How to Obtain a Green Building Certificate

Securing a green building certificate for your property involves several steps, tailored to the specific certification scheme you are aiming for. Here’s a detailed guide to the process for some of the most well-known certifications: BREEAM, LEED, Passivhaus, WELL, and the Home Quality Mark (HQM).

1. BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method)

Steps to Certification

1. Engage a Licensed BREEAM Assessor: Start by hiring a licensed BREEAM assessor who will help guide you through the certification process.
2. Conduct a Pre-Assessment: Perform a pre-assessment to gauge the potential BREEAM rating and pinpoint key areas for improvement.
3. Design and Planning: Integrate BREEAM requirements into your project's design and planning stages.
4. Formal Assessment: The assessor will conduct a detailed evaluation, reviewing evidence and ensuring compliance with BREEAM criteria.
5. Submit to BRE: The assessor submits the assessment report to the Building Research Establishment (BRE) for quality assurance.
6. Receive Certification: If successful, BRE will issue a BREEAM certificate with the building’s rating.

Key Considerations

• Engage the assessor early in the project to ensure all criteria are met from the start.
• Integrate BREEAM criteria into the design and construction phases.
• Maintain thorough documentation and evidence to support compliance.

2. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)

Steps to Certification

1. Register Your Project: Register your project on the LEED Online platform.
2. Hire a LEED Accredited Professional (AP): Engage a LEED AP to guide you through the certification process.
3. Select Credits: Choose the credits your project will pursue across various LEED categories.
4. Compile Documentation and Submit: Gather and submit the required documentation for each credit through LEED Online.
5. Undergo Review: The Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI) will review the submission and provide feedback.
6. Achieve Certification: After addressing any feedback, GBCI will award the certification at one of four levels: Certified, Silver, Gold, or Platinum.

Key Considerations

• Familiarise yourself with the LEED rating system and criteria early on.
• Ensure regular communication with your LEED AP to stay on track.
• Make sure all documentation is accurate and comprehensive.

3. Passivhaus Certification

Steps to Certification

1. Design Stage: Hire a certified Passivhaus designer to develop the project according to Passivhaus principles.
2. Preliminary Assessment: Use the Passivhaus Planning Package (PHPP) software to ensure design compliance.
3. Construction Stage: Ensure builders and contractors follow Passivhaus standards during construction.
4. Testing and Verification: Conduct on-site tests, including airtightness tests, to verify compliance.
5. Submit Documentation: Provide all relevant documentation and test results to a certified Passivhaus certifier.
6. Obtain Certification: The certifier reviews the submission and, if compliant, issues the Passivhaus certificate.

Key Considerations

• Engage a certified Passivhaus designer and builder from the outset.
• Plan for rigorous testing and quality assurance.
• Ensure meticulous attention to detail during construction.

4. WELL Building Standard

Steps to Certification

1. Register Your Project: Sign up with the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI).
2. Hire a WELL AP: Engage a WELL Accredited Professional to guide you through the process.
3. Design and Documentation: Incorporate WELL standards into the building design and compile the necessary documentation.
4. Performance Verification: After construction, a WELL Performance Testing Agent will conduct on-site testing to verify compliance.
5. Submit and Review: Send the documentation and performance test results to IWBI for review.
6. Receive Certification: If compliant, IWBI will issue the WELL certification at the appropriate level: Silver, Gold, or Platinum.

Key Considerations

• Focus on human health and well-being aspects during the design phase.
• Plan for comprehensive performance verification tests.
• Maintain detailed records of all design and construction processes.

5. Home Quality Mark (HQM)

Steps to Certification

1. Hire an HQM Assessor: Engage an accredited HQM assessor.
2. Conduct a Pre-Assessment: Perform a pre-assessment to understand the HQM criteria and potential rating.
3. Design and Construction: Integrate HQM requirements into the design and construction phases.
4. Formal Assessment: The HQM assessor conducts a detailed assessment, reviewing all aspects of the project.
5. Submit to BRE: The assessor submits the assessment to BRE for quality assurance.
6. Receive Certification: BRE reviews the submission and, if compliant, issues the HQM certificate with the home’s rating.

Key Considerations

• Engage the HQM assessor early to ensure criteria are met throughout the project.
• Continuously align with HQM criteria during the design and construction phases.
• Maintain comprehensive documentation and evidence for the assessment.

General Tips for Green Building Certification

• Early Engagement: Involve relevant assessors and professionals early in the project.
• Integrated Design Approach: Incorporate sustainability criteria into every stage of the project, from design to construction.
• Documentation and Evidence: Keep thorough records of all processes, materials, and compliance efforts.
• Regular Communication: Maintain open lines of communication with all stakeholders, including assessors, designers, and contractors.
• Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with the latest developments and updates in green building standards and practices.

By following these steps and considerations, you can successfully achieve a green building certificate for your property , enhancing its sustainability, market value, and appeal to environmentally conscious occupants.