Pol 01 Impact of Refrigerants | BREEAM UK New Construction 2018

Pol 01 addresses the global warming impact of refrigerants used in cooling, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems. Whilst these systems are essential for modern buildings, the refrigerants they contain can have global warming potentials thousands of times greater than carbon dioxide if released to atmosphere. BREEAM Pol 01 rewards developments that minimise this impact through careful refrigerant selection and leak prevention.

This credit applies only to buildings with comfort cooling, air conditioning, process cooling, or refrigeration systems. If your building has no such systems—relying purely on natural ventilation and passive cooling—this credit becomes "Not Applicable" rather than scoring zero. For buildings that do require cooling, proper refrigerant specification can secure 1 or 2 credits with minimal cost implications when addressed during design.

The credit becomes increasingly important as climate change drives greater cooling demand in UK buildings. More developments now include cooling systems that would have used natural ventilation a decade ago. Getting refrigerant selection right from the outset avoids locking in high-GWP solutions for the 15-25 year operational life of cooling plant.

What is BREEAM Pol 01?

Pol 01 focuses on refrigerants' Global Warming Potential (GWP)—a measure of how much a gas contributes to global warming compared to carbon dioxide over a 100-year period. Carbon dioxide has a GWP of 1 by definition. Traditional refrigerants like R410A have GWP of 2,088, meaning one kilogram released to atmosphere has the same warming impact as 2,088 kilograms of CO2.

The credit structure rewards two distinct approaches to minimising refrigerant impact:

Refrigerant Selection (up to 2 credits): Specifying refrigerants with low or very low GWP for all cooling and refrigeration systems throughout the building. This addresses the potential environmental impact if refrigerant escapes during operation, maintenance, or end-of-life disposal.

Leak Detection (additional requirements): For systems containing certain refrigerant types or quantities, installing automatic leak detection that alerts building operators to refrigerant losses before significant quantities escape. This converts potential environmental damage into actual operational practice.

The credit recognises that refrigerant impact varies dramatically by system type. A small split air conditioning unit serving a meeting room has minimal environmental impact even with moderate-GWP refrigerant. A large chilled water system serving an entire building with hundreds of kilograms of refrigerant charge represents significant environmental risk if that refrigerant has high GWP.

Pol 01 Requirements for UK New Construction 2018

Credit Thresholds for Different System Types

BREEAM Pol 01 assesses refrigerant impact differently depending on whether systems use direct or indirect cooling/refrigeration:

Direct Systems: Refrigerant circulates throughout the building in pipework to terminal units (split systems, VRF, DX cooling). Refrigerant charge is distributed across the building, creating higher leak risk.

Indirect Systems: Refrigerant stays within a central plant room, with chilled water or other secondary fluid distributed to building. Refrigerant charge is concentrated and contained, reducing leak risk.

Two Credits - Very Low GWP (All System Types)

For Buildings with Comfort Cooling or Air Conditioning:

Systems using refrigerants with GWP ≤10 achieve 2 credits. This represents best practice, using natural or near-natural refrigerants with negligible global warming impact.

Refrigerants meeting this threshold include:

• R290 (Propane): GWP = 3. Highly efficient natural refrigerant, but flammable (A3 classification), requiring specific safety measures

• R600a (Isobutane): GWP = 3. Common in small refrigeration, flammable

• R1270 (Propylene): GWP = 2. Good thermodynamic properties, flammable

• R717 (Ammonia): GWP < 1. Excellent efficiency but toxic, typically restricted to industrial applications

• CO2 (R744): GWP = 1. Natural refrigerant with excellent environmental credentials, works well in specific applications

Very low GWP refrigerants typically require specialist design consideration. Flammable refrigerants (A2L or A3 classification) need compliance with BS EN 378 safety standards, potentially including refrigerant detection, ventilation provisions, and ignition source elimination. This doesn't prevent their use but requires competent system design.

For Buildings with Refrigeration Systems:

The same GWP ≤10 threshold applies, but refrigeration systems often use these refrigerants more readily. Commercial refrigeration (supermarkets, cold stores, industrial processes) increasingly uses natural refrigerants like CO2 or ammonia cascade systems.

Small-scale refrigeration (kitchen fridges, bar coolers) commonly uses hydrocarbons like R600a, making compliance straightforward. Large cold stores and industrial refrigeration may use ammonia (R717), achieving credits but requiring specialist design and safety management.

