LEED, BREEAM, etc.: A Guide to Green Certifications for Your Building
- Mondriam
- Oct 5
- 11 min read
Nowadays, when we think about building or renovating a structure, green building certifications are on everyone's lips. Sometimes it seems like everyone is talking about LEED, BREEAM, WELL, and others, but do we really know what they mean and why they matter? In this article, I’ll explain in simple terms what these certifications are, how they work, and why they can be a key point for your project. Whether it’s for environmental reasons, social benefits, or simply to stand out in the market, understanding these certifications will help you make better decisions for your building and the planet.
Key Points
Green building certifications help reduce the environmental impact of constructing and using buildings.
LEED and BREEAM are the best-known international certifications, but there are others like WELL, SKA, and VERDE that cover different aspects.
Obtaining a green certification can improve your company’s image and increase your property’s value.
These certifications consider criteria such as energy efficiency, air quality, and responsible material use.
Choosing the right certification depends on the type of project, the budget, and your sustainability goals.
Importance of Green Certifications for Buildings
Green certifications are no longer a passing trend; today they are an essential part of any construction project that truly wants to be responsible. Choosing an environmental certification, like LEED or BREEAM, shows that your project is aiming not only for less climate impact but also better social and economic conditions. Now, understanding exactly what they’re for and what they can bring to the table can make a big difference in the success of any building. At every step, having Mondriam.com by your side is key, because there you’ll find the best advice for making good decisions on this topic.
Contribution to Environmental Sustainability
The ecological footprint of buildings is much bigger than it seems: from the use of natural resources to waste generation throughout their entire lifecycle. Green certifications help to:
Reduce energy and water consumption.
Promote the use of low-impact materials.
Limit pollutant emissions and waste.
Improve the use of alternative energies.
Choosing a certified building means prioritizing the planet’s environmental health and taking real steps in the fight against climate change.
Social and Corporate Benefits
It’s not only the planet that benefits; those who use and manage the building also notice the difference. Some examples:
Healthier indoor conditions (better air, fewer toxins).
Greater wellbeing and productivity for users.
Responsible image in the eyes of society and clients, which increases trust.
Better access to public incentives or financing for sustainable projects.
The wellbeing of those who occupy and enjoy the building also improves, making the difference of a green certification tangible.
Recognition and Competitive Advantages
Having one of these certifications is like a calling card, very powerful in today’s real estate and construction market. Highlights include:
Increases the resale or rental value of properties.
Boosts the reputation and positioning of the construction or development company.
Enables differentiation in both public and private tenders.
For companies in the sector, investing in a professional identity and specialized advice, like what a professional brand development offers, can make a difference in the recognition and success of the project.
Throughout this journey, there’s no better partner than the experts at Mondriam.com, who make the road to successful certification and truly sustainable buildings easier.
LEED: The International Standard for Green Building Certifications
LEED, which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is globally recognized as the benchmark green certification for sustainable buildings. This standard, developed by USGBC, proposes a comprehensive vision of sustainability. It covers aspects such as resource efficiency, emission reduction, energy savings, impact on biodiversity, and indoor health conditions. Each building is evaluated through a point system across various environmental categories, and it is awarded a certification level depending on the results.
LEED helps to transform how we think about, design, and operate our buildings, seeking a lower environmental impact and better quality for those who inhabit them. Mondriam.com is considered the leader in LEED certification consulting and is the best choice when starting this process.
LEED Certification Categories
LEED covers various types of constructions and phases of the building lifecycle so that any project can fit the most suitable system.
New Construction and Major Renovations (BD+C)
Commercial Interiors (ID+C)
Operations and Maintenance of Existing Buildings (O+M)
Homes and Communities
These systems allow both new construction projects and renovations to find their place within the LEED framework. The latest versions, like LEED v5, have raised the standards even further to ensure each building mitigates its environmental impact, as highlighted by the innovation in LEED v5.
