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BREEAM New Construction 2018 and Version 6.1 close next week – here’s what you need to know

January 22, 2026

Tuesday 27 January 2026 is the final date to register certain BREEAM UK New Construction projects under existing versions.

BRE has confirmed that the following BREEAM New Construction schemes will close to new registrations at midnight on Tuesday 27 January 2026:

  • BREEAM UK New Construction 2018
  • BREEAM UK New Construction Version 6.1
  • BREEAM New Construction Version 6 International

This applies to current non-residential New Construction projects only.

After this deadline, all new projects will be required to register under the default BREEAM New Construction version available via the BREEAM Platform. This introduces stricter sustainability requirements and updated standards, with a greater level of technical rigour.

For projects currently designed to Version 6.1, we strongly recommend acting now to secure registration under the existing framework, which we are highly experienced in delivering.

KEY POINTS AT A GLANCE

Deadline

Tuesday 27 January 2026

Why register now?

Registering before the deadline can help avoid potential increases in cost, programme risk and design changes associated with the transition to Version 7.

What’s changing in Version 7?

Version 7 places greater emphasis on:

  • Whole-life carbon
  • Biodiversity and resilience
  • Material selection and performance
  • Alignment with wider industry sustainability goals

Whilst this represents positive progress, it is more rigorous and will typically require additional assessment, coordination and design input.

WHY EARLY REGISTRATION MATTERS

If your project is currently aligned with BREEAM Version 6.1, registering before the deadline can:

  • Avoid redesign and reassessment
  • Reduce exposure to more stringent requirements
  • Help manage programme certainty and cost risk

ADDITIONAL BRE GUIDANCE

BRE has advised that registrations under these closing versions may still be possible after 27 January 2026 via the ‘previous versions’ route. However, this will require additional evidence, such as planning or Building Regulations documentation explicitly referencing the relevant BREEAM version.

All existing registrations under these versions will expire on 27 January 2031. Submissions received after this date may receive an alternative output in lieu of a certificate.

WHAT TO DO NOW?

Toensure your project is aligned with the new requirements, get in touch with a member of our Sustainability team today.

Sunanda Swain – Technical Director – sunanda.swain@createce.co.uk

Mirza Baig – Senior Sustainability Consultant – mirza.baig@createce.co.uk

Pooja Nair – Senior Sustainability Consultant – pooja.nair@createce.co.uk