Green Building Certifications Explained

As environmental awareness continues to rise, green building certifications have become an essential part of sustainable real estate. These certifications provide third-party validation that a building meets specific sustainability and energy efficiency standards. For property owners, developers, and investors, green certifications offer a clear way to demonstrate a commitment to environmental responsibility, while for occupants, they provide assurance of a healthier, more energy-efficient living or working environment.

In this guide, we’ll explore some of the most widely recognized green building certifications, their criteria, and the benefits they offer to property owners and residents.

1. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)

LEED, developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), is one of the most widely recognized and internationally accepted green building certification programs. LEED evaluates buildings based on their environmental impact and sustainability performance across multiple categories.

Key Areas of LEED Certification:

• Energy efficiency: The building’s energy use and implementation of energy-saving technologies such as LED lighting, efficient HVAC systems, and renewable energy sources.
• Water conservation: Efficient use of water through low-flow fixtures, rainwater harvesting, and water recycling systems.
• Sustainable building materials: Use of recycled, non-toxic, and sustainably sourced materials.
• Indoor environmental quality: Air quality, natural lighting, and use of low-emission materials.
• Location and transportation: Access to public transportation, pedestrian-friendly design, and bicycle infrastructure.

LEED Certification Levels:

LEED-certified buildings are awarded points based on how well they meet the program’s sustainability criteria. There are four levels of certification:

• Certified: 40–49 points
• Silver: 50–59 points
• Gold: 60–79 points
• Platinum: 80 or more points

Benefits of LEED Certification:

• Higher property value: LEED-certified buildings often command higher property values due to their energy efficiency, sustainability, and market appeal.
• Lower operating costs: Reduced energy and water consumption translate into lower utility bills.
• Improved indoor air quality: LEED-certified buildings provide healthier environments by reducing exposure to pollutants and improving ventilation.
• Environmental impact: LEED buildings help reduce the carbon footprint, conserve natural resources, and promote sustainability.

2. Energy Star Certification

Energy Star is a certification program created by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that focuses on energy efficiency. While it is often associated with appliances, the Energy Star label is also awarded to buildings that meet strict energy efficiency guidelines.

Key Criteria for Energy Star Certification:

• Energy performance: Buildings must achieve a certain score on the EPA’s Energy Performance Scale, which compares the building’s energy usage to similar structures nationwide. A score of 75 or higher (out of 100) is required to qualify.
• Energy-efficient systems: Buildings must use energy-efficient systems such as Energy Star-rated appliances, HVAC systems, lighting, and insulation.
• Regular benchmarking: Energy use must be regularly monitored and benchmarked against other buildings to maintain certification.

Benefits of Energy Star Certification:

• Lower energy bills: Energy Star buildings use 15–30% less energy than non-certified buildings, leading to significant savings on utility bills.
• Environmental benefits: Reduced energy consumption helps lower greenhouse gas emissions and contributes to a more sustainable future.
• Marketability: Energy Star-certified buildings are attractive to tenants and buyers looking for cost-effective and eco-friendly spaces.

3. BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method)

BREEAM, developed in the UK by the Building Research Establishment (BRE), is one of the oldest and most widely used sustainability assessment methods for buildings. BREEAM evaluates a building’s environmental performance throughout its entire life cycle, from design to operation.

Key Areas of BREEAM Certification:

• Energy use and carbon emissions: Reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions through renewable energy, energy-efficient systems, and sustainable design.
• Water use: Efficient water use through low-flow fixtures, water recycling systems, and rainwater harvesting.
• Materials: Use of sustainable, low-impact, and recycled materials in construction.
• Waste management: Effective waste management practices, including recycling and reducing construction waste.
• Health and well-being: Ensuring good indoor air quality, lighting, and overall comfort for occupants.

BREEAM Certification Levels:

Buildings are rated based on their overall performance, with scores ranging from Pass to Outstanding:

• Pass: 30–44%
• Good: 45–54%
• Very Good: 55–69%
• Excellent: 70–84%
• Outstanding: 85% and above

Benefits of BREEAM Certification:

• Holistic sustainability: BREEAM assesses a broad range of environmental and social factors, ensuring a well-rounded approach to sustainability.
• Increased marketability: BREEAM-certified buildings are recognized for their environmental credentials, making them more attractive to investors and tenants.
• Lower operating costs: Energy-efficient designs and systems lead to reduced energy and water bills over time.
• Improved occupant comfort: BREEAM buildings provide healthier, more comfortable environments that improve the well-being of occupants.