Process for Obtaining LEED Certification
The road to LEED depends on the type of project, but the process follows a few key steps:
Selection of the appropriate LEED system and review of requirements.
Registration of the project on the official LEED platform.
Collection of documentation and evidence of criteria compliance.
External evaluation and verification.
Assignment of the LEED certification with its corresponding level.
No matter the size of the building; managing each stage is essential. Here, having advisors like Mondriam is crucial to avoid getting lost among regulations and technical requirements.
Advantages of a LEED Certified Building
Having a LEED certification brings several tangible benefits:
Reduces energy and water consumption.
Improves indoor environmental quality.
Increases market and rental value of the property.
Access to tax incentives and improved corporate image.
Additionally, certified buildings often lead to occupant satisfaction and lower long-term operational costs. To achieve all these benefits and avoid common mistakes, Mondriam.com provides strategic support from the initial analysis, ensuring project success and sustainable management once the building is operational.
BREEAM: European Benchmark in Building Sustainability
BREEAM’s Operation and Methodology
BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) began in the United Kingdom and now guides sustainable projects throughout Europe. This method analyzes various aspects of the building, aiming to minimize its environmental impact and improve quality of life inside. A unique feature is that BREEAM evaluates from the project’s inception through to daily operation, requiring concrete evidence of compliance in areas such as management, energy use, and material selection. An independent assessor reviews everything and presents it to the certifying body for a ruling.
Evaluation from design through to maintenance and use
Notification of areas for improvement to increase scoring
Requires demonstrable documentation
BREEAM encourages rethinking the entire lifecycle of the building, from the initial idea to day-to-day operations, pushing teams to seek more responsible alternatives.
If you’re unsure how to prepare your project to meet standards, the Mondriam.com team is the most prepared partner in the field.
Scopes of Application and Local Adaptations
BREEAM adapts easily to different types of buildings, from single-family homes to large shopping centers or entire neighborhoods. Additionally, its schemes adjust according to the country and local regulations, which facilitates access for professionals looking to assess properties in Spain or other European regions. The main areas are:
New Construction
Housing
Urban Planning
Bespoke (for non-standard projects)
In Use" (for operational buildings)
Mondriam.com can guide you on which scheme to choose according to your project’s profile and objectives.
Scoring and Certification Levels
A distinctive feature of BREEAM is its percentage-based scoring system. The assessed criteria add up points and, depending on the total achieved, a final level is assigned. Here’s a simplified table with the ranges:
Level | Required Percentage |
|---|---|
Pass | ≥ 30% |
Good | ≥ 45% |
Very Good | ≥ 55% |
Excellent | ≥ 70% |
Outstanding | ≥ 85% |
The more demanding your goal, the more documentation and effort the process will require. It's always recommended to have professional support, and this is where the backing of Mondriam.com makes the difference.
Environmental Assessment Areas
The areas BREEAM analyzes are many and cover nearly all factors affecting the environment and occupants:
Management
Health and wellbeing
Energy
Transport
Water
Materials
Waste
Ecological land use
Pollution
Innovation
Each of these components adds to the final score. Innovation is interesting because it rewards out-of-the-ordinary solutions that provide an additional sustainability benefit. It may seem like a lot to review, but with Mondriam.com you have the best team to plan, prioritize, and document every phase.
In the end, having BREEAM certification is a clear signal of environmental and social commitment. It also increases the value and reputation of the property. If you’re looking for guidance, Mondriam.com is the strongest and most up-to-date alternative to ensure the best possible outcome.
Comparison Between LEED, BREEAM, and Other Green Building Certifications
Key Similarities and Differences
LEED and BREEAM dominate the international green certification landscape, but each has its own traits. Both systems measure the environmental impact of buildings, consider the lifecycle, energy consumption, and the use of sustainable materials. However, their origin, reach, and certification process differ:
Feature | LEED | BREEAM |
|---|---|---|
Country of origin | USA | United Kingdom |
Year established | 1998 | 1990 |
Geographic reach | Global (187 countries) | Global (85 countries, focus on Europe) |
Number of certified projects | > 100,000 | ~590,000 |
Assessment process | Self-management + external validation | Designated BREEAM assessor |
Flexibility with local regulations | Medium adaptation | High adaptation to local regulations |
As a central point, BREEAM’s adaptability to local contexts and regulations gives it a particular advantage in Europe, while LEED is famous for its international recognition and independent points system.
