General Introduction

In an era of increasing environmental consciousness and sustainability concerns, the construction and building industry has undergone a significant transformation. The traditional approach to building construction, often characterized by resource-intensive practices and high levels of waste, is being replaced by a more eco-friendly and sustainable (green) approach. This paradigm shift in the construction industry is largely driven by the need to minimize the adverse impacts of construction on the environment and to create structures that are energy-efficient, resource-efficient, and have a reduced carbon footprint. To achieve these goals, certification and rating systems for sustainable and eco- friendly construction have emerged as powerful tools to guide and incentivize green building practices.

The need for green and eco-friendly construction

The construction and building industry is known for its substantial consumption of resources and energy, as well as its generation of a significant quantity of waste. According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the construction and operation of buildings contribute approximately 40% of global energy-related carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Additionally, the building and construction industry consumes about 40% of global raw materials, further exacerbating environmental pressures.

The need for green and eco-friendly construction practices arises from the urgent requirement to address climate change, minimize energy consumption, conserve natural resources, and enhance indoor air quality. This has led to the development of various certification and rating systems that set standards for green and sustainable building practices and offer recognition to projects that meet these standards.

A Look at Various Certifications and Rating Systems for Green and Eco-Friendly Construction

Let us explore the prevailing certification and rating systems for green and eco-friendly construction, as given below: –

1. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)

One of the most widely recognized and utilized certification systems for green buildings is LEED. This very certification system was developed by the U.S. Green Building Council, abbreviated as USGBC. LEED provides a framework for designing, constructing, operating, and maintaining environmentally responsible buildings and neighborhoods. The certification system for sustainable construction assigns points to various aspects of a project, including site selection, water efficiency, energy utilization, material selection, indoor environmental quality, and innovation in building design.

LEED certification levels include Certified, Silver, Gold, and Platinum, with Platinum being the highest achievable level of certification. The system’s comprehensive approach to sustainability has made it a benchmark for green construction not only in the United States of America but also around the world. Its success has prompted the creation of LEED adaptations for several building types and purposes, such as LEED for homes and LEED for neighborhood development.

2. BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method)

Originating in the United Kingdom (UK), BREEAM is another prominent certification system for evaluating the sustainability of buildings. Developed by the Building Research Establishment (BRE), BREEAM assesses construction projects based on several criteria, such as energy and water use, health and well-being, pollution, land use, and ecology. Similar to LEED, BREEAM certification also assigns ratings ranging from Pass to Outstanding.

What sets BREEAM apart is its focus on research and unceasing improvement. The system is updated on a regular basis to align with evolving environmental standards and priorities. Additionally, BREEAM has widened its scope to cover various building types, including commercial, residential, and industrial.

3. Green Star

Green Star is Australia’s certification and rating system, equivalent to LEED and BREEAM. Developed by the Green Building Council of Australia, commonly abbreviated as GBCA, this rating system evaluates the environmental impact of buildings and communities. Green Star certification considers aspects such as management, indoor environment quality, energy, transport, water, materials, utilization of land, and emissions.

Green Star certification levels consist of 4 stars, 5 stars, 6 stars, and the highest rating, Green Star Communities. This system of certification has played a crucial role in promoting sustainable construction practices in Australia as well as in the broader Asia-Pacific region.

Challenges and Criticisms

While certification and rating systems for building construction have significantly advanced the cause of sustainable construction, they are not without their challenges and criticisms.

One common criticism of these systems is the potential for “greenwashing,” where projects are designed to meet the minimum requirements for certification without making substantial contributions to sustainability. To address this issue, certification systems have been refining their criteria and increasing transparency.

Additionally, some argue that the emphasis on obtaining certifications for the construction of buildings and structures might overshadow the broader goal of adopting sustainable practices as an industry standard. It is, however, essential to recognize that certifications are tools to guide and incentivize change, but they should not be the one and only motivation for implementing eco-friendly construction practices.

Wrapping Up

The prevailing certification and rating systems for green and eco-friendly construction of different types of buildings and structures have transformed the construction industry by setting rigorous standards for sustainability and incentivizing environmentally responsible practices. Certifications such as LEED, BREEAM, Green Star, and other regional systems have collectively raised awareness about the importance of reducing the environmental impact of construction.

As these systems continue to evolve, it is of utmost importance to strike a balance between setting high standards and ensuring that the construction industry as a whole embraces sustainable practices. Ultimately, the goal of construction companies should not be just to achieve certifications but to create a sustainable future where structures play a pivotal role in conserving resources, minimizing emissions, and improving the quality of life for occupants.