One Credit - Low GWP

Comfort Cooling and Air Conditioning:

Systems using refrigerants with GWP ≤5 for indirect systems (chilled water plants) or GWP ≤675 for direct systems (VRF, splits) achieve 1 credit.

The different thresholds recognise that direct systems distribute refrigerant throughout buildings, creating higher leak risk than centralised plant. A more stringent GWP limit applies to indirect systems where refrigerant is contained.

Indirect systems (chilled water) - GWP ≤5:

• R290 (Propane): GWP = 3

• R600a (Isobutane): GWP = 3

• R1270 (Propylene): GWP = 2

• R717 (Ammonia): GWP < 1

• R744 (CO2): GWP = 1

These are the same refrigerants as for 2 credits, reflecting that centralised chiller plant should use the best available technology.

Direct systems (VRF, splits) - GWP ≤675:

• R32: GWP = 675. Increasingly common in modern air conditioning, good efficiency, mildly flammable (A2L)

• R452B: GWP = 698 (just exceeds threshold, achieves 0 credits)

• R454B: GWP = 466. Low-GWP alternative with good thermodynamic properties

• R1234yf: GWP = 4. Very low GWP HFO refrigerant, but expensive

• R1234ze: GWP = 6. Similar properties to R1234yf

R32 has become the de facto standard for new air conditioning systems, replacing R410A (GWP 2,088). Most manufacturers now offer R32 as standard, making 1 credit achievable with mainstream equipment specification.

Refrigeration Systems:

The same thresholds apply: GWP ≤5 for indirect systems (secondary refrigerant circuits), GWP ≤675 for direct systems.

Commercial refrigeration increasingly uses CO2 cascade systems or hydrocarbon refrigerants, particularly for new installations. Older designs using R404A (GWP 3,922) or R507 (GWP 3,985) should be avoided—they achieve zero credits and face phase-out under F-Gas Regulations.

Zero Credits - High GWP Refrigerants

Systems using refrigerants above the 1 credit thresholds achieve no Pol 01 credits. Common high-GWP refrigerants to avoid include:

• R410A: GWP = 2,088. Previously standard for air conditioning but being phased out. No credits awarded.

• R404A: GWP = 3,922. Common in older commercial refrigeration. Zero credits, and facing regulatory restrictions.

• R507: GWP = 3,985. Commercial refrigeration. Zero credits.

• R134a: GWP = 1,430. Used in some chillers and refrigeration. Zero credits.

These refrigerants remain legal and widely used in existing systems, but specifying them in new developments means missing available BREEAM credits and potentially creating compliance issues under future F-Gas regulations.

Leak Detection Requirements

For buildings to achieve any Pol 01 credits, certain systems must incorporate automatic refrigerant leak detection:

Mandatory leak detection applies when:

1. Total refrigerant charge in any single system exceeds 10kg, OR

2. The refrigerant is hydrocarbon-based (flammable), OR

3. The refrigerant is ammonia (toxic)

Leak detection system requirements:

The system must:

• Detect refrigerant concentration in areas where leaks might occur (plant rooms, ceiling voids, service risers for distributed systems)

• Provide automatic alarm to building management system or monitored panel

• Alarm at concentration levels before risk to occupants or substantial environmental loss

• Be designed and installed to recognised standards (BS EN 378 for refrigeration systems, BS EN 14624 for air conditioning)

Position of detectors:

Refrigerants heavier than air (most common types): sensors at low level where gas accumulatesAmmonia (lighter than air): sensors at high levelDistributed systems: sensors at potential leak points throughout the system

Maintenance and testing:

Leak detection systems require regular testing and calibration to maintain effectiveness. Specify maintenance requirements as part of the building's planned maintenance schedule.

Systems Not Requiring Leak Detection

Small systems with total charge <10kg using non-flammable, non-toxic refrigerants don't require leak detection to achieve credits. This typically includes:

• Individual split air conditioning units (typically 2-5kg charge each)

• Small server room cooling units

• Individual retail display cabinets

• Under-counter refrigeration

Whilst leak detection isn't mandatory for credits, good practice suggests detecting leaks in any systems with charges over 5kg to prevent gradual refrigerant loss and maintain system efficiency.

Evidence and Calculations

Your BREEAM assessor requires specific information demonstrating compliance:

Refrigerant Specifications:

For every cooling or refrigeration system in the building:

• System type (chiller, VRF, splits, cold room, etc.)

