Certification

2022-10-25T12:46:50Z

BowlesC:

The word Certification is likely to have stemmed from the idea of making something certain or witnessing the truth (French 1200's phrase certefier) to then a demonstration of proof or a notification (Medieval Latin certificationem / certificatio) used from the 1500's, through to more specifically, providing a legal certificate, to vouch for or to confirm an activity from around the 1800's.

In the same light, today the word refers to the act or process of certification, as well as the actual document, proof or certified statement, that evidences or attests that an object, body or person has performed to or reached a certain agreed level, normally through some means of formal assessment by a third party body.

In construction the term certification is used to cover a wide variety of themes and for many different purposes from details to buildings and cities, from materials to products and components and from students to professionals and whole organisations. The themes also vary dramatically such as safety, energy, sustainability, technological development, knowledge uptake, skills development, management processes, professional experience and so on.

Terms related to certification might be ; certifying body, which is the organisation making the assessment and issuing the certification, certification standard or requirement, the level required for a certain purpose, certified assessor, may refer to the person who makes assessments and awards certifications, who in turn will most likely have a certification to do so.

= Person specific certification examples =

* Certified Construction Manager (CCM)
* Associate Constructor (AC)
* Certified Professional Constructor (CPC)
* Certified LEED Assessor (LEED)
* Certified European Passivhaus Design (CEPD)
* Project Management Professional (PMP)
* Certified Safety Manager (CSM)
* Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

= Building specific certification Examples =

* PassivHaus
* LEED
* BREAM
* Planet Mark
* Certified details
* Robust details
* British standards.
* CE marking.

= Related articles on Designing Buildings =

* Certificates in the construction industry.
* CIOB accepted onto register of end-point assessment organisations.
* Competent persons scheme.
* Construction contract certificates, notices and instructions.
* How to check certification.
* Notice.
* Permit.
* Self certification.
* Sign off.
* Third party accreditation.
* Third party certification.
* Water Industry Approved Plumbers Scheme WIAPS.

[[Category:DCN_Commentary]] [[Category:DCN_Definition]] [[Category:Definitions]] [[Category:Appointments]] [[Category:Construction_management]]

Planet Mark

2022-10-25T12:44:39Z

BowlesC: Created page with "Planet Mark is a sustainability certification for every type of organisation and for real estate. Our certification recognises continuous improvement, encourages action and build..."

Planet Mark is a sustainability certification for every type of organisation and for real estate. Our certification recognises continuous improvement, encourages action and builds an empowered community of like-minded individuals who make a world of difference.

Planet Mark Development Certification requires the measurement and reduction of whole-life carbon emissions, engagement of the supply-chain and the inclusion of the local community. In this way every building, from its design through to its operation, can combat climate change, support biodiversity and contribute to the society that it serves. Planet Mark measures the whole-life carbon emissions of each development and compares it to a notional baseline. A lifecycle assessment (LCA) of each building is measured and conducted by a Planet Mark approved LCA consultant. Third party verification from Planet Mark then adds rigour to the LCA calculation and provides a clear, digestible breakdown of the carbon footprint. Stakeholders are also engaged to raise awareness around sustainability. The certification includes a local community engagement programme which links the development to local schools and colleges, delivering sustainability education to young people as well as helping them reduce their own carbon footprint and save money. Workshops to engage supply-chain, professional teams, main contractors, developers and occupiers will also be co-hosted.

Development can have a significant impact on communities, and the people that it serves. Planet Mark recognise the importance of communicating sustainability at every stage of the development process. To help make this happen, they provide a comprehensive package of materials and toolkits, to inspire site teams and workers and help them understand how they are supporting the sustainability objectives of the development. The programme helps communicate commitments to society and the environment during the design, construction and operation of a new building.

The certification offers an easily identifiable symbol, signifying that the building is positively impacting society and the environment. Through measuring lifecycle carbon emissions, quantifiable reductions in embodied and operational carbon are highlighted. The carbon impact of all stages of a building lifecycle are measured, and any identified hotspots are considered as potential areas to achieve reductions. Any reductions are measured against a ‘business as usual’ notional baseline, with achieved certification helping clients meet planning requirements.

The certification has been used to successfully meet planning requirements for carbon reduction and also engages the supply-chain. The Considerate Constructors Scheme has a strong focus on communication. A series of posters and banners communicates sustainability benefits of achieving Planet Mark to site workers and the local community. Through working on, and learning about a sustainable development, a legacy of sustainability is created through low carbon materials, services and specifications in tenders. Planet Mark certification can also support achievement of BREEAM and LEED points.

The certification aligns with the UKGBC Net Zero Carbon Building’s framework and upon the purchase of offsets, a development can market the building’s zero carbon character, in-line with the UK’s zero carbon policy.

[[Category:Organisations]] [[Category:Standards_/_measurements]] [[Category:Sustainability]]

Designing Buildings - User contributions [en]

Certification

Planet Mark