LEED, WELL, EDGE & BREEAM Certifications:

Sustainability and wellness are essential aspects of modern building projects. For a 100,000 square-foot project, selecting the right green certification can improve both the building’s environmental performance and occupant health. In this article, we'll break down the four major certifications. LEED, WELL, EDGE, and BREEAM, to help you choose the right one.

1. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)

LEED is a widely recognized certification that assesses energy efficiency, water use, waste management, and indoor environmental quality.

Key Features:

• Focuses on energy efficiency, materials, and the environmental impact of a building.
• Suitable for projects aiming to reduce their carbon footprint and lower energy consumption.

Cost:

For a 100,000 square-foot project, the costs typically are:

• Registration Fees: $1,350 for members and $1,700 for non-members.
• Precertification Preliminary Review: $4,500 for members and $5,600 for non-members.
• Design and Construction Preliminary Review: $6,400 for members and $7,600 for non-members.

Total Cost:

• Member: $12,250
• Non-member: $14,900

Timeframe:

LEED certification takes 1–2 years, depending on the project's complexity and documentation requirements.

When to Choose LEED:

If your primary focus is on minimizing environmental impact through energy-efficient, water-saving, and sustainable materials.

Calculator Link:

LEED pricing tool

2. WELL Building Standard

WELL certification focuses on enhancing the health and wellness of building occupants by addressing air, water, light, and overall comfort.

Key Features:

• Prioritizes human health and well-being.
• Focuses on air quality, water cleanliness, lighting, and overall occupant comfort.

Cost:

For a 100,000 square-foot project:

• Enrollment Fee: $3,000
• Program Fees: $12,000 (discounts apply for emerging markets).

Total Cost:

• $15,000 (with a 25% discount for emerging markets)

Timeframe:

The WELL certification process takes around 6–12 months, depending on project requirements and monitoring.

When to Choose WELL:

Choose WELL if the primary focus is on creating a healthy, comfortable indoor space that supports occupant wellness.

Calculator Link:

WELL Certification Cost

3. EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies)

EDGE certification focuses on making buildings more resource-efficient, especially in emerging markets. It aims to reduce energy, water, and embodied energy in materials.

Key Features:

• Focuses on achieving resource efficiency in energy, water, and materials.
• Streamlined and cost-effective certification process.

Cost:

For a 100,000 square-foot project:

• Registration Fee: $349 per project.
• Certification Fees: $0.24 per square meter (about $24,000).

Total Cost:

• The EDGE certification cost can vary significantly depending on several factors, including the location of the auditor and any additional travel expenses. The total cost can range from $7000 to $10000.
• This variance of approximately ± $10,000 can occur due to additional costs like the auditor's travel and accommodation, particularly if you're hiring from a different country.

Timeframe:

EDGE certification can be completed in 3–6 months, making it one of the fastest options available.

When to Choose EDGE:

Choose EDGE if you're targeting resource efficiency, especially in emerging markets where cost-effectiveness is important.

Calculator Link:

EDGE Certification Calculator

4. BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method)

BREEAM is a UK-based certification that provides a comprehensive assessment of a building’s environmental, social, and economic sustainability.

Key Features:

• Holistic sustainability assessment that looks at energy use, waste management, and biodiversity.
• Adaptable for various project types, with a strong focus on overall sustainability.

Cost: ( Only for UK)

For a 100,000 square-foot project:

• Registration Fee: $1,500.
• Certification Fee: $3,650 for the interim design stage and $1,750 for the final post-construction review stage, totaling $5,400.

Total Cost:

• $6,900 for registration and certification.

Timeframe:

The BREEAM certification process typically takes 1–2 years.

When to Choose BREEAM:

BREEAM is ideal if you want a comprehensive evaluation of your building's overall environmental, social, and economic sustainability.

Calculator Link:

BREEAM Certification Calculator

Which Certification Should You Choose?

Here’s a simple guide to help you decide:

• Choose LEED if your primary focus is reducing environmental impact and improving energy efficiency.
• Choose WELL if you prioritize the health and well-being of the building’s occupants.
• Choose EDGE if you're looking for an affordable and efficient certification in an emerging market.
• Choose BREEAM if you need a broad sustainability assessment that includes environmental, social, and economic factors.

Final Thoughts:

Is it clear under what circumstances you would choose each certification? Each one offers unique benefits based on your project’s focus, whether it's energy savings, occupant wellness, or overall sustainability. By understanding the costs and focus areas of each certification, you can make an informed decision for your next project.

Feel free to explore the provided calculators to get more specific cost estimates for your project and make the best choice for certification.