BREEAM Manual 2011 Simple Buildings Guidance

BREEAM 2011 New Construction Scheme - Simple Buildings 

Guidance SD5073A 

This document is to be read in conjunction with the BREEAM 2011 New Construction Technical Manual 4.0 SD5073. 

This document details the scope and guidance for the use of BREEAM 2011 New Construction scheme on simple 

buildings (as defined within the scope section of this document). 

Cover image 

The extension to Bygrove Primary School in Poplar, London was certified as ‘Excellent’ under BREEAM Education 

2008. Extensions to schools and other buildings are typical of the types of construction that are likely to be 

assessed using the simple buildings guidance to BREEAM New Construction 2011.

Table of Contents 

Simple Buildings 



List of Tables 

i 

ii 

Introduction 1 

Scope 2 

Applicability of BREEAM 2011 New Construction for simple building assessments 4 

Technical categories 9 

Management 10 

Man 01 - Sustainable procurement 11 

Man 03 - Construction site impacts 13 

Man 04 - Stakeholder participation 14 

Health and Wellbeing 16 

Hea 02 - Indoor air quality 17 

Hea 03 – Thermal comfort 18 

Energy 19 

Ene 02 – Energy monitoring 20 

Ene 04 – Low and zero carbon technologies 21 

Ene 08 – Energy efficient equipment 22 

Transport 23 

Tra 03 - Cyclist facilities 24 

Water 25 

Wat 02 - Water Monitoring 26 

Wat 03 - Leak detection 27 

Materials 28 

Waste 29 

Wst 01 - Construction waste management sb 30 

Wst 02 - Recycled aggregates sb 35 

Land Use and Ecology 37 

LE 04 - Enhancing site ecology 38 

Pollution 40 

Pol 03 - Surface water run off 41 

Simple Buildings Guidance - Schedule of Changes 44 

Simple Buildings: Version: SD5073A – Issue: 5.0 – Date: 26/11/2014 

i




ii Simple Buildings: Version: SD5073A – Issue: 5.0 – Date: 26/11/2014

Introduction 


Introduction 

This guidance aims to provide clients, BREEAM users and specifiers with a practical and cost-effective 

means of assessing, rating and certifying simpler forms of buildings using the BREEAM New 

Construction Scheme. 

It clarifies the scope and applicability of BREEAM 2011 New Construction issues for the assessment of 

simple buildings (as defined within the scope section of this document) and specifies a set of 

simplified or revised criteria (as appropriate) for BREEAM issues for use on buildings which meet 

BREEAM’s definition of 'simple'. Of the 49 assessment issues in the New Construction Scheme: 

29 have ‘No change’ from existing BREEAM 2011 criteria 

10 are ‘Simplified’ BREEAM 2011 criteria 

10 are ‘Not applicable’ to simple buildings 

Simple Buildings: Version: SD5073A – Issue: 5.0 – Date: 26/11/2014 1


Scope 

Scope 

For the purposes of BREEAM 2011 New Construction scheme assessments, a simple building is 

defined as one where the building services and their relationship to the building fabric are 'simple'. 

Where the building includes complex services, systems or functions/facilities including, but not limited 

to those listed below, it cannot be defined or assessed as a ‘simple building’ and a full BREEAM 

assessment should be carried out: 

Air conditioning and refrigeration systems. 

Mechanical ventilation, displacement ventilation, and complex passive ventilation. 

Note: Buildings with small localised cooling or ventilation systems are eligible for assessment 

using simple buildings criteria. See 'Building Services' section for further guidance. 

Renewable energy sources, with the exception of on-site microgeneration technologies 1 

Renewable energy sources, with the exception of situations where connecting to an existing 

communal network system 

Laboratories and buildings that contain either fume cupboards and/or safety cabinets and/or 

containment areas 

Major water-consuming plant or functions such as swimming / hydrotherapy / research pools / 

vehicle wash / irrigation systems. 

Cold storage plant and enclosures, with the exception of domestic scale refrigeration 

Escalators and/or travelling walkways. 

The list above is not exhaustive, but serves to indicate for the purpose of this scope the types of 

services/systems that define a more complex building and therefore would not be present within a 

simple building. Examples of buildings which could fall under the BREEAM 2011 definition of simple 

(depending on the remit of the works) include; office, educational and community buildings, GP 

surgeries, basic industrial units, and extensions to existing buildings. 

The following describes some of the additional features a simple building may have. This should be 

used to support the classification of whether your building can be defined as 'simple' according to 

BREEAM: 

Building type 

The building can be classified within one of the building types listed in the scope section of the BREEAM 

2011 New Construction Technical Manual, including mixed use developments/building types. 

1 See Ene 04 for further guidance on recognised local LZC microgeneration technologies for simple 

buildings. 

2 Simple Buildings: Version: SD5073A – Issue: 5.0 – Date: 26/11/2014

Scope 


Building services 

Space and/or hot water heating is provided by simple systems only (e.g. systems with total 

capacity of < 100kW 2 or point of use heaters). 

Predominately naturally ventilated, using simple cross-flow ventilation relying solely on 

openable windows and/or trickle vents, except in areas where mechanical extract ventilation is 

required by the Building Regulations. 

Note :Small local systems, such as local split cooling systems or ventilation systems (to service 

single rooms or areas for occasional or seasonal use ), with a total system capacity of < 12kW 2 

and3 

and a total collective refrigerant charge of < 5kg can be assessed under simple buildings 

criteria. 

