BREEAM Very Good

Data centers must achieve energy efficiency ratings equivalent to ASHRAE 90.1-2019 standards or equivalent regional benchmarks, with specific requirements for HVAC systems, IT equipment power delivery, and backup generation.

Very Good tier requires demonstrating a minimum 15% energy performance improvement over building regulations baseline through documented HVAC zoning, variable frequency drives on cooling equipment, and systematic hot-aisle/cold-aisle containment strategies, with on-site renewable energy contributing minimum 5-10% of operational demand.

Facilities must implement water metering and reduction strategies targeting 30% consumption reduction compared to baseline benchmarks, particularly critical for data centers using evaporative or tower-based cooling systems.

Requirements include installation of water-efficient fixtures, rainwater harvesting systems for non-potable cooling makeup, and documented water treatment protocols to minimize blowdown and waste in recirculating cooling systems.

Data center construction materials must be assessed for embodied carbon content with preference for recycled and responsibly sourced materials in structural, MEP, and fit-out components.

Very Good tier requires minimum 70% of materials sourced from responsible sources (FSC-certified timber, recycled steel), with documented lifecycle assessments for major building systems including cooling infrastructure, cabling trays, and generator fuel systems.

Construction phase waste diversion must achieve minimum 85% through pre-sorted waste streams, documented contractor compliance, and material reuse protocols.

Operational waste requirements include segregated recycling for IT equipment decommissioning, hazardous material handling for refrigerants and oils, and documented waste tracking with targets for zero landfill pathways for non-hazardous operational waste.

All cooling systems must utilize refrigerants with zero ozone depletion potential (ODP) and global warming potential (GWP) not exceeding 750, requiring transition from legacy CFC/HCFC systems and documentation of refrigerant management protocols.

Facilities must implement secondary containment for all refrigerant storage, documented leak detection and repair schedules, and staff training on proper handling and disposal procedures to prevent atmospheric release.

Data centers must demonstrate appropriate site selection avoiding sensitive ecological areas, with requirements for greenfield sites to incorporate biodiversity enhancements equivalent to 120% of pre-development ecological value.

Rooftop or remediated brownfield development requires native planting specifications, pollinator habitat creation, and documented ecological survey baseline with post-construction monitoring protocols.

Facilities must establish transport management plans addressing staff commuting, deliveries, and equipment transportation with targets for 30% reduction in vehicle journeys through cycle facilities, public transit access documentation, and consolidation of delivery schedules.

Requirements include secure bicycle parking for minimum 5% of workforce, electric vehicle charging infrastructure for 10% of parking provision, and documented incentive programs for sustainable commuting.

Data center operator facilities and shared spaces must achieve minimum daylight provision of 2% average daylight factor, ventilation rates compliant with EN 13779 standards, and acoustic design limiting equipment noise to 70dB(A) in occupied areas.

Requirements include thermal comfort maintained within ISO 7730 Category B parameters, documented CO2 monitoring systems, and low-VOC specifications for all interior finishes and materials in non-technical spaces.

Very Good certification mandates appointment of an environmental manager or team responsible for implementing and maintaining BREEAM-aligned operational procedures throughout building lifecycle.

Requirements include formal building logbook documenting all systems, commissioning reports verifying design intent for HVAC and power delivery systems, staff training records for environmental management, and annual performance reviews comparing actual versus designed performance with corrective action implementation.