Comparing Building Energy Efficiency And Sustainability Standards; LEED, ISO, ILFI, GGBC, And Energy Star

The construction and operation of commercial and industrial buildings significantly impact energy consumption and the environment. These types of buildings contribute to 52% of our nation's energy usage. To promote sustainable building practices and reduce energy usage, organizations worldwide have established standards and certifications. These standards aim to improve building energy efficiency, promote sustainable material sourcing, and facilitate building upgrades to manage energy consumption. This guide will delve into the most recognized building efficiency and sustainability standards, including LEED, ISO, ILFI, GGBC, and Energy Star. By better understanding these standards, building owners, managers, and designers can determine which certification standard is most suitable for their sector and identify ways to enhance their facility's energy efficiency.

Why Are Building Energy Efficiency & Sustainability Standards Important?

Constructing energy-efficient and sustainable buildings is crucial in decreasing our carbon footprint, preserving resources, and securing a healthier environment for future generations. These buildings not only lower operational expenses but also improve the health and well-being of their residents. By following these leading standards, facilities can guarantee that they are leading the way in sustainable practices.

What Is Leadership In Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) Certification?

The LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification, created and managed by the US Green Building Council, is a well-known global standard for designing sustainable and energy-efficient buildings. It's a way for buildings to show their dedication to environmental responsibility and efficient resource usage. The certification has four levels - Certified, Silver, Gold, and Platinum - which represent how well a building meets the strict environmental performance guidelines set by the LEED rating system.

What Are The LEED Certifications & Standards?

1. LEED Building Design & Construction (BD+C):

LEED Building Design and Construction (BD+C) certification is designed for new buildings and major renovations, focusing on sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection, and indoor environmental quality.

2. LEED Interior Design & Construction (ID+C):

LEED Interior Design and Construction (ID+C) certification is specifically for projects that are interior fit-outs, emphasizing a healthy, sustainable, and productive work environment.

3. LEED Building Operations & Maintenance (O+M):

LEED Building Operations and Maintenance (O+M) certification applies to existing buildings that are undergoing improvement work or little to no construction, focusing on operations, upgrades, and maintenance activities.

4. LEED Neighborhood Development (ND):

LEED Neighborhood Development (ND) certification integrates the principles of smart growth, urbanism, and green building into the first national system for neighborhood design, focusing on the location and design of neighborhoods.

5. LEED Cities & Communities (C+C):

LEED Cities and Communities (C+C) certification is for city and community scale projects, focusing on improving quality of life, creating sustainable and prosperous communities, and making the cities more resilient.

What Is The International Organization For Standardization (ISO)?

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is a widely acknowledged organization that certifies organizations, indicating their compliance with stakeholder needs and regulatory requirements in various industries. These certifications cover quality management, environmental management, safety, and information security and demonstrate an organization's dedication to implementing best practices. ISO certifications also serve as a means of continual improvement, promoting efficiency and excellence by encouraging organizations to review and improve their processes regularly.

What ISO Certifications Are For Sustainability?

1. ISO 14001:

ISO 14001 standard provides guidelines for an environmental management system, helping organizations minimize their environmental impact, comply with applicable laws, and continually improve in these areas.

2. ISO 14064-1:

ISO 14064-1 standard provides an integrated toolkit for organizations to measure, quantify, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, encompassing the design, management, and verification of their emissions inventory.

3. ISO 14040:

ISO 14040 standard outlines principles and a framework for conducting life cycle assessment studies, focusing on inventorying energy and material inputs, evaluating environmental impacts, and interpreting results.

4. ISO 20121:

ISO 20121 standard provides guidance for managing events, focusing on minimizing their social, economic, and environmental impact and promoting sustainability through responsible consumption and waste reduction.

5. ISO 50001:

ISO 50001 is a voluntary standard that provides a framework for organizations to manage and improve their energy performance, including energy use and consumption.

What Is The International Living Future Institute (ILFI)?

The International Living Future Institute (ILFI) is a non-profit that fosters sustainable, socially just, and ecologically restorative communities. Known for the Living Building Challenge, the most advanced green building certification, ILFI offers a range of programs promoting sustainable building and design. These certifications drive a global shift towards sustainability and social justice. They inspire organizations and communities to elevate their practices, demonstrating commitment to environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and well-being. ILFI's certifications serve as a beacon by setting high standards, showcasing what's possible, and inspiring others to emulate their model.

What Are The ILFI Sustainability Challenges & Certifications?

1. Living Building Challenge:

Living Building Challenge is the most rigorous certification by ILFI, requiring buildings to generate more energy than they consume, capture and treat all water on site, and meet various other health and biodiversity standards.

2. Zero Energy (ZE) Certification:

Zero Energy (ZE) Certification recognizes buildings or communities that achieve a balance between the energy they produce and consume over the course of a year, promoting renewable energy and energy efficiency.

3. Zero Carbon Certification:

Zero Carbon Certification recognizes projects that achieve net-zero carbon emissions, considering all operational energy use and embodied carbon emissions and offsetting them with on-site renewable energy or other carbon offsets.