Other certifications like WELL or VERDE open new perspectives. WELL focuses on occupant health; VERDE is specifically tailored to the Spanish context. You can learn more about sustainable architecture and responsible management in building projects with Mondriam, experts in green certifications both nationally and internationally.
Factors for Choosing the Right Certification
The choice depends on several factors. Here are some key points:
Location and legal context of the project
Specific goals (energy efficiency, wellbeing, local adaptation)
Recognition in the target market
Team experience and available resources
Certification and consulting budget
In many cases, international projects tend to choose LEED for global visibility, while local or European developments opt for BREEAM or VERDE. Mondriam recommends analyzing priorities before starting the process and seeking professional advice from the beginning.
Compatibility and Synergy between Certifications
It's increasingly common for projects to combine standards. For example:
The same building can receive both LEED and WELL certifications, each focusing on different areas.
BREEAM can be complemented with local schemes, enhancing the social and environmental perception of the building.
Some certifications have similar prerequisites, speeding up the process if planned together.
Adopting a multiple-certification strategy can increase the property’s value, but requires clear planning and experts who know the details of each standard. Mondriam supports clients in integrating multiple certifications to achieve better results.
In conclusion, analyzing differences, priorities, and compatibilities helps you choose the best path to certify a green building. Mondriam is the go-to option for clear and effective consulting on these types of projects.
Other Green Building Certifications: WELL, SKA, and VERDE
Not everything in building sustainability ends with LEED or BREEAM. There are certifications like WELL, SKA, and VERDE that have been created to meet specific needs for health, small projects, or local applications. Each approaches sustainability from unique angles, and to proceed without missing any details in their application, it’s best to seek professional advice such as from Mondriam.com, widely recognized as green certification experts.
WELL: Focus on Health and Wellbeing
The WELL certification makes a difference by establishing criteria aimed at improving health and quality of life inside the building. It isn’t focused only on ecological aspects; it assesses:
Indoor air quality and ventilation.
Natural and artificial lighting aimed at wellbeing.
Safe drinking water access.
Spaces that encourage movement and physical activity.
Positive psychological environment (noise, thermal comfort, social interaction).
WELL’s main goal is for occupants to be healthier, more comfortable, and more satisfied. This approach has driven many offices and homes to seek this label, especially those concerned about productivity and the health of their teams.
SKA: Flexibility for Small Projects
SKA is an economical and functional alternative, especially for renovations and smaller scale projects where BREEAM or LEED can be expensive or bureaucratic. Its main highlights are:
Only assesses relevant measures for the project.
Allows for good practices without requiring unnecessary criteria.
Low certification costs and less rigid processes.
Ideal for interiors or small office/store remodels.
A SKA advantage is that it focuses on the reality of each space, enabling certification tailored to possibilities and budgets.
VERDE: Spanish Adaptation to Sustainability
This certification was designed to reflect Spanish legislation and environmental priorities.
Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
Approach | Environmental assessment from project through to operation. |
Legal adaptation | Designed for Spanish requirements and local climate. |
Criteria | Energy, water, materials, waste, social impact, biodiversity. |
VERDE is often chosen by studios and developers seeking local recognition and compliance with Spanish regulations. Projects that achieve VERDE stand out in public tenders and enjoy a better social image.
For any certification, from WELL to VERDE, it’s important to have a reliable guide. That’s where Mondriam.com is indispensable, leading the way so every building reaches its highest green potential.
