Rsl 04 and the security credits.

Where security sits in Refurbishment V7

BREEAM Refurbishment V7 (Technical Manual 7.0.0, SD6075, published 15 July 2026) addresses security within the issue Rsl 04, Protection against human error and malicious damage. The issue is broader than security alone: it also covers fabric protection and fire safety. The security element is criteria 5 to 7, with an exemplary security credit at criterion 8. The security criteria and the exemplary credit are present in all four Parts of a Refurbishment V7 assessment (Part 1 Fabric and structure, Part 2 Core services, Part 3 Local services, Part 4 Interior design), so both credits are available whichever Parts are in scope. The equivalent issue under BREEAM New Construction V7.1 is Hea 08, where the security credit is criteria 1 to 3 and the exemplary credit is criterion 4; that issue is covered in our Hea 08 guide.

The security credit: criteria 5 to 7

The standard security credit is awarded where a site-specific Security Needs Assessment (SNA) has been carried out by a Suitably Qualified Security Specialist (SQSS) and the recommendations incorporated into the design. The methodology sets out what the assessment must contain (M3.1), the position where the specialist is consulted late (M3.2), and the scope the recommendations may consider (M3.3). A compliance note (CN2) confirms the assessment can be carried out in line with recognised standards and frameworks, naming ISO 22341 on crime prevention through environmental design, ISO 31000 on risk management, EN standards for security systems and products, Secured by Design, and the RIBA Security Overlay. What an SNA covers, who can write one and when it needs to happen are set out in our SNA guide.

Who counts as a Suitably Qualified Security Specialist

Rsl 04 defines the competency standard through three criteria, all of which must be satisfied: relevant security experience, being at least three years in a security profession within the last five and demonstrating practical understanding of security in the built environment at the project's type and scale; a degree or recognised equivalent professional qualification in a security-related discipline; and full membership of a relevant professional body, institute or certification scheme that requires adherence to a formal code of conduct. The manual asks in addition that the specialist's expertise and experience suit the project's security risk level and complexity.

Two points are specific to Rsl 04. There is no Pre-Approved Professional Register route, so each of the three criteria must be evidenced individually; New Construction V7.1 does provide that route, covered in our Hea 08 guide. A compliance note (CN5) allows an SNA written by an author who does not meet the competency criteria to comply, where a qualified SQSS independently reviews the report and confirms in writing that it is accurate, appropriate and in line with industry best practice. Proctor requires the SNA Author to meet the competency standard directly, without using the CN5 review route.

The exemplary credit: criterion 8

The exemplary security credit is awarded where the security risk management process has been independently validated against a recognised security rating scheme. The recognised schemes are named in the manual's methodology, section M4; the Refurbishment V7 manual names Proctor and SABRE. How the credit works in practice is covered in the exemplary security credit, explained.

The deemed-met route

The manual deems criteria 5 to 7 met where a recognised scheme is adopted, provided the scheme process commences during Concept Design or earlier (methodology note M4.3). This is why the standard and exemplary security credits are usually earned together: adopting a recognised scheme early satisfies the standard criteria and adds the exemplary credit on top, with the scheme's certificate as the evidence for both. Where the scheme process commences later, both credits remain available, and the standard credit is evidenced from the SNA in the usual way.

Timing

Criterion 5 requires the SNA to be carried out during or prior to Concept Design (RIBA Stage 2). Where the SQSS is consulted after that point, M3.2 keeps the credit achievable, provided the SQSS confirms that nothing which could have been recommended has been restricted, impaired or made impossible by their later involvement. Proctor's own cut-off for the SNA is the end of RIBA Stage 3. The deemed-met route carries its own condition, above: the scheme process must commence during Concept Design or earlier. Either way, raise the security credits at Stage 1 or 2, while every route is still open.

Where to read the full text

This guide is a plain-English summary written by Toren Consulting Ltd, the Scheme Administrator for Proctor. The authoritative text is the BREEAM Refurbishment V7 Technical Manual (SD6075), available from BRE. If you are unsure how the criteria apply to a particular project, tell us about it and we will confirm the credit position.

Related guides

The BREEAM exemplary security credit, explained

Hea 08 and the security credits

What a Security Needs Assessment involves