“The greenest building is the one that is already built.” – Carl Elefante
As sustainable architecture takes center stage in Canada’s construction industry, Green Building Rating Systems (GBRSs) have emerged as a valuable tool in assessing and guiding sustainability efforts. These voluntary and market-driven standards measure buildings’ sustainability, encouraging environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable practices. GBRSs address energy efficiency, water conservation, pollution reduction, waste management, indoor environmental quality, and sustainable materials, all while considering the triple bottom line of sustainability – planet, people, and profit.
In this article, we delve into the world of Green Building Rating Systems, exploring various aspects such as their comparative overview, challenges, and benefits. By understanding these rating systems, we can unlock the potential to create a more sustainable and resilient built environment in Canada and beyond.
Green Building Rating Systems: A Comparative Overview
Green Building Rating Systems come in various forms and are known by different names, including Green Building Rating Systems, Sustainable Building Rating Systems, Sustainable Rating Tools, Green Building Assessment Systems, certifications, and protocols. The most widely recognized and utilized systems include LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method).
LEED, developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), focuses on environmental performance and sustainability across various aspects of buildings. It rates buildings on a 100-point scale and offers different certification levels based on the total score. BREEAM, developed by the Building Research Establishment (BRE) in the UK, evaluates and certifies the sustainability of buildings. It assesses factors such as energy and water efficiency, indoor environmental quality, and ecological impact.
Other notable green certification programs include WELL Building Standard, Living Building Challenge, and Green Globes. These rating systems aim to promote sustainable development, reduce energy consumption, minimize environmental impact, and enhance occupant health and well-being.
Comparison of LEED and BREEAM
| Rating System | Developed By | Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|
| LEED | U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) | Environmental performance and sustainability |
| BREEAM | Building Research Establishment (BRE) | Sustainability, energy and water efficiency, indoor environmental quality, ecological impact |
LEED and BREEAM provide comprehensive assessments of the sustainability of buildings, addressing various aspects such as energy efficiency, water conservation, indoor air quality, and ecological impact. While LEED is widely used in North America, BREEAM is more prevalent in Europe. However, both systems are recognized globally and have influenced the development of green building rating systems in other countries.
These certification programs help create a standardized framework for sustainable development, guiding architects, developers, and building owners towards sustainable practices. By adhering to these ratings, the construction industry can make significant strides towards achieving sustainable development goals and reducing its environmental impact.
Challenges and Benefits of Green Building Rating Systems
The construction industry plays a significant role in contributing to global environmental and societal challenges, emphasizing the need for sustainable practices. In this context, Green Building Rating Systems are crucial tools for assessing and addressing these challenges effectively. The construction sector is a major consumer of energy, driving electricity demand and generating greenhouse gas emissions worldwide. It also consumes vast amounts of natural resources and produces substantial waste.
Green Building Rating Systems help mitigate these challenges by promoting energy efficiency, reducing water consumption, minimizing pollution, and improving indoor environmental quality. Moreover, these systems encourage sustainable use of materials, supporting the overall goal of mitigating climate change and creating a more sustainable and resilient built environment. However, implementing and adhering to these rating systems can present challenges, including the need for extensive documentation and the costs associated with certification.
Despite these challenges, the benefits of green building certification are numerous. Organizations that obtain green building certification experience significant advantages, including energy savings, reduced operating costs, improved occupant comfort and productivity, and an enhanced reputation. Green Building Rating Systems provide a comprehensive framework for measuring and recognizing sustainability achievements in the built environment, effectively driving the construction industry towards a greener future.
