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How to Develop a Green Building Certification Strategy

As environmental concerns take center stage in global discussions, developing a green building certification strategy has become imperative for forward-thinking developers and stakeholders. This comprehensive guide aims to demystify the complex landscape of sustainable building standards. We will explore key certification systems like LEED, ENERGY STAR, BOMA BEST, Green Globes, the Living Building Challenge, and Zero Carbon Building (ZCB) Standards. Each section breaks down the certifications, detailing their unique features, the process for achieving them, and the associated benefits. Our journey will conclude by highlighting additional measures to bolster climate leadership, helping you navigate the future of green architecture with confidence.

What is LEED?

LEED in a nutshell

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is a globally recognized green building certification system, developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). It provides a framework for sustainable building design, construction, operation, and maintenance practices. LEED’s influence extends across commercial, public, and residential spaces, making it one of the most comprehensive green building standards available today.

LEED certification is achieved by earning points across various sustainability metrics, including energy use, water efficiency, indoor environmental quality, and materials selection. Projects are evaluated through these metrics to determine their level of compliance and certification tier, be it Certified, Silver, Gold, or Platinum. The flexibility of the LEED system allows it to be applied to a wide range of projects, each tailored to specific objectives and contexts.

Types of LEED certifications

LEED certifications are divided into several categories, catering to different types of buildings and project stages. The LEED Building Design and Construction (BD+C) certification targets new buildings and major renovations, while the LEED Interior Design and Construction (ID+C) focuses on spaces within existing structures.

LEED also offers specific certifications such as LEED for Operations and Maintenance (O+M), LEED for Neighborhood Development (ND), and LEED for Homes. Each certification type ensures that buildings adhere to sustainable practices throughout their lifecycle, providing a comprehensive approach to green building.

Steps to LEED certification

Successfully obtaining a LEED certification involves several key steps. First, project teams must register their project with LEED Online, allowing for efficient tracking and submission of prerequisites and credits. During the design and construction phases, teams work to meet specific criteria for credits.

Once construction is complete, project teams submit their documentation for review by the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI). After a rigorous review process, in which any deficiencies can be addressed, a final certification level is awarded, representing the project’s commitment to sustainability.

Benefits of LEED

The benefits of acquiring a LEED certification are manifold. Projects not only reduce their environmental impact but also enjoy increased efficiency and reduced operational costs. Moreover, LEED-certified buildings tend to attract higher market interest, leading to greater occupancy rates and property value.

Beyond economic advantages, LEED-certified spaces improve occupant health and productivity through enhanced air quality and natural lighting. Public recognition and commitment to sustainability further enhance an organization’s reputation and demonstrate leadership in environmental stewardship.

What is ENERGY STAR?

ENERGY STAR in a nutshell

ENERGY STAR is a widely recognized symbol for energy efficiency, managed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Energy (DOE). Established in 1992, it provides a credible labeling system that highlights buildings and appliances meeting strict energy efficiency standards.

The program helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions by promoting energy-saving practices and technologies. Today, ENERGY STAR certification serves as a key indicator for energy-conscious consumers and businesses, guiding them toward more sustainable choices.

Steps to ENERGY STAR certification

Earning an ENERGY STAR certification involves a systematic approach. Buildings must measure and track their energy performance using ENERGY STAR’s Portfolio Manager, a free online tool. This benchmarking process helps identify opportunities for improvement in energy efficiency.

Once a building demonstrates superior performance and a minimum energy score, verification by a licensed professional is required to confirm compliance with ENERGY STAR standards. Successful projects receive the ENERGY STAR certification, symbolizing their commitment to energy efficiency.

Benefits of the ENERGY STAR certification

ENERGY STAR certification delivers several key benefits. Certified buildings enjoy a competitive edge, as they demonstrate efficient energy management and reduced operational costs. This can translate into increased property values and higher rents in commercial real estate markets.

Furthermore, ENERGY STAR-certified buildings contribute positively to the environment by reducing carbon emissions, positioning owners and managers as industry leaders in sustainability. The certification also assures tenants of comfort and efficiency, promoting tenant satisfaction and retention.

What is BOMA BEST?

BOMA BEST in a nutshell

The Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) BEST certification is Canada’s leading environmental assessment and certification program for existing buildings. It evaluates six key areas of environmental performance: energy, water, waste reduction, indoor environment, emissions, and building management practices.

BOMA BEST provides a comprehensive understanding of a building’s operational performance, yielding insights that drive sustainable building operations. It serves as a benchmark for stakeholders looking to enhance their environmental responsibility.

Benefits of BOMA BEST

Earning a BOMA BEST certification positions buildings as leaders in environmental stewardship. Certified properties typically experience enhanced efficiencies, resulting in reduced operational costs and improved asset value. Furthermore, the certification process fosters a culture of sustainability within organizations, raising awareness and encouraging eco-friendly practices.

Occupants of BOMA BEST-certified buildings benefit from improved health and comfort due to better indoor environmental quality, such as enhanced ventilation and reduced toxins. This can lead to increased productivity and satisfaction for building occupants.

Steps to BOMA BEST certification

The BOMA BEST certification process begins with an online assessment tool to evaluate building performance against established criteria. After completing the assessment, buildings must undergo on-site verification by a third-party assessor for accuracy and to ensure that all aspects of the program are met.

Upon successful completion, buildings earn a certification level ranging from Certified to Platinum, reflecting their performance against BOMA BEST’s benchmarks. This recognition not only showcases sustainable efforts but also enhances credibility with tenants and stakeholders.

What is the Green Globes certification?