Domestic scale sanitary, kitchen and laundry facilities with only basic connections for hot and 

cold water provision and drainage. 

Building services commissioning required will be limited in complexity. 4 

Where specified, microgeneration 5 technologies are permissible within the scope of a simple building 

assessment, providing the installation and commissioning of such technologies is undertaken by a 

certified installer (see below and Ene 04 in this document for further guidance and compliance note 

'Recognised 'local' LZC technologies' under Ene 04 of the BREEAM 2011 New Construction Technical 

Manual). 

Typical profile of a simple building 

The cost and size of a simple building may differ. It is the complexity of the building and services that 

determine whether a building can be assessed using the BREEAM 2011 New Construction simple 

buildings guidance. 

If a particular building does not meet this typical profile described previously, but exhibits features 

which suggest it may be ‘simple’, it may still be possible to assess the building using the simple 

buildings criteria set. Please contact breeam@bre.co.uk for further advice. 

2 Performance criteria taken from CLG (2012) ' Improving the energy efficiency of our buildings: A 

guide to energy performance certificates for the construction,sale and let of non-dwellings. 

3 To refer to the total for more than one unit where applicable. Multi-spilt cooling systems and VRF 

systems cannot be assessed under simple buildings criteria 

4 Typically, complex systems are systems that involve interaction between a number of components to 

ensure proper operation. They will usually require specific knowledge and expertise to be designed 

and installed, and they may depend on other systems such as controls systems to work effectively. 

5 Microgeneration is defined under the Energy Act 2004 as < 45kWth (micro-heat) and < 50kWe 

(micro-electricity). Microgeneration can refer to community scale energy which may fall within these 

capacities. 



Applicability of BREEAM2011 New Construction for simple building assessments 

Applicability of BREEAM 2011 New 

Construction for simple building 

assessments 

Assessment Issues 

Within the Assessment Issue, the assessment criteria and compliance requirements are either not 

applicable, remain unchanged or have been simplified (See Table - 1). The following sections within the 

assessment issues are unchanged and remain applicable where relevant to the assessment being 

undertaken: 

Aim 

Schedule of Evidence 

Additional Information 

All other sections other than the technical sections e.g. About BRE Global Limited, Scope of BREEAM 

2011 New Construction, Scoring and Rating of BREEAM assessed buildings, Innovation, Appendices, 

etc. remain unchanged and are applicable as relevant to the assessment being undertaken. The table 

below summarises the BREEAM 2011 New Construction assessment issues, criteria and credits 

applicable to an assessment of simple buildings. 

Table - 1: BREEAM 2011 New Construction issue applicability for simple building assessments 

Issue 

ID 

Criteria applicability to simple buildings Credits Available Exemplary 

Credits 

No change Simplified N/A 

Available 

Management 

Man 

01 

ü 5 3 

Man 

02 

ü 2 1 

Man 

03 

ü 4 1 

Man 

04 

ü 4 0 

Man 

05 

ü N/A N/A 




Issue 

ID 


Credits 


Available 

Health and Wellbeing 

Hea 

01 

ü (3-5) - building type 

dependent 

1 

Hea 

02 

ü (2-3) -building type 

dependent 

0 

Hea 

03 

ü 

additional 

compliance notes 

2 0 

Hea 

04 

ü 1 0 

Hea 

05 

ü N/A N/A 

Hea 

06 

ü 2 0 

Energy 

Ene 

01 

ü 15 5 

Ene 

02 

ü 1 0 

Ene 

03 

ü 1 0 

Ene 

04 

ü 

additional 


5 1 

Ene 

05 

ü N/A N/A 

Ene 

06 

ü 

applicable to lifts 

only 

2 0 

Ene 

07 

ü N/A N/A 




Issue 

ID 


Credits 


Available 

Ene 

08 

ü 

additional 


2 0 

Ene 

09 

ü 1 0 

Transport 

Tra 

01 

ü (Up to 5) - building 

type dependent 

0 

Tra 

02 


dependent 

0 

Tra 

03 

ü 

additional 


(1-2) - building type 

dependent 

0 

Tra 

04 

ü N/A N/A 

Tra 

05 

ü N/A N/A 

Water 

Wat 

01 

ü 5 1 

Wat 

02 

ü 1 0 

Wat 

03 

ü 2 0 

Wat 

04 

ü N/A N/A 

Materials 

Mat 

01 



3 




Issue 

ID 


Credits 


Available 

Mat 

02 

ü 1 0 

Mat 

03 

ü 3 1 

Mat 

04 

ü 2 0 

Mat 

05 

ü 1 0 

Waste 

Wst 

01 

ü 4 1 

Wst 

02 

ü 1 1 

Wst 

03 

ü 1 0 

Wst 

04 

ü 1 0 

Land Use and Ecology 

LE 

01 

ü 2 0 

LE 

02 

ü 1 0 

LE 

03 

ü 2 0 

LE 

04 


dependent 

0 

LE 

05 

ü N/A N/A 




Issue 

ID 


Credits 


Available 

Pollution 

Pol 

01 

ü N/A N/A 

Pol 

02 


dependent 

0 

Pol 

03 

ü 5 1 

Pol 

04 

ü 1 0 

Pol 

05 

ü N/A N/A 


Technical categories 


Technical categories 

The following section lists those BREEAM issues, associated assessment criteria, compliance notes and 

other guidance as relevant for the assessment of simple buildings. Please note this list does not 

represent the full list of issues for assessment. 

