Green Building Certifications
Green building certifications, also commonly referred to as sustainability certifications, sustainability standards, or rating systems, have been around since the 1990s. Third-party certifications benefit buildings economically, environmentally, and socially.
What is a Green Building Certification?
A green building certification is a formal recognition that a building project meets specific sustainability and efficiency criteria established by an independent third party. These certifications promote environmentally responsible and resource-efficient practices throughout a building's lifecycle, from design and construction to operations and maintenance.
GAIA specializes in guiding projects through the certification process, ensuring that buildings not only comply with codes but exceed industry standards. We are known for our hands-on approach and deep industry knowledge, helping clients to achieve certifications that demonstrate their commitment to sustainability.
Types of Green Building Certifications
There are several types of green building certifications available, each with its unique criteria and benefits. While federal, state, and local regulations govern construction practices, many owners and developers pursue third-party certifications to implement sustainability initiatives and validate building performance.
The plaque which is awarded signals authenticity to customers, avoiding greenwashing claims.
There are over 100 rating systems available for both new construction and existing buildings, with their popularity varying region by region. Here are some of the most recognized certifications which GAIA’s consultants are accredited by:
LEED
LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. LEED green building certification is one of the most widely recognized programs in the world. It provides a framework for healthy, efficient, and cost-saving buildings.
LEED certification is available for all building types and phases, including new construction, interior fit-outs, operations and maintenance, and core and shell. LEED certification is awarded at four levels based on the number of points achieved from Platinum (the highest) to Certified (the minimum) .
GAIA has helped developers, property owners, and architects, achieve LEED certification for over 20 years.
Ryan McEvoy, Founder and Principal at GAIA, spearheaded the world’s first LEED speculative commercial building (and the 30th LEED-certified building in California) in the city of Pasadena.
GAIA is recognized as a LEED Proven-Provider by Green Building Certification Inc., (GBCI), the parent company which created and manages LEED. This status acknowledges LEED consultants who consistently produce excellent LEED submissions. Project teams working with a LEED Proven Provider can expect a smoother and faster certification experience.
WELL
The WELL Building Standard focuses on the health and wellbeing of building occupants. It covers aspects such as air, water, nourishment, light, fitness, comfort, and mind. GAIA’s team helps you navigate the WELL certification process, creating spaces that enhance occupant health and productivity.
BREEAM
BREEAM stands for Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method. BREEAM is another globally recognized green building certification. It assesses the sustainability performance of buildings in areas such as energy use, health and wellbeing, pollution, transport, materials, waste, water, land use, and ecology.
Fitwel
Fitwel is aimed at promoting health and wellness in the built environment. Developed by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the General Services Administration (GSA), it emphasizes occupant health through operational strategies and building design. Fitwel evaluates various factors such as air quality, access to daylight, active design, and healthy food options.
Energy Star
Energy Star is a voluntary program backed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), aimed at helping businesses and individuals save money and protect the environment through superior energy efficiency. Buildings that earn the Energy Star certification perform in the top 25% of similar facilities nationwide in terms of energy performance.
Living Building Challenge
The Living Building Challenge is one of the most rigorous green building certifications, promoting regenerative design that goes beyond sustainability to create a positive impact on the environment. It includes stringent criteria for energy, water, materials, equity, and beauty. GAIA’s experience with the Living Building Challenge helps you achieve these ambitious goals, creating buildings that are truly regenerative.
Green vs. Sustainable Building
In our industry, many use “green” and “sustainable” interchangeably—however, few buildings are truly sustainable. The International Living Future Institute, creator of the Living Building Challenge, illustrates the sustainability journey of buildings, going from doing less bad to achieving net-positive outcomes. LBC emphasizes the importance of regenerative design and retrofits for creating sustainable buildings.
Benefits of Green Building Certifications
Green building certifications offer numerous benefits, including:
Economic Benefits
Certified green buildings typically have lower operating costs due to reduced energy and water consumption. They also tend to attract higher rental rates and property values. At GAIA, we help you realize these economic benefits by optimizing your building’s performance and achieving the highest possible certification ratings.
Environmental Benefits
Green building certifications encourage practices that minimize the environmental impact of buildings, with a strong focus on carbon reduction, or “decarbonization”. This involves reducing greenhouse gas emissions, including carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, fluorinated gases, and water vapor, all of which contribute to global warming. Certifications also promote waste reduction and the efficient use of resources. GAIA supports these goals through services like energy and daylight modeling, life cycle assessments to reduce embodied carbon, solar analysis, commissioning services, and helping clients achieve measurable sustainability benefits.
Social Benefits
Green buildings provide healthier and more comfortable environments for occupants, leading to improved wellbeing and productivity. Certifications like WELL and fitwel focus specifically on these aspects. GAIA’s holistic approach ensures that your buildings not only meet technical standards but also enhance the quality of life for their occupants and surrounding community.
GAIA’s Approach to Green Building Certifications
We take pride in our approach to getting buildings certified. Our clients often tell us that we outperform other consultants due to our:
Hands-On Approach
We manage the entire certification process, from initial assessment to final submission, so you can focus on your core business activities. Our team works closely with your project managers to ensure seamless integration of sustainability practices.
In-Depth Knowledge
With decades of industry experience, our team possesses deep knowledge of green building certifications. We stay updated on the latest standards and best practices, ensuring that your projects are at the cutting edge of sustainability.
Professionalism and High Quality
As a mission-driven company, we are motivated by moving the sustainability needle forward. In order to do this effectively, we are committed to delivering thorough and accurate documentation, timely submissions, and clear communication throughout the certification process. When it comes to mitigating climate risk and improving planetary health, time is of the essence.
In-House Services
Unlike many of our competitors, we provide all services in-house. This ensures consistency, reliability, and a high level of expertise across all aspects of your project.
Fair Pricing
We believe in fair and transparent pricing. Our services are competitively priced to provide you with exceptional value without compromising on quality.
Contact GAIA
We’re here to help you navigate the certification process with ease and confidence. Our expertise in LEED, BREEAM, WELL, Fitwel, Energy Star, and the Living Building Challenge ensures that your projects achieve the highest standards.
Contact hello@gaiadevelopment.com to learn more about our services and how we can help you create high-performing buildings. Let us empower your design and construction teams to build highly efficient, future-proof assets that lead the industry in sustainability.