BREEAM International New Construction: Do you want to certify a project outside of Spain?

Introduction

If you are going to develop or certify a project outside of Spain, BREEAM International New Construction is one of the most widely used and prestigious standards. In this article, we will look at this assessment and certification framework with a practical approach: how to choose the correct scheme, how the rating is calculated, what changes compared to V6, and how to manage the evidence to reach the end of construction without problems.

1. What is BREEAM International New Construction and when does it apply

BREEAM New Construction is an evaluation framework and sustainability certification for projects and buildings that reviews design, construction, intended use and adaptability, with a holistic approach based on actual scientific measurements and data. Generally speaking, it is similar to BREAAM ES.

BREEAM International can apply to all countries. 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 with Spain, UK and Germany.

The country in which the project is being carried out determines the evaluation tool, the weightings, the approved national standards, and the required evidence.

2. How is the rating calculated in BREEAM International Nyopførelse

BREEAM International New Construction is organised into 10 sections that award credits within classic environmental categories such as management, health and well-being, energy, transport, water, materials, waste, ecology, pollution, and innovation.

Countries with local BREEAM certification schemes. Source: Evaluate (own analysis))

The final score is calculated according to the credits obtained and the percentages of each category, applying weights and summing. According to the level that is sought to be achieved (PASS/GOOD/VERY GOOD/EXCELLENT/OUTSTANDING, there are minimum mandatory credits that must be met.

In BREEAM Internationally, the weightings, i.e. the percentages that each category represents within the overall framework, can vary by country or region.

3. Step-by-step certification process

BREEAM requires parallel management alongside the project, involving responsible parties, evidence, milestones, and change control.

BREEAM certification process. Source: Evaluate (own analysis))

The work process to achieve certification consists of the following six steps:

1 — Registration and scope Define the project type, scope (shell-only / shell & core / fully fitted), country, and timeline. A well-planned record avoids redoing the structure of evidence and responsibilities mid-way, which means delays in the process.

2 — Credit strategy: Select credits by impact/effort and decide on the minimum requirements for the target level (PASS/GOOD/VERY GOOD/EXCELLENT/OUTSTANDING) soon.

3 — Evidence Matrix: To define the responsible parties for each section, the deliverables, dates, and reviews by Evalore must be established.

4 — Design Stage (optional and recommended): Ensure the commitment of all involved parties in the early stages to align objectives, tenders, procurement, and contracts.

5 — Post-Construction (mandatory) Provide evidence of execution and verification.

6 — QA and broadcast: Review and issuance of the certificate following quality control.

4. What changes in version V7

The V7 it aligns much more closely with the EU Taxonomy as it reinforces the direction towards decarbonisation, focusing on consistency in monitoring and verification through reporting. In practice, BREEAM International demands more robust early decisions and documentary discipline.

5. Common mistakes and how to avoid them

• Choosing the wrong scheme: Confirm if the national/NSO scheme exists and if the International one applies.
• Starting late without an evidence-based strategy Define a matrix of evidence, responsibilities, and controls. Without this, the loss of credits is usually due to a lack of documentation, not technical issues.
• Do not review minimum requirements at the conceptual stage: If the target is high, review minimums and their impact on systems/materiality before bidding.
• Assume equivalences without approval Validate local standards and follow the equivalence process.
• Leave the evidence until the end: The evidence is produced during the project; at the end it is only ordered and verified.

6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Does BREEAM New Construction expire or require recertification?

BREEAM New Construction validates the design and as-built delivery phase. If performance in operation needs to be verified, an in-use building scheme is used (e.g., BREEAM In-Use).

What is the practical difference between the Design Stage and Post-Construction?

Design Stage (optional) allows for interim certification based on the design. Post-Construction (mandatory) verifies as-built evidence and issues the final certificate.

Can local regulations be used instead of BREEAM cited standards?

There is a process for reviewing local standard equivalencies and approving them for the country or region; the list of approved standards is managed on the platform.

What makes a project lose marks at the end?

The frequent cause is documentary: incomplete evidence, changes not reflected in as-built drawings, or contractor deliverables not aligned with criteria.

7. How does Evalore accompany you?

In Evaluate We convert the BREEAM International NC certification into a controllable process that reduces uncertainties regarding deadlines, changes, and additional work. We apply BREEAM by minimising the need for extra reporting and always focusing on cost-effectiveness.

To provide a realistic and fast quote, tell us about:

 If you want us to help you certify your building, contact with us.

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Israel Leal Las Vegas

Sustainability Consultant and BREEAM International Assessor, Espacios Evalore SLP