08 - Pollution

Leak detection – compliance principle – alternative technologies - KBCN1566

Where it can be demonstrated that alternative water leak detection technologies can meet or exceed the capabilities of systems set out in the BREEAM guidance, subject to approval, these can also be considered compliant. It is the role of the Assessor and the project team to provide evidence and justification in a compliance principle query (see KBCN1555). The following alternative solutions are currently recognised:

• Smart leak detection systems that are based on 'self-learning' (machine learning) to determine normal water use patterns are an acceptable alternative to systems that require manual pre-sets or manual programming.

06-Jul-2026 - Title updated for consistency. Scheme applicability updated. Principle also applied to refrigerant leak detection.

---

Leak detection – using a BMS - KBCN0439

A BMS can be used for leak detection if it can be shown that its integrated or add-on features meet all the requirements for a leak detection system.

07 Feb 2022 - Applicability to BIU USA Commercial V6 confirmed

---

Minimizing watercourse pollution – Areas to be assessed - KBCN1633

Criterion 2 should be interpreted as follows: The intent is to provide a list of areas that are likely to present a risk of watercourse pollution. All the listed areas must be considered, however, where a listed area is not present, or it is present but poses no risk of watercourse pollution, this should be justified with supporting evidence. Where the development does not include any of the listed areas, or none of the areas present poses a risk of watercourse pollution, justification and evidence must be provided and this issue should be filtered out, in line with Criterion 1.  

---

Refrigerant charge – issue filtering - KBCN1717

Criterion 1 states that if all systems have ≤11lbs refrigerant charge, this issue is filtered out. In the asset, there may be a mixture of systems above or below this threshold. In this scenario, this issue still applies to all other systems with >11lbs refrigerant charge. All systems with refrigerant charge ≤11lbs are excluded from assessment, but if other systems are still in-scope, this issue still applies.

11-Feb-2025 - Published.

---

Shared secondary containment – Capacity - KBCN1885

For secondary containment storing two or more hazardous chemical containers/tanks, adequate containment is demonstrated where capacity is at least the greater of:

• 110% of the largest container/tank, or
• 25% of the total capacity of all containers/tanks.

For a single container/tank, containment must be at least 110% of that container/tank capacity. Hydraulically linked tanks must be treated as a single tank. Where local regulations or site-specific risk controls require a more stringent containment volume, these take precedence.

---