Table 1 (BREEAM 2011 New Construction Issue Applicability for the Assessment of simple buildings) 

outlines the full list of issues for assessment. 

Where an issue or criterion is not listed or marked as not applicable, the criteria set out in the BREEAM 

2011 New Construction Technical Manual version 3.2 should be applied. 



Management 

Management 

Issue 

ID 

Criteria applicability to simple 

buildings 

Credits 

Available 

Exemplary Credits 

Available 

No 

change 

Simplified 

N/A 

Management 

Man 

01 

ü 5 3 

Man 

02 

ü 2 1 

Man 

03 

ü 4 1 

Man 

04 

ü 4 0 

Man 

05 

ü N/A N/A 


Man 01 - Sustainable procurement 



Number of credits available 

Exemplary credits available 

5 3 

Assessment Criteria 

This issue is split into three parts: 

Project brief and design (1 credit) 

Construction and handover (2 credits) 

Aftercare (2 credits) 

The following is required to demonstrate compliance for: 

Project brief and design 

One credit 

1. Criteria 1 to 3 are applicable. 

Construction and handover 

One credit 


One credit 

3. Criteria 18 to 20 are applicable. Criterion 21 is not applicable. 

Aftercare 

One credit 

4. Criterion 22 is applicable for simple systems (naturally ventilated) - external consultant/facilities 

manager (see compliance note CNS 2). 

One credit 

5. Criteria 23 and 24 are applicable (see compliance note CNS 3). 

Exemplary performance requirements 

The following outlines the exemplary level criteria to achieve up to a possible three 

innovation credits for this BREEAM issue: 

Criteria 4 to 13 should be considered as follows: 

One credit 

6. Criteria 4 to 9. 

One credit 


One credit 

8. Criterion 25 is applicable (see compliance note CNS 4). 




Compliance Notes 

Ref Terms Description 

CNS 

1 

Complex 

systems 

Where complex systems are installed, a building cannot be assessed as a 

simple building. 

CNS 

2 

Criterion 

22 

Criterion 22 requires an occupant survey to review thermal comfort, 

ventilation and lighting at three, six and nine month intervals after initial 

occupation. The survey should be sufficiently detailed to identify any recommissioning 

needs and revisions in operating procedures and 

documentation to ensure that the systems are operating effectively and 

efficiently. 

CNS 

3 

Criterion 

24 

Additional guidance for compliance with criterion 24: 

a. No change 

b. A procedure for providing aftercare support is established and 

communicated to building users. Aftercare support should be 

available for at least 4 weeks after handover (on site attendance 

should be provided if required). 

c. This criterion applies where there is an FM or other specified person 

on site who is responsible for the operation of the building and 

managing any problems/deficiencies that occur. 

d. No change 

CNS 

4 

Criterion 

25 

Criterion 25 is clarified as below: 

a. No change 

b. No change 

c. No change 

d. N/A 

e. No change 


Man 03 - Construction site impacts 


Man 03 - Construction site impacts 



4 1 


The following is required to demonstrate compliance: 

1. Criterion 1 is applicable. 

Energy consumption 

One credit 

2. Criteria 2 and 3 are applicable. 

Water consumption 

One credit 


Timber procurement 

One credit 


Construction site management 

One credit 

5. Criteria 9 and 10 are applicable 

Exemplary performance requirements 

The following outlines the exemplary level criteria to achieve an innovation credit for this BREEAM issue: 

6. Criteria 6a and 7 are applicable. 

7. Criterion 6b is applicable. As a minimum, this must cover inert materials, metals and mixed waste 

groups. 



Man 04 - Stakeholder participation 




4 0 


This issue is split into four parts: 

Consultation (1 credit) 

Inclusive and accessible design (1 credit) 

Building User Information (1 credit) 

Post Occupancy Evaluation (POE) and information dissemination (1 credit) 


Consultation 

One credit 

1. Criteria 1 to 5 are applicable. For criterion 3, see compliance note CNS 1 

2. Criterion 6 is not applicable. 

Inclusive and Accessible Design 

One credit 


Building User Information 

One credit 


Post Occupancy Evaluation (POE) and Information Dissemination 

One credit 

5. The following replaces criterion 13: 

The client makes a commitment to carry out a Post Occupancy Evaluation (POE) one year after 

building occupation. 

As a minimum, the POE must cover occupant feedback of the following items, in principle: 

a. The building’s internal conditions (i.e. light, temperature, noise, air quality etc.). 

b. The level of satisfaction of the occupants / users. Has the design solution met the needs 

of the occupants/users? 

c. The ease of commissioning, maintaining and managing the systems designed and 

installed; 

d. The appropriateness of the systems/design solutions. Is the system design optimised for 

use i.e. not oversized? 

e. Are the metering arrangements appropriate and do they facilitate/improve data 

gathering and monitoring/detection of faults in the systems installed? 

6. Criterion 14 is applicable 




Compliance Notes 


CNS 

1 

Minimum 

consultation 

content for 

simple 

building 

assessments 

Criterion 3 when applied to all simple building assessments must refer 

to items 1 to 4 and 7 under compliance note CN 4 on ‘minimum 

consultation content’ in the BREEAM 2011 New Construction Scheme 

document. For items 5, 6, 8, 9 and 10, the building type will determine 

its relevance. The assessor has to take a considered view on the 

applicability of the building type. 

CNS 

2 

Post 

Occupancy 

Evaluation 

questionnaire 

A simple questionnaire can be created by the client or occupier 

appointed facilities/property manager to facilitate the POE, not 

necessarily a third party POE. 





