Today, building with sustainability in mind isn’t just a bonus, it’s crucial. A sustainable building performs better, costs less to run, and is very appealing to tenants. One smart way to prove your credentials is by getting green certifications. Whether you’re an architect, part of a design-build team, or managing a project, these certifications can really make a difference.
What are Green Building Certifications and their Benefits?
Green building certifications verify and rate the environmental sustainability of a project or development based on parameters such as energy efficiency, raw materials used, and ecological impacts. While these certifications date back to the 1980s, their importance has increased in recent years as companies pursue environmental, social, and governance objectives. Getting green certification offers lots of benefits for organizations and site owners.
1. Cost Savings
Imagine a building that’s ultra-efficient with its energy use and that has all the tools to keep everything running smoothly. These buildings represent the best class! You’ll save money on energy bills, cut down water use, and reduce waste costs. Many builders use NexGen Enviro System’s solvent recyclers to recover solvents during production, saving time, costs, and space.
2. Enhanced Brand Image
Certifications also boost your business’s reputation. They show you care about leading in environmental efforts, setting you apart from competitors. A building that cares about every detail of its residents’ lives, from the air they breathe to their overall well-being, improves its brand image.
3. Increased Property Value
Certifications like LEED Gold or BREEAM Excellent can increase your building’s value by 10-15%. Studies prove certified buildings can charge higher rents and sell for more when it’s time to move on. Green certifications aren’t just good for the planet, they’re great for your wallet and reputation.
4. Attract and Retain Tenants
Tenants today really care about sustainability, from how a building is built to how it’s kept up. A certified building shows tenants your commitment to the environment. If you’ve gone through the effort to get certified, it means your buildings are top-notch! It’s a smart move to get eco-conscious renters and keep them happy, boosting how many people want to live there and how long they stay.
Major Green Certifications and How to Apply
There are many building certifications, but some are more well-known, widely recognized, and respected than others.
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)
LEED is the most popular sustainability certification offered by the U.S. Green Building Council. It focuses on managing different aspects like energy efficiency, water conservation, material selection, waste reduction, and indoor environment quality.
Buildings certified under the LEED rating system can attain various levels of recognition. These levels include LEED Certified, LEED Silver, LEED Gold, and LEED Platinum. Each classification reflects the building’s sustainability performance. These certifications have transformed new constructions and major renovations, setting standards for green building projects.
How to Apply for LEED
- Visit the U.S. Green Building Council website and sign up.
- Register your project, complete the paperwork, and upload supporting documentation to demonstrate your sustainability efforts.
- Set your goals and earn credits for implementing green building practices.
- Submit your credits and documentation for review by the council.
- Upon accreditation, pay the applicable fees to receive your LEED certification.
BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method)
BREEAM is a widely recognized international certification system developed by the Building Research Establishment (BRE) in the United Kingdom. It focuses on the US market and caters to projects worldwide, providing a global standard for evaluating buildings based on their sustainability and environmental performance.
BREEAM accreditation assesses a building’s design, construction, and operation, including energy efficiency, water usage, materials selection, and waste management. Buildings can secure various levels of BREEAM certification. These levels range from Pass to Outstanding. The specific certification a building receives depends on its performance in sustainability measures.
How to Apply for BREEAM
- Find a licensed BREEAM assessor in your area to start the journey towards sustainable buildings.
- Contact them for detailed information and guidance.
- Register your building project and await the assessment process.
- If your building meets the criteria, you will receive BREEAM accreditation, recognizing its environmental sustainability achievements.
WELL Building Standard
The WELL Building Standard focuses on the well-being of people living and working in buildings. It looks at air quality, comfort, lighting, noise levels, access to nature, and even support for mental health.
WELL certifies different types of buildings, aiming to create spaces that boost health, productivity, and overall well-being. It’s a great way to attract employees who value a healthy workplace.
How to Apply for the WELL Building Standard
- Discover the different types of WELL certifications and ratings that are available. These include options for larger business portfolios through WELL at Scale. Be sure to take a closer look for more information, including pricing details.
- Refer to the guidebook to initiate your application process. It will provide you with the necessary steps to get started.
Embracing Sustainability Through Green Certifications
The demand for sustainable buildings is steadily increasing. As a result, obtaining green certifications has become a crucial element in construction and management practices. These certifications validate a project’s commitment to environmental stewardship and offer several tangible benefits. For instance, they can lead to cost savings, enhance brand reputation, and elevate property value.
Industry professionals can positively impact the environment by prioritizing sustainability and pursuing recognized certifications like LEED, BREEAM, and WELL. They also meet the rising expectations of tenants and investors. Ultimately, embracing these certifications transcends being merely an option. It represents a responsible choice that contributes to a greener future for everyone.
