While the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification is one of the most recognized frameworks for sustainable building, several other global certification systems also promote environmentally responsible construction, design, and operation. These certifications offer unique focuses and standards that cater to different sustainability goals, project types, and regional requirements.
1. BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method)
BREEAM is the world’s oldest sustainability certification system, originating in the United Kingdom. It evaluates the environmental performance of buildings based on categories like energy use, water management, materials, waste, pollution, and ecological impact.
Certification Levels:
- Pass
- Good
- Very Good
- Excellent
- Outstanding
Key Features:
- Life cycle assessment of materials.
- Focus on occupant health and well-being.
- Regional flexibility with tailored criteria for different countries.
2. WELL Building Standard
The WELL Building Standard focuses on enhancing human health and well-being in buildings. Unlike LEED, which primarily targets environmental sustainability, WELL prioritizes factors that directly affect the physical and mental health of occupants.
Core Concepts:
- Air
- Water
- Nourishment
- Light
- Movement
- Thermal comfort
- Sound
- Materials
- Mind
- Community
Certification Levels:
- Silver
- Gold
- Platinum
Key Features:
- Encourages healthier indoor environments.
- Often used in tandem with LEED for holistic sustainability and health performance.
3. Green Globes
Green Globes is a flexible, cost-effective sustainability certification program primarily used in North America. It allows for a customized approach based on the specific needs of a project.
Key Areas of Assessment:
- Energy
- Water
- Resources
- Emissions
- Indoor environment
- Environmental management
Certification Levels:
- 1 Globe (Certified)
- 2 Globes (Excellent)
- 3 Globes (Outstanding)
- 4 Globes (World-class)
Key Features:
- Online, interactive assessment tools.
- Third-party verification with on-site evaluations.
4. Living Building Challenge (LBC)
The Living Building Challenge sets the highest sustainability standards in the built environment. It requires projects to operate as self-sufficient, regenerative systems that have a positive impact on their environment.
Core Petals:
- Place
- Water
- Energy
- Health and Happiness
- Materials
- Equity
- Beauty
Key Features:
- Net-positive energy, meaning the building must produce more energy than it consumes.
- Use of non-toxic materials.
- Strict water conservation and waste management requirements.
5. EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies)
Developed by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), EDGE focuses on resource efficiency in emerging markets. It encourages buildings to be more energy-efficient, water-efficient, and use materials that reduce environmental impact.
Key Features:
- User-friendly software for design optimization.
- Focus on affordability and simplicity.
- Requires a minimum of 20% reduction in energy, water, and embodied energy in materials.
6. Energy Star Certification
Energy Star, a U.S.-based certification managed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), focuses primarily on energy efficiency. It helps businesses and individuals save money and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Key Features:
- Certification based on energy performance scores (1–100).
- Buildings must score at least 75 to earn certification.
- Focuses on operational energy efficiency rather than design.
Conclusion
While LEED remains a leading global certification for sustainable buildings, other frameworks like BREEAM, WELL, Green Globes, Living Building Challenge, EDGE, and Energy Star offer specialized approaches to sustainability. Each certification has distinct benefits and focuses, from energy efficiency and environmental responsibility to human health and well-being.
Choosing the right certification depends on a project’s goals, budget, location, and the sustainability priorities of stakeholders. Incorporating these certifications into the design and operational phases of a project can significantly contribute to reducing environmental impact, improving occupant health, and enhancing overall building performance.