Green Globes in a nutshell

Green Globes is a comprehensive, flexible, and affordable environmental assessment and certification system that offers a practical approach to green building. Developed by the Green Building Initiative (GBI), it guides projects from design through construction and operation.

This system evaluates several criteria, including energy use, water conservation, environmentally preferable materials, and air quality, allowing projects to customize their sustainability goals according to their unique needs and contexts.

Steps to Green Globes certification

Achieving a Green Globes certification involves three main steps. First, projects engage with an online self-assessment tool that helps identify areas for improvement and set sustainability goals. This preliminary evaluation provides a roadmap for the certification journey.

Following the self-assessment, a Green Globes Assessor conducts a third-party evaluation to confirm compliance with criteria and validate project claims. Based on the assessment, projects are awarded one to four Green Globes, representing a commitment to green building practices and leadership in sustainability.

What is the Living Building Challenge?

Living Building Challenge in a nutshell

The Living Building Challenge (LBC) is a rigorous and visionary green building certification program administered by the International Living Future Institute. It is designed to elevate sustainability to new heights, pushing beyond traditional green standards to ensure buildings have a net-positive impact on the environment.

The LBC focuses on seven performance areas, or “Petals”: Place, Water, Energy, Health and Happiness, Materials, Equity, and Beauty. Each Petal encompasses specific imperatives that projects must meet to achieve certification, creating a holistic standard for sustainable architecture.

Steps to get Living Building Challenge certification

The first step toward LBC certification is to assemble an integrated project team that can work collaboratively across all disciplines. This team is tasked with setting ambitious sustainability goals that align with LBC Imperatives.

Throughout the project lifecycle, performance is tracked to ensure compliance with the Living Building Challenge standards. After a minimum of a year of continuous operation, the project undergoes a thorough audit. If all Imperatives are met, the project is awarded full LBC certification.

What is the Net Zero Home Labelling Program?

Net Zero in a nutshell

The Net Zero Home Labelling Program, run by the Canadian Home Builders’ Association, is a voluntary standard that identifies homes designed and constructed to produce as much energy as they consume. This program aims to inspire residential builders to adopt innovative building designs and technology.

Net Zero homes incorporate high-performance enclosures, energy-efficient systems, and renewable energy sources. These features ensure the home operates efficiently, achieves superior comfort levels, and minimizes its carbon footprint, representing a crucial step toward sustainable residential development.

What are Zero Carbon Building (ZCB) Standards?

Zero Carbon Building Standards in a nutshell

The Zero Carbon Building (ZCB) Standards, managed by the Canada Green Building Council, provide a framework for designing, constructing, and managing buildings with the goal of net-zero carbon emissions. These standards are pivotal in addressing climate change by focusing on both operational and embodied carbon across the lifecycle of buildings.

The standards offer two certification pathways: ZCB-Design, which focuses on the carbon reduction potential in the design phase, and ZCB-Performance, which verifies the achievement of zero carbon in the operational phase. This dual approach encourages continuous improvement and accountability.

Steps to get Zero Carbon Building Standards certification

The journey to achieving Zero Carbon Building Standards certification begins with an initial assessment of carbon emissions related to building operation and construction materials. Projects then implement strategies to reduce both operational and embodied carbon, focusing on energy efficiency, renewable energy, and sustainable materials selection.

After executing the required measures, projects submit documentation for certification review, demonstrating compliance with the established criteria. Successful projects earn either ZCB-Design or ZCB-Performance certification, showcasing their commitment to carbon-neutral building operations.

Benefits of Zero Carbon Building Standards

Buildings certified under the Zero Carbon Building Standards gain a strategic advantage in a carbon-constrained future. These certifications not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also lower energy costs and enhance resilience to energy price fluctuations.

By publicly committing to net-zero carbon operations, certified buildings also attract environmentally conscious investors and tenants, enhancing marketability and fostering long-term sustainable growth. Furthermore, this commitment supports global climate goals and positions the certified entities as pioneers in sustainable development.

More actions you can take to develop your climate leadership

Beyond securing certifications, organizations can further solidify their role as climate leaders by investing in research and innovation. Exploring new technologies and sustainable practices will not only keep your company at the forefront of industry trends but also contribute to a broader cultural shift toward sustainability.

Community engagement and education are equally important. Sharing knowledge and promoting sustainable practices beyond your organization cultivate a network of environmentally conscious actors, amplifying efforts toward greener, healthier communities globally.

Further reading

To delve deeper into green building certifications and sustainable architecture, consider exploring the following resources:

• The U.S. Green Building Council website for comprehensive LEED resources.
• The ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager to analyze your building’s energy consumption.
• BOMA BEST’s official site for practical guides on building operations.
• The Green Building Initiative for insights into the Green Globes program.
• The International Living Future Institute’s publications on the Living Building Challenge.

Future prospects

Certification	Key Benefits	Steps for Certification
LEED	Enhanced efficiency, market recognition, better occupant health	Register, earn credits, submit documentation
ENERGY STAR	Reduced energy costs, increased property value, lower carbon emissions	Benchmark, verify compliance, verify by professional
BOMA BEST	Operational cost savings, improved indoor environment, increased asset value	Online assessment, on-site verification
Green Globes	Customizable goals, enhanced building performance	Self-assessment, third-party evaluation
Living Building Challenge	Net-positive impact, comprehensive sustainability	Integrated team, performance tracking, audit
Net Zero Home	Net zero energy use, superior comfort, reduced carbon footprint	Design with high-performance enclosures, implement energy systems
Zero Carbon Building	Carbon neutrality, reduced greenhouse gas emissions	Assess carbon emissions, implement reductions, submit documentation

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