Introduction
If you are going to develop or certify a project anywhere in the world, BREEAM International New Construction is one of the most widely used and prestigious standards. In this article we will look at this evaluation and certification framework with a practical approach: how to choose the right scheme, how the rating is calculated, what changes compared to V6 and how to manage the evidence to reach the end of the project without problems.
1. What is BREEAM International New Construction and when does it apply?
BREEAM New Construction is a sustainability assessment and certification framework for projects and buildings that reviews design, construction, intended use and adaptability, with a holistic approach based on real scientific data and measurements. Generally speaking, it is similar to BREEAM ES.
BREEAM International can be applied in any country. If the country has a local scheme, it is usually appropriate to apply that national scheme instead of the international one, as is the case in Spain, the UK and Germany.
According to the country in which the project is carried out, the evaluation tool, the weightings, the approved national standards and the required evidence are determined.
2. How the rating is calculated at BREEAM International
BREEAM International New Construction is organized into 10 sections that award credits within classic environmental categories such as management, health and well-being, energy, transportation, water, materials, waste, ecology, pollution, and innovation.
Countries with local BREEAM certification schemes. Source: Evalore (own elaboration)
The final score is calculated according to the credits obtained and the percentages of each category, applying weights and adding. According to the level you are looking to achieve (PASS/GOOD/VERY GOOD/EXCELLENT/OUTSTANDING), there are mandatory minimum credits that must be met.
At BREEAM International, the weights, i.e. the percentages that each category represents in the overall framework, may vary by country or region.
3. Step-by-step certification process
BREEAM requires management parallel to the project where there are responsible parties, evidence, milestones and change control.
BREEAM certification process. Source: Evalore (own elaboration)
The process for achieving certification consists of the following six steps:
- Registration and scope: Define project type, scope (shell-only / shell & core / fully fitted), country and schedule. A well-planned registry avoids redoing the structure of evidence and responsibilities midway, which means delays in the process.
- Credit strategy: Select credits for impact/effort and decide early on the minimum requirements of the target level (PASS/GOOD/VERY GOOD/EXCELLENT/OUTSTANDING).
- Evidence matrix: Define those responsible by section to define deliverables, dates and reviews by Evalore.
- Design Stage (optional and recommended): Ensure commitment from everyone involved in the early stages to align objectives, tenders, purchases, and contracts.
- Post-Construction (mandatory): Submit evidence of execution and verification.
- QA and issuance: Review and issuance of the certificate after quality control.
4. What's changing in V7
V7 aligns much more with EU Taxonomy as it reinforces the course towards decarbonization, focuses on consistency of monitoring and verification through reporting. In practice, BREEAM International demands more robust early decisions and document discipline.
5. Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Choose the wrong scheme: Confirm if there is a national/NSO scheme and if the International applies.
Starting late without an evidence strategy: Define an evidence matrix, responsible parties and controls. Without this, the loss of credits is usually due to lack of documentation, not technical.
Do not review minimum requirements in the conceptual stage: If the objective is high, review minimums and their impact on systems/materiality before bidding.
Assume equivalencies without approval: Validate local standards and follow the equivalence process.
Leave evidence for last: Evidence is produced during the project; in the end it is only sorted and verified.
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does BREEAM New Construction expire or require recertification?
BREEAM New Construction validates the design and delivery phase as-built. If you want to verify performance in operation, you use a building in use scheme (e.g., BREEAM In-Use).
What is the practical difference between Design Stage and Post-Construction?
Design Stage (optional) allows you to certify an interim rating based on design. Post-Construction (mandatory) verifies as-built evidence and issues the final certificate.
Can local regulations be used instead of standards cited by BREEAM?
There is a process to review equivalencies of local standards and approve them for the country or region; The list of approved standards is managed on the platform.
What causes a project to lose points at the end?
The frequent cause is documentary: incomplete evidence, changes not reflected in as-built or contractor deliverables not aligned with criteria.
7. How does Evalore accompany you?
At Evalore we turn the BREEAM International NC certification into a controllable process that reduces deadline uncertainties, changes and additional work. We apply BREEAM minimizing the need for additional reporting and always focusing on profitability.
To give a realistic and quick quote, tell us about:
- Country and city
- Building Type and Scope
- Approximate surface area and phase of the project.
- Calendar
- Motivation
If you want us to help you certify your building, contact us.
Israel Leal Vegas
Sustainability Consultant and BREEAM International Assessor, Espacios Evalore SLP
