Certification In The Building Industry – Does It Really Matter?

Being or having certification is a widespread phenomenon in all industries. What do all the logos mean? Are there ones that stand out and have a greater impact? Are they really necessary? Certification in the construction industry given how resource intense it is, is a way to set a minimum benchmark with a smaller eco footprint and is seen as a way to recognise and promote sustainable construction with standards for water conservation, materials and waste management, energy efficiency, air quality and new innovations that reduce environmental and human impact to create healthy spaces. The building and construction industry is responsible for one-this of global emissions so certification allows for greater responsibility, transparency, awareness and this can cause a wave through different sectors and the community as a whole to work together for a positive environmental and social impact.

As there are many variations and levels to achieve the desired environmental goals, we at Chiodo are aspiring for our work to meet 3 global industry standards addressing the environment as well as human health and well-being.

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), developed by the US Green Building Council in 2000, was one of the earliest green building certification programmes and is one of the most comprehensive. To date, more than 38,600 commercial projects in over 167 countries and territories are LEED certified and it is estimated that LEED projects have the potential to reduce 4.92 per cent of global emissions by 2030.

The Living Building Challenge, which is administered by the International Living Future Institute (ILFI), is one of the most stringent sustainable building certifications. They have seven performance ‘Petals’ which include include site, energy, water, health, materials, equity and beauty and the building has to achieve net zero water and net zero energy.

Like LEED, the Living Building Challenge programme evaluates various types of new construction development and homes, but adds the holistic and subjective features, including aesthetics and social justice which is a key area Chiodo Corporation would like to address. The Living Building Challenge also bans a group of toxic chemicals, called the Red List, that are harmful for the environment and for human health.

The Well Certification, looks primarily at occupant health in commercial buildings, factoring in improved indoor air quality and physical and mental well-being. These aspects of health and well-being are becoming more in demand from consumers who wish to live, work and be in places that are healthy and promote health.

Certification programmes in the property development and construction industry continue to raise standards for excellence, accountability, awareness and recognition and they play a key role in energy use reduction and sustainability initiatives worldwide.

‘Architecture is really about well-being. I think that people want to feel good in a space … On the one hand it’s about shelter, but it’s also about pleasure. ‘ – Zaha Hadid