BREEAM UK New Construction Version 7 isn’t just another update. It’s a signal that sustainability compliance is tightening and that planning success, ESG funding, and performance credibility now go hand in hand.
For developers, architects, and project managers, it means this: You need to secure key BREEAM credits without wasting time chasing the wrong ones.
At ADW Developments, we’re not BREEAM assessors. We’re the people assessors call when projects are stuck. Our role? Get you the difficult credits. The ones linked to Whole Life Carbon, Circular Economy, Pre-Demolition Audits, Life Cycle Costing, Security, Climate Adaptation, and more.
Why BREEAM V7 Changes the Game
Version 7 is aligned with:
– GLA policies on Circular Economy and Whole Life Carbon
– Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standards
– Biodiversity Net Gain legislation
– Client expectations for ESG tracking
– Post-occupancy performance data requirements
It’s not just about achieving a rating. It’s about proving your building performs – financially, socially, and environmentally. From RIBA Stage 1 through to operation.
We Help You Secure the Credits That Matter
We don’t fill out forms but lead the strategy, prepare the evidence, and deliver the outcomes that unlock the most critical and time-sensitive BREEAM credits.
Whole Life Carbon (Mat 01)
We run full embodied carbon assessments using One Click LCA and eTool. We ensure alignment with GLA and BREEAM methodologies and identify carbon hotspots early, not post-tender.
Life Cycle Costing (Man 02)
We structure capital and operational cost assessments that actually inform design, not just tick boxes. Using NRM and ICMS formats, we align LCC outcomes with real client value.
Circular Economy Statements (Wst 01 / CES)
GLA-aligned, RIBA-structured, and evidence-rich. We produce CES reports that satisfy both planning officers and BREEAM assessors and support credits on adaptability, disassembly, and waste reduction. We offer Pre-demolition audits under this credit. A pre-demolition or pre-refurbishment audit is an opportunity to quantify material waste from demolition to maximise circular economy performance. Our audit quantifies the material waste and identifies opportunities for recycling and cost-saving.
Climate Adaptation & Resilience (Wst 05)
We integrate risk-based climate adaptation strategies and design resilience documentation, often overlooked, but increasingly requested at planning review.
Security Needs Assessments (Hea 08)
Our fully qualified security consultants Deliver SNA reports and evidence packages for Hea 08 compliance. A mandatory requirement if you’re targeting BREEAM credits under this section.
Durability & Resilience (Mat 03)
(Mat 05 previously). Since May 2005, the streamlined credit has allowed for easier assessment and a clearer process. We design projects using durable materials that resist deterioration and require fewer repairs and maintenance throughout their lifecycle.
Material Efficiency (Mat 04)
Previously Mat 06, this credit has also been streamlined allowing for greater ease of assessment and clarity of process. We provide BREEAM Mat 05 Material Efficiency assessments to demonstrate how your project can optimise material use, reduce waste, and integrate sustainable practices throughout the design, construction, and operational phases. Our expert consultancy ensures that every stage of the project lifecycle aligns with BREEAM standards, helping you achieve higher ratings and long-term sustainability.
Functional Adaptability (Wst 06)
In terms of methodology, the Wst 06 credit has been revised to align fully with ISO 20887.
Aftercare (Man 05)
We carry out Post-Occupancy Evaluations (POE) to show clients how their occupied schemes perform compared with the intended in-use targets, providing an objective, data-driven view that supports performance optimisation and informs future design decisions.
FAQs
Are you BREEAM assessors?
No. We’re specialist consultants who work alongside your BREEAM assessor. We focus on delivering the documentation, strategy and modelling required to actually secure the credits. Most assessors don’t do this. We do.
What credits do you typically support?
We specialise in the credits that require deeper input:
- Mat 01 – Whole Life Carbon
- Man 02 – Life Cycle Costing
- Wst 01 – Circular Economy Statements
- Wst 05 – Climate Adaptation & Resilience
- Hea 08 – Security Needs Assessments
- Mat 03 – Durability & Resilience
- Mat 04 – Material Efficiency
- Wst 06 – Functional Adaptability
- Aftercare – Man 05
Do you help with GLA compliance too?
Yes. Most of our work is aligned with GLA planning policies. Our CES and WLC strategies are dual-purpose: supporting both BREEAM and planning approvals.
Can you join mid-project?
We prefer to be engaged by RIBA Stage 2, but we’re frequently brought in to recover stalled BREEAM progress at Stage 3 or 4.
Do you help prepare pre-app or planning stage documents?
Absolutely. We write CES, WLC, and sustainability statements that pre-empt BREEAM evidence and align with London Plan requirements — so you’re not scrambling later.
Can you guarantee credits?
If we’re engaged early and the team follows our design-stage recommendations, yes — we structure the process to maximise credit attainment. We can’t force assessors to award credits, but we ensure the evidence holds up.
Next Step: Let’s Win the Credits That Actually Count
Most projects fail to achieve their BREEAM target because credits are left too late, or delivered by teams without the right strategy.
That’s where ADW Developments makes the difference. We join your team to secure the key credits that push your project over the line. Reach out to us today to discuss how we can add value to your current & upcoming projects. Contact us today.