New standard from 1 December 2025

What’s new in version 7?

BREEAM NC version 7 differs significantly from version 6 in several respects. The most important changes are:

• CO₂ reduction as the backbone
  There is a stronger focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions throughout a building’s entire life cycle, including the choice of materials. This results in a more transparent value chain and more objectively measurable sustainability performance.
• Fossil-free systems and smart energy management
  Buildings are assessed on their ability to operate fossil-free, including through electrification and smart control (such as demand-side response). This makes them active links in the energy transition.
• Climate-adaptive design
  Version 7 requires buildings to be designed with climate resilience in mind. This includes protection against heat stress, extreme rainfall and uncertainty in energy supply. This requires robust infrastructure and forward-looking risk management.
• Applicability to various building types
  The methodology has been adapted so that renovations, repurposing and mixed-use developments also fit better within the certification framework. This makes BREEAM more widely applicable than before.
• Maintaining a broad sustainability vision
  Although the emphasis on energy performance and emissions reductions is increasing, themes such as health, biodiversity, social value and economic impact remain fully integrated into the methodology.

Why this is an opportunity – not just an obligation

The introduction of BREEAM NC version 7 reflects a broader evolution in sustainable construction: from non-binding ambition to measurable, integrated value creation. This shift aligns with a market trend in which sustainability is recognised as a lever for business and asset value, and not merely as a compliance requirement.

Such an approach requires a methodology that links impact to return on investment. That is why Encon operates on the basis of three fundamental value criteria:

Business Value – every project must have a well-founded and sound business case

Service Value – our support generates an average payback period of five times for the client

Sustainability Value – every project must demonstrably contribute to environmental and/or social improvement

In this way, we realise projects together that deliver both returns and relevance – for today and for tomorrow.

What does this mean for your construction project?

Until 30 November 2025, new-build projects can still be registered under version 6, with a number of advantages: the requirements are more flexible, the lead time is shorter and the investment threshold is often lower.

At the same time, version 7 is more than suitable for organisations committed to long-term value creation, CO₂ reduction and a robust ESG strategy. Encon supports both approaches:

• For organisations wishing to move quickly with version 6 certification
• For frontrunners who consciously choose the ambition and impact of version 7

In both cases, it is important to make decisions in good time, so that the project is on track for successful certification and maximum added value.

Sustainable choices today determine competitiveness tomorrow

BREEAM NC version 7 is more than a substantive revision. It is an opportunity to structurally embed property in the energy transition whilst simultaneously strengthening value retention, investment security and social impact.

Buildings are increasingly seen as strategic assets that must not only perform functionally, but also be sustainable, energy-efficient and future-proof.

Encon offers an integrated approach: from discovery and goal-setting to project management. Our support is focused on demonstrable impact, measurable value and long-term results.

Are you considering BREEAM certification?

We would be happy to advise you on value creation, the appropriate certification route and the optimal choices and timing. Our experts will guide your project from analysis to implementation – with a solid foundation, independently and with a focus on results.