Guide
The BREEAM exemplary security credit, explained.
What the credit rewards, how the recognised scheme route works, and the timing condition to plan for. Written for developers, project managers and BREEAM Assessors.
What the exemplary credit is
BREEAM awards credits against defined criteria in each issue, and in some issues an exemplary level rewards performance beyond the standard criteria. Under BREEAM New Construction V7.1, security sits in the issue Hea 08: the standard security credit is criteria 1 to 3 and the exemplary security credit is criterion 4. Under BREEAM Refurbishment V7, security sits in the issue Rsl 04, Protection against human error and malicious damage: the standard security credit is criteria 5 to 7 and the exemplary security credit is criterion 8.
The exemplary credit is awarded where the security risk management process behind the development has been independently validated against a recognised security rating scheme. BREEAM awards it as an innovation credit, worth 1% of the final score. The recognised schemes are named in each manual's methodology (Hea 08 section M2, Rsl 04 section M4); both manuals name Proctor and SABRE.
What the route involves
The process begins with a site-specific Security Needs Assessment (SNA) produced by a Suitably Qualified Security Specialist (SQSS). The recognised scheme then rates the quality of the security risk management process through design and construction, and every rating is independently validated by a separate organisation before a certificate is issued. Certification is two-stage: a validated interim certificate at design stage and a validated final certificate at post-construction.
Under Proctor, projects are rated Certified, Commended or Distinguished, and the rating reflects how the security risk management work was done. For the process step by step, see how Proctor works.
The timing condition
Where the scheme process commences during Concept Design or earlier, both manuals deem the standard security criteria met, and one certificate then evidences both credits. Where it commences later, both credits remain available, and the standard credit is evidenced from the SNA in the usual way. In practice this means the credit is best planned at RIBA Stage 2 or before. The SNA has its own timing: both manuals require it during or before Concept Design (RIBA Stage 2), and a later appointment can still earn the standard credit where the specialist confirms that nothing which could have been recommended has been ruled out by the delay (Hea 08 M1.2, Rsl 04 M3.2). Proctor's cut-off is the end of RIBA Stage 3.
What it means for the BREEAM assessment
Where the deemed-met route applies, the standard and exemplary security credits are earned together from one submission. When a Proctor Certificate is awarded, the BREEAM Assessor references the recognised scheme in the assessment and uploads the certificate; there is no separate scheme process for them to manage. The detail for assessors is on the BREEAM Assessors page.
Which BREEAM versions this applies to
Proctor is recognised by BRE as a route to the exemplary security credit under BREEAM New Construction V7.1 (SD6074, published 26 August 2026) and BREEAM Refurbishment V7 (SD6075, published 15 July 2026). BREEAM Fit Out V7 is a separate manual (SD6076) and Proctor is not currently recognised under it. BREEAM International New Construction V7 carries no exemplary security credit, so Proctor cannot deliver one on an INC V7 project. Whether Proctor can be used under other BREEAM versions is for BRE to confirm.
Related guides
What Hea 08 requires for security
Targeting the exemplary security credit?
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