As the climate crisis intensifies, the built environment’s role in reducing carbon emissions has come into sharp focus. Buildings are responsible for a significant share of global energy use and greenhouse gas emissions, making it imperative to prioritise sustainability in the construction and management of estates. One effective way for estate leaders to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability is by pursuing green building certifications. These certifications, such as BREEAM, LEED, and the WELL Building Standard, offer a structured approach to sustainable building practices, helping to improve environmental performance while enhancing tenant well-being.
Green building certifications not only address the environmental impact of buildings but also promote health, well-being, and operational efficiency. For estate leaders, these certifications offer a way to stay ahead of industry trends, meet regulatory requirements, and add long-term value to their assets. This post explores why green building certifications are so important and outlines four key steps for estate leaders to get started on the journey towards certification. Read more at https://resustain.com/
Why Green Building Certifications Matter
Green building certifications are a hallmark of environmental responsibility and sustainability. They set out specific criteria and standards for reducing a building’s energy use, improving water efficiency, reducing waste, and promoting indoor environmental quality. Certification schemes often incorporate a wide range of aspects, including energy and resource management, health and comfort, and sustainable site development.
For estate leaders, obtaining green building certification can offer numerous benefits. Firstly, these certifications are increasingly sought after by tenants, investors, and other stakeholders who prioritise sustainability. A certified building often commands higher rents, lower vacancy rates, and increased tenant satisfaction. As more companies commit to ambitious sustainability targets, the demand for green-certified buildings is growing.
Additionally, green buildings typically have lower operational costs due to their focus on energy efficiency and resource management. Over time, this leads to significant savings on utility bills, making green building certifications a financially sound investment. For landlords and developers, a green-certified building can also be a competitive differentiator in a crowded property market, helping to attract both tenants and investors who are eager to meet their own sustainability goals.
4 Ways Estate Leaders Can Get Started with Green Building Certifications
Understand the Different Certification Schemes
The first step for estate leaders interested in green building certifications is to familiarise themselves with the various schemes available. The most widely recognised certifications include BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method), LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), and the WELL Building Standard, which focuses specifically on the health and well-being of building occupants.
Each certification programme has its own set of criteria, processes, and requirements, so it’s important to choose the one that best aligns with the building’s goals and the estate leader’s vision. BREEAM, for example, is well-established in the UK and focuses on reducing a building’s environmental impact through sustainable construction and operations. LEED, on the other hand, is more global in scope and also includes detailed assessments on water usage, energy efficiency, and indoor air quality. WELL is a certification that focuses more on human-centric design, promoting factors like light, air, and water quality.
Conduct a Sustainability Audit of Your Building
Before pursuing certification, estate leaders should assess their building’s current sustainability performance. This involves conducting a sustainability audit to identify areas of improvement and prioritise actions based on the criteria of the chosen certification scheme. An audit will typically cover energy usage, waste management, water efficiency, and the quality of indoor environments.
A thorough audit will provide a clear baseline for where the building currently stands in terms of sustainability, and where it needs to improve in order to meet certification standards. For example, does the building meet minimum energy performance standards, or would further insulation and energy-efficient lighting be necessary to gain points towards certification? Once the audit is completed, estate leaders can develop a roadmap for achieving the necessary improvements.
Implement Sustainable Design and Operational Practices
With the sustainability audit in hand, estate leaders can begin implementing the changes required to meet certification standards. This might include retrofitting the building with more energy-efficient systems, installing renewable energy sources like solar panels, or improving water management through low-flow fixtures and rainwater harvesting systems.
Operational practices should also be considered as part of the certification process. This could involve reducing waste through recycling and composting programmes, using sustainable materials in renovations, or adopting green cleaning practices to improve indoor air quality. Green building certifications typically reward long-term operational improvements, so it’s important to ensure that sustainability is embedded in the building’s ongoing management and operations.
Engage Tenants and Stakeholders in Sustainability Initiatives
Achieving green building certification is not solely the responsibility of the building owner or estate manager. Engaging tenants and other stakeholders in sustainability efforts is key to maintaining a green-certified building. Estate leaders can encourage tenants to adopt energy-saving behaviours, such as switching off lights when not in use or using energy-efficient appliances.
In addition to tenant engagement, estate leaders should also work closely with contractors, architects, and consultants who are experienced in green building standards. These professionals can provide invaluable guidance throughout the certification process, from the design and construction phases to the ongoing management of a certified building.
Conclusion
Pursuing green building certification is a powerful way for estate leaders to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability, improve operational efficiency, and enhance the long-term value of their properties. With the growing demand for environmentally responsible buildings, certification offers a competitive advantage in an increasingly eco-conscious market.
By understanding the different certification schemes, conducting sustainability audits, implementing sustainable practices, and engaging stakeholders, estate leaders can set their buildings on the path to certification. Ultimately, green building certifications are not just a symbol of environmental responsibility – they are a sound investment that can deliver lasting benefits for the planet, tenants, and the bottom line.
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