What are the most accepted sustainable certifications in construction?

The benefits of sustainable buildings go beyond explanation. Sustainable construction allows energy savings, they emit less CO₂ and create more pleasant spaces for both habitants and passersby, among many more benefits.

Furthermore, obtaining sustainable certifications increases the prestigious and the economic value of the building. However, nowadays there are a lot of green accreditations both at national and international level. Here are some of the most important ones:

1. BREEAM

   The Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Methodology (BREEAM) is an assessment to raise awareness amongst owners, occupiers and designers. It was created in the United Kingdom but is the world’s longest established method of assessment.

   This system measures the energy efficiency, how sustainably the building was built and how it responds to the users’ needs.

2. Passivhaus

   The Passivhaus (Passive House) comes from Germany. It focuses more on achieving thermal comfort with minimal heating and cooling by using insulation, appropriate ventilation and elimination of thermal bridges.

   This standard acknowledges the buildings with the lowest ecological footprints. According to the label, Passive Houses allow energy savings up to 90% compared with a regular building.

   

   Passive house designed according to the Passivhaus standard.

3. LEED

   Leadership in Energy – Environmental Design (LEED) is an international certification used worldwide but founded by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC). Through a point system, it certifies the most sustainable and environmentally friendly buildings.

   To achieve the accreditation, the project must earn points in the following categories: CO₂ emissions, energy efficiency, water use, waste systems, transportation, materials, health, and indoor environmental quality.

   

   Recently, we published this article gathering five USA CUPACLAD projects that have received the LEED certification. Do not miss it!

4. WELL

   The WELL Building Standard is a performance based system for certifying sustainable construction practices. Unlike the previous three, this certification is more focused on people’s health and wellness.

These four sustainable certifications are among the most used worldwide today, but there are more. If you want to know how natural slate can help your project to increase its sustainability credentials, do not hesitate to contact us, our team of experts will be pleased to help you.