EDGE Certification

Efficiency, technical rigor, real profitability

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Edge Certification

CERTIFICACIÓN EDGE PROYECTO LA SELVA

Design excellence for higher efficiency

The EDGE certification was created for emerging markets in 2014 by IFC, members of the World Bank, with the goal of enabling projects in emerging markets to achieve sustainability.

The certification requirement is to achieve at least 20% savings in energy, water, and embodied energy in materials. This certification allows you to obtain a preliminary certificate (at the design stage) and a final certificate (post-construction stage), and once obtained, it lasts forever.

How does it work?

EDGE uses specialized software to compare your project against local and international benchmarks. To certify, you need to achieve 20% savings in energy, water, and materials, with the support of a consultant, an auditor, and the certification body.

Investment

The cost varies depending on the building size, but the additional investment to implement the measures is usually only 0% to 3% of the total budget. Having an expert consultant from the beginning helps minimize these costs.

Who is it for?

This certification is ideal for a wide range of sectors, including residential projects, commercial buildings, hotels, offices, hospitals, educational institutions, and mixed-use developments.

Requirements

The key requirement is to demonstrate a minimum 20% reduction in energy consumption, water usage, and embodied energy in construction materials.

Equipo LeafEquipe LeafLeaf team

Nuestros especialistasNossos especialistasOur specialists

Las personas que acompañan tu proyecto de punta a punta, del diseño a la auditoría.As pessoas que acompanham seu projeto de ponta a ponta, do projeto à auditoria.The people who guide your project end to end, from design to audit.

Make Valencia, Technical Lead

Make ValenciaMake ValenciaMake Valencia

Technical Lead

LEED AP BD+CLEED AP O+MEDGE Expert
Brazil
Piero Leal, Delivery Lead

Piero LealPiero LealPiero Leal

Delivery Lead

LEED AP BD+C
Peru
Hitomi Kohatsu, Delivery Lead

Hitomi KohatsuHitomi KohatsuHitomi Kohatsu

Delivery Lead

EDGE ExpertEDGE Auditor
Lima, Peru

Types of projects we have certified with EDGE

Discover our projects by building type or sector.

Countries where we have worked with EDGE

Click on a country to learn about our projects and local experience.

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What does certification cost and what does it pay back?

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  • Cost to certifyCertifying body fee + construction cost premium
  • Added value or savings per unitDepending on whether you will operate or sell
  • Payback and timelineWith a 10-year projection

EDGE Certification in Peru, Mexico, Colombia, and Panama

At Leaf, we certify EDGE projects in Peru, Mexico, Colombia, Panama, and other Latin American countries, tailoring the process to the regulations and climate of each market. Examples of our work include Jardines de Magnolias IV, an EDGE-certified social housing development in Peru, and the expansion of the Jorge Chávez International Airport, one of the largest EDGE infrastructure projects in the region. If you are looking to certify your project in any of these countries, our local team will support you from pre-certification to the final audit.

Which certification is right for your project?

Leaf works with 6 of the most recognized sustainability, wellness and accessibility certifications in Latin America. This table summarizes the key differences to help you choose.

Certification Focus Investment level Typical timeline Ideal for
EDGE Resource efficiency: energy, water and materials. Simplified model. Low — 0% to 3% additional cost 3 to 6 months Emerging markets, tight budgets, residential, commercial, hospitality and healthcare projects
LEED Comprehensive: energy, water, materials, indoor environmental quality, location Medium-high — registration fee plus a percentage of construction cost 4 to 6 months of review Corporate projects, maximum international recognition, global investors
WELL Occupant health and well-being: air, water, light, comfort, mind Medium — varies by level (Bronze to Platinum) Registration plus two-phase verification Corporate offices focused on talent productivity and well-being
FITWEL Health and well-being, a simplified alternative to WELL Low 1 to 3 months Existing buildings, multifamily housing, commercial spaces — fast and accessible health certification
AIS Universal accessibility of buildings and spaces: access, circulation, use and communication for everyone (AIS 1/2018 Standard) Variable — depends on asset size and target level (1 to 5 stars) Approx. 3 months Hotels, retail, offices, healthcare facilities and public buildings looking to prove inclusion and strengthen their ESG profile
BMS (Peru) Bono Mivivienda Sostenible: energy and water efficiency in new housing in Peru, with access to a government bonus and better financing terms Variable by sustainability grade (1, 2 or 3) Depends on the process with Peru's Fondo MIVIVIENDA Housing developers in Peru who want their buyers to access the Bono Mivivienda Sostenible and better mortgage terms

If you want to learn more about this and other certifications for your project, leave your contact information.

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FAQs about EDGE certification

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How does EDGE certification impact operating costs and real estate asset value?

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EDGE reduces operating costs through lower consumption of energy, water, and materials, and increases asset value by making it more attractive to international buyers and investors who focus on efficiency and total cost of ownership.

What is the average EDGE certification timeline for residential and commercial projects?

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The timeline varies depending on the scope and stage of the project; typically it takes between 3 and 6 months from the moment we receive all required information until certification, depending on complexity and data availability.

What tools does Leaf use to optimize energy, water, and materials savings?

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We use energy and water savings modeling, BIM analysis, simulation software, and monitoring platforms to design, validate, and track efficiency measures throughout the project.

Is EDGE compatible with other certifications such as LEED or WELL within the same project?

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Yes. EDGE is compatible and can be complemented with LEED or WELL; many efficiency and management strategies contribute to multiple certifications.

What documentation must a developer provide to ensure a smooth EDGE precertification process?

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Updated architectural and engineering drawings, technical specifications of building systems, invoices or delivery receipts for materials used on site, calculation reports, and evidence of implemented or planned sustainability measures.

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