• Refrigerant type designation (R32, R290, R744, etc.)

• GWP value for that refrigerant

• Total refrigerant charge in kilograms

• Whether system is direct or indirect

GWP Data Sources:

Use IPCC Fifth Assessment Report (AR5) GWP values for 100-year time horizon. These are widely published and available in:

• Refrigerant manufacturer datasheets

• ASHRAE handbooks

• BREEAM technical guidance

• F-Gas regulation documentation

Leak Detection Specifications:

For systems requiring leak detection:

• Detector locations and coverage

• Alarm set points and response procedures

• Connection to BMS or monitoring system

• Compliance with relevant standards (BS EN 378, BS EN 14624)

Calculations for Complex Systems:

Where buildings have multiple systems with different refrigerants, assessment considers each system separately. You cannot average GWP across systems—each must meet the threshold independently to contribute to overall credit achievement.

If any system uses high-GWP refrigerant, BREEAM assesses based on the worst-performing system, so all systems should meet target thresholds.

How to Achieve BREEAM Pol 01

Design Stage Refrigerant Selection

Work with your mechanical engineer during RIBA Stage 2/3 to specify appropriate refrigerants before detailed system design begins. Refrigerant selection affects equipment selection, pipework design, safety provisions, and commissioning procedures.

For Air Conditioning Projects:

Target: 1 credit (GWP ≤675)

Specify R32 refrigerant for all air conditioning systems. This has become industry standard, with equipment from all major manufacturers:

• Daikin, Mitsubishi, Toshiba offer complete R32 ranges

• VRF systems available in R32 from multiple manufacturers

• Split systems, cassettes, floor-standing units all available

• No cost premium over R410A equipment

• Similar or slightly better efficiency than R410A

• Mildly flammable (A2L) but managed through standard design practices

R32 achieves 1 credit reliably with mainstream equipment. Moving to 2 credits (GWP ≤10) requires hydrocarbon or ammonia refrigerants, which need specialist design.

Target: 2 credits (GWP ≤10)

For 2 credits in air conditioning, consider:

Propane (R290) systems:

• GWP = 3, excellent efficiency

• Flammable (A3), requires safety assessment

• Charge limits in occupied spaces (varies by room volume and ventilation)

• Requires competent designers familiar with A3 refrigerant safety

• Suitable for plant room installations with external condensers

• Growing availability, particularly from European manufacturers

Chilled water systems:

For medium/large buildings, indirect systems with centralised chillers using natural refrigerants achieve 2 credits readily:

• Water-cooled chillers with R290, R717, or R744

• Air-cooled chillers with R290 available

• Refrigerant contained in plant room, reducing safety concerns

• Chilled water distributed throughout building (non-flammable, safe)

For Refrigeration Projects:

Commercial kitchen refrigeration:

Modern kitchen equipment increasingly uses R290 or R600a refrigerants, particularly in reach-in fridges, under-counter units, and display cabinets. Specify natural refrigerant equipment in your kitchen specifications—available from most commercial catering equipment suppliers with minimal cost difference.

Large-scale cold storage:

For warehouses, distribution centres, or industrial cold storage:

• CO2 cascade systems: R744 throughout achieves 2 credits

• Ammonia systems: R717 achieves 2 credits but requires specialist design and safety management

• Secondary refrigerant systems: CO2 or ammonia primary circuit with glycol or CO2 secondary

Retail refrigeration:

Supermarkets and convenience stores increasingly use CO2 transcritical systems or hydrocarbon systems achieving 2 credits. Engage refrigeration specialists early—these systems require different design approaches than traditional HFC systems.

When to Use Indirect vs Direct Systems

Choose indirect (chilled water) systems when:

• Building size supports central plant (typically >500m² cooled area)

• Multiple floors require cooling

• Seeking BREEAM Excellent or Outstanding (better energy and refrigerant performance)

• Want to use very low GWP refrigerants whilst avoiding distributed flammable gas

Choose direct (VRF/splits) systems when:

• Smaller buildings or tenanted spaces

• Phased occupation where different zones need independent control

• Retrofit projects with limited plant space

• Budget constraints favour lower capital cost

• R32 refrigerant (GWP 675) acceptable for 1 credit target

Safety Considerations for Low-GWP Refrigerants

Flammable refrigerants (A2L and A3):

R32 (A2L - mildly flammable):

