Key Green Building Certification Systems to Know for Sustainable Urban Planning

Green building certification systems play a vital role in sustainable urban planning by promoting eco-friendly practices in construction and design. These systems, like LEED and BREEAM, assess buildings' environmental performance, ensuring healthier spaces for people and the planet.

1. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)

   • Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) to promote sustainable building practices.
   • Uses a point-based system to evaluate building performance in areas like energy efficiency, water usage, and indoor environmental quality.
   • Offers various certification levels: Certified, Silver, Gold, and Platinum, based on the total points earned.

2. BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method)

   • Originated in the UK, BREEAM is one of the oldest sustainability assessment methods for master planning projects, infrastructure, and buildings.
   • Assesses environmental performance across categories such as energy, water, materials, and ecology.
   • Provides ratings from Pass to Outstanding, encouraging continuous improvement in building practices.

3. WELL Building Standard

   • Focuses on the health and well-being of building occupants through design and operational strategies.
   • Evaluates aspects such as air quality, water quality, nourishment, light, fitness, and mental well-being.
   • Certification levels include Silver, Gold, and Platinum, based on performance in health-related criteria.

4. Living Building Challenge

   • A rigorous certification program that requires buildings to be self-sufficient and have a positive impact on the environment.
   • Consists of seven performance areas called "Petals": Place, Water, Energy, Health & Happiness, Materials, Equity, and Beauty.
   • Requires buildings to operate for at least 12 months before certification, demonstrating actual performance.

5. Green Globes

   • A flexible and user-friendly certification system that assesses the environmental sustainability of buildings.
   • Offers a straightforward online assessment tool and on-site verification options.
   • Provides a rating system from One to Four Green Globes, based on performance in various sustainability categories.

6. Passive House (Passivhaus)

   • A building standard focused on energy efficiency, requiring minimal energy for heating and cooling.
   • Emphasizes high levels of insulation, airtight construction, and energy-efficient windows.
   • Aims for a comfortable indoor environment while significantly reducing energy consumption.

7. ENERGY STAR

   • A program by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that promotes energy efficiency in buildings and products.
   • Provides a certification for buildings that perform in the top 25% of similar buildings in energy efficiency.
   • Encourages the use of energy-efficient appliances and practices to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

8. SITES (Sustainable SITES Initiative)

   • A rating system for sustainable landscape design, construction, and maintenance.
   • Focuses on ecological performance, including soil health, water management, and biodiversity.
   • Aims to create landscapes that are resilient, functional, and beneficial to both people and the environment.

9. EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies)

   • A green building certification system aimed at making buildings more resource-efficient in developing countries.
   • Focuses on energy, water, and materials efficiency, providing a simple and affordable approach to sustainability.
   • Offers a clear pathway for achieving certification through measurable performance improvements.

10. CASBEE (Comprehensive Assessment System for Built Environment Efficiency)

    • A Japanese certification system that evaluates the environmental performance of buildings and urban development.
    • Considers both the environmental impact of a building and the quality of the built environment.
    • Provides ratings from B to S, encouraging improvements in sustainability practices across various building types.