BREEAM Good

Data centers must achieve a Building Energy Rating (BER) demonstrating reduction of predicted operational carbon emissions through efficient HVAC systems, power distribution infrastructure, and cooling optimization.

Points are awarded based on energy performance coefficient relative to CIBSE benchmarks, requiring facilities to model and validate that cooling systems, UPS efficiency, and IT load distribution meet or exceed 65-70th percentile performance standards.

For data centers, this typically translates to PUE (Power Usage Effectiveness) targets between 1.5-1.8 depending on climate zone and facility design, with mandatory sub-metering to track energy consumption by system category.

Data centers must implement water efficiency measures including closed-loop cooling systems, condensate capture mechanisms, and rainwater harvesting where feasible to reduce potable water consumption below baseline predictions.

BREEAM Good requires facilities to calculate water usage intensity and demonstrate consumption reductions of 20-30% through specific efficiency measures such as air-cooled systems prioritization or grey water recycling for cooling tower makeup.

Assessment includes verification of water metering infrastructure and documentation of actual consumption data during operation to validate design predictions.

Data centers must eliminate ozone-depleting refrigerants and specify ultra-low global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants in CRAC/CRAH units and chilled water systems, with GWP ratings below 150 preferred.

The requirement extends to NOx emissions management from diesel backup generators, requiring compliance with Stage IIIA/IIIB emission standards and installation of selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems for larger facilities.

Facilities must document refrigerant lifecycle management including leak detection protocols, containment systems, and service documentation to prevent atmospheric release.

Data centers must source 80%+ of structural materials from responsibly managed sources, with Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) documentation demonstrating material selection minimizes embodied carbon through recycled content specifications and locally sourced components.

The requirement mandates Green Building Council certification verification for timber products, third-party validation for concrete certifications, and steel mill documentation confirming recycled content percentages.

For modular/containerized data center components, this includes manufacturer certification of material sourcing practices.

Data centers must develop comprehensive waste management plans achieving 70%+ diversion from landfill through segregation of IT equipment, construction waste, and operational refuse into recyclable, compostable, and specialty streams.

Requirements include contracted relationships with certified e-waste recyclers for server and networking equipment removal, hazardous waste protocols for decommissioned infrastructure, and documentation of waste stream destinations.

Facilities must establish procedures preventing commingling of IT waste with general refuse and maintain waste contractor audit records demonstrating responsible processing.

Data centers must establish documented Environmental Management Systems (EMS) conforming to ISO 14001 principles, including formal policies, risk assessments specific to data center operations, competency training for facility staff, and regular auditing procedures.

The requirement mandates appointment of an environmental management representative, formal communication protocols, and emergency response procedures addressing potential environmental incidents such as diesel spill containment or refrigerant releases.

BREEAM assessment includes review of management documentation and facility staff interviews validating implementation fidelity.

Data centers must demonstrate baseline ecological survey completion and implement measures protecting local biodiversity, particularly for facilities located on greenfield sites or near protected habitats.

Requirements include habitat retention or creation plans, native landscape planting specifications, and ongoing monitoring protocols to assess ecological performance.

For urban data centers, this may involve green roof installations (minimum 30% of accessible roof area) or sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) implementation to manage stormwater while supporting pollinator corridors.

Data centers must provide secure cycle parking facilities (minimum 1 space per 50 employees), electric vehicle charging infrastructure (minimum 10% of parking capacity), and public transport accessibility documentation demonstrating proximity to transit within 500 meters.

The requirement includes travel plan development addressing staff commuting patterns, contractor vehicle management protocols, and incentive programs promoting low-carbon transport options.

Facilities must establish baseline transportation emissions data and implement monitoring to track modal shift achievements annually.