POL 01 - Impact of refrigerants - BREEAM Knowledge Base

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.

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 – system notification - KBCN0245

So long as the compliant system alerts the appropriate person to the leak so they are able to respond immediately, the assessor can judge if the aim of the issue is being met by a reliable, robust and fail-safe means of notification.

13-Jul-2026 - Title updated for consistency. Scheme applicability updated. Principle extended to refrigerant leak detection, allowing refrigerant leak detection systems to notify a person to initiate shutdown in line with this principle.

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.

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.