Green building standards across the globe

Green building rating systems have become increasingly popular across the globe as an effective way to measure and promote sustainable building practices. These rating systems are designed to assess the environmental performance of buildings and encourage the adoption of green technologies, renewable energy sources, and other sustainable practices. In this article, we will explore some of the most prominent green building rating systems that are used around the world.

BREEAM (Building Research Establishment’s Environmental Assessment Method) is a green building rating system that originated in the UK in the early 1990s. It is one of the oldest and most widely used green building rating systems in the world, with more than 2.2 million buildings certified under the system. BREEAM assesses buildings based on their environmental impact, considering factors such as energy use, water consumption, materials, waste, pollution, and ecology.

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a green building rating system developed by the US Green Building Council in 2000. It is a globally recognized certification system that has been used in over 160 countries. LEED measures the sustainability of buildings across several categories, including location and transportation, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, indoor environmental quality, and innovation.

Green Star is a green building rating system developed by the Green Building Council of Australia. It is widely used in Australia and New Zealand and has been adopted in South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, and other countries. Green Star measures building sustainability across nine categories, including energy, water, materials, emissions, indoor environment quality, and innovation.

Estidama Pearl Rating System is a green building rating system developed in the United Arab Emirates by the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council. It assesses the sustainability of buildings across four categories, including sustainability, environmental impact, economic feasibility, and social and cultural impact.

LEED and BREEAM are the most widely used green building rating systems in the world, with both systems accounting for over 90% of all green building certifications worldwide. However, there are many other rating systems that are used in different parts of the world, each with its own unique features and requirements.

In addition to providing a framework for assessing the sustainability of buildings, these rating systems have also been shown to have a positive impact on the adoption of renewable energy sources. For example, some rating systems offer credits for buildings that use renewable energy, such as solar panels or wind turbines. Others encourage the use of green roofs, which can provide insulation, absorb rainwater, and provide a habitat for wildlife.

In conclusion, green building rating systems have become an important tool for promoting sustainable building practices around the world. While there are many different rating systems in use, they all share a common goal of reducing the environmental impact of buildings and promoting the adoption of renewable energy sources. By adopting these rating systems and encouraging the use of renewables, cities and countries can help to reduce their carbon footprint and promote a more sustainable future.