4. Core Green Building Certification:

Core Green Building Certification provides a streamlined approach for any organization seeking to create green buildings and communities, focusing on critical aspects of sustainability such as place, water, energy, health and happiness, materials, equity, and beauty.

What Is The Green Globes Building Certification (GGBC)?

Green Globes Building Certification is a valuable tool designed to enhance the sustainability and environmental performance of commercial buildings, promoting a sustainable built environment. It caters to various building types and sizes, providing a customized certification process for each project. The system takes a comprehensive approach, evaluating all aspects of a building's environmental performance, including energy and water efficiency, waste management, indoor air quality, and the use of eco-friendly materials. A noteworthy feature of Green Globes is its focus on energy efficiency, guiding reductions in energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, resulting in cost savings and a reduced environmental impact. Additionally, the certification emphasizes improving occupant health and well-being by promoting design strategies and practices that enhance indoor environmental quality.

What Are The GGBC Certifications?

1. Green Globes For New Construction (GGNC):

Green Globes for New Construction (GGNC) certification is designed for all new commercial and institutional buildings, as well as major renovations, providing a comprehensive environmental assessment for the design, construction, and plans for operation.

2. Green Globes For Existing Buildings (GGE):

Green Globes for Existing Buildings (GGE) certification is for owners and managers of existing commercial and institutional buildings who wish to evaluate their building's environmental performance, implement sustainable management practices, and reduce environmental impacts.

3. Green Globes For Sustainable Interiors (GGS):

Green Globes for Sustainable Interiors (GGS) certification specifically targets tenants who lease a portion of a larger building, focusing on the sustainable design and construction of interior spaces, including aspects like energy consumption, water usage, and the selection of materials.

4. Green Globes For Continual Improvement of Existing Buildings (CIEB):

Green Globes for Continual Improvement of Existing Buildings (CIEB) certification is designed for the ongoing operational sustainability of existing buildings, focusing on continual improvements and incorporating a comprehensive annual assessment of the building's sustainability performance.

5. Guiding Principles Compliance For New Construction (GPC NC):

Guiding Principles Compliance for New Construction (GPC NC) certification is designed to help project teams achieve compliance with federal requirements for sustainability and energy efficiency in new construction and major renovation projects.

6. Guiding Principles Compliance For Existing Buildings (GPC EB):

Guiding Principles Compliance for Existing Buildings (GPC EB) certification is designed to help project teams achieve compliance with federal requirements for sustainability and energy efficiency in existing buildings.

What Is The Energy Star Building Certification Program?

The Energy Star Building Certification Program, a joint initiative by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the US Department of Energy, is a voluntary program to promote energy efficiency in commercial buildings and industrial plants. This program provides a detailed framework for evaluating energy performance in various facilities, such as offices, retail stores, hospitals, and schools. Those meeting stringent energy efficiency standards can attain the Energy Star certification, a prestigious emblem of energy performance distinction. The program offers tools and resources to assist building owners and managers, including technical specifications, best practice guides, case studies, and training. These invaluable resources empower stakeholders to make well-informed decisions regarding energy efficiency, facilitating the achievement of their energy goals, cost savings, and environmental protection.

What Is The Verification Process For Energy Star?

The verification process for Energy Star Building Certification begins with using the EPA's online tool, Portfolio Manager, to track a building's energy and water consumption. The tool provides a 1-100 Energy Star score, which compares the building's energy performance to similar facilities nationwide. 

For example, suppose a building scores 75 or higher on an energy efficiency rating, which indicates that it is more energy-efficient than at least 75% of comparable buildings across the country. In that case, it may qualify for Energy Star certification. However, the data must first undergo verification by a licensed professional to ensure its accuracy before the certificate can be granted. This professional will assess the building's characteristics and energy consumption to confirm that it satisfies the standards set by Energy Star.

How Does LEED Compare To GGBC?

When comparing LEED to GGBC (Green Globes Building Certification), several key differences and similarities emerge:

1. Origin & Recognition: 

LEED, developed by the U.S. Green Building Council, is one of the most widely recognized green building certification systems. GGBC, on the other hand, is a newer system but has gained traction, especially in North America.

2. Certification Flexibility: 

GGBC is often lauded for its flexibility and user-friendly approach, especially for smaller projects. It offers a more customizable process tailored to each project's specific needs. LEED, while comprehensive, can be more prescriptive in its requirements.

3. Sustainability Assessment: 

GGBC uses a unique online assessment tool, allowing real-time scoring and providing immediate feedback to project teams. LEED's process is more structured, requiring documentation submission and subsequent review by LEED reviewers.

4. Areas of Focus: 

Both systems address similar sustainability categories, including energy, water, materials, and indoor environment quality. However, LEED significantly emphasizes innovation and regional priority, while GGBC offers credits for a building's life cycle assessment.

