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Project and Product Certifications

Third-party certification is a great way to add credibility to any high-performance building. The process of achieving certification also adds a layer of accountability and integrity for the building project team. 

While a space can be green and high-performing if it is not certified, there are tangible benefits that accompany certification. These include a higher rental or resale value, higher occupant and tenant satisfaction, lower operating and utility costs, higher worker productivity and pride of place, and local and national recognition opportunities. 

Every project, team, and budget will consider a variety of delivery and verification methods for their high-performance place. However, anyone working on a green building project should review the following certification options, benefits, and requirements: 

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BOMA 360 Performance Program

The BOMA 360 Performance Program sets the standard worldwide for operational best practices in the commercial real estate industry.
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BREEAM

BREEAM is a sustainability assessment method for the built environment and infrastructure. It is used widely in many countries and is gaining more traction in the U.S. Project owners around the world rely on BREEAM to achieve their sustainability goals and improve the performance of their assets. The BREEAM framework is used to assess whole life performance, from new build projects to refurbishment and fit-out.
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ENERGY STAR Program

ENERGY STAR is administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a voluntary labeling program to promote energy-efficient products and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 
A residential neighborhood featuring three houses. The center house has a gray stone facade and a garage. The left house has a brick exterior, and the right house is larger with a light-colored facade. A lawn is present in front of the houses.

ENERGY STAR for Homes

ENERGY STAR certification was first offered for homes in 1995.  Initially focused on windows, air sealing, heating, cooling, and ventilation, the ENERGY STAR label has since been updated to apply to more components, including lighting, insulation, and appliances.
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Fitwel

Originally created by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention and U.S. General Services Administration, Fitwel is a leading certification system committed to building health for all. It is a standard and a real estate platform driving health insights in building, ESG performance, and bottom-line value.
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Green Building Product Certifications & Labeling Systems

There are many benefits to attaining sustainable certification for building products, including increased demand and access to a network of green product rating systems. 
A modern building with curved architectural features, glass panels, and landscaped greenery. The structure has a pathway that winds between vegetation, highlighting its contemporary design.

Green Globes

The Green Globes system was based on the Building Research Establishment’s Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) and has a lower barrier to entry than some of the other programs. 
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Home Energy Rating System

The Home Energy Rating System (HERS) is an evaluation of energy efficiency and forecasted energy costs within a home. 
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Just Communities (formerly EcoDistricts)

The EcoDistricts framework, rebranded under Just Communities, outlines priorities for ecological, economic, and social sustainability in local communities. The Pittsburgh region is home to several communities following the EcoDistricts framework, including Millvale, Etna, and Sharpsburg.
A partially constructed building with an exposed framework and bright orange elements. Surrounding green grass and a few small trees are visible. The sky is partly cloudy.

LEED Rating Systems

LEED – or Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design – is an internationally recognized green building certification system and standard. LEED has rating systems for a variety of building types and addresses impact areas like sustainable sites, location and transportation, indoor environmental quality, materials and resources, and more.
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Living Building Challenge

Created by the International Living Future Institute (ILFI), the Living Building Challenge (LBC) is a philosophy, advocacy platform, and certification program that promotes a very high building standard linked to net-zero energy, net-zero water, beauty, and more. Buildings can achieve full Living certification or Petal certification. ILFI also offers the CORE rating system as a more approachable certification that still meets the spirit of the Living Building Challenge, as well as a specific Zero Energy certification and Zero Carbon certification. 
A view of modern apartment buildings with varying architectural designs, featuring brick, white, and dark paneling. Balconies are visible, and there is a landscaped area with plants in the foreground.

National Green Building Standard

The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and the International Code Council (ICC) partnered to establish a nationally recognized standard definition of green building for homes. 
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Net Zero Energy Building

NZEB buildings have 100% of their energy needs supplied by on-site renewable energy on a net annual basis.
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Parksmart

Parksmart is a building certification system specifically designed for parking garages. It aims to reduce the environmental impact of these structures through improved energy and parking efficiencies while encouraging alternative transportation.
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Passive House

The Passive House standard was developed in Germany in the early 1990s and focuses on an airtight building envelope, efficient systems, thermal bridge avoidance, and fresh, filtered air. This standard and building method can be applied to both residential and commercial buildings. 
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RESET

RESET is a set of standards, assessment tools, and services focused on data quality and transparency, with the purpose of helping built environments become healthier and more sustainable. Embodied standards include Embodied Carbon, Embodied Circularity, and Embodied Health, and Operational standards include RESET Air, RESET Energy, RESET Water, and RESET Waste.
A landscaped parking lot area featuring small trees, shrubs, and colorful flowers including yellow and red blooms. A white car is parked in the background.

Sustainable SITES

SITES is a rating system that guides, evaluates, and certifies a project’s sustainability in the planning, design, construction, and management of landscapes and other outdoor spaces. SITES supports landscape architects, planners, and others in implementing nature-based solutions. SITES projects enhance biodiversity and mitigate climate change while conserving resources, improving public health, and protecting critical ecosystems. 
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WELL Building Standard

The WELL Building Standard focuses on the health and wellness impacts that buildings have on occupants.  Areas of concentration are air, water, nourishment, light, fitness, comfort, and mind. 
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WELL Health & Safety Rating

The WELL Health-Safety Rating is a roadmap to help organizations put the necessary plans and protocols in place for resilience and response. The rating is designed to empower workplace leaders, owners and operators across large and small businesses alike to prioritize the health and safety of their employees, staff, visitors and other stakeholders. The WELL Health-Safety seal is a visible mark of an organization’s commitment to making health and safety a best practice.