• Lower flammability than propane

• Managed through standard ventilation and safety practices

• Charge limits in occupied spaces based on room volume

• Detection recommended but not always mandatory

• Widely accepted in commercial buildings

R290 (A3 - flammable):

• Similar flammability to LPG

• Requires specific safety measures under BS EN 378

• Charge limits more stringent than R32

• Refrigerant detection mandatory

• Elimination of ignition sources in refrigerant-containing spaces

• Suitable when designed by competent specialists

Toxic refrigerants:

R717 (Ammonia):

• Toxic if inhaled in concentration

• Restricted to plant rooms with controlled access

• Mandatory leak detection with alarm

• Emergency ventilation provisions

• Suitable for industrial applications and large commercial plants

• Requires specialist design and maintenance

Cost Implications

R32 systems (1 credit): Cost: Equivalent to R410A systems (now becoming standard)Availability: Excellent from all major manufacturersComplexity: No additional design complexity

R290 systems (2 credits): Cost: 5-15% premium over R32 for air conditioningAvailability: Growing but more limited than R32Complexity: Requires safety assessment and specialist design

Natural refrigerant chillers (2 credits): Cost: 10-20% premium over standard HFC chillersAvailability: Good for water-cooled, more limited for air-cooledComplexity: Plant room design must accommodate safety requirements

CO2 refrigeration (2 credits): Cost: 20-30% premium for commercial refrigerationAvailability: Increasingly mainstream for retail and commercialComplexity: Different design approach, requires specialist knowledge

Leak detection systems: Cost: £2,000-10,000 depending on building size and system complexityOften required by Building Regulations for large charges regardless of BREEAM

Common Challenges with Pol 01

Determining Which Systems Need Assessment

BREEAM Pol 01 applies to comfort cooling, process cooling, and refrigeration. It does NOT apply to heat pumps used purely for heating (these are assessed under other BREEAM issues). However, heat pumps providing cooling as well as heating ARE assessed under Pol 01 for their refrigerant.

Systems requiring Pol 01 assessment:

• Air conditioning (cooling or heating and cooling)

• Chilled water systems for comfort cooling

• Server room cooling

• Process cooling for laboratories or industrial uses

• Commercial refrigeration (kitchens, retail, storage)

• Heat pumps providing cooling function (assessed for refrigerant)

Systems NOT requiring Pol 01 assessment:

• Heat pumps used purely for space heating (no cooling function)

• Heating systems without cooling capability

• Natural ventilation with no mechanical cooling

The distinction matters because heat pumps are increasingly common. A heat pump providing heating only escapes Pol 01 assessment (though refrigerant still matters for maintenance and end-of-life). A reversible heat pump providing heating and cooling must be assessed under Pol 01.

Legacy Refrigerant Specifications

Projects sometimes carry forward refrigerant specifications from earlier schemes or repeat previous project specifications. R410A appeared in specifications for 15 years and some design teams haven't updated to R32.

Avoid specifying R410A, R404A, or other high-GWP refrigerants in new projects. They achieve zero BREEAM credits and face increasing regulatory restrictions. R32 costs the same and secures 1 credit with no additional complexity.

VRF System Refrigerant Charge

VRF systems distribute refrigerant throughout buildings in extensive pipework networks. Total refrigerant charge can be substantial—50-200kg for large systems—despite small individual unit sizes.

This affects leak detection requirements. A building with 20 individual VRF indoor units might have <10kg charge each, but if they connect to a common outdoor unit system with 80kg total charge, leak detection becomes mandatory.

Assess total system charge, not individual unit charge, when determining leak detection requirements.

Future-Proofing Against F-Gas Regulations

EU F-Gas Regulation (retained in UK law post-Brexit) phases down HFC production and use. This drives gradual transition to low-GWP alternatives. Specifying high-GWP refrigerants now means potential compliance issues during building life:

• Refrigerant cost increasing due to supply restrictions

• Servicing becoming difficult as refrigerants phase out

• Potential regulatory requirements for refrigerant replacement

• Resale or refinancing issues for buildings with outdated systems

Specifying low-GWP refrigerants now provides compliance security for 15-25 year system life. The marginal cost increase (or zero increase for R32) provides insurance against future regulatory change.

