Introducing BREEAM Refurbishment and Fit Out v7: are you prepared for the changes?

Encon Associates is at the forefront of all things BREEAM, and our expert team of Assessors have been tracking all the BRE updates as they unfold. Here’s everything you need to know about the new BREEAM RFO v7 standards, and what you need to do to prepare for the changes.

1) One scheme now split into two

BREEAM Refurbishment and Fit Out was previously one scheme that covered all types of building upgrade projects. However, it’s now been separated into two distinct standards:

• BREEAM Refurbishment v7 – this covers building upgrades where you need to make changes to the fabric, structure, core services and internal fit-out of an existing asset.
• BREEAM Fit Out v7 – this standard is for tenant-led, interior-focused projects where you don’t need to significantly alter the building’s structure and core systems.

Why? Refurbishment and fit out projects can differ greatly in scope and complexity. The BRE has decided to split this scheme into two so that your project can be assessed against the criteria that’s most relevant to it, giving you a more tailored route to certification.

2) UK and international schemes combined into one global framework

BRE has also combined the previous UK (2014) and International (2015) schemes into one global framework. This means that the same BREEAM Refurbishment v7 and BREEAM Fit Out v7 requirements now apply to every project, regardless of where it’s based. 

Why? With this change, you’ll only have one set of requirements to work towards, rather than two. This makes it far easier to manage projects in multiple countries and compare performance across your portfolio, without having to navigate different rules for each location.

3) Bringing the scheme in line with BREEAM New Construction v7

Beyond the structural changes, the BRE has updated these standards to bring them closer in line with BREEAM New Construction v7. Changes include:

• Expanded whole-life carbon assessment requirements, with benchmarking and reporting now covering both predicted operational and embodied carbon.
• MEP systems are now included in embodied carbon, so that mechanical, electrical and plumbing elements can be factored into a project’s true carbon footprint.
• A new standalone Resilience category within BREEAM Refurbishment v7. This consolidates criteria that was previously spread across several categories, with updated requirements for extreme weather.
• New health and wellbeing standards to raise the bar for occupant comfort.
• Streamlined reporting methods which align more closely with wider ESG and sustainability frameworks.

Why? These changes reflect the BRE’s wider push on decarbonisation and climate resilience across the built environment. This updated criteria will help you demonstrate measurable progress to your project’s stakeholders and occupiers, rather than just a rating on a certificate.

Not sure how the new standards will impact your upcoming project? Here’s what to expect:

• If you are completing work on the building’s fabric, structure or core services, you’ll now be assessed under BREEAM Refurbishment v7. This applies even if there’s a fit-out element within your scheme of works – there’s no need to complete two separate assessments.
• If your project is confined to the interior and you’re not significantly altering the building’s core systems, BREEAM Fit Out v7 will be the most appropriate route to certification.
• The new whole-life carbon and MEP requirements mean that you’ll need to account for more of your building’s services within embodied carbon reporting than before.
• The new standalone Resilience category for refurbishment projects means you’ll need to provide specific evidence of how the building has been adapted to cope with risks like flooding, overheating and water scarcity.
• If you’re being assessed under BREEAM Fit Out v7, you won’t be marked against site-wide issues such as ecology or transport that sit outside of your control.

BREEAM RFO v7 is not yet open for registrations – once it is, we’ll make sure you’re the first to know. When registration opens, there will be a three-month transition period in which you can still register your project under the RFO UK 2014 and International 2015 schemes. Once that three-month registration window closes, you’ll have up to five years to complete your assessment for certification. Anything registered after the transition period will fall under the new BREEAM RFO v7 standards.

Here are some practical steps you can take now to prepare for the new standards:

• Establish which standard will apply to your project based on the scope of work.
• Factor the new carbon and resilience requirements into your design programme early on, rather than trying to bolt them on mid-assessment.
• Complete a BREEAM Pre-Assessment to flag where the new whole-life carbon, MEP and resilience criteria are likely to have the biggest impact on your project.
• Speak to a licensed BREEAM RFO Assessor to confirm whether you should register under the outgoing scheme within the transition window, or proceed straight to BREEAM RFO v7.

Our expert team at Encon Associates has 18+ years of BREEAM assessment experience and we’re extremely proud to have never missed a targeted rating. We’ve been tracking BREEAM RFO v7 since BRE first announced the update, and our in-house Assessors are already up to speed on the requirements across both standards. We can help you determine which standard applies to your project, complete a BREEAM Pre-Assessment, and ensure that the new requirements are built into your programme from the outset.

Contact us to discuss how BREEAM Refurbishment and Fit Out v7 will affect your next project.