5. Certification Levels: 

LEED has four certification levels (Certified, Silver, Gold, Platinum), while GGBC uses a percentage score with recognition starting at 35% and the highest award at 85% and above.

How Does LEED Compare To ISO Sustainability Standards?

1. Scope:

While LEED is specifically designed for buildings and their environmental impact, ISO sustainability standards cover a broader range of topics, including organizational processes, products, and services.

2. Global Recognition: 

ISO standards are internationally recognized and can be applied to any organization worldwide. LEED, though globally recognized, is primarily a U.S.-based system.

3. Certification Process: 

ISO certification requires third-party audits and a demonstration of continuous improvement. LEED certification involves meeting specific prerequisites and earning points based on sustainability strategies.

4. Integration Into Processes: 

ISO standards, especially ISO 14001, can be integrated into an organization's existing management processes. LEED, in comparison, is more building-centric.

5. Renewal & Maintenance: 

ISO certifications require periodic renewal, often every three years, with surveillance audits in between. LEED certifications, once achieved, do not expire, but there is a separate certification for building operations and maintenance.

How Does The Energy Star Building Certification Program Compare To ILFI?

1. Certification Focus: 

Energy Star primarily focuses on energy efficiency in buildings, while ILFI's certifications, especially the Living Building Challenge, consider a broader range of sustainability topics, including water, materials, and social equity.

2. Extent of Certification: 

ILFI's Living Building Challenge is considered one of the industry's most rigorous green building standards. Energy Star is more accessible but is limited to energy performance.

3. Provider Recognition: 

Energy Star is a widely recognized symbol of energy performance excellence in the US, while ILFI is gaining recognition for its holistic approach to sustainability.

4. Verification Process: 

Both programs require third-party verification. Energy Star uses the EPA's Portfolio Manager tool, while ILFI requires detailed documentation and audits.

5. The Scale of Certification: 

While both certifications can be applied to individual buildings, ILFI also offers community and neighborhood-scale certifications.

What Building Energy Efficiency And Sustainability Standard or Certification Is Best?

The "best" certification often depends on the project's goals, location, budget, and scale:

1. Commercial Building: 

For commercial properties, the ideal certification often hinges on the desired outcomes. If the goal is widespread recognition and a holistic approach to sustainability, LEED stands out as a top choice. However, if the primary focus is energy conservation and efficiency, Energy Star becomes a prominent contender. Both certifications offer different advantages, and the selection often depends on the building's specific needs, the target audience, and the desired long-term benefits.

2. Manufacturing & Industrial Facilities: 

Manufacturing and industrial facilities have unique energy needs and consumption patterns. ISO 50001, emphasizing energy management, is a prime choice for these establishments. It provides a structured framework that helps continuously improve energy performance, ensuring that the facility remains energy-efficient and sustainable in the long run. This certification is especially beneficial for facilities aiming to reduce operational costs, enhance energy efficiency, and demonstrate a commitment to sustainable practices. 

3. K12 Schools, Colleges, or Universities: 

For educational institutions, creating a conducive learning environment that promotes health, well-being, and sustainability is paramount. LEED for Schools is explicitly tailored for K12 schools, addressing factors like classroom acoustics, indoor air quality, and more. For colleges and universities, the broader LEED BD+C or LEED O+M can be suitable, depending on whether it's a new or existing building. Green Globes also offers flexibility with its GGNC and GGE certifications, which can be applied to educational facilities. ILFI's Living Building Challenge can be an aspirational goal for institutions aiming for the pinnacle of sustainability. Energy Star can be a starting point for schools focusing primarily on energy efficiency.

4. Healthcare Facilities: 

For healthcare facilities, patient health, safety, and well-being are paramount. LEED for Healthcare is a specialized certification that addresses healthcare facilities' unique needs and challenges, from energy efficiency to indoor environmental quality. Green Globes has a comprehensive assessment that can be tailored to healthcare facilities, ensuring a holistic approach to sustainability. ILFI's certifications, especially the Living Building Challenge, can be applied to healthcare facilities aiming for net-positive energy, water, and other rigorous sustainability goals. For healthcare facilities primarily concerned with energy efficiency, Energy Star provides tools and resources tailored to the healthcare sector.

Navigating The Landscape of Building Sustainability Standards

As the urgency of addressing climate change and environmental degradation intensifies, the role of sustainable building practices becomes even more crucial. The myriad of certifications and standards, from LEED to ISO, ILFI, GGBC, and Energy Star, underscores the global commitment to creating more sustainable buildings and protecting the environment. Each standard offers unique strengths, catering to different project goals, scales, and sectors. 

Choosing the right certification requires a deep understanding of a project's objectives, budget, and desired impact. Whether it's a commercial building aiming for broad sustainability recognition or a healthcare facility prioritizing reduced energy costs, there's a certification tailored to meet those needs. Ultimately, the most important takeaway is the collective move towards a more sustainable and resilient future. By adhering to these standards and continually pushing the boundaries of what's possible, we reduce our ecological footprint and pave the way for healthier, more vibrant communities for future generations.