Expert Support for Pol 01

Pol 01 primarily requires competent M&E engineering rather than specialist environmental consultancy. However, several scenarios benefit from additional input:

When to Seek Specialist Refrigerant Advice:

• Large-scale refrigeration or cold storage projects

• Industrial process cooling with unusual requirements

• Heat pumps requiring cooling as well as heating functions

• Projects targeting 2 credits with natural refrigerants

• Buildings in areas with specific regulatory requirements

• Complex systems mixing multiple refrigerant types

M&E Engineer Responsibilities:

Your mechanical engineer should:

• Specify appropriate refrigerants achieving target BREEAM credits

• Design systems to BS EN 378 and BS EN 14624 standards

• Size and locate leak detection where required

• Provide commissioning specifications including leak testing

• Supply evidence documents for BREEAM assessment

Refrigeration Specialist Input:

For commercial refrigeration or industrial cooling:

• Specialist refrigeration engineers or contractors

• Experience with natural refrigerant systems

• Knowledge of CO2 transcritical or ammonia systems

• Understanding of safety requirements and regulations

Related BREEAM Credits

Pol 02 Local Air Quality: Heat pumps achieving zero direct emissions under Pol 02 may require refrigerant assessment under Pol 01 if they provide cooling function.

Ene 01 Reduction of Energy Use and Carbon Emissions: Refrigerant choice affects cooling system efficiency. Some low-GWP refrigerants have better thermodynamic properties than alternatives, improving energy performance.

Ene 05 Energy Efficient Cold Storage: Refrigeration efficiency and refrigerant selection both contribute to reducing environmental impact of cold storage facilities.

Man 04 Commissioning and Handover: Proper commissioning includes refrigerant system leak testing and detection system verification, linking operational quality to environmental impact reduction.

Pol 01 Frequently Asked Questions

Do heat pumps need assessment under Pol 01?

Only if they provide cooling as well as heating. A heat pump used purely for space heating or hot water doesn't require Pol 01 assessment—it's not a comfort cooling or refrigeration system. However, a reversible heat pump providing both heating and cooling must be assessed under Pol 01 for its refrigerant GWP. Most modern heat pumps use R32 (GWP 675) or R410A (GWP 2,088), so reversible systems using R32 achieve 1 credit whilst R410A achieves zero.

Can we achieve credits with R410A if it's in a very efficient system?

No. Pol 01 assesses only refrigerant GWP and leak detection, not system efficiency. R410A has GWP of 2,088, far above the 675 threshold for 1 credit. Even if the system delivers exceptional energy efficiency (contributing to Ene 01 credits), it achieves zero Pol 01 credits. R32 is widely available, costs the same, and secures 1 credit—there's no reason to specify R410A in new projects.

What about refrigerants with slightly higher GWP than thresholds—like R452B at GWP 698?

BREEAM thresholds are absolute. R452B at GWP 698 narrowly exceeds the 675 threshold for direct systems, achieving zero credits. R32 at GWP 675 exactly meets the threshold, achieving 1 credit. Even small exceedances mean no credits—there's no partial credit for "close enough" performance. This is why exact GWP values matter during specification.

Do small domestic-style fridges in kitchen areas need assessing?

Yes, technically all refrigeration systems should be included in Pol 01 assessment. However, small domestic appliances typically use R600a (isobutane, GWP 3) naturally, so they contribute to achieving 2 credits. Include them in your assessment—most kitchen equipment now uses natural refrigerants by default, making compliance straightforward rather than problematic.

Can leak detection be added later if we forget it in design?

Physically yes, but it becomes much more expensive. Leak detection installed during construction costs £2,000-5,000 typically, integrated with BMS and properly positioned. Retrofitting after practical completion costs £5,000-15,000 due to access difficulties, surface making good, and system integration challenges. Include leak detection in initial M&E specifications—it's required by Building Regulations for large systems anyway, not just BREEAM.

Get Expert Help with Pol 01

Pol 01 primarily requires competent M&E engineering specification, but we can provide supporting advice when projects involve complex refrigeration or industrial cooling systems, or when coordinating BREEAM refrigerant requirements with planning policy environmental commitments.

We offer:

• Technical review of refrigerant specifications for BREEAM compliance

• Coordination with M&E engineers on low-GWP refrigerant options

• Leak detection system design review

• Integration of Pol 01 requirements with overall environmental strategy

For projects requiring specialist refrigeration design or industrial cooling systems, we can coordinate specialist input ensuring BREEAM requirements are addressed alongside operational performance.

Based in London and operating throughout Kent, Essex and Scotland, we provide technical support for BREEAM certification across environmental issues including refrigerant impact assessment.

Contact us to discuss your project's Pol 01 requirements.