Issue 

ID 


Credits Available 



Hea 

01 


dependent 

1 

Hea 

02 

ü (2-3) -building type 

dependent 

0 

Hea 

03 

ü 

additional 


2 0 

Hea 

04 

ü 1 0 

Hea 

05 

ü N/A N/A 

Hea 

06 

ü 2 0 


Hea 02 - Indoor air quality 


Hea 02 - Indoor air quality 



Building type dependent 

N/A 


This issue is split into two parts: 

Minimising sources of air pollution (2 credits) 

Potential for natural ventilation (1 credit) 


Minimising sources of air pollution 

Two credits 


2. Criteria 2 to 8 are applicable, excluding criterion 5and 6. 

3. Criteria 9 to 14 are not applicable. 

Potential for natural ventilation 

One credit (credit not applicable to prison buildings) 


Laboratory fume cupboards and containment areas 

No credits 

5. Criteria 17 to 22 are not applicable. 



Hea 03 – Thermal comfort 

Hea 03 – Thermal comfort 



2 0 



Please refer to the BREEAM New Construction 2011 Scheme Technical Manual. All criteria listed are 

applicable for this issue. 

In addition to the compliance notes listed in the Technical Manual, the following compliance note is 

applicable as relevant: 

Compliance Note 


CNS 

1 

Dynamic 

thermal 

modelling 

For simple building assessments, dynamic thermal modelling is not a 

requirement to achieve the credits but may be preferable as it can 

provides more accurate analysis results. Note that assessment criterion 3 

already clarifies use of an alternative less complex means of modelling, 

which must be in accordance with CIBSE AM11. 


Energy 


Energy 

Issue 

ID 

Criteria applicability to simple buildings 

Credits 

Available 


Available 


Energy 

Ene 

01 

ü 15 5 

Ene 

02 

ü 1 0 

Ene 

03 

ü 1 0 

Ene 

04 

ü 

additional 


5 1 

Ene 

05 

ü N/A N/A 

Ene 

06 

ü 

applicable to lifts only 

2 0 

Ene 

07 

ü N/A N/A 

Ene 

08 

ü 

additional 


2 0 

Ene 

09 

ü 1 0 



Ene 02 – Energy monitoring 

Ene 02 – Energy monitoring 



1 0 



The following replaces criteria 1 to 3: 

One credit 

1. The following energy consuming systems (where present) are monitored: 

a. Lighting 

b. Heating / cooling 

c. Hot-water 

d. Small power 

e. Other major energy-consuming items where appropriate (see compliance note CNS1). 

A Building Energy Management System (BEMS) or separate accessible energy sub-meters or 

similar could fulfil this function. The systems selected should have a pulsed output to enable 

future connection to a BEMS or similar system. 



CNS 

1 

Scope of 

submetering 

for 

simple 

building 

assessments 

Dependent upon the building type, the assessor must use their 

discretion to identify which other major energy consuming systems 

(where present) should be sub-metered. 


Ene 04 – Low and zero carbon technologies 


Ene 04 – Low and zero carbon technologies 



5 1 


This issue is split into three parts: 

Feasibility study OR renewable energy supply contract (1 credit) 

Low or zero carbon technology specification and installation (4 credits plus an exemplary credit) 

Free cooling (1 credit) 








CNS 

1 

Recognised ‘local’ 

LZC 

microgeneration 

technologies for 

simple building 

assessments 

On-site LZC technologies are only eligible to contribute to 

achieving the requirements of this issue where the proposed 

solution can be classified as a microgeneration technology. 

The following must be met for classification as microgeneration 

technology: 

Electricity generating technologies with a capacity up to 

50kWe, or heat generating technologies with capacity up 

to 45kWth. 

The microgeneration technology is a certified product 

under the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) or 

equivalent. 

The microgeneration technology will be installed by an 

MCS (or equivalent) certified installer. 



Ene 08 – Energy efficient equipment 

Ene 08 – Energy efficient equipment 



2 0 




applicable for this issue. with the exception of: 

Ref B (Swimming pool) 

Ref D (Data centre). 

In addition to the compliance note listed in the Technical Manual the following compliance note is 




CNS 

1 

Refrigeration 

equipment in 

simple 

building 

assessments 

‘Small power, plug in equipment’ ('Ref. A' in the BREEAM New 

Construction 2011 manual) applies to the following refrigeration 

equipment (where present): 

1. Air cooled condensing units 

2. Cellar cooling 

3. Commercial service cabinets 

4. Curtains/blinds for refrigerated display cabinets 

5. Refrigeration compressors 

6. Refrigeration system controls 

7. Refrigerated display cabinets. 


Transport 


Transport 

Issue 

ID 


Credits 


Available 

Transport 

Tra 

01 



0 

Tra 

02 


dependent 

0 

Tra 

03 

ü 

additional 


(1-2) - building type 

dependent 

0 

Tra 

04 

ü N/A N/A 

Tra 

05 

ü N/A N/A 



Tra 03 - Cyclist facilities 

Tra 03 - Cyclist facilities 



Building type dependent 0 





In addition to the compliance notes listed in the Technical Manual the following compliance notes are 




CNS 

1 

Use of 

local 

compliant 

cycle 

storage 

For all buildings which form part of a larger site / development, use of 

existing local BREEAM compliant cycle storage space is acceptable. 

