AIR CONDITIONING
maximum credits, building designs must either adopt low Global Warming Potential (GWP) alternatives or drastically reduce their Direct Eff ect Life Cycle CO2 (DELC CO2
equivalent emissions e). By transitioning to direct-expansion VRV systems
operating on lower-GWP refrigerants such as R-32, specifi ers signifi cantly reduce direct greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, V7 reinforces the need for robust risk mitigation by awarding credits for permanent, automated leak-detection systems equipped with isolation capabilities to contain any remaining refrigerant in the event of a breach. This predictive and carbon-conscious approach extends well past the handover stage into long-term building operation. BREEAM V7 Management categories, specifi cally Man 04 (Commissioning and Handover) and Man 05 (Aftercare), place
heightened responsibility on contractors, commissioning engineers, and facility managers. HVAC systems must not only be installed correctly, but their initial commissioning data and ongoing operational performance must match design predictions over time. Paired with digital prognostic controls and continuous monitoring regimes, these standards ensure that installed systems certifi ed for low carbon impact retain their effi ciency throughout a multi-decade operational lifespan. Meeting these rigorous expectations requires a seamless,
collaborative eff ort across the entire construction supply chain from RIBA Stage 1 onward. Manufacturers must provide low- GWP equipment platforms supported by transparent EPD data, specifi ers must integrate accurate mechanical performance data into early predictive modelling, and contractors must maintain absolute precision during installation, testing, and long-term aftercare. From a manufacturer’s perspective, engineering energy-
effi cient heat pump and VRV platforms designed for lower-GWP refrigerants, such as Daikin’s R-32 VRV ranges, and publishing verifi ed EPDs across key commercial product lines directly empower specifi ers to maximise BREEAM credit potential across Mat 01, Mat 02, and Pol 01. Paired with solutions such as Daikin Cloud Plus, these platforms help facilities managers and commissioning engineers monitor system performance and access operational data throughout a building’s lifecycle. This supports the increased emphasis that BREEAM V7 places on operational performance, commissioning, and aftercare through categories such as Ene 03, Man 04, and Man 05. It’s clear the whole supply chain has a part to play in ensuring that green building designs translate into measurable, thermally resilient, and sustainable performance for years to come – and that starts right at the design stage.
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'For decades, achieving sustainability in building design meant selecting equipment with high energy effi ciency ratings, such as SEER or SCOP.'
www.acr-news.com • October 2026 27
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