4. WELL Building Standard

The WELL Building Standard, developed by the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), focuses on promoting health and well-being in building design and operations. Unlike other certifications that primarily focus on environmental performance, WELL emphasizes how buildings can improve physical and mental health.

Key Focus Areas of WELL Certification:

• Air quality: Ensuring clean air through advanced ventilation systems and the use of non-toxic materials.
• Water quality: Providing safe, clean drinking water and reducing water pollution.
• Lighting: Using natural and artificial lighting that supports the health and comfort of occupants.
• Thermal comfort: Maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature to enhance well-being.
• Fitness and movement: Encouraging physical activity through building design (e.g., stairs, walking paths).
• Mental well-being: Creating spaces that reduce stress, promote relaxation, and enhance mental health.

WELL Certification Levels:

WELL uses a points-based system, with buildings earning points across several categories. The certification levels are:

• Silver: 50 points
• Gold: 60 points
• Platinum: 80 points

Benefits of WELL Certification:

• Health and well-being: WELL-certified buildings are designed to improve the health, happiness, and productivity of occupants, making them attractive to businesses and residents.
• Employee retention and productivity: Companies that occupy WELL-certified buildings often report higher employee satisfaction, better retention rates, and increased productivity.
• Market differentiation: The focus on occupant well-being sets WELL-certified buildings apart from other green certifications, attracting tenants and buyers who prioritize health.

5. Living Building Challenge

The Living Building Challenge is one of the most rigorous green building certification programs, requiring buildings to have a net-positive impact on the environment. This means that certified buildings must produce more energy than they consume, have zero waste, and generate zero carbon emissions.

Key Areas of the Living Building Challenge:

• Energy: Buildings must produce more energy than they consume, often through renewable energy sources like solar or wind.
• Water: Buildings must be water-independent, capturing and treating all their water needs on-site.
• Materials: Only non-toxic, locally sourced, and sustainably produced materials can be used in construction.
• Health and happiness: Buildings must promote the health and well-being of their occupants through clean air, natural lighting, and spaces that promote physical and mental well-being.
• Equity: The building must be inclusive and accessible to all, supporting social equity and community well-being.

Living Building Challenge Certification:

To achieve certification, buildings must meet all the requirements across seven performance areas, known as Petals: Place, Water, Energy, Health + Happiness, Materials, Equity, and Beauty.

Benefits of Living Building Challenge Certification:

• Net-positive environmental impact: Buildings generate more energy than they consume and have zero environmental footprint.
• Cutting-edge sustainability: Buildings certified under the Living Building Challenge represent the highest standard of green building, setting a benchmark for future sustainable developments.
• Increased value and market appeal: Living buildings are highly sought after by eco-conscious investors, businesses, and residents due to their innovative design and sustainability.

6. National Green Building Standard (NGBS)

The National Green Building Standard (NGBS), developed by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), provides certification for homes and residential buildings that meet high standards for energy efficiency, water conservation, and sustainability. NGBS certification is available for single-family homes, multifamily buildings, and renovations.

Key Areas of NGBS Certification:

• Energy efficiency: Energy-efficient appliances, insulation, windows, and HVAC systems that reduce energy consumption.
• Water conservation: Low-flow fixtures, water recycling systems, and drought-tolerant landscaping.
• Indoor air quality: Use of non-toxic materials and proper ventilation to improve indoor air quality.
• Resource efficiency: Use of sustainable, recycled, or locally sourced building materials.
• Site design: Preserving natural landscapes and minimizing disruption to local ecosystems.

NGBS Certification Levels:

NGBS uses a points-based system, with certification levels ranging from Bronze to Emerald depending on how many sustainability measures are implemented.

Benefits of NGBS Certification:

• Flexibility: NGBS certification is suitable for various types of residential projects, from single

-family homes to large apartment complexes.

• Lower utility bills: NGBS-certified homes use less energy and water, reducing long-term utility costs.
• Healthier living environments: NGBS homes are designed to improve indoor air quality and overall occupant health.

Conclusion

Green building certifications provide a clear and measurable way to ensure that buildings are designed and operated with sustainability in mind. From the energy efficiency focus of Energy Star to the comprehensive health and well-being emphasis of the WELL Building Standard, these certifications offer significant benefits for property owners, investors, and occupants alike. Whether you’re looking to reduce your environmental impact, improve the health of building occupants, or increase property value, pursuing a green building certification is a worthwhile investment in a sustainable future.