26 March 2025
Sunil Raghavendher Kumar, Senior Analyst
As climate risks become an increasing concern for the built environment, the latest update to BREEAM-NL In-Use takes a more proactive stance on resilience, adaptation, and long-term sustainability. The Dutch Green Building Council (DGBC) recently introduced BREEAM-NL In-Use Utility v6.1.1, marking a significant step forward in sustainability assessment. In previous versions, BREEAM addressed climate resilience primarily through separate risk assessments, focusing on flood hazards and natural disaster risks without a fully integrated approach. While the core principles of BREEAM remain intact, this latest version introduces notable refinements, particularly in the areas of climate risk assessment and disaster preparedness. This latest version refines the climate risk and disaster preparedness elements of the BREEAM certification, while maintaining its core principles in place.
What are the changes, and how will they impact your sustainability strategy? Here is a breakdown of key updates:
From Flood Risk to Climate Resilience: New Scope of RSL01
One of the most striking differences between the two versions is the transformation of RSL01. Previously, the credit focused on flood risk assessment, potential hazards from groundwater, heavy rainfall, and water system failures.
What is new in v6.1.1?
- RSL01 remains a minimum standard for achieving a Very Good BREEAM rating, making climate risk assessment a critical requirement for sustainability-focused asset owners.
- The scope has broadened significantly. Flood risk assessment has evolved into a comprehensive climate risk analysis, requiring both an environmental score and a building score to be determined.
- Assets are now evaluated using the Framework for Climate Adaptive Buildings (FCAB) or an equivalent methodology, ensuring a structured approach to resilience planning.
- Adaptation planning is no longer optional. If risks are identified as “high” or “very high”, a formal adaptation plan must be created and implemented within five years.
- The highest scoring tier now recognises assets that not only assess risks but also execute climate adaptation measures, emphasising action over analysis.
In the previous version (v6.0.0), RSL03 focused on natural disaster risk assessments, requiring assets to evaluate potential hazards such as earthquakes, storms, and extreme temperatures. It also mandated contingency planning where risks were significant. In this new version, however, RSL03 has been merged into RSL01, meaning that natural disaster risks are now evaluated within the broader climate risk framework.
- Instead of a standalone credit, natural disaster preparedness is now integrated into the overall environmental and building score assessment.
- Contingency planning still exists, but it is now wrapped into the adaptation plan requirements under RSL01.
Why These Changes Matter
The transition from v6.0.0 to v6.1.1 reflects the need to holistically address climate adaptation. Historically, flood risk was the primary geographical risk considered, particularly for insurance purposes. However, with the increasing prevalence and severity of other climate-related physical risks—such as extreme heat, high winds, and storms—there is a growing recognition that these hazards must be evaluated on the same level as flood risk. The updated methodology encourages a systems-thinking approach, ensuring that buildings are assessed not just for their vulnerabilities but also for their ability to adapt and mitigate future climate challenges.
For asset owners and sustainability professionals, these updates mean:
- More rigorous assessments – A simple flood risk report is no longer sufficient; a multi-layered climate risk analysis is required.
- Greater accountability – Having an adaptation plan is not enough; execution is key to achieving the highest score.
- From risk identification to resilience building – The focus has shifted from merely recognising threats to implementing tangible solutions.
Looking Ahead
The evolution of BREEAM-NL In-Use Utility underscores a broader trend in sustainable building certification: climate resilience is no longer an afterthought – it’s a necessity. Longevity Partners can help you stay ahead of evolving regulatory frameworks and market expectations to ensure long-term asset value.
At Longevity Partners, we provide climate risk assessments, resilience planning, and adaptation strategies. Our experts can guide you through the updated BREEAM requirements, ensuring that your assets are not only compliant but also future-proofed against climate challenges.