BRE said the move, which follows a rebrand of HQM, will streamline and simplify certification for new build properties, ensuring that residential buildings in the UK will be recognised as part of BREEAM’s globally recognised sustainability assessment system. It will provide developers and assessors with an integrated, science-based approach to sustainability measurements which meet evolving regulations and requirements.

According to the building science centre, the launch of BREEAM UK New Construction: Residential V6.1 will better enable building owners and assessors to measure the sustainability of new build homes. The update will see the alignment of lifecycle assessment and embodied carbon measurement with industry standards and reporting requirements.

Developed using over 30 years of BREEAM science, HQM has led residential sustainability assessments in the UK since 2015, with more than 50,000 homes registered.

Jane Goddard, managing director, Building Performance Services and deputy CEO of BRE, said: “The Government has a headline target of 1.5 million new homes over the next five years, in an effort to address the current housing shortage. However, as the sector grapples with pressures around energy efficiency, climate resilience and evolving regulations, developers in the built environment need trusted methodologies and tools so they can demonstrate the sustainability of their properties to investors, regulators, homebuyers and occupants.

“This evolution reflects our commitment to trusted, science-based assessment tools that support the housing sector’s sustainability goals. Integrating HQM into the BREEAM brand will help stakeholders demonstrate and verify their environmental performance, while enabling BREEAM to respond more effectively to the evolving challenges of the built environment.”