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Hea 04 - Thermal comfort

Information correct as of 4thJuly 2025. Please see kb.breeam.com for the latest compliance information.

Assessing industrial spaces – exemptions - KBCN0734

The thermal comfort criteria do not apply to the operational or storage areas typically found in industrial assets or other similar asset types. The criteria is still be applied to the other parts of the asset as appropriate. Operational and storage areas often have function-related thermal requirements determined by operational or storage needs. These functional requirements override the needs of any occupants.
17-Jan-2024 - Scheme applicability updated.

Weather files – 50th percentile - KBCN0117

For the thermal simulation of climate change environments, where this not specified in the manuals, the 50th percentile weather file is used in all cases. This applies also to the use of any alternative weather files or formats which are not listed in the manual. See KBCN1182.
18-Dec-2024 - Title updated for clarity. Scheme applicability updated. Link to KBCN1182 added.

Weather files – alternative format or location - KBCN1182

If they achieve the aim of the credit, alternative weather file formats not listed in the manuals can be used instead of those referenced in the manual. Format - current climate The alternative weather files must include same variables as the specified weather files for each hour of the year e.g.: - Dry bulb & wet bulb temperature, - Wind speed & direction, - Solar altitude & azimuth, - Cloud cover etc. For example, TMY (Typical Meteorological Year) is an accepted alternative format for BREEAM, meeting the requirements above. The assessor or design team must verify this and ensure that meeting the BREEAM criteria does not become easier by using the alternative weather file. Format - projected climate These alternative files must be based on climate projections with equal or higher temperatures than those specified in the relevant criteria, setting an equally or more robust standard for overheating. Where there are no suitable weather files available for projected climate change, use any one of the following: To modify weather data for existing climates into the relevant future climate change scenarios required in the criteria. Alternative location Where the weather file for the nearest location for the project is not representative of the actual location’s climatic conditions, the project team can use the weather file from another nearby location which is more representative. This can take account of the climatic influences of altitude, prevailing wind, proximity to climate-moderating features, or heat island effect.
19-May-2025 - Added example alternative format. Added links to future climate change resources.
18-Dec-2024 - Merged with KBCN1013. Scheme applicability updated.

Weather files – files applicable internationally - KBCN0732

The technical manual refers to Prometheus, which is not applicable internationally for the projected climate change scenario criteria. Until an alternative has been formally approved, the following can be used: Climate Change World Weather File Generator ASHRAE weather data files
18-Dec-2024 - Title updated. Link updated.

Information correct as of 4thJuly 2025. Please see kb.breeam.com for the latest compliance information.