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BREEAM ‘New Construction’ Version 7
With the introduction of BREEAM ‘New Construction: Residential’ V6.1 in 2024 and ‘New Construction’ V7 in 2025, Cass Allen have assessed the new technical manuals regarding Noise and Air Quality to provide a clear summary of the new credits and how this may affect both developers and designers going forward.
Residential Acoustics
Acoustic criteria for residential development are broken down into three categories: Internal Noise Levels, External Noise Levels and Sound Insulation.
Internal Noise Levels are worth 2 credits when internal ambient noise level requirements are attained.
External Noise Levels are also worth up to 2 credits when the criteria in external functional spaces are achieved.
Sound Insulation for residential is worth up to 9 total credits, with 5 credits available for sound insulation between homes (both walls and floors), and 4 credits available for sound insulation within homes (both walls and floors).
Appointing a Suitable Qualified Acoustician is essential to ensure compliance with these credits.
Non-domestic Acoustics
The acoustic criteria for non-domestic buildings are presented as two distinct requirements.
Acoustic Performance Hea 06 (previously Hea 05) provides 4 available credits for a fully fitted development, and 1 credit for either shell and core, or shell only. The requirements outlined to receive these credits include appointing a Suitable Qualified Acoustician and an assessment of sound insulation, indoor ambient noise levels and reverberation.
Reduction of Noise Pollution (Pol05) provides a single credit where either there are no noise sensitive areas within 800m of the site, or the proposed mechanical plant is designed to meet specific noise limits.
Air Quality
The Air Quality assessment criteria drive the delivery of built assets so they are environmentally responsible in both construction and operation. Within Version 7, the Health and Wellbeing section has been restructured, with Indoor Air Quality Plans now worth 1 credit within Hea 04 and required as a minimum standard for projects targeting Very Good ratings and above.
How Cass Allen Can Help
While the requirements within BREEAM are often clear, attaining the credits often comes with challenges and compromise and typically needs a detailed understanding of the technical input.
Cass Allen has a large team of experienced Acousticians and Air Quality Consultants with in-depth knowledge of both the residential and non-domestic requirements needed to attain the sought after credits.
With many of the requirements in BREEAM being more onerous than typical Building Regulations and British Standard criteria, involving us at an early stage of your development can not only make the process simpler, but can also save time and costs in the long run.
Article by Peter Wheeler, Senior Acoustics Consultant
