Blog

As explained in the previous article on Building Trends: Sustainability and Wellness, buildings are the biggest pollutants because of the energy and resources they consume. Therefore, to build in a sustainable way is to bet on the future of our planet. Sustainability in construction is crucial to ensure a long-term positive impact.

To ensure that the necessary standards are met, investment must be invested in sustainability certifications.

We are experts in two sustainable certifications: LEED and EDGE. The first, by its acronym in English, which means”Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design”, was created by the United States Sustainable Building Council (USGBC), granting certificates that recognize compliance with certain standards. The second one comes from English”Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies” and was developed by the International Finance Corporation (IFC).

Both certifications have the same objective, but this requires investment in them. So, What is the return of opting for such systems? We will explain it in this article and from the point of view of a real estate project developer.

Studies show that a building built under sustainability criteria increases its value in the market, reduces maintenance costs and, therefore, its environmental impact.

In addition, the developer can recover the increase in the initial cost within 2 to 5 years, either due to the savings in maintenance costs, consumption, or the revaluation experienced by buildings under the requirements of sustainable certification.

According to a report by the Council for Sustainable Construction of Spain, an initial investment of 2% in the design phase of the LEED sustainable building, on average, results savings of 20% of total construction costs over the lifecycle. In addition, The sales prices of LEED energy efficient buildings are 10% higher per square meter than conventional buildings.

On the other hand, the World Green Building Council announces that the Builders in the United States and Europe report having 4-9% higher sales prices for EDGE sustainable homes and selling up to 4 times faster. In addition, the homeowners save 15 to 20% on utility costs.

In short, apart from the advantages in terms of revaluation and savings due to maintenance, there are others such as higher occupancy rates, lower operating and maintenance costs, and a lower impact on the environment, by consuming less fossil fuels.

It should be noted that it is also reflected in increased tenant satisfaction, increased employee productivity, reduced absenteeism and health benefits for employees.

What does a real estate project developer need?

The support of a sustainable consultant, who advises them throughout the project, resulting in substantial savings in time and investment, since they know what solutions and strategies they should apply depending on the type of project and the certification they want to obtain.

At LEAF, we provide you with a free self-evaluation of your real estate project. Contact us

Introduction to sustainable certifications

Sustainable certifications are a set of standards and evaluations that seek to measure and assess the sustainability of a building or construction.

These certifications have become increasingly important in the construction industry, as they allow homeowners and developers to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and the environment.

By obtaining sustainable certification, it is ensured that the building meets rigorous criteria in terms of energy efficiency, use of materials, waste management and air quality, among other aspects.

Not only does this contribute to the preservation of the environment, but it also improves the quality of life of occupants and can result in significant savings in operating costs.

Types of sustainable certifications

There are several types of sustainable certifications, each with its own criteria and standards. Some of the most common certifications include:

• LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design): Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council, it is one of the most recognized certification systems worldwide. LEED evaluates aspects such as energy efficiency, the use of sustainable materials and indoor air quality.
• BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Methodology): This British evaluation and certification system focuses on the sustainability of the building, evaluating its environmental impact from the design phase to its operation.
• EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies): Created by the International Finance Corporation, this certification focuses on new constructions and seeks to optimize the use of resources and reduce environmental impact.
• WELL (WELL Building Standard): This dynamic scoring system measures the well-being and health of the occupants of a building, evaluating factors such as air quality, access to natural light and thermal comfort.
• Fitwel: This certification focuses on improving the health and well-being of building occupants through design and operation strategies that promote physical activity, access to healthy food and the reduction of toxins.
• SITES (Sustainable Sites Initiative): SITES is a certification system that focuses on the sustainable development of the landscape and the outdoor environment of buildings, promoting practices that improve site sustainability, water management and biodiversity.

Tangibilizing the return of sustainable certifications

Sustainable certifications can have a significant impact on both the economy and the environment. Some of the most notable benefits include:

• Reduced energy and water consumption: Certified buildings often incorporate technologies and practices that optimize the use of resources, resulting in lower operating costs.
• Improving indoor air quality: By complying with strict ventilation standards and the use of non-toxic materials, a healthier environment is guaranteed for occupants.
• Increased energy efficiency: Sustainable buildings are designed to maximize energy efficiency, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and reducing carbon emissions.
• Reduction of waste and pollution: Proper waste management and the use of recycled or low environmental impact materials are key aspects of sustainable certifications.
• Improving the health and well-being of occupants: An environment built with sustainability criteria can improve quality of life, increasing comfort and reducing stress.
• Increase in the value of the property: Sustainable buildings tend to have a higher demand in the market, which translates into an increase in their value.
• Reduced operating and maintenance costs: The resource efficiency and durability of sustainable materials contribute to lower long-term costs.

Success stories in sustainable construction

There are many examples of sustainable buildings that have obtained sustainable certifications, demonstrating the tangible benefits of these practices. Some success stories include:

• The BBVA Tower in Mexico City: This building obtained the LEED Platinum certification, standing out for its energy efficiency, use of sustainable materials and water management.
• Building A of Centrum Park in the State of Mexico: With the LEED Silver certification, this project has managed to significantly reduce its energy and water consumption, in addition to improving indoor air quality.
• The Bioconstruction and Alternative Energy Office in Nuevo León: This space obtained the WELL Building Standard Silver certification, focusing on the well-being and health of its occupants through a design that prioritizes natural light, ventilation and thermal comfort.

Conclusion

Sustainable certifications are an essential tool for measuring and evaluating the sustainability of a building or construction. By obtaining sustainable certification, homeowners and developers can demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and the environment, benefiting from a variety of economic and environmental advantages.

It is crucial to research and choose the right sustainable certification for each project, as each one has its own criteria and standards.

Ultimately, investing in sustainability not only contributes to the preservation of the environment, but also improves the quality of life of occupants and can result in significant savings in the long term.