CNS 

2 

Compliant 

cyclist 

facilities 

and noncompliant 

local 

storage 

spaces 

Where the assessed building has compliant cyclist facilities, plus access to 

some local cycle storage spaces that are not BREEAM compliant, one 

credit can still be awarded. 

CNS 

3 

Compliant 

cycle 

spaces but 

no cyclist 

facilities 

Where the assessed building meets the minimum number of compliant 

cycle spaces required for two credits, but does not have or meet the 

minimum provision for compliant cyclist facilities, then one credit can 

awarded. 


Water 


Water 

Issue 

ID 


buildings 

Credits 

Available 


Available 

No 

change 

Simplified 

N/A 

Water 

Wat 

01 

ü 5 1 

Wat 

02 

ü 1 0 

Wat 

03 

ü 2 0 

Wat 

04 

ü N/A N/A 



Wat 02 - Water Monitoring 

Wat 02 - Water Monitoring 



1 0 



One credit 




Wat 03 - Leak detection 


Wat 03 - Leak detection 



2 0 



One credit 

In order to achieve the credit, one of the following criteria must be met: 


OR 

2. Install automatic excess flow valves at relevant locations to protect property from damage 

caused by leaking pipes or tanks. 

One credit 


In addition to the compliance notes listed in the Technical Manual the following compliance note is 




CNS 

1 

Automatic 

excess 

flow valve 

An automatic excess flow valve acts as a flow switch (‘fuse’) to 

automatically stop the flow of water and prevent uncontrolled release 

when the flow of water exceeds a predetermined rate (such as may occur 

in the event of failure of water supply pipes and tanks). 



Materials 

Materials 

Issue 

ID 


buildings 



Available 

No 

change 

Simplified 

N/A 

Materials 

Mat 

01 

ü (Up to 6) - building type 

dependent 

3 

Mat 

02 

ü 1 0 

Mat 

03 

ü 3 1 

Mat 

04 

ü 2 0 

Mat 

05 

ü 1 0 


applicable as relevant. 


Waste 


Waste 

Issue 

ID 


buildings 

Credits 

Available 


Available 

No 

change 

Simplified 

N/A 

Waste 

Wst 

01 

ü 4 1 

Wst 

02 

ü 1 1 

Wst 

03 

ü 1 0 

Wst 

04 

ü 1 0 



Wst 01 - Construction waste management sb 

Wst 01 - Construction waste management 

sb 



4 1 


This issue is split into two parts: 

Construction resource efficiency (3 credits) 

Diversion of resources from landfill (1 credit) 


Construction resource efficiency 

One credit 

1. Where projects less than £300k in value have a compliant site waste management plan (SWMP) 

and where the waste generated on site is monitored. 

Note: The benchmark of waste generated per 100m2 does not need to be met to achieve one 

credit. 

OR 

Up to three credits 

2. Where a compliant SWMP is produced to meet a statutory requirement (projects > £300k in 

value), or where a compliant SWMP is produced regardless of statutory obligations. The credits 

can be awarded as follows: 

a. Non-hazardous construction waste (excluding demolition and excavation waste) 

generated by the building’s design and construction meets or exceeds the following 

resource efficiency benchmarks: 

BREEAM credits 

Amount of waste generated per 100m 2 (gross internal floor area) 

m 3 

tonnes 

One credit ≤ 17.6 ≤ 11.0 

Two credits ≤ 9.5 ≤ 6.1 

Three credits ≤ 5.9 ≤ 3.7 

Exemplary Level ≤ 4.8 ≤ 3.0 

b. Only criterion 3 is applicable. 




See compliance notes regarding compliant site waste management plan for construction projects of 

different value. 

Diversion of resources from landfill 

One credit 

3. The following percentages of non-hazardous construction and demolition waste (where 

applicable) generated by the project have been diverted from landfill: 

BREEAM 

credits 

Type of 

waste 

Diversion from landfill benchmark 

Volume 

Tonnage 

percentages 

One credit 

Non 

demolition 

65% 75% 

Demolition 75% 85% 

Exemplary 

level 

Non 

demolition 

80% 85% 

Demolition 80% 90% 

4. Criteria 5 and 6 are applicable 

Exemplary level criteria 

5. Criteria 7 to 9 are applicable.The tables are superceded by the corresponding tables within this 

document. 

In addition to the compliance notes listed in the Technical Manual the following compliance notes are 


Compliance notes 


CNS 

1 

Predemolition 

audit 

A pre-demolition audit should as a minimum include the following: 

1. Materials available and forecast amounts 

2. Recommended reuse/recycling/recovery options for the 

materials 

CNS 

2 

SWMP 

statutory 

requirement 

Since April 2008 any construction project in England costing over 

£300k requires a Site Waste Management Plan. To achieve any of the 

construction waste management credits the assessed development, 

regardless of locality, must have a SWMP that meets the criteria in the 

compliance notes CNS3 and CNS4 on “compliant site waste 

management plan”. 





CNS 

3 

Compliant 

site waste 

management 

plan 

(for projects 

less than 

£300K) 

A compliant site waste management plan for projects less than £300K 

is one that defines: 

1. A target benchmark for resource efficiency i.e. m 3 of waste per 

100m 2 or tonnes of waste per 100m 2 (in line with the credits 

available) 

2. Procedures and commitments for minimising non-hazardous 

waste in line with the benchmark in the criteria 

3. Procedures for sorting, reusing and recycling construction waste 

into defined waste groups (see Additional Information section), 

either on site or through a licensed external contractor and 

measuring the amount generated and diverted from landfill. 

