Starting from September 30, 2025, it will be possible to register projects according to the new BREEAM New Construction Version 7 (V7), the latest evolution of the internationally recognized UK-origin protocol for assessing the sustainability of newly constructed buildings. This new version marks a significant step towards decarbonization, climate resilience, and biodiversity protection, reaffirming BREEAM’s central role in the real estate sector’s ecological transition.
Project registration under Version 7 will open in September 2025, with a three-month transition period during which registration under V6 and the 2018 version will still be possible. Registrations completed within this timeframe will remain valid for five years.
Compared to Version 6, BREEAM V7 introduces key updates to provide a more comprehensive and integrated sustainability assessment. A central focus is placed on carbon throughout the building’s life cycle, including both predicted operational emissions and embodied carbon — that is, emissions associated with materials and construction. One notable update is the inclusion of MEP systems (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing) in assessments, a crucial but often overlooked element in the overall emissions balance.
In response to the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, BREEAM V7 strengthens criteria related to climate resilience, promoting evidence-based strategies to safeguard the long-term value of assets. The new guidelines support the design of buildings that can adapt to future environmental challenges, minimizing physical risk and ensuring long-term high performance.
BREEAM V7 also updates criteria concerning occupant wellbeing, introducing more advanced standards for indoor environmental quality. Additionally, it reinforces its commitment to biodiversity with stricter requirements for net biodiversity gain and the adoption of nature-based solutions. This “nature-positive” approach not only protects ecosystems but also contributes to the creation of more resilient and livable spaces.
Another key improvement in the new version is the simplification of reporting, with better alignment to major sustainability frameworks. V7 offers more robust and flexible tools for data collection and management, streamlining the work of designers, developers, and investors, even for complex or mixed-use projects. However, the protocol remains separate from the one dedicated to refurbishment and/or fit-out projects: BREEAM Refurbishment and Fit-out. A Version 7 update is also expected soon for both this certification system and for BREEAM In-Use, aimed at already-occupied buildings.
The adoption of BREEAM V7 comes in a global context where sustainability is no longer optional, but a strategic lever for risk management, asset value enhancement, and compliance with regulatory and market expectations. With more ambitious criteria and more effective tools, V7 aims to guide the industry toward a more sustainable, resilient, and responsible future.
Contact us now to successfully navigate your BREEAM certification journey: write to info@macrodesignstudio.it.