Owning a building which is deemed green certified is more than a marketing trend, which demonstrates a commitment to environmental sustainability.
Top 6 Green Building Certifications
LEED Certification
LEED certification is one of the most common green building certifications, which is one of the most widely used green building rating systems. The abbreviation stands for “Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design,” the phrase applies to both new construction, along with rehabbed units and interior fit-outs. Lees Certification is a globally recognized symbol, which represents sustainability and can be used to increase market value. If a building is LEED Certified, you can expect lower utility costs, tax benefits, and an overall healthier work environment, which often utilize green HVAC systems and improved air quality.
Energy Star
Next to Leed, Energy Star is the second most popular green rating system, which can be issued to products, residential homes, and commercial real estate. In order for a home, business, or product to Energy Star certified it must be 20 to 30% more energy-efficient than a standard home and meet Energy Star guidelines. Most new construction is Energy Star certified, which will often feature high-performance windows, energy-efficient heating, and cooling equipment, as well as being properly insulated. Living in an Energy Star Certified property shows a person’s commitment to conserving energy and reducing the ecological footprint we leave on our planet. Energy Star certified properties tend to sell faster than standard properties. These types of properties are especially desirable to renters, which often have increased occupancy rates and increased renter value.
National Green Building Standard (NGBS)
Living in an NGBS certified home provides it’s residents a better place to call home, which is the only green rating system for homes approved by the ANSI (American National Standards Institute). There are 4 levels to the National Green Building Standard, which include Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Emerald. This provides the homeowner options, each of which offers different features. Emerald is the highest rating, which offers energy efficiency, water efficiency, resource efficiency, indoor environmental quality, and lower operating costs. National Green Building Standard certified homes offer increased resale value and an overall better quality of living.
BREEAM USA
BREEAM is a multi-residential green certification, which applies to multi-occupancy residential buildings. Commercial real estate can also be BREEAM certified. In total, more than 600,000 builds have been deemed BREEAM certified, which includes renovations, infrastructure, commercial buildings, and residential properties. For a property to be deemed BREEAM certified it must meet standards, which include energy efficiency, utilize sustainable land/building materials, water efficiency, and waste management sustainability.
Green Globes
Green Globes is an online green certification system, which utilizes a third-party assessment. It applies to commercial and residential properties, which features a 2-tier rating system that evaluates new construction and sustainable interiors. The certification also applies to major renovations and is the most affordable green rating system. Being Green Globe certified requires meeting 7 categories, which include energy, site, water, indoor environment, resources, emissions, and project management. Each category is independently assessed to verify compliance.
Living Building Challenge
Living Building Challenge is a building certification program, which can be applied to new construction, renovations, neighborhoods, and communities. The certification system was created as a means to raise the bar and promote environmental sustainability, which includes practicing water conservation, energy efficiency, and using green building materials. In order to qualify for this type of certification, the property must achieve each of the specified imperatives for at least 12-months of operation. Currently, there are over 400 projects, which have been deemed Living Building Challenge certified.