4. Licence details for the waste carrier, if waste is removed offsite. 

5. The name or job title of the individual responsible for 

implementing the above. 

CNS 

4 

Compliant 

site waste 

management 

plan 

(for projects 

over £300K) 

Refer to the ‘Compliant site waste management plan’ compliance note 

Wst 01 Construction waste management – CN1 in the BREEAM 2011 

Scheme Document for this issue 

Additional Information 

1. A Best Practice SWMP for projects less than £300K is a combination of commitments to: 

a. reduce waste generated on site 

b. develop and implement procedures to sort and reuse/recycle construction waste on and 

off site (as applicable). 

c. Ensure waste is dealt with in compliance with waste legislation. 

2. A Best Practice SWMP for projects over £300K is a combination of commitments to: 

a. design out waste (materials optimisation) 

b. reduce waste generated on site 

c. develop and implement procedures to sort and reuse/recycle construction waste on and 

off site (as applicable). 

d. follow guidance on Site Waste Management Plans from: 

i. DEFRA (Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) 

ii. BRE (Building Research Establishment Ltd) 

iii. WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme) 

As a minimum, the key waste groups identified and reported on should be inert, metals, timber, 

soils/stones, gypsum, hazardous waste and the remainder as mixed waste. Table - 2 must be used in 

place of Wst 01 Construction waste management Table - 1: Construction waste groups. 




Table - 2: Construction waste groups 

European Waste 

Catalogue 

Key Group 

Examples 

Minimum requirements 

17 01 01 Concrete Pipes, kerb stones, paving slabs, concrete rubble, 

precast and in situ 

17 01 02 Bricks Bricks 

17 01 03 Tiles and ceramics Ceramic tiles, clay roof tiles, ceramic sanitaryware 

17 01 07 Mixture of concrete, 

bricks, tiles & 

ceramics 

As above 

17 02 02 Glass 

17 02 01 Timber Softwood, hardwood, boards products such as 

plywood, chipboard, medium density 

fibreboard (MDF) 

17 04 07 

17 04 01 

17 04 02 

17 04 03 

17 04 04 

17 04 05 

17 04 06 

Mixed metals and 

categories: 

Copper, bronze, 

brass 

Aluminium 

Lead 

Zinc 

Iron and Steel 

Tin 

Radiators, cables, wires, bars, sheet 

17 05 04 Soils and stones Soils, clays, sand; gravel, natural stone 

17 08 02 Gypsum Plasterboard, render, plaster, cement, fibre 

cement sheets, mortar 

Most relevant 

EWC 

Hazardous 

Defined in the Hazardous Waste List (HWL) of the 

European Waste Catalogue (EWC) 

17 09 04 (Mixed) Mixed Efforts should be made to categorise waste into 

the above categories wherever possible 

Other key groups 

17 02 03 Plastics Pipes, cladding, frames, non-packaging sheet 

17 03 02 Asphalt and tar (non Bitumen, coal tars, asphalt 




European Waste 

Catalogue 

Key Group 

Examples 

hazardous) 

17 06 04 Insulation Glass fibre, mineral wool, foamed plastic 

20 03 01 Mixed municipal 

waste 

Office waste, canteen waste, vegetation 

20 03 07 Furniture Tables, chairs, desks, sofas 

Most relevant 

EWC under 

Chapter 15 

Packaging 

Paint pots, pallets, cardboard, cable drums, 

wrapping bands, polythene sheets 

Most relevant 

EWC under 

Chapter 16 

Electrical and 

electronic equipment 

Electrical & electronic TVs, fridges, airconditioning 

units, lamps equipment 

Most relevant 

EWC 

Oils 

Hydraulic oil, engine oil, lubricating oil 

Most relevant 

EWC 

Liquids 

Non-hazardous paints, thinners, timber 

treatments 

Most relevant 

EWC 

Floor coverings (soft) 

Carpets, vinyl flooring 

Most relevant 

EWC 

Architectural 

Features 

Roof tiles, reclaimed bricks, fireplaces 


Wst 02 - Recycled aggregates sb 





1 1 



One credit 


2. The following table must be used for assessment of criterion 2: 

Table - 3: Minimum levels (by weight and volume) of high-grade aggregate specified per application 

(where present) that is recycled and/or secondary aggregate 

Application 

Min. 

% 

One 

Credit 

Min. % Exemplary 

performance 

Bound 

Structural frame N/A 25% 

Floor slabs including ground floor slabs N/A 25% 

Bitumen or hydraulically bound base, binder, and surface 

courses for paved areas and roads 

N/A 50% 

Unbound 

Concrete road surfaces N/A 25% 

Pipe bedding 50% 100% 

Building foundations N/A 25% 

Granular Fill and Capping (see compliance notes) 75% 100% 

Gravel landscaping 100% 100% 


Exemplary level criteria 

The following outlines the exemplary level criteria to achieve an innovation credit for this BREEAM issue. 




4. Where the total amount of recycled and/or secondary aggregate specified is greater than 35% 

(by weight or volume) of the total high-grade aggregate specified for the project. 

5. To contribute to the total amount, the percentage of high-grade aggregate specified per 

application (where present) that is recycled and/or secondary aggregate, must meet the 

exemplary minimum percentage levels (by weight or volume) as defined in Table - 3. 





Issue 

ID 


buildings 



Available 

No 

change 

Simplified 

N/A 


LE 01 ü 2 0 

LE 02 ü 1 0 

LE 03 ü 2 0 

LE 04 ü (1-3) - building type 

dependent 

0 

LE 05 ü N/A N/A 



LE 04 - Enhancing site ecology 




Building type dependent 0 


The following is required to demonstrate compliance. 

