BREEAM points for energy efficiency

Developers will get points for being innovative in an effort to encourage the industry to go further in pursuit of energy-efficient buildings.

A revised version of BREEAM to go live in August will contain "innovation credits" providing points towards a green rating. Points will be awarded for features that cannot be assessed under regular BREEAM credits.

Mott Macdonald sustainability director Gordon Hudson said: "If people are a few points short, it could encourage them to step back and think innovatively about the project."