Green building certification can help your facility achieve environmental, social, and economic benefits, such as lower operating costs, improved occupant health, and enhanced reputation. But with so many different standards and schemes available, how do you choose the right one for your facility? Here are some factors to consider before making your decision.
The first step is to identify your specific goals and priorities for your facility, such as energy efficiency, water conservation, indoor air quality, waste management, or social responsibility. Different certification systems have different criteria and weighting for these aspects, so you need to find the one that aligns best with your objectives and values. For example, LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a widely recognized and comprehensive system that covers multiple categories of performance, while BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) is more focused on the environmental impact of the building.
One more thing, While selecting any green building certification one must consider where the facility is located too. Region and climate matter a lot.
The business objectives, site location, type of service and long term consumption estimatives and, the forecast of this consumption, will determine what will be the best choice, based on the organizational goals, added the final costumers requirements.
The next step is to assess your budget and resources for pursuing green building certification. Depending on the system you choose, you may need to invest in design, construction, commissioning, documentation, verification, and maintenance costs. You may also need to hire consultants, contractors, or auditors to help you with the process. Some certification systems offer different levels of achievement, such as basic, silver, gold, or platinum, which may have different costs and benefits. You need to weigh the costs and benefits of each option and determine the level of certification that is feasible and worthwhile for your facility.
The third step is to consider your location and context when choosing a green building certification system. Some systems are more applicable or prevalent in certain regions or countries than others, which may affect their recognition and relevance. For example, Green Star is a system developed and used in Australia and New Zealand, while HQE (High Environmental Quality) is a system developed and used in France. You may want to choose a system that is widely accepted and respected in your area, or that meets the local regulations or incentives for green building. You may also want to consider the climatic, cultural, and social factors that influence the environmental performance of your facility.
The final step is to think about your stakeholders and customers when choosing a green building certification system. Different systems may have different impacts on the satisfaction, comfort, productivity, and well-being of the people who use or visit your facility. For example, WELL (Well Building Standard) is a system that focuses on the human health and wellness aspects of the building, while EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies) is a system that aims to reduce the energy, water, and material consumption of the building. You may want to choose a system that meets the expectations and needs of your target audience, or that gives you a competitive edge in the market.
Choosing the right green building certification system for your facility is not a simple or straightforward task. You need to consider various factors and compare different options to find the best fit for your situation. By doing so, you can maximize the benefits of green building for your facility and the environment.
There is another consideration, you must choose the certification that offers various types of certification such as if offered to apply on an already built environment or from initial design to end of the project delivery. To start this process on the built environment is a hard task.