One credit 

The following replaces criteria 1 and 2: 

1. The project team has sought recommendations from recognised ‘local’ ecological expertise and 

generic guidance, in the form of published guidance documents, information leaflets to inform 

the adoption of locally relevant ecological measures that enhance the ecological value of the site. 

These measures may include: 

a. Planting of native species or those with a known attraction or benefit to local wildlife 

b. Adoption of horticultural good practice (e.g. no or low use of residual pesticides) 

c. Installation of bird, bat and/or insect boxes at appropriate locations on the site 

Only native floral species or those with a known attraction or benefit to local wildlife can be considered 

for the purpose of enhancing the ecological value of the site. 

OR 

Up to Three Credits 

Refer to the Technical Manual. All criteria listed are applicable as relevant. 





CNS 

1 

Local 

expertise 

Guidance may be sought from bodies such as The Wildlife Trust, The Royal 

Horticultural Society, etc. to inform the adoption of locally relevant 

ecological measures that enhance the ecological value of the site. 





Ref Design Stage Post-Construction stage 

1 Copies of expertise/guidance used to 

inform the adoption of locally relevant 

ecological measures. 

Written confirmation from the 

client/design team confirming how the 

expertise/guidance recommendations 

will be implemented. 

Design drawings including existing 

(pre-development) and proposed site 

plan/survey. 

Where relevant for multi residential 

buildings: 

Evidence in line with the Design stage 

evidence requirements of the CSH 

Issues Eco 4 

OR 

A copy of the Design Stage CSH 

certificate and CSH compliance report 

confirming the change in ecological 

value for the site. 

As design stage requirements. 

BREEAM Assessor’s site inspection report 

and photographic evidence confirming 

ecological measures implemented are in 

accordance with design stage plan. 

Relevant section/clauses of the building 

specification or contract or a letter from 

the client or principal contractor 

confirming the planting will be completed 

within 18 months from completion of the 

development*. 

* This is for large mixed-use/multi-building 

developments, where the whole site has 

not been completed and ecological 

enhancements have not yet been added, 

or where features are being added at a 

later date in an appropriate planting 

season. 

Where relevant for multi residential 

buildings: 

Evidence in line with the Design stage 

evidence requirements of the CSH Issues 

Eco 4 

OR 

A copy of the final post construction CSH 

certificate and CSH compliance report 

confirming the change in ecological value 

for the site. 

Note: Where assessing this issue in accordance with criteria within the main Technical Manual 

please refer to the corresponding Schedule of Evidence requirements. 



Pollution 

Pollution 

Issue 

ID 


buildings 



Available 

No 

change 

Simplified 

N/A 

Pollution 

Pol 

01 

ü N/A N/A 

Pol 

02 


dependent 

0 

Pol 

03 

ü 5 1 

Pol 

04 

ü 1 0 

Pol 

05 

ü N/A N/A 


Pol 03 - Surface water run off 





5 1 


This issue is split into three parts; 

1. Flood risk - (1-2 credits) 

2. Surface water run off - (1-2 credits) 

3. Minimising water course pollution - (1 credit) 


Flood risk 

Two credits 


OR 

One credit 

2. Criteria 3 to 5 are applicable 

Surface water run-off 

Two credits 

3. Either of the following criteria is met: 

a. There is a decrease in the impermeable area by 50% or more, from the pre-existing 

impermeable hard surfaces. 

OR 

b. Where all run-off from the roof for rainfall depths up to 5mm from all new and existing 

parts of the building have been managed on site using source control methods. 

OR 




One credit 

4. Either of the following criteria is met 

a. There is no increase in the impermeable surfaces as a result of the new construction. 

OR 

b. If there is an increase in the impermeable surface as a result of the new construction then 

the following must be met: 

i. Hard standing areas - Where there is an extension or increase in the hard standing 

areas and hence an increase in the total impermeable area as a result of the new 

construction, the hard standing area must be permeable or be provided with onsite 

SuDS to allow full infiltration of the additional volume, to achieve the same end result. 

The permeable hard standing must include all pavements and public rights of way, 

car parks, driveways and non-adoptable roads, but exclude paths for example 

garden paths which will drain onto a naturally permeable surface. 

ii. Building (new build/extension) - Where there is an increase in building footprint, 

extending onto any previously permeable surfaces, the additional run-off caused by 

the area of the new build/extension must be managed on site using an appropriate 

SuDS technique for rainfall depths up to 5mm. 

Minimising water course pollution 

One credit 



Exemplary level credit 

The following outlines the exemplary level criteria to achieve an innovation credit for this BREEAM issue: 

7. Simple Buildings criteria 3 has been achieved. 




Flood Risk 

1&2 Please refer to the schedule of evidence requirements for criteria 1-5 within the BREEAM 

New Construction 2011 technical manual. 

Surface Water Run Off 

3&4 Design drawings confirming the total 

area of impermeable surfaces (in m²) 

for both existing (pre-development) 

and proposed site. 

Where an appropriate consultant has 

been employed, a statement from the 

consultant confirming that they are 

qualified in line with the BREEAM 

definition. 

Evidence to confirm that maintenance 

responsibilities have been defined for any 

SuDS solutions installed. 

