The much-anticipated BREEAM UK New Construction Version 7 (V7) has now been released, and it represents far more than a technical update. It signals a significant shift in how the construction industry must approach value, performance, and long-term resilience.
For years, ADW Developments has championed Whole Life Thinking: an integrated approach that balances carbon, cost, and resilience across an asset’s entire lifespan. With Version 7, this approach has become the expected standard for high-performing, future-ready buildings.
V7 is not about chasing a few extra credits. It is about adopting a more strategic, intelligent and joined-up way of delivering value. This guide explains how V7 reinforces the principles of Whole Life Thinking and what this means for project teams seeking to make better, evidence-based choices.
What’s New in BREEAM V7?
BREEAM UK New Construction Version 7 (official website) introduces several important updates, reflecting the industry’s shift towards whole-life performance, carbon reduction, circularity, and climate resilience. Key themes include:
- A stronger emphasis on Whole Life Carbon
- Dedicated embodied carbon reduction requirements
- Integration of circular economy principles
- New focus on climate resilience and adaptation
- More robust expectations around responsible procurement and site-specific security planning
At ADW Developments, our consultancy services map directly onto the revised V7 credit structure, supporting developers, planners and design teams in meeting both certification and broader sustainability ambitions.
From Box-Ticking (v6) to Whole Life Thinking (v7)
BREEAM V7 represents a shift from a credit-collecting exercise to a joined-up, early-stage, whole-life approach.
| Feature | BREEAM v6 (Old Approach) | BREEAM v7 (Whole Life Approach) |
| Whole Life Carbon | Optional; often calculated too late. | Mandatory for higher ratings. Requires assessments at 3 RIBA stages to influence real decisions. |
| Embodied Carbon | Part of wider materials credits. | A dedicated high-impact credit (Mat 02) with reduction targets. |
| Circular Economy | Encouraged but not enforced. | Formalised (Wst 06). Requires Circular Economy Statements in London. |
| Climate Resilience | Indirectly addressed. | A new dedicated credit (Res 01), requiring a formal climate risk assessment. |
The Three Pillars of Whole Life Thinking in BREEAM V7
1. Whole Life Carbon: Moving Beyond Operational Emissions
For too long, carbon assessments have focused heavily on operational emissions alone. V7 changes this by splitting carbon assessment into two core credits:
Mat 01 – Whole Life Carbon (WLC)
A rigorous, iterative assessment from concept stage onwards, ensuring teams compare options (e.g., timber vs steel frame) before choices become locked-in.
Mat 02 – Embodied Carbon
Recognises that embodied carbon can contribute up to 50% of a building’s total lifetime impact. It requires defined reduction targets and encourages responsible, data-led material specification.
Together, these credits place carbon-conscious decision-making at the centre of design.
2. Circularity & Resilience: Designing for Tomorrow
Whole Life Thinking encourages long-lasting, adaptable, resource-efficient buildings. V7 now embeds these principles:
Wst 06 – Circular Economy
Promotes durability, adaptability and design for disassembly. Ensures materials retain value over time and reduces waste sent off-site.
Res 01 – Climate Resilience
A new requirement for formal climate risk assessment. Encourages design that mitigates overheating, flood risk, and water scarcity, ensuring buildings perform under future climate scenarios, not just today’s.
3. Whole Life Value: Long-Term Performance and Return
While not a standalone credit, Whole Life Value ties together carbon, cost, resilience and risk. V7 reinforces:
- Lower operating costs through better carbon modelling
- Reduced risk exposure through resilience planning
- Long-term material efficiency through circular design
- Greater asset value through durability and smart procurement
In essence, Whole Life Thinking ensures projects are not only environmentally responsible but also economically sound.
FAQs
Does BREEAM V7 apply to all UK projects now?
V7 applies to new assessments registered after its release. Existing projects registered under V6 or earlier may continue under those versions unless re-registration is required.
Is a Security Needs Assessment required on every project?
Only if targeting Hea 08. It must be undertaken by an appropriately qualified security specialist, independent of the design team.
Is Life Cycle Costing still recommended under V7?
Yes. While not mandatory, Life Cycle Costing complements Whole Life Carbon modelling and supports better procurement and value-driven design decisions.
Do I need both WLC modelling and embodied carbon assessments?
Yes. V7 separates these into distinct credits, each with clear expectations and performance requirements.
Can ADW Developments support carbon modelling, circularity and resilience assessments?
Absolutely. We provide integrated Whole Life Carbon assessment, embodied carbon analysis, circularity strategies and climate risk assessments aligned fully with BREEAM V7 expectations.
Summary
BREEAM V7 marks a decisive shift towards evidence-based, long-term, whole-life performance. Whether the focus is carbon, cost, resilience or circularity, the new structure reflects the direction of UK policy and market expectations.
At ADW Developments, we support clients with:
- Whole Life Carbon modelling (Mat 01)
- Embodied Carbon assessments (Mat 02)
- Circular Economy strategies (Wst 06)
- Climate resilience assessments (Res 01)
- Full BREEAM V7 consultancy and planning support
Our goal is simple: to help you make better, smarter and more resilient choices from day one.
Get In Touch
If you’re preparing for BREEAM V7 or want clarity on what it means for your next project, we’re here to help.
📩 Contact ADW Developments:
https://adwdevelopments.com/contact/