Imagine a building that meets the highest standards for sustainability, is extremely efficient, and is attracting both investors and tenants! A closed environment that meets your energy management needs while staying in alignment with the tenants' or employee's needs. Stop imagining now! What if these can be your reality? Well, sustainable building certifications can make that dream a reality.
But let's face the reality! Wading through acronyms like LEED, BREEAM, WELL, etc. appears to be a hard pass, navigating through an alphabet soup. Fret less! In this blog, we will assist you in navigating the waters of building certifications. Doesn't matter the designation, building owner, or manager, let us explain the various certifications and the benefits of certifications for your building.
There are several building certifications - some of which are more prominent, widely recognized, and reputable than others. The US Government, however, doesn't directly endorse any specific sustainability certifications.
Here's a list of some prominent ones:
1. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)
LEED certification - what is it? It is the most popular sustainability certification in the US. It is offered by the U.S. Green Building Council which emphasizes on management of various elements. This includes energy efficiency, water conservation, material selection, waste reduction, indoor environment quality, etc.
- LEED-accredited buildings have different levels of certification (LEED Certified, LEED Silver, LEED Gold, and LEED Platinum). They are given after reflecting on the increasing sustainability performance.
- They also offer LEED rating systems that rate your green building project. LEED certifications have been a game-changer for new constructions and also for major renovations.
How to apply for LEED?
- Head to the U.S. Green Building Council website and sign up.
- Register your project, fill out the paperwork, and upload documentation to corroborate how you achieved them.
- Pick your goals and get credits for the moves you have taken toward a greener building.
- Let the council review your credits and the documents and then wait…
- If accredited, finally, pay the relevant fee amount.
Read more about energy efficient buildings here.
2. BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Methodology)
BREEAM certification is a widely recognized international certification system with regional adaptations for various countries. It was developed by the Building Research Establishment (BRE) in the United Kingdom.
- Unlike LEED's focus on the US market, BREEAM caters to projects worldwide. It offers a global benchmark for buildings by evaluating them related to sustainability and environmental performance.
- BREEAM accreditation evaluates various aspects of a building's design, construction, and operation. This includes energy efficiency, water usage, materials selection, waste management, and the ecological impact of the building.
- Buildings can achieve different levels of BREEAM certification, ranging from Pass to Outstanding, based on their performance against these criteria.
How to apply for BREEAM?
- To start a sustainable journey with BREEAM-certified buildings, all you have to do is find a licensed assessor in the area.
- You may also contact them for details.
- Register and wait for the review process.
- Finally, you receive BREEAM accreditation for your buildings if you pass the criteria.
3. Green Globes
Green Globes is one of the sustainable building certifications. It is managed by the Green Building Initiative (GBI). It assesses various aspects of a building's design, construction, and operation similar to BREEAM.
- With the right set of green building points, you are deemed fit to apply for the Green Globes Certification. Comparing it to LEED and its single rating system, Green Globes provides multiple tracks catering to various building types and existing structures.
- You may also search buildings for green certification for buildings here.
- It also supports initiatives that embrace NET ZERO.
How to apply for Green Globes?
- It has an online assessment tool that guides building owners and project teams using a questionnaire catering to the criteria.
- The response leads to a score and provides recommendations for enhancing sustainability.
- Get a quote for your project here.
4. WELL Building Standard
WELL Building Standard is a certification that upholds the well-being of humans residing within the buildings. It evaluates factors such as air quality, thermal comfort, lighting, acoustics, access to nature, and even mental health support.
WELL offers certifications to diverse building types and focuses on creating spaces that promote occupant health, productivity, and overall well-being. It's indeed a smart move to attract employees looking for healthy work environments.
How to apply for the WELL Building Standard?
- There are various WELL certifications, WELL ratings, and WELL at scale for business portfolios. Explore their pricing here.
- Go through the guidebook to apply!
5. Living Building Challenge
Living Building Challenge sets the bar high for people looking to imbibe sustainable best practices for their facilities. This is for highly ambitious projects that aim to target a sustainable design. This includes net-zero energy, water, and waste management.
This ambitious program pushes the boundaries of businesses and challenges projects to achieve complete self-sufficiency and ecological harmony. Even though it is not as widely adopted as LEED, the Living Building Challenge is still beneficial for buildings. It attracts visionary project managers and owners in a transformative sustainability leadership.
How to apply for the Living Building Challenge?
- Register at Living-Future.org to apply for it.
- Pay a registration fee and then submit the documentation required for the certification process.
- This process takes a course of 12 months. At the end of the year, you will be requested to submit the audit data.
6. Energy Star
A program by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), recognizes buildings that exceed energy efficiency standards. Energy star-certified buildings demonstrate their commitment to energy savings and environmental responsibility. Read more about Energy Star certification here.
Benefits of Sustainable Building Certifications in the US
Cost savings:
Imagine a building that is well-balanced with energy maintenance and management and equipped with the right tools to ensure the standards are met constantly. These buildings are the icing on the cake! Think of the cost-saving opportunities with lower energy bills, reduced water usage, and minimized waste disposal costs. These certifications are the means to treading the path of enhanced operational efficiencies that also put more green in your wallet.
Attract and retain tenants:
Tenants are increasingly prioritizing sustainability in every aspect of a building construction to its upkeep. Certified building signals these tenants about your firm's commitment to the environment. If you went through the hassle to get your buildings certified, then your buildings are worth living in! It acts as a smart move to attract discerning renters while also keeping tab on boosting occupancy rates and their retention.
Enhanced brand image:
Sustainable certificates also add to your overall business portfolio. It showcases your interest in environmental leadership, differentiates you from your competitors. Imagine a building that is concerned about every aspect of the residents. From the air, they are breathing to the overall well-being!
Increased property value:
Sustainability certifications like LEED Gold or BREEAM Excellent combined will increase the market value of your building by 10-15%. There are similar studies that show certified buildings command higher rents and resale prices.
Ready to take the green leap?
Remember, sustainable building certifications are your strategic investments to a sustainable-led future. They are not liabilities, nor aren't just a feel-good fad! These certifications have proven to offer a potent mix of financial benefits, tenant appeal, and environmental responsibility.
