Navigating BREEAM V7: Our Approach to Whole Life Thinking

BREEAM UK New Construction Version 7 introduces several updates that reflect current priorities in sustainable building. These include stronger emphasis on whole life carbon, durability, responsible procurement and site-specific security planning. 
 
At ADW Developments, we offer consultancy services that map clearly to the revised BREEAM credit structure. Our work supports design teams, planning consultants and developers seeking to align with both certification and broader best practice. 

Whole Life Carbon Assessment 

Credits Supported: Mat 01

BREEAM V7 separates whole life carbon and embodied impacts into two distinct credits. Mat 01 focuses on product-level environmental impacts. 

We prepare assessments based on scenario testing across RIBA stages, combining building-level LCAs with energy model outputs. This approach enables informed decisions and meets requirements for both BREEAM and regional planning policies such as the London Plan. 

Life Cycle Costing 

Credit Supported: Man 02 

The Man 02 credit continues to recognise financial evaluation across the life cycle of a development. This includes both capital and operational costs, with clear links to long-term value and resource efficiency. 
 
We deliver cost appraisals at concept and technical design stages, drawing on standardised rules of measurement and relevant economic data. Where possible, our analysis is integrated with carbon modelling to support balanced decisions across financial and environmental outcomes.

Circular Economy Statements 

Credit Supported: Wst 06
Planning Alignment: GLA Policy SI 7 

Circular economy outcomes are now embedded in Wst 06, which addresses durability, adaptability and material efficiency. This credit rewards projects that adopt design strategies which reduce material demand, extend asset life or enable future reuse. 
 
We prepare Circular Economy Statements that align with both BREEAM Wst 06 and the Greater London Authority’s planning guidance. This includes disassembly planning, feasibility studies for retention, and high-level reuse strategies supported by inventory data.

Sustainable Procurement and Material Efficiency 

Credits Supported: Mat 03 and Mat 04 

The updated manual reinforces the importance of responsible sourcing and material resilience. Mat 03 focuses on traceable procurement, including evidence of certification and ethical supply chains. Mat 04 evaluates material performance in use, including resistance to wear and potential for premature replacement. 
 
Our services assist clients in selecting suppliers with verified credentials, and in planning durable, maintainable specifications during early design stages. 

Climate Adaptation and Resilience 

Credit Supported: Wst 05

Res 01 is a new addition in Version 7. It requires projects to assess climate risks and identify design strategies to reduce vulnerability to future conditions. This includes consideration of overheating, flood risk and service disruption. 
 
We prepare resilience strategies based on the UKCP18 climate projections and relevant design tools. These assessments are tailored to project type and location and provide clear actions that align with both planning policies and BREEAM expectations. 

Security Needs Assessment 

Credit Supported: Hea 08 

Security is now assessed through a structured Security Needs Assessment (SNA). This must be carried out by a Suitably Qualified Security Specialist (SQSS), as defined in the BREEAM manual. The SQSS must be independent of the design team, and able to assess local risks and recommend appropriate mitigation measures. While input from a Designing Out Crime Officer is encouraged, it is not essential for compliance. 
 
Our consultants prepare SNAs that align with Hea 08 and Secured by Design principles. We work collaboratively with project teams and local stakeholders to ensure that proposals reflect site-specific risks without compromising design quality. 

Summary

The structure of BREEAM V7 reflects the direction of policy and market demands across the UK. Whether assessing carbon, cost or risk, each credit now calls for robust evidence and joined-up thinking. Our work supports clients in responding to this with clear, compliant and practical outputs. 
 
We provide targeted technical advice or a fully integrated package across the sustainability criteria. Our approach is tailored to project stage, planning needs and certification strategy. 

Get in Touch

To discuss BREEAM V7 support for your next project: 

📩 Contact Us: https://adwdevelopments.com/contact/ 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Is a Security Needs Assessment required on every project? 

Only if Hea 08 is being targeted. The SNA must be completed by a recognised security specialist, independent of the design team. The role does not have to be filled by a Secured by Design-accredited consultant, but must meet BREEAM’s SQSS definition. 

Q2: Is the Circular Economy Statement only required in London? 

It is required for planning compliance within Greater London. Outside of this, Wst 06 in BREEAM addresses similar themes, and preparing a CES can strengthen submissions under that credit. 

Q3: Is the Circular Economy Statement only required in London?  

Yes. In fact, doing so is often recommended. Our models allow combined assessment of both carbon and cost across various scenarios, helping inform procurement and material choices.

Q4: Does BREEAM V7 apply to all UK projects now? 

It applies to new assessments registered after its release. Projects registered under earlier versions may continue using those unless re-registration is required.