Frameworks and Certifications
Third-party certification is a great way to add credibility to any green building.
Frameworks and Certifications
Third-party certification is a great way to add credibility to any green building.
The process of achieving certification also adds a layer of accountability and integrity for the building project team.
While a space can certainly be green and high-performing if it is not certified, there are several tangible benefits that accompany certification that cannot be as easily attained without it.
Benefits of certification include a higher rental or resale value, higher occupant and tenant satisfaction, higher worker productivity and pride of place, lower operating costs, and local and national recognition opportunities.
Every project, team, and budget will consider a variety of different delivery and verification methods for their high-performance place. However, anyone working on a green building project should review the following certification options, benefits, requirements, considerations, and costs:
Zero Tool
Architecture 2030 developed the Zero Tool for building sector professionals, 2030 Challenge and 2030 Commitment adopters, 2030 District Network Members, and policymakers. The Zero Tool is used to compare a building’s design or an existing building’s fossil fuel energy use intensity with similar building types.
LEED Rating System
LEED – or Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design – is an internationally recognized green building certification system and standard.
EcoDistricts
The EcoDistricts framework outlines six priorities for ecological, economic, and social sustainability in local communities.
Green Product Certifications & Labeling Systems
There are many benefits to attaining sustainable certification for building products, including increased demand and access to a network of green product rating systems.
ENERGY STAR for Buildings
ENERGY STAR was originally developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a voluntary labeling program to promote energy-efficient products and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Living Building Challenge
The Living Building Challenge (LBC) is a philosophy, advocacy platform, and certification program that promotes a very high building standard linked to net zero energy, net zero water, beauty, and more.
WELL Building Standard
The WELL Building Standard focuses on the health and wellness impacts that buildings have on occupants. Areas of concentration are air, water, nourishment, light, fitness, comfort, and mind.
Passive House
The Passivhaus standard was developed in Germany in the early 1990s and focuses on an airtight building envelope, efficient systems, thermal bridge avoidance, and fresh filtered air.
Net Zero Energy Building
Net Zero Energy means that a building produces as much energy on site as it uses. The Net Zero Energy Building (NZEB) certification is also petal achievement under the holistic Living Building Challenge; both are administered by The International Living Future Institute (ILFI).
BOMA 360 Performance Program
The BOMA 360 Performance Program awards buildings that meet industry best practices in building management and operations — from Building Owners and Managers Association International.
Green Globes
The Green Globes system was based on the Building Research Establishment’s Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) and has a lower barrier to entry than some of the other programs.
ENERGY STAR for Homes
ENERGY STAR certification was first offered for homes in 1995. Initially focused on windows, air sealing, heating, cooling, and ventilation, the ENERGY STAR label has since been updated to apply to more components of the home–including lighting, insulation, and appliances.
Home Energy Rating System
The Home Energy Rating System (HERS) is an evaluation of energy efficiency and forecasted energy costs within a home.
National Green Building Standard
The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and the International Code Council (ICC) partnered to establish a nationally recognized standard definition of green building for homes.
Parksmart
Parksmart is a building certification system specifically designed for parking garages. It aims to reduce environmental impact of these structures through improved energy and parking efficiencies, while encouraging alternative transportation.