Voluntary Certification Systems

Voluntary certification systems, while not legally required very often are widely recognized and often adopted by both private and public sector organizations to showcase leadership in sustainability. These systems are frequently used by government institutions and local authorities to complement mandatory standards, enhance environmental performance, and align with European Union directives.

Some of most popular voluntary sustainable building certification schemes include:

• BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method): A widely recognized standard that evaluates the environmental performance of buildings based on criteria like energy use, materials, waste, and ecological impact.
• LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design): A popular certification system that focuses on sustainable site development, water efficiency, energy optimization, material selection, and indoor environmental quality.
• DGNB (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Nachhaltiges Bauen): Developed by the German Sustainable Building Council, this system takes a holistic approach, assessing environmental, economic, and sociocultural factors to determine building sustainability.
• Passive House (PH): A rigorous standard that minimizes a building’s energy demand through high insulation, airtightness, and efficient mechanical systems, resulting in buildings with ultra-low energy consumption.
• EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies): Developed by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), this certification focuses on energy, water, and material efficiency, providing a cost-effective pathway to sustainability, particularly in emerging markets.
• LCA or CO₂ footprint building assessment: Good tools for understanding the full environmental impact of a building throughout its lifecycle, from material extraction and construction to operation and eventual demolition. These assessments provide a detailed analysis of energy use, greenhouse gas emissions, and resource efficiency, helping to identify opportunities for reducing the building’s overall carbon footprint and enhancing sustainability.

These voluntary systems not only help differentiate properties in a competitive market but also support broader goals of reducing carbon emissions, improving resource efficiency, and enhancing the health and well-being of building occupants. Adopting these certifications often reflects a commitment to exceeding basic regulatory requirements and aligning with global best practices in sustainable building design and management.