Business Case for BREEAM in Data Centres

Data centres sit at the heart of the UK’s digital economy. They also rank among the most energy-intensive assets in the built environment. As energy costs rise and sustainability expectations tighten, operators must balance performance, compliance, and profitability. BREEAM certification offers a clear business case. It improves financial outcomes while supporting net zero targets and investor confidence.

At Syntegra Group, we support data centre projects with integrated planning and environmental engineering strategies that align sustainability with commercial value.

Driving ROI Through Operational Efficiency

BREEAM-certified data centres deliver measurable cost savings. The framework encourages energy-efficient cooling systems, water reuse, and resilient design. These features reduce long-term operational expenditure.

According to the UK Green Building Council, highly sustainable buildings can lower operating costs by up to 20% over their lifecycle¹. For data centres, even marginal efficiency gains can result in substantial savings due to continuous operation.

BREEAM also promotes whole-life carbon thinking. This approach reduces future retrofit costs and protects assets against tightening environmental standards.           

Enhancing Asset Value and Investment Appeal

Certified assets attract stronger investor interest. Green-certified buildings often achieve higher valuations and improved lease resilience. JLL research shows that sustainable commercial assets can command 6–11% higher asset value compared to non-certified peers².

Data centre investors now assess environmental performance alongside uptime and security. BREEAM provides a trusted, third-party benchmark that reduces investment risk and supports long-term asset strategy.

Meeting Compliance and Future-Proofing Assets

UK policy increasingly links planning approval to sustainability performance. BREEAM helps demonstrate compliance with local authority requirements, environmental reporting frameworks, and ESG disclosures.

The UK Government’s Net Zero Strategy highlights the need for energy-efficient digital infrastructure³. BREEAM aligns with these goals by embedding energy, carbon, and resilience measures from early design stages.

Early adoption reduces planning risk and avoids costly redesigns later.

Responding to Market and Client Demand

Demand for green-certified data centres continues to rise. Investors, occupiers, and hyperscalers now prioritise facilities that support ESG commitments.

Industry events and professional bodies highlight sustainability as a core selection criterion. Net Zero-focused infrastructure events confirm that low-carbon digital assets now influence funding decisions⁴. The Public Sector Sustainability Association also reports growing demand for independently verified green buildings across critical infrastructure⁵.

BREEAM strengthens brand reputation and supports corporate social responsibility goals without compromising performance.

Creating Long-Term Market Advantage

BREEAM certification moves beyond compliance. It positions data centres as resilient, future-ready assets. Certified facilities attract premium clients, secure investor trust, and adapt more easily to regulatory change.

By embedding sustainability early, operators gain a competitive edge in an increasingly crowded market.

Conclusion

BREEAM delivers clear commercial value for data centres. It reduces operating costs, strengthens asset value, supports compliance, and meets rising market demand for sustainable infrastructure. With the right technical and planning support, certification becomes a strategic advantage rather than a cost.

Footnotes

1. UK Green Building Council – The Business Case for Sustainable Buildings https://ukgbc.org/
2. JLL – Value of Sustainability in Commercial Real Estate https://ukgbc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Executive-Summary_-Building-the-Case-for-Net-Zero.pdf?
3. UK Government – Net Zero Strategy: Build Back Greener https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/net-zero-strategy
4. Net Zero Events – Infrastructure and Sustainability Market Insights https://netzeroinsights.com/resources/sustainable-data-centers-investment-trends/
5. Public Sector Sustainability Association – Sustainable Infrastructure Guidance https://pssa.info/