Sustainability certification for real estate: where it all began❓

We have already talked a lot about sustainability certification, but let’s go back to the roots! Let’s remember which green building assessment systems made their way to modern Russian practices.

💬In essence, certification is like an exam for a building. All stages can be audited: from the project to the facility in operation. The goal is to make sure it is environmentally friendly and comfortable for end users.

🚀World pioneers of “green” construction:

LEED (USA): the American leader in energy efficiency and sustainable design. Gives out medals 😅 for taking care of the planet: Certified, Silver, Gold and Platinum. The higher the level, the “greener” the building!
BREEAM (UK): The British approach to assessment. Here points are awarded relatively evenly: for saving resources, health care, cleanliness of the environment and even convenient transportation. Levels are Pass, Good, Very Good, Excellent and Outstanding – and both technical features and policies applied in the facility can be certified !
WELL (USA): This standard focuses on the health and well-being of the people inside the building. Clean air, water, proper nutrition, light, sports – everything for comfort and well-being. Levels: Silver, Gold and Platinum.
Fitwel (USA): Also about healthy lifestyles in the workplace: encourages the organization of various community spaces, proper nutrition, physical activity and monitors air and water quality. The rating is 1 to 3 stars.

Other systems (DGNB, Living Building Challenge, etc.): Although these standards have not fully established themselves in Russia, they have made their contribution to the development of “green” construction in the world.