AND EITHER: 

Written confirmation from the developer or 

appropriate consultant that the solutions 

assessed at the design stage have been 





Design drawings and/or relevant 

sections/clauses of the building 

specification or contract indicating: 

- Specification of SUDS and/or source 

control devices as appropriate. 

Consultant’s report and accompanying 

calculations (where necessary to 

demonstrate compliance) confirming 

that the proposed design can prevent 

rainfall depths up to 5mm from all new 

and existing parts of the building. 

implemented 

OR 

Where the design has changed the evidence 

identified for the design stage assessment is 

provided for post construction/'as built' 

details. 

Minimising Watercourse Pollution 

5&6 Please refer to the schedule of evidence requirements for criteria 16-21 within the 

BREEAM New Construction 2011 technical manual. 

Exemplary Level Criteria 

7 Please refer to the schedule of evidence requirements for criteria 6-14 within the 

BREEAM New Construction 2011 technical manual. 



Simple Buildings Guidance - Schedule of Changes 

Simple Buildings Guidance - Schedule of 

Changes 

The BREEAM 2011 New Construction Simple Buildings Guidance Document may, from time to time, be 

revised and re-issued. A re-issue of a BREEAM version may be required for the following reasons: 

1. To clarify criteria, compliance notes or schedule of evidence requirements 

2. To update a reference or relevant definition 

3. To update or amend calculation procedures 

4. To amend the scope to allow for the inclusion of additional building types 

This document provides details of any additions or changes made to the BREEAM New Construction 

Scheme that have resulted in a re-issue of the Simple Buildings Guidance Document. It is important to 

note that in general a re-issue does not result in changes, deletions or additions to the main 

assessment criteria or assessment issues. Fundamental changes to assessment criteria are only made 

as part of a formal scheme update, resulting in a new BREEAM scheme version. 

Scheme Doc. Issue no. Date of issue 

SD5073A 5.0 26/11/2014 

SD5073A 4.0 08/11/2013 

SD5073A 3.0 10/07/2013 

SD5073A 2.0 29/05/2013 

SD5073A 1.0 01/03/2013 

Where a client/assessor has been referencing an issue of the Guidance Document that has 

subsequently been superseded, they may either continue to use and reference the superseded issue 

of the Guidance Document or, if deemed appropriate by the assessor, switch to the latest issue. When 

submitting their certification report the BREEAM Assessor must clarify in their report which issue of the 

Guidance Document they have used to complete the formal assessment of the building. If different 

issues were used throughout the course of the assessment, reference should be to the latest issue 

used. 

The tables below outlines changes/additions made to the BREEAM 2011 New Construction Simple 

Buildings Guidance Document and the issue number (and therefore date) the change came into effect. 

Changes made to issues 1.0 to 4.0 are highlighted in issue 5.0 of the Guidance Document. 

Key 

(Type of 

Change) 

Description of Change 

A 

An addition, insertion, alteration or deletion to the scheme document which does 

not directly affect the assessment criteria, calculation procedures or schedule of 

evidence (and therefore assessment of a building) 




Key 

(Type of 

Change) 

Description of Change 

C 

An addition/insertion, deletion or alteration to the scope, assessment criteria, 

compliance note, evidence required or relevant definitions. 

Issue 5.0 

Section Issue / 

Section 

Identifier Type Specifics of change 

Management Man01 Amendment 

of criterion 

C 

Criterion 6 amended to exclude 

reference to criterion 7 from the main 

manual. 

Health and 

Wellbeing 

Hea02 

Amendment 

of criterion 

A 

Criterion 2 amended. 

Water Wat 02 Addition of 

issue to 

Guidance 

document 

C 

Applicability of the Wat 02 criteria to an 

assessment. Criterion 4 of the main 

manual is not applicable to Simple 

Building assessments. 

Pollution Pol 03 Amendment 

of criterion 

A 

Amended text of Exemplary level criteria 

Issue 4.0 


Section 


Health and 

Wellbeing 

Hea02 

Removal 

of 

criterion 

C 

Criterion 5 of the main manual is not 

applicable to Simple Building assessments. 




Issue 3.0 


Section 


Land 

use and 

ecology 

LE 04 

Addition of 

evidence 

requirements 

C 

Schedule of evidence added to clarify the 

evidence required to demonstrate 

compliance with the Simple buildings specific 

criteria. 

Land 

use and 

ecology 

LE 04 

Addition of 

text 

A 

Additional text added to clarify the number 

of credits available for different building 

types 

Pollution Pol 03 Addition of 

evidence 

requirements 

C 

Schedule of evidence added to clarify the 

evidence required to demonstrate 

compliance with the Simple buildings specific 

criteria. 

Issue 2.0 


Section 


Scope 

Scope: 

Main 

Addition 

and 

Removal 

of Text 

C 

Text referring to the use of localised cooling 

systems, and associated refrigerant charge 

removed. Note added referring reader to 

‘building services’ section within scope. 

Irrigation systems added under major water 

consuming plant/functions not considered 

eligible for assessment using Simple Buildings 

guidance. 

Scope 

Scope: 

Building 

Services 

Addition 

of Text 

C 

Text added referring to building heating & 

cooling system total capacity and refrigerant 

charge limits for assessment using Simple 

Buildings guidance. 

Waste Wst01 Criterion 

2a 

C 

Construction waste resource efficiency 

benchmarks revised. 

Waste Wst02 Criterion 4 

(Exemplary 

Level) 

C 

Exemplary level criteria revised and additional 

criterion 5 provided to add clarity to 

requirements.

BREEAM Manual 2011 Simple Buildings Guidance

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