The current scheme dates back to 2010. A major update is on the way — and projects aiming for Excellent should be preparing now.
The consultation is open
In February, BRE announced that consultation on updates to the BREEAM Datacentres scheme would begin, with engagement for both New Construction V7 and Refurbishment & Fit Out V7 opening on 24 March 2026. More recently, assessors have been informed that the Refurbishment & Fit Out V7 scheme is expected to be released in summer 2026 — suggesting that the updated Datacentres scheme is likely to follow soon after.
- February 2026 -BRE announces V7 consultation plans
- 24 March 2026 -Consultation opens: NC V7 and RFO V7
- Summer 2026 – Refurbishment & Fit Out V7 expected to release
- To follow -Datacentres V7 likely to launch afterwards
Why this update matters
The current BREEAM standard for Datacentres dates back to 2010. That is a long time — long enough that the scheme has fallen well behind other BREEAM frameworks in terms of technical expectations and regulatory alignment. The forthcoming V7 update is anticipated to introduce significant changes to bring it in line with those more recently updated schemes. Key areas likely to see notable revisions include energy, transport, and ecology.
The direction of travel is clear: achieving higher BREEAM ratings is expected to become more challenging under the V7 framework. Projects that have been comfortably reaching Excellent under the 2010 scheme should not assume the same approach will deliver the same outcome.
The transition window
As with previous BREEAM updates, a transition period is anticipated. Projects will likely have a window of approximately three months following the V7 launch during which they may still register under the Datacentres 2010 scheme. For projects currently in early design or procurement stages, this is a decision worth planning around now rather than revisiting in a hurry later.
How Build Energy can help
Build Energy has supported a number of major UK datacentre projects in recent years, all of which have successfully achieved BREEAM Excellent ratings. That track record has been built through early technical input — getting the energy modelling, whole-life carbon assessments and compliance strategy in place at the right stage, not scrambling to catch up during handover.
Whether you are an architect scoping a new build, an M&E consultant working through the energy credits, or a contractor managing the programme to a BREEAM target, early engagement with the assessment strategy pays off. As V7 raises the bar, that will be even more true.
Get in touch
Working on a datacentre project with a BREEAM requirement?
Talk to Build Energy early. We can help you understand what V7 is likely to mean for your project and make sure your assessment strategy is set up to succeed from the start.
