Which sustainable building accreditations are right for your project?

Lisa Ames-Hall
Jul 9
5 min read

Green Building Accreditations

Deciding which sustainable building accreditations are right for your project involves several considerations. Here are some steps you can take to make an informed decision:

Define your project goals and objectives: Are you aiming for energy efficiency, material sustainability, occupant wellness or all of the above? Understanding your project's specific goals will help you narrow down the most relevant accreditations.
Consider your project location: Some certifications may be more relevant or widely recognized in certain regions or countries. For example, LEED is commonly used in the United States, while BREEAM is more prevalent in Europe. Consider which certifications align best with local regulations, building practices, and market expectations.
Evaluate cost and resources: Each accreditation comes with its own costs, including application fees, documentation expenses, and additional consulting fees. Evaluate your project's budget and resources to determine which accreditation is feasible.
Assess your project's characteristics: Consider the specific features of your project, such as its size, type (residential, commercial, industrial), and intended lifespan. Some certifications are be better suited for certain types of projects or building designs, more on this later.
Review case studies and testimonials: Look for case studies or testimonials from projects that have achieved the accreditations you're considering. This can provide valuable insights into the process, challenges, and benefits associated with each certification.
Seek professional advice: If you're unsure about which accreditation to pursue or how to navigate the certification process, please give us a call. We'd love to have a chat about your environmental goals and can provide advice based on your project's specific needs and circumstances.

To help you on your sustainable journey, we've outlined the key features of some of the most popular accreditations, below.

BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method)

BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) is a leading sustainability assessment method for masterplanning projects, infrastructure, and buildings. Developed by the Building Research Establishment (BRE) in the UK, BREEAM evaluates the environmental performance of buildings based on criteria such as energy efficiency, water usage, materials selection, waste management, and ecological impact.

BREEAM is highly regarded for its comprehensive approach to sustainability, providing a holistic framework for assessing and improving the environmental performance of buildings throughout their lifecycle. It offers flexibility to accommodate different building types, scales, and geographical contexts while promoting innovation and best practices in sustainable design and construction.

BREEAM-certified buildings demonstrate a commitment to environmental stewardship, enhance occupant health and wellbeing, and often enjoy market recognition and value appreciation for their sustainability credentials.

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a globally recognised green building certification program developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). LEED provides a framework for designing, constructing, operating, and certifying buildings and communities that prioritise sustainability and environmental responsibility. Similarly to BREEAM, it evaluates buildings based on criteria such as energy efficiency, water conservation, materials selection, indoor environmental quality, and innovation.

LEED-certified buildings are known to consume less energy, conserve water, reduce waste, and provide healthier indoor environments for occupants. Additionally, LEED certification demonstrates a commitment to sustainability leadership, enhances marketability, and can lead to cost savings over the building's lifecycle through improved operational efficiency and lower environmental impacts.

SKA Rating

SKA Rating is a sustainability assessment tool developed by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) specifically tailored for fit-out and refurbishment projects in the commercial sector. It provides a framework for assessing and improving the environmental performance of interior spaces, focusing on areas such as energy efficiency, waste management, water usage, materials selection, and occupant wellbeing.

SKA Rating is beneficial because it offers a practical and cost-effective approach to achieving sustainable outcomes in commercial interior projects, guiding designers, contractors, and clients towards making informed decisions that minimise environmental impacts and enhance the quality of indoor environments. By promoting sustainable practices and responsible resource management, SKA Rating helps organizations reduce their carbon footprint, lower operating costs, and create healthier and more productive workplaces for occupants.

Passive House and EnerPHit Certification

Passive House and EnerPHit Certification are both standards developed by the Passive House Institute (PHI) that focus on achieving ultra-low energy consumption and high levels of comfort in buildings.

Passive House certification is awarded to new construction projects that meet rigorous performance criteria for energy efficiency, thermal comfort, and indoor air quality, while EnerPHit certification is tailored for retrofits of existing buildings to the Passive House standard. These certifications are highly regarded for their holistic approach to sustainable building design, emphasizing passive design principles, high levels of insulation, airtight construction, and efficient mechanical ventilation.

By achieving Passive House or EnerPHit certification, buildings can significantly reduce their energy demand, minimize greenhouse gas emissions, and provide superior comfort and indoor air quality for occupants, resulting in long-term cost savings, environmental benefits, and enhanced occupant satisfaction and wellbeing.

Health and Wellbeing Accreditations

WELL Building Standard

WELL is a performance-based certification system for measuring, certifying, and monitoring features of the built environment that impact human health and well-being. Developed by the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), WELL focuses on seven core concepts: air, water, nourishment, light, fitness, comfort, and mind. By addressing factors such as indoor air quality, access to natural light, ergonomic design, and mental health support, WELL aims to create spaces that promote physical health, mental well-being, and productivity for occupants.

WELL certification is highly regarded for its evidence-based approach to improving building design and operations, offering a framework for creating healthier environments that prioritise the needs and comfort of occupants. By pursuing WELL certification, buildings can enhance their marketability, attract tenants, and contribute to the overall health and wellness of communities, fostering a positive impact on both individuals and society as a whole.

Fitwel Standard

Fitwel is a building certification system designed to optimise occupant health and productivity through evidence-based design and operational strategies. Developed by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the General Services Administration (GSA), Fitwel assesses various aspects of buildings and spaces, including location, access to amenities, indoor environments, active design features, and policies that support health and wellness.

Fitwel is recognised for its flexibility and scalability, allowing projects of all types and sizes to pursue certification and improve the health and well-being of their occupants. By promoting strategies such as stair accessibility, healthy food options, indoor air quality management, and opportunities for physical activity, Fitwel-certified buildings contribute to improved employee satisfaction, productivity, and overall quality of life, making them desirable places to work, live, and visit.

At Holt Architecture, we're committed to designing spaces that prioritise both sustainability and occupant wellbeing.

As we continue our journey towards creating spaces that uplift communities and support healthier lifestyles, we invite you to join us in this endeavor. Whether you're embarking on a new project or seeking to retrofit an existing space, our team is here to collaborate with you every step of the way.

Let's build a brighter, greener future together. Get in touch with us today to explore how we can integrate sustainable building and wellness principles into your next project. Together, we can make a positive impact on both people and the planet.