What’s on the Horizon for 2025? Insights and Innovations in BREEAM & Sustainable Construction

2025: A Turning Point for Sustainability in the Built Environment

As 2025 approaches, the built environment is set to face both challenges and opportunities. From updated standards like BREEAM V7 to emerging trends in net-zero innovation, RedSix is prepared to lead the way.

BREEAM 2025: Raising the Bar

The long-anticipated release of BREEAM V7 marks a significant milestone in driving sustainability across the built environment. With updated benchmarks and an enhanced focus on real-world climate resilience, the latest version of the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Methodology (BREEAM) is set to shape the future of sustainable development.

Why BREEAM V7 Matters

BREEAM has long been the gold standard for assessing, rating, and certifying the sustainability of buildings. Version 7 takes this commitment further by responding to the increasing urgency of climate action and the need for the built environment to lead the way. These updates aim to ensure that developments not only meet today’s standards but also remain resilient in the face of future challenges.

Key Changes in BREEAM V7

Enhanced Guidance on Net Zero Carbon (NZC) Strategies

  • Updated criteria and minimum standards for embodied carbon, operational energy, and refrigerant emissions.
  • Focus on Whole-Life Carbon: Significant emphasis on assessing and reducing carbon emissions throughout the entire lifecycle of a building.
  • Updated Energy Performance Benchmarks: Aligned with the latest scientific data and EU taxonomy classification criteria.
  • Improved Support for Operational Energy Modelling: Enhanced tools for better tracking and management of a building’s energy performance.

Enhanced Biodiversity Integration

  • Updated benchmarks align with English Biodiversity Net Gain law, encouraging developers to exceed minimum requirements.
  • Clarification on off-site enhancement rules and the introduction of the Statutory Biodiversity Small Sites Metric (SSM) for greater flexibility in small developments.
  • New methodologies for sites with low or zero biodiversity baseline pre-development, focusing on absolute changes in biodiversity units.

Building Life Cycle Assessment 

  • New methodology includes calculations and reporting of embodied carbon during concept design, technical design, and post-construction phases.
  • Credits for different life cycle stages can now be achieved independently.
  • Benchmark Comparison Credits: Introduced embodied carbon performance scales for various building types.
  • EU Taxonomy Alignment: Requires reporting of Global Warming Potential (GWP) impacts to clients.

Greater Focus on Health and Wellbeing of Building Occupants

  • Restructured credits focus on the impact of natural light and lighting technologies on building users.
  • Natural Light: New issues structured to address visual performance, comfort, and overall wellbeing.
  • Non-Visual Effects of Light: New credits to promote circadian rhythm health through the design stage, requiring at least 250 lux during daytime hours using a combination of daylight and electric lighting.

Climate Adaptation and Resilience

  • Developments must assess and mitigate risks such as flooding, overheating, and storm damage.
  • Buildings are rated on their ability to adapt to long-term climate scenarios.

How RedSix Can Help You Navigate BREEAM V7

At RedSix, we specialise in aligning your projects with the latest sustainability standards. With extensive experience in delivering BREEAM-certified developments, we’re well-equipped to guide you through the new requirements. Our services include:

  • Pre-Assessment Support: Identify opportunities to maximise BREEAM scores from the outset.
  • Sustainability Strategy Development: Tailored plans to meet energy, biodiversity, and waste reduction targets.
  • Compliance Monitoring: Ongoing support to ensure your project stays on track.

Emerging Trends in Sustainability

  • Net-Zero Strategies: Organisations are shifting from pledges to action, implementing tangible changes to meet net-zero targets.
  • Green Financing: More funding opportunities are becoming available for sustainable projects, encouraging widespread adoption of eco-friendly practices.

How RedSix is Leading the Way

In addition to helping clients navigate these changes, we’re committed to staying ahead of the curve. Our Carbon Literacy Course, launching in 2025, equips professionals with the tools needed to tackle these challenges head-on.

Big moose Partnership in 2025

We’re also expanding our partnership with big moose in 2025, with team volunteering, fundraising events and initiatives aimed at giving back to the community. Sustainability and social responsibility isn’t just a professional goal for us—it’s part of who we are.

Let’s Build a Sustainable Future Together

As the industry evolves, RedSix remains dedicated to guiding clients toward a sustainable future. Whether you’re looking for strategic insights, project support, or training, we’re here to help you make a difference. Contact us to learn how RedSix can assist in achieving your sustainability goals under BREEAM V7.