The major BREEAM V7 update – five crucial things you need to know

23 Mar 2026

Having launched in September 2025, the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) New Construction V7 update is already shaking up the industry. Placing a stronger emphasis on advancing decarbonisation efforts, rather than just compliance, the update focused on more transparent reporting and benchmarking of carbon emissions – exacerbating the importance of developers and designers taking early decisions on energy strategy and structure.

With sustainability rapidly rising to the forefront of building design, the updates to BREEAM could not be better timed. There are five major aspects of the important BREEAM V7 update you need to know about:

1. Expanded whole life carbon assessments – The updated regulations will shine a spotlight on embodied carbon
2. A sharpened focus on daylighting and comfort – Daylighting requirements have been updated to align with European standards
3. Utilising Biodiversity Net Gain – New benchmarks designed to align with the English Biodiversity Net Gain and global best practices
4. Predictions of operational water use – Projects will be required to predict water consumption based on expected occupancy
5. Alignment with EU Taxonomy – The significant BREEAM V7 updates will move closer towards the major EU Taxonomy standards

In this blog, we’ll go into detail about each of the five key aspects of the BREEAM V7 updates. However, if you are keen to know more, Whitecode Consulting’s BREEAM specialists will be happy to advise.

1. Expanded whole-life carbon assessment

One of the biggest focal points of the BREEAM V7 update is whole-life carbon. With stricter and mandatory benchmarking against a building’s lifecycle – including mechanical, electrical and plumbing – the regulations increase the emphasis on embodied carbon.

Credits will be available for a variety of different building environments, such as industrial, office, education, retail, healthcare, residential and entertainment. In fact, the scoring system could see up to seven credits and three exemplary credits awarded if the project reaches the minimum BREEAM standards of ‘Excellent’ or ‘Outstanding’.

Embodied carbon emissions will also see stricter measuring and reduction of emissions by aligning benchmarks with established framework, such as RICS Whole Life Carbon Assessment Standard 2^nd Edition.

This important update will help drive the UK’s decarbonisation efforts and much closer align building design and operational performance.

It’s also worth noting the Mat 01 Building Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) has been entirely amended to focus on the calculation and reporting of embodied carbon at each stage of a building’s lifecycle, such as during concept design, technical design and as-built.

The hope is that the update will help developers, architects and designers understand the long-term carbon impact of their material choices, construction strategies and operational processes.

1. A sharpened focus on daylighting and comfort

Designed to closely align with European standards, daylighting requirements have been significantly updated. Instead of using the average daylight factor (ADF), the BREEAM V7 update focused on average daylight illuminance.

This more closely matches the BS EN 17037:2018 standard, which offers more precise and stringent guidance on daylight quality based on room types and use.

The BREEAM V7 regulations also bring with them new criteria for direct sunlight exposure, especially for residential and healthcare settings. To improve occupants’ connection with nature and reduce any feelings of confinement, designs are encouraged to provide windows with adequate external views.

1. Utilising Biodiversity Net Gain

The updates to BREEAM V7 also incorporate new benchmarks to align with the English Biodiversity Net Gain and global best practices. Furthermore, additional methodologies for sites with zero or low biodiversity baselines have been brought in to encourage developers to exceed the minimum ecological requirements.

This stronger criteria for biodiversity net gain will encourage developers and project owners to design and construct buildings that positively contribute to local ecosystems and enhance resilience.

Those developers that demonstrate a focus on improving biodiversity will be rewarded with additional BREEAM credits as part of the updated assessment system. For example, adapting project biodiversity between 10% and 20% will earn developers one credit. Those developers enhancing biodiversity by 40% or more will see them gain three credits and an ‘exemplary’.

1. Predictions of operational water use

Projects are required to predict water consumption based on expected occupancy, as opposed to standard occupancy – promoting a more accurate and transparent assessment of water demands.

As a result, projects are able to earn one standard credit and one exemplary credit for the accurate prediction of water use, committing to measuring actual water use post-occupancy and setting of targets for in-use water consumption.

1. Alignment with EU Taxonomy

With the EU Taxonomy Regulations designed to support the amendment of the EU economy to meet the European Green Deal targets, its aim is to provide clarity and transparency for capital markets, policy makers and companies on which economic activities and processes are sustainable.

The new BREEAM V7 updates have seen key EU Taxonomy requirements, especially in the commissioning and handover requirements for buildings over 5,000m2, responsible construction management, construction waste management, building life cycle assessment, energy and carbon performance of building services and indoor air quality.

The importance of seeking advice from Whitecode Consulting

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.

With an experienced team of BREEAM Advisory Professionals (APs), Whitecode Consulting helps clients meet their desired BREEAM ratings by providing expert advice on everything from built environment sustainability through to environmental design and assessment, such as carbon lifecycle assessments.