Green Building Certifications: A Guide

Summary

This article provides a comprehensive guide to achieving BREEAM, LEED, and DGNB certifications, focusing on actionable steps for each. It explores the benefits of these certifications and offers insights into maximizing your chances of success. By following these tips, you can contribute to a more sustainable built environment.

Discover how Focus360 Energy can help with BREEAM certification.

** Main Story**

Alright, so you’re looking into green building certifications like BREEAM, LEED, and DGNB? Good on you! It’s definitely the way forward. Think of these certifications as your roadmap to creating buildings that are not only environmentally responsible but also economically sound and better for the people who use them. Let’s break down how you can actually navigate this world.

Deciphering the Alphabet Soup

First, let’s get our bearings. You’ve probably heard these acronyms thrown around, but what do they really mean?

• BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method): Hailing from the UK, BREEAM is a big deal globally. It looks at everything – energy, water, materials. It’s all about assessing a building’s sustainability performance, so it’s pretty comprehensive.

• LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design): This one comes from the USGBC in the States. LEED’s another major player in green building. I mean, who hasn’t heard of LEED? It puts a big emphasis on energy efficiency, water conservation, indoor air quality, and developing sites responsibly.

• DGNB (German Sustainable Building Council): Now, DGNB is interesting because it takes a very holistic approach. It’s not just about the environment; it also factors in the economics, the social aspects, the technical stuff, and even the processes used during construction. It’s a real cradle-to-grave assessment of sustainability. You want to make sure all your bases are covered to get a great rating.

Nailing Your BREEAM Certification

So, how do you actually get a BREEAM certification? It isn’t as simple as just putting in low-flow toilets. Here’s the play-by-play:

1. Early Bird Gets the Worm (and the BREEAM Certification): Seriously, start thinking about BREEAM from the very beginning of the design phase. That means from before you’ve even sketched out any designs. Trying to retrofit sustainable features later? That’s going to be way more expensive and complicated. Trust me, I’ve seen it happen. It’s much better to integrate things such as solar panels in the design phase, or better ventilation systems.

2. Get a BREEAM Assessor on Board, Like, Yesterday: This is non-negotiable. A qualified assessor is your guide through the BREEAM maze. They know the criteria inside and out, and they’ll help you get the best possible rating. Especially important if you are looking at RIBA-critical credits, you need to have the assessor in place as soon as you can.

3. Pre-Assessment is Your Crystal Ball: Before you even submit anything official, do a pre-assessment. This will give you a good idea of your project’s potential rating and highlight any areas that need improvement. It is like seeing the forest from the trees.

4. Sustainability Strategy: Your Master Plan: Develop a detailed plan outlining all the sustainable measures you’re going to implement, from energy-efficient systems to sustainable materials. It’s more than just knowing what you will do, its how you will do it.

5. Happy Occupants, Happy Certification: Don’t forget about the people who will actually be using the building! Focus on things like lighting, ventilation, and temperature control. A healthy, comfortable environment not only boosts BREEAM scores but also makes for happier tenants.

6. Document, Document, Document: Keep meticulous records of everything you do related to sustainability. Accurate and timely documentation is crucial for a smooth certification process. If you don’t have proof, it didn’t happen!

7. Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: Make sure everyone involved – architects, contractors, engineers – is on the same page. Clear communication and collaboration are essential for meeting BREEAM requirements.

Landing That Coveted LEED Certification

LEED is another beast altogether, but it’s just as valuable. Think of it as a badge of honor for green building. Here’s how to snag one:

1. Pick the Right LEED Flavor: LEED offers different rating systems for different types of projects. Make sure you choose the one that’s right for your building.

2. Officially Declare Your Intentions: Register your project with the USGBC and pay the registration fee. It’s like saying “I’m in!

3. Paperwork Palooza: Gather all the documentation that proves you’re meeting LEED standards and submit it through their online portal. There’s a lot of paperwork and it can be quite confusing.

4. Pay to Play: Certification fees vary depending on the size and complexity of your project.

5. Judgment Time: The USGBC will review your application, assign points, and determine your final LEED certification level. You’ll either be popping champagne or going back to the drawing board.

6. Go Big or Go Home: If you’re aiming for Gold or Platinum, you need to prioritize energy efficiency. That means advanced HVAC systems, renewable energy sources, the works.

Dominating the DGNB Certification

DGNB, being the holistic system it is, requires a bit more finesse. But the rewards are worth it. A building that really balances all aspects of sustainability is something to be proud of. Here’s how to get there:

1. Find Your DGNB Niche: DGNB offers different certification systems based on building type and life cycle phase. So, pick the one that fits.

2. Get a DGNB Guru: A DGNB expert can help you define your sustainability goals and determine the right award level for your project (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum). It’s always good to have a guide in this process.

3. Get Your Name on the List: Register your project through the DGNB System Software, providing all the necessary details. Think of it as your formal introduction to DGNB.

4. Test the Waters: A pre-check will give you an idea of your project’s certifiable status and potential DGNB rating. It’s a good way to see if you’re on the right track.

5. Documentation Deluge: Work with your DGNB expert to gather all the documentation that proves you’re meeting DGNB criteria. It’s a collaborative effort.

6. Think Big Picture: Remember, DGNB looks at everything. Ecological quality, economic quality, sociocultural quality, technical quality, process quality. Address all of these for a higher rating. Don’t neglect the social aspects of your building, that can make or break a project when trying to gain the best DGNB rating.

Why Bother? The Perks of Certification

Okay, so all this sounds like a lot of work, right? So, why even bother? What’s the payoff? Well, there are plenty of reasons to go green and get certified. You might ask, “Is it really worth the effort?”, and I’m here to tell you, absolutely, it is.

• Supercharged Sustainability: Certifications push you to adopt sustainable practices, which means less environmental impact and more resource conservation. That’s a win for everyone.

• Cash Money: Certified buildings often command higher rents and sale prices. There’s a growing demand for sustainable spaces, and people are willing to pay for it. Take it from me, it’s a solid investment. And speaking of value…

• Happy, Healthy Occupants: Green building features create healthier indoor environments, which boosts productivity and satisfaction. It’s not just about saving the planet; it’s about taking care of the people who use the building.

• Good PR: Certification shows you’re serious about sustainability, which enhances your brand reputation and attracts environmentally conscious tenants and investors. It says “We care” without you having to say it.

• Show me the Money: Many jurisdictions offer tax incentives and rebates for green building projects. That’s extra cash in your pocket.

So, there you have it. A comprehensive guide to navigating the world of green building certifications. By embracing sustainable practices and following these steps, you can create buildings that are not only good for the planet but also good for your bottom line. So, don’t wait, go green today!

And finally, remember to check the official BREEAM, LEED, and DGNB websites for the latest information and resources. Things change, after all. As of today, April 18, 2025, everything here is current, but standards and procedures evolve. Good luck!