News Summary
Green building certifications are evolving to emphasize stricter criteria focusing on operational emissions and long-term sustainability. With updates to LEED and BREEAM, both systems are driving change in how buildings manage carbon emissions, promoting corporate net-zero commitments, and enhancing property value through sustainable practices. This shift highlights a broader commitment to sustainability in the built environment and aims to streamline the path to decarbonization in real estate.
Evolving Green Building Certifications Prioritize Operational Emissions and Long-Term Sustainability
Green building certifications are undergoing a significant transformation, focusing on stricter criteria that emphasize the management of operational emissions and the importance of long-term sustainability. With updated versions of prominent certifications like LEED and BREEAM, the industry is progressively shifting towards a more comprehensive understanding of decarbonization.
The launch of LEED v5 earlier this year marks a major step forward. This version dedicates nearly half of its certification points to initiatives aimed at reducing carbon emissions. These measures specifically pertain to materials, energy consumption, cooling systems, and emissions generated from transportation. It underscores the need for sustainable building operations, emphasizing performance improvement plans that could secure additional credits for assets.
As corporate occupiers increasingly commit to net zero targets, they are prioritizing operational performance to align with these goals. This renewed focus reflects a growing recognition of the necessity to enhance sustainability within building operations. In parallel, BREEAM v7 has introduced detailed requirements emphasizing the management and reporting of whole-life carbon, aligning with international sustainability benchmarks and the EU taxonomy.
Changing certification standards are also impacting organizations like the Living Future Institute, which is raising thresholds for energy efficiency and embodied carbon. New criteria for achieving top ratings, such as BREEAM Excellent and Outstanding, as well as LEED Gold and Platinum, are likely to spur significant improvements throughout the market.
Consider the example of McKinsey’s renovated Boston office, which achieved LEED v4 Platinum certification by implementing state-of-the-art energy efficiency strategies, including advanced HVAC systems. Powering buildings with clean energy remains a central focus in the quest for superior certification ratings.
To put these certifications in perspective, BREEAM ‘Excellent’ signifies the top 10% of certified buildings, while ‘Outstanding’ represents the elite 1%. The new requirements, however, may lead to increased upfront costs and complex requirements, necessitating a higher level of technical knowledge.
Both LEED and BREEAM reward the use of advanced HVAC systems that can adjust to fluctuations in energy demand. This adaptability can lead to significant reductions in operational carbon emissions, which is crucial for those aiming to achieve optimal certification levels. Moreover, the frameworks prioritize the sourcing of building materials with minimal embodied carbon footprints, pushing organizations to revise their procurement strategies accordingly.
In addition to improving sustainability, achieving LEED and BREEAM certifications can enhance property values and attract tenants. Research indicates that green buildings can command rental premiums, with increases ranging from 7.1% to 11.6% in various global markets. Such financial benefits affirm that the business case for sustainable buildings is strong.
The updated certification frameworks go beyond mere building regulations—they serve as essential tools for mitigating climate risks and can help prevent expensive retrofits in the future. Furthermore, all BREEAM v7 certification levels now include benchmarks aimed at demonstrating a net gain in biodiversity, extending benefits beyond mandatory regulations in the UK.
Reporting obligations associated with these certifications guide organizations in developing strategies to earn relevant credits. Both BREEAM v7 and LEED v5 performance data align with crucial environmental Impact considerations, integrating them into planning applications and sustainability reporting standards.
Achieving green certifications necessitates persistent engagement among leadership, stakeholders, and project teams. Leadership must ensure that sustainability objectives align with overall commercial real estate strategies and provide adequate financial resources for their execution. Collaboration between landlords and tenants can also drive shared funding for certification-aligned enhancements, thereby accelerating decarbonization efforts and reducing operation costs.
As the demand for sustainable buildings grows and corporate carbon commitments strengthen, the rise of more stringent green certification standards offers clearer pathways towards decarbonization. Best-in-class certifications present strategic frameworks for developing high-performing, healthy buildings that not only meet today’s challenges but also prepare for a sustainable future.
Additionally, the upcoming LEED for Cities Certification Cohort for 2025 has already enlisted 16 local governments with plans to boost sustainability and public health initiatives, indicating a broader shift in urban development towards environmentally friendly practices.
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Additional Resources
- JLL: Green Certifications Up the Ante on Long-Term Building Performance
- Wikipedia: Green Building Certification
- Baltic Times: Lemiste Centre Earns Top Sustainable Building Certification
- Google Search: Green Building Certifications
- PR Newswire: Central Plaza Awarded 4 Platinum Building Certifications
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Building
