Introducing BREEAM UK New Construction: Residential
From April 2025, HQM will transition to BREEAM UK New Construction: Residential, strengthening alignment with BREEAM’s globally recognized framework while maintaining its trusted approach to high-quality, sustainable homes.
This transition makes it easier for developers, investors, and the wider industry to navigate the ever-changing sustainability landscape while ensuring residential projects align with best practices in lifecycle assessment, embodied carbon measurement, and ESG compliance.
What this means for you
- HQM-certified projects remain valid – No immediate changes are required.
- Future projects will be assessed under BREEAM UK New Construction: Residential V6.1.
- Updated technical criteria – A minor scheme update will enhance daylight assessment, embodied carbon measurement, and evidence submission requirements.
New registrations for HQM V6 will only be accepted for a limited period after April 2025.
Key Benefits of the Transition
- Global Recognition: BREEAM certification strengthens trust and market credibility.
- Technical Enhancements: Updated lifecycle assessment and embodied carbon standards.
- Continuity & Consistency: Assessors can seamlessly transition, with HQM-trained professionals eligible for BREEAM UK New Construction: Residential licensing.
FAQs
Yes. The format and branding of certificates will align with other BREEAM New Construction certificates, but the scoring system and rating criteria will remain the same. Each home will still receive:
- An overall BREEAM rating and star rating
- Scores for Cost, Wellbeing, and Environment
Yes, a minor scheme update will be released alongside the rebrand, including:
- Updated daylight assessment criteria
- Enhanced lifecycle assessment and embodied carbon measurement
- Revised schedule of evidence tables for improved clarity
Next Steps
Full details and guidance will be available from April 2025.
Questions? Reach out to our team for more information.