Minnesota Recognizes BREEAM for Sustainable Data Centers

Minnesota recently expanded its data center tax incentive program to include new environmental performance standards. As of June 30, 2025, qualifying data centers must achieve certification from BREEAM or another approved green building program within three years of coming online to maintain benefit eligibility. 

By linking economic benefits to third-party sustainability assessment, Minnesota is setting a precedent and signaling that successful data center growth must align with environmental stewardship and resource efficiency. This legislation and its inclusion of BREEAM reflect the growing recognition of sustainability frameworks and certifications as impactful tools for achieving long-term value creation and climate resilience.  

“Data centers are essential to our increasingly digital world, but they demand vast resources and can carry a significant environmental footprint,” said Breana Wheeler, Director of U.S. Operations at BREEAM. “As the industry continues to grow, policies like Minnesota’s can play a critical role in driving accountability, encouraging innovation and ensuring these facilities are built to withstand future challenges.” 

Pursuing BREEAM will hold data centers to rigorous standards around energy use, water management, and carbon emissions, while also delivering financial benefits in return. It’s a forward-looking model that other states can look to, coupling growth with accountability and positioning the data center industry as a force for economic and environmental good. 

Want to learn more about how BREEAM delivers value for data centers in the US? Contact the BREEAM USA team.