New Construction / International / V6 /
09 - Pollution
Information correct as of 8thJuly 2026. Please see kb.breeam.com for the latest compliance information.
Achieving a reduction in noise levels where background levels are low - KBCN1692
Where existing background levels are low, such as during night-time, there is no dispensation or flexibility that can be applied in achieving the requirements. The aim of the issue is to reduce the potential impact of noise from the assessed building to local noise-sensitive buildings. Acoustic experts have confirmed that the requirements for the background noise levels are still appropriate where existing levels are low, including where a 5dB reduction is stated within the criteria.
District cooling – Used in combination with local cooling - KBCN1634
Where district cooling can be considered outside the scope of the assessment, either in accordance with the Methodology section of the technical manual or in line with
KBCN0759, compliance must be based on calculating the DELC for all systems.
However, where the district cooling system is exempt from assessment, as described above, this should be based on a GWP of zero for the district cooling system.
Flood Risk Assessment older than five years - KBCN1744
This sentence appears in the definition of 'Flood Risk Assessment': Where more than five years have passed since the FRA was carried out, evidence would be required to demonstrate that the basis of the FRA has not changed in that time.
The requirement for evidence that the basis of the FRA has not changed where more than five years have passed is applicable only at Design Stage. It is not required at Post Construction Stage where a compliant FRA was undertaken at Design Stage and the development was carried out in accordance with that design.
Leak detection – compliance principle – alternative technologies - KBCN1566
Where it can be demonstrated that alternative 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 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 V6C confirmed.
06-Jul-2026 - Scheme applicability updated, and applied also to refrigerant leak detection across all relevant schemes.
No discharge for up to 5mm rainfall - KBCN0599
The criterion requires no run-off to leave the developed site into the local watercourse(s) for a storm event that results in rainfall depths up to 5mm. It is not acceptable to collect the rainfall within an attenuation tank and allow the runoff to be released from the site at a restricted rate. This simply slows the rate at which it is released to the watercourse(s).
Compliance should be based upon zero runoff from the first 5mm rainfall for 80% of events during summer and 50% in winter. This is in line with the recommendations within Chapter 24.8 of The SuDs Manual (C753), CIRIA 2015.
The 5mm rainfall event is considered one of the most common rainfall events and, therefore, a system should be designed to prevent this run-off leaving the site thus protecting a receiving watercourse from pollution.
Where ground conditions prohibit the use of SuDs techniques to manage the rainfall onsite or it is not be possible for the first 5mm of rainfall to be prevented from leaving a site completely. An appropriately qualified professional must explain comprehensively why this criterion cannot be fully met and design a system to meet the intent of this criterion as far as possible. Where this can be justified and all other relevant criteria have been achieved, the credit can still be awarded.
16.08.2024 Clarification added on calculation requirements and text from KBCN1059 now included.
Pol 01 Prerequisite – Applicable standards - KBCN1537
- GBT9237-2017 Standard for Safety and Environmental Requirements for Refrigeration Systems and Heat Pumps - This is only applicable to China
- ASHRAE standards (ASHRAE 15-2016 “Safety Standard for Refrigeration Systems” or ASHRAE 34-2016 “Designation and Safety Classification of Refrigerants)” can be used in place of the ISO/EN standards referenced in the prerequisite. - This is only applicable to countries outside Europe.
Prerequisite – Evidence requirements - KBCN1747
Confirmation of compliance with the standards or codes of practice required to meet the prerequisite should be provided by the relevant members of the project team, i.e. the system designer and/or the system installer, as appropriate.
This recognises the responsibilities of those designing and installing the system configuration. Evidence from the manufacturer is not required.
Scope of issue – clarification – fixed installations - KBCN1660
The scope of this issue covers noise from external building services (or 'fixed installations' as written in the manual) serving areas
designed for human comfort.
The noise impact assessment excludes:
- Noise from process-related plant.
- Noise from emergency or back-up plant which are not used during normal operation.
Verification of measurements undertaken by non-SQA - KBCN1661
It is acceptable for individuals who do not meet the BREEAM definition of a suitably qualified acoustician (SQA) for Pol 05 to undertake the testing for this issue, provided the measurements or calculations are verified by a SQA. The SQA must review the report and confirm in writing that they have found it to:
- Represent sound industry practice
- Be appropriate given the building being assessed and scope of works proposed
- Avoid invalid, biased and exaggerated recommendations
Additionally, written confirmation from the SQA how they comply with the definition of a SQA is required.
Information correct as of 8thJuly 2026. Please see kb.breeam.com for the latest compliance information.