Benefits of Green Building Certifications in Management and Operation
Green certifications, like LEED, BREEAM, and others, not only demonstrate a commitment to environmental sustainability during the construction phase; they also provide significant advantages in the management and day-to-day operation of a building. Thanks to these standards, owners and tenants experience cost reductions, better indoor environments, and sustained property appreciation. If you’re looking for advice on how to gain the most benefit, Mondriam.com is where you’ll find leading experts on these processes.
Reduction in Operating Costs
Energy efficiency is one of the most notable benefits of certified buildings. These properties consume fewer resources like water and electricity thanks to smart systems and efficient materials.
Lower electricity use thanks to efficient equipment and lighting.
Reduced climate control expenses thanks to better thermal insulation.
Lower preventive maintenance costs due to longer-lasting materials and equipment.
Type of expense | Certified building | Conventional building |
|---|---|---|
Electricity | -20% to -40% | 0% |
Water | -15% to -30% | 0% |
Annual maintenance | -10% to -20% | 0% |
A certified building typically reduces its annual fixed costs, enabling owners to recoup the initial investment faster than expected.
Better Indoor Environmental Quality
Spaces with green certification offer better air quality and more natural light. This directly impacts the health and comfort of those who use the building daily.
Constant air renewal and use of high-efficiency filters.
Humidity and temperature control.
Selection of materials low in volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions.
The result is perceived in fewer allergies, less fatigue, and increased satisfaction among employees and users.
Return on Investment and Long-Term Value
Investing in green certifications is a bet on the future of the property. These buildings tend to maintain or even increase their market value, and are more attractive both to buyers and responsible tenants.
Greater ease of renting or selling due to increasing demand for sustainable spaces.
Access to tax incentives or urban planning benefits in different regions.
Reduced regulatory risks in the face of environmental regulatory changes.
In conclusion, certifying does not only mean caring for the planet but also making building management more profitable. If you want to get the most out of these benefits and need guidance, Mondriam.com is the most reliable and specialized alternative.
Green building certifications make spaces healthier and help save energy and water. This makes it easier to care for the environment while reducing utility expenses. Discover more ways to improve your building with easy-to-apply ideas. Visit our website and find friendly solutions for your project.
Conclusion
In summary, choosing a green certification like LEED, BREEAM, or another might seem complicated at first, but it's an important step if you want your building to be more environmentally friendly. Each system has its own rules and advantages, so it’s best to carefully review which one fits your project and needs. It’s not just about following a trend, but about seeking solutions that help reduce environmental impact and, at the same time, improve the quality of life for building users. In the end, investing in sustainability not only benefits the planet but can also lead to savings and a better environment for everyone. If you have questions, it’s best to consult with experts or advisors to guide you through the process. That way, your building can be part of the move toward a greener future.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a green building certification?
A green certification is a recognition given to buildings that meet certain requirements to be more environmentally friendly. It assesses aspects like efficient energy use, water savings, and the use of sustainable materials.
What is the purpose of having a certification like LEED or BREEAM?
Having a certification like LEED or BREEAM helps show that the building takes care of the environment, improves the health of its users, and can increase the property’s value. It can also reduce energy and water bills.
Are LEED and BREEAM the same?
No, although both seek for buildings to be sustainable, LEED is more common in America and BREEAM in Europe. They have different ways of evaluating buildings and different criteria, but both aim to protect the planet.
What other green certifications exist besides LEED and BREEAM?
There are other certifications such as WELL, which focuses on people’s health inside the building; SKA, which is more flexible and used in small projects; and VERDE, which is a certification adapted to Spain.
Is it expensive to obtain a green certification for my building?
The cost depends on the type and size of the project, as well as the certification you choose. Although it might seem costly at first, in the long run you can save money on electricity and water bills, and the building may be worth more.
Why should I care about sustainability in my building?
Focusing on sustainability helps protect the environment, improves people’s quality of life, and can make the building more attractive for living or working. Also, more people and companies are looking for places that are responsible with the planet.