By Tasos Stavrou, vice president of global business development at LeadingRE
In the ever-evolving landscape of global construction, sustainability has become a cornerstone of industry practices. As the world grapples with environmental challenges, green building certifications have emerged as vital tools for measuring and promoting eco-friendly construction. These sustainable certifications not only validate a building’s environmental credentials but also offer tangible benefits to developers, owners, and occupants alike.
Among the most globally recognised certifications, LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method), and Green Star stand out for their comprehensive approach to sustainability. These programmes evaluate buildings based on various criteria, including energy efficiency, water conservation, indoor environmental quality, and overall ecological impact.
LEED, developed by the U.S. Green Building Council, has become synonymous with green building practices worldwide. Its tiered rating system – Certified, Silver, Gold, and Platinum – provides a clear framework for assessing a building’s sustainability performance. BREEAM, originating in the UK, offers a similar comprehensive evaluation system and has gained significant traction in Europe and beyond. Meanwhile, Green Star, established by the Green Building Council of Australia, has become the benchmark for sustainable construction in the Asia-Pacific region.
Other notable certifications include the WELL Building Standard, which focuses on occupant health and wellbeing, and the Living Building Challenge, known for its rigorous requirements aimed at creating regenerative buildings that give more than they take from the environment.
The benefits of pursuing these certifications extend beyond environmental stewardship. Studies consistently show that certified green buildings command higher market values, attract more tenants, and boast lower operational costs due to reduced energy and water consumption. For investors and developers, this translates to enhanced property marketability and improved long-term financial performance.
Moreover, as public awareness of environmental issues grows, so does the demand for sustainable living and working spaces. Green certifications serve as a clear signal to potential occupants and investors that a building meets high environmental standards, fostering healthier indoor environments and contributing to overall occupant wellbeing.
However, navigating the landscape of green certifications is not without challenges. The certification process can be complex and costly, often requiring substantial upfront investments in technology and design strategies. Critics also point to the risk of “greenwashing,” where superficial efforts are made to appear environmentally responsible without meaningful impact.
Despite these challenges, the momentum towards green building certifications continues to grow. Governments across the globe are increasingly incentivising sustainable practices through regulations and tax benefits, further encouraging ESG adoption. As technology advances and standards evolve, new certifications continue to emerge, promising even greater efficiency and performance in building operations.
Looking ahead, the future of green building certifications holds promise for continued innovation. Emerging trends such as smart building technologies and net-zero energy goals are reshaping industry norms, challenging stakeholders to embrace more ambitious sustainability targets. One example is innovative energy storage solutions like Energy Vault, which are revolutionising the way buildings manage and store renewable energy. Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), the designers of the Burj Khalifa, are collaborating with Energy Vault Holdings to develop 1-km-tall skyscrapers that function as gravity-based energy storage systems. These structures use excess energy to raise a weight, which is then released to generate power, potentially storing multi-GWh of energy to support both the building and nearby areas.
For those navigating the complexities of green certifications, staying informed and seeking expert guidance is crucial. From selecting the right certification for a project’s specific needs to implementing best practices for ongoing performance and compliance, informed decision-making is key to maximising the benefits of certification.
Green building certifications represent a commitment to sustainable development, offering tangible benefits to businesses, communities, and the environment. As we move towards a greener future, embracing these certifications isn’t just good practice—it’s vital for long-term success in a world increasingly shaped by environmental consciousness.