For many years, third-party building certifications such as the United States’ Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and the United Kingdom’s Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) have set the benchmark for sustainability in the construction industry. However, as the urgency to tackle climate change and reduce carbon emissions intensifies, these certifications have evolved to address new demands and challenges. To delve deeper into this evolution, I recently interviewed Emma Reynolds, a sustainability consultant with over a decade of experience.
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Emma began by reflecting on the early days of green building certifications. “I recall when LEED and BREEAM were the ultimate symbols of achievement,” she said, her eyes sparkling with nostalgia. “Securing certification from these organisations signified a commitment to sustainable practices in both design and construction.” Emma’s career in sustainability took off in the early 2010s, a period marked by the growing popularity of green building certifications. “Initially, our focus was mainly on the design and construction phases,” she explained. “We aimed to ensure buildings were constructed with sustainable materials, incorporated energy-efficient systems, and promoted a healthy indoor environment. While it was a commendable start, it soon became clear that it wasn’t sufficient.”
Emma pointed out that although LEED and BREEAM were effective in fostering sustainable design and construction, they fell short of providing a comprehensive framework for building operations and emissions. “The built environment is responsible for approximately 40% of global emissions, with 27% emanating from building operations alone,” she noted. “A shift in focus was necessary to encompass the operational phase and strive towards net-zero emissions.”
This realisation catalysed a significant transformation in the approach to green building certifications. “Previously, landlords had the upper hand regarding green building certifications,” Emma remarked. “Now, the landscape is changing. More corporate occupiers are making ambitious public commitments to net-zero emissions, leading the charge in aligning operations with reduced-carbon strategies.”
Emma highlighted several tools and frameworks that have become crucial in this new era of green building certifications. “The EU’s Carbon Risk Real Estate Monitor (CRREM) and the Science-Based Targets’ Buildings Science-Based Target-Setting Guidance and Tool are some of the essential resources we now employ,” she said. “These instruments assist us in measuring and managing building performance, concentrating on energy use, water use, and waste management.”
Standards such as Australia’s National Built Environment Rating System (NABERS) and the National Definition of a Zero Emissions Building in the U.S. are also instrumental in this transition. “These standards help us set clear, achievable goals for reducing emissions,” Emma explained. “In the UK, the Net Zero Carbon Building Standard is guiding us towards a more sustainable future.”
Local regulations have become more stringent, with cities worldwide implementing building performance standards. “It’s encouraging to witness local governments taking proactive measures,” Emma said. “These regulations drive innovation and compel us to enhance our practices continually.”
The green certification organisations themselves are not idle. “The U.S. Green Building Council and the Building Research Establishment have announced plans to refine their processes to better represent emissions performance,” Emma revealed. “This signifies that the industry is progressing in the right direction.”
Beyond these initiatives, new partnerships are emerging to develop certification programmes that extend beyond major capital projects. “JLL, Amazon, JPMorgan, and ProLogis have partnered with the International Living Future Institute to create a new certification programme,” Emma shared. “This development is exciting as it ensures sustainability across all aspects of building operations.”
As our conversation drew to a close, Emma reflected on the journey thus far. “We’ve made significant strides since the early days of LEED and BREEAM,” she said with a smile. “However, much work remains. The evolution of green building certifications exemplifies our commitment to sustainability. It’s about continual improvement and adaptation to meet contemporary challenges.”
Emma’s insights provided a compelling glimpse into the world of green building certifications and the ongoing efforts to create a more sustainable built environment. As we advance, it is evident that the focus will persist on reducing emissions and promoting sustainability throughout all phases of a building’s lifecycle.
By Lewis Davis
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