The Evolution of HQM to BREEAM Residential: A New Era in Sustainable Housing

In a significant move towards streamlining sustainability assessments for residential properties, the Home Quality Mark (HQM) has evolved to become part of the BREEAM product range.

This transition, effective from April 2025, marks the introduction of BREEAM UK New Construction: Residential V6.1.

This rebranding not only simplifies the certification process but also aligns residential assessments with BREEAM’s globally recognised framework, ensuring a more integrated approach to sustainability.

The transition from HQM to BREEAM UK New Construction: Residential V6.1 involves several key steps:

1. Rebranding and Integration: HQM, known for its focus on residential quality and sustainability, is now integrated into the BREEAM framework. This change retains the core principles of HQM while benefiting from BREEAM’s extensive experience and global recognition.
2. Updated Assessment Criteria: The new BREEAM residential assessment includes updated criteria that align with current industry standards and regulatory requirements. This ensures that new residential buildings meet high sustainability benchmarks, covering aspects such as lifecycle assessment and embodied carbon measurement.
3. Streamlined Certification: The integration simplifies the certification process for developers and assessors, making it easier to demonstrate and verify the environmental performance of residential properties.

Appointing a BREEAM assessor early in the project lifecycle is crucial for several reasons:

1. Pre-Assessment Benefits: Early involvement allows for a pre-assessment, which can identify potential areas for improvement before construction begins. This proactive approach ensures that sustainability measures are integrated into the design from the outset, rather than being retrofitted later.
2. Design Stage Certification: An early appointment facilitates a thorough design stage assessment, aligning the project with BREEAM criteria and securing a Design Stage Certificate. This certificate can be instrumental in planning applications and stakeholder communications.
3. Smooth Certification Process: Engaging a BREEAM assessor early helps in planning and executing the assessment process smoothly, avoiding last-minute adjustments and ensuring that all sustainability features are implemented as designed.

The benefits of obtaining a BREEAM residential assessment are extensive and multifaceted:

1. Enhanced Marketability: BREEAM certification is a mark of quality and sustainability, making properties more attractive to environmentally conscious buyers and tenants.
2. Financial Savings: BREEAM-certified homes often have lower operational costs due to improved energy efficiency, reduced water consumption, and minimized waste generation.
3. Health and Wellbeing: The assessment promotes better indoor environmental quality, including aspects like air quality, thermal comfort, and access to natural light, contributing to the overall health and wellbeing of occupants.
4. Regulatory Compliance: BREEAM certification helps developers comply with local and national sustainability regulations, ensuring that their projects meet the highest standards of environmental performance.
5. Long-Term Value: Certified buildings tend to have higher long-term asset value, providing a competitive edge in the real estate market.

The evolution of HQM into BREEAM UK New Construction: Residential V6.1 represents a significant advancement in the field of sustainable housing.

By appointing a BREEAM assessor early in the process, developers can ensure a smoother certification journey and reap the numerous benefits of a BREEAM residential assessment.

This transition not only simplifies the certification process but also reinforces the commitment to building high-quality, sustainable homes for the future.

At Sustain Quality Ltd, we believe that sustainability is a journey, not a destination.

We are committed to leading the way in sustainable development and making a positive impact on the world.

We invite you to join us on this journey and be part of the change.