level. The focus on whole life carbon and net zero pathways is exactly what we need to address the pressing challenges of climate change.”
Emma explained that the pre-release includes both UK and International versions of the technical manual, accompanied by a Summary of Changes document. This allows assessors, clients, and stakeholders to review and provide feedback before the final release later this year.
“The first thing that struck me was the emphasis on the performance of the building, rather than just the processes and metrics used to create it,” she said. “It’s a shift towards a more outcome-based approach, which I believe will drive real improvements in energy efficiency and carbon reduction.”
One of the key updates in BREEAM V7 is the tracking of a building’s pathway to net zero carbon. This includes requirements for benchmarking upfront and embodied carbon, which Emma sees as a crucial step forward.
“Globally, buildings account for over 30% of energy use and more than a quarter of emissions,” she pointed out. “By focusing on whole life carbon, BREEAM V7 is addressing these issues head-on. It’s not just about the operational phase anymore; it’s about considering the entire lifecycle of the building, from construction to demolition.”
Emma highlighted how the new metrics in V7 align with other reporting frameworks such as GRESB, CRREM, and the EU Taxonomy, making it easier for stakeholders to measure and compare carbon performance consistently.
“This alignment is a game-changer,” she noted. “It adds tremendous value by harmonising metrics across different standards. For us as consultants, it means we can provide clearer, more comparable data to our clients, which ultimately drives better decision-making and investment in sustainable practices.”
As we delved deeper into the conversation, Emma shared her thoughts on the feedback process itself. The consultation period, which runs until 30 September, is an opportunity for the BREEAM community to shape the final version of the manual.
“Inviting feedback is a smart move,” Emma said. “It ensures that the final product is robust and user-friendly. We’ve already started reviewing the beta version and compiling our insights. It’s a collaborative effort, and it’s great to see BREEAM engaging with its network in this way.”
I asked Emma about some of the specific changes she and her team have noticed in the V7 manual. She mentioned the increased focus on upfront and embodied carbon as a standout feature.
“Previously, the emphasis was more on operational energy use,” she explained. “But now, there’s a significant shift towards considering the carbon impact of materials and construction processes right from the start. This holistic approach is essential for achieving true sustainability.”
Emma also appreciated the streamlined structure of the new manual, which she believes will make it easier to navigate and apply in real-world projects.
“The layout is more intuitive, and the guidelines are clearer,” she said. “For example, the sections on energy and carbon have been refined to provide more actionable insights. It’s designed to facilitate better implementation, which is crucial for achieving the ambitious goals set out in the manual.”
As our conversation drew to a close, Emma reflected on the broader implications of BREEAM V7 for the industry.
“This update is timely and necessary,” she concluded. “It aligns with the latest scientific data and addresses the urgent need for more sustainable building practices. By focusing on whole life carbon and net zero pathways, BREEAM V7 is setting a new standard for the industry. I’m excited to see how it evolves based on the feedback and look forward to working with the final version.”
The pre-release of the BREEAM New Construction Version 7 technical manual represents a significant step forward in the quest for sustainable building practices. With its focus on whole life carbon, alignment with global reporting frameworks, and emphasis on performance, this update promises to drive meaningful change in the built environment. As Emma and her peers continue to provide their feedback, the anticipation builds for what promises to be a groundbreaking release later this year.
Tobiasz Karcz
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