Green rating systems
[edit] Introduction
Construction has both direct and indirect environmental impacts. As a result, a large number of 'green' rating systems have been established to help mitigate these impacts through the encouragement, measurement and recognition of sustainability performance.
BRE’s rating system, BREEAM, was the UK’s first green rating system, launched in the 1990s, followed by the US’ Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system in 2000. It is now thought that there are around 600 green certification systems worldwide.
Rating systems measure relative levels of compliance or performance with goals and requirements; generally, the aim is to create projects that are environmentally responsible and use resources efficiently throughout the project lifecycle.
The benefits of using a green rating system include:
- Environmental aspirations can be set.
- Clear goals can be worked towards.
- Environmental performance can be verified.
- Environmental performance can be demonstrated to third parties.
- Improvement can be measured and demonstrated.
- Green education can be facilitated and encouraged.
- Positive marketing can be generated.
Some of the most commonly-used green rating systems include the following:
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Active House.
- Aktivplus.
- Blue Angel ecolabel.
- BREEAM, LEED or WELL.
- BREEAM performance targets
- Buildingomics.
- Building performance metrics.
- Display energy certificate.
- Do green buildings pay?
- Energy certificates for buildings.
- Energy Performance of Buildings Directive.
- Energy related products regulations.
- Energy targets.
- Global Ecolabelling Network.
- Green building.
- GREENGUARD Certification.
- Green Seal.
- Living Standard.
- Moving towards green residential buildings.
- NABERS UK.
- Performance gap.
- Total Resource Use and Efficiency TRUE.
Featured articles and news
Our next guest editor Christine Peever
Practising Architect and Director of Sheldon Peever Studio.
Biodiversity net gain, tips and tools for small sites
How to deal with BNG when options become limited.
Registered building inspectors
Building types and conflicts of interest updates explained.
A brief run-down reminder of key points to note.
New electrical apprentice rates
Fair pay for much needed pipeline of electrical apprentices.
BSRIA's commitment to sustainability and net zero
Key documents that represent an early shift in thinking.
A resource for Cleaner Air, Better Tomorrow.
Awe-inspiring medieval great barns.
A history of timber construction in the UK
From a timber Stonehenge to half timber houses.
Engineering services still struggle with labour shortages
According to latest quarterly services survey of the sector.
Infrastructure that connect the physical and digital domains.
BSRIA announces Lisa Ashworth as new CEO
Tasked with furthering BSRIA’s impressive growth ambitions.
Public buildings get half a million energy efficiency boost
£557 million to switch to cleaner heating and save on energy.
CIOB launches pre-election manifesto
Outlining potential future policies for the next government.
Grenfell Tower Inquiry announcement
Phase 2 hearings come to a close and the final report due in September.