BREEAM UK New Construction: Residential

April 2025 marks a pivotal shift in the UK’s residential construction landscape as the Home Quality Mark transitions to BREEAM UK New Construction: Residential. This aligns residential assessments with BREEAM’s globally recognised sustainability framework, promising enhanced consistency and credibility across the sector.

Streamlining Sustainability in Residential Developments

The integration of Home Quality Mark into the BREEAM suite simplifies the certification process for developers, investors, and homeowners. By unifying under BREEAM, stakeholders can navigate sustainability benchmarks more efficiently, ensuring that new residential projects meet rigorous environmental, social and governance criteria. These include indoor air quality credits to help ensure a suitable interior environment for future occupants.

Technical Enhancements with Version 6.1

Accompanying this transition is the release of BREEAM UK New Construction: Residential Version 6.1. This introduces refined technical criteria, including:

• Enhanced daylight assessment methodologies.
• Improved lifecycle assessment and embodied carbon measurement.
• Revised evidence submission requirements for greater clarity.

These advancements aim to provide a more comprehensive evaluation of a building’s sustainability performance throughout its lifecycle.

Implications for Current and Future Projects

Existing Home Quality Mark certified projects will retain their validity, with no immediate changes required. However, new registrations will only be accepted for a limited period post-April 2025. Professionals trained in Home Quality Markwill be eligible for licensing under the new BREEAM UK New Construction: Residential scheme, ensuring a seamless transition for assessors and developers alike.

Driving Market Confidence and Environmental Responsibility

The adoption of BREEAM UK New Construction: Residential is anticipated to bolster market confidence in sustainable housing. By adhering to a globally recognised standard, residential developments can demonstrate their commitment to environmental responsibility, potentially enhancing property value and appeal to eco-conscious buyers.

As the UK continues to prioritise sustainability in construction, the evolution of Home Quality Mark into BREEAM UK New Construction: Residential represents a significant step forward. This transition not only streamlines certification processes but also reinforces the nation’s dedication to building high-quality, sustainable homes for the future.

How Can We Help?

Redmore Environmental and our Indoor Air Quality Consultants can help your project to achieve indoor air quality credits and reach a desired BREEAM rating. Take a look through our specialist BREEAM Indoor Air Quality Assessment services to find out more.