BREEAM and LEED in a DGNB-dominated industry

In Scandinavia, it is known that DGNB is the leading sustainability certification that players in the industry relate to and work with. Although BREEAM and LEED certifications are not as widespread in Scandinavia as the German DGNB system, it is still important for players in the construction industry to know about these international certification standards.

As a customer of Projektagenten, knowledge of BREEAM and LEED can open the door to projects that extend beyond borders and collaborations with international partners, where these certifications are the norm. In addition, understanding their principles can provide a broader perspective on sustainability, which can be relevant to those that want to profile themselves globally and take part in the international market for green buildings. Knowledge of BREEAM and LEED gives the opportunity to adapt to both national and international requirements and expand the business across borders.

Let’s take a closer look at how these certifications came about, what they are based on and how they are used in practice.

BREEAM – Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method

BREEAM was developed in the UK in 1990 by the Building Research Establishment (BRE) as the world’s first certification scheme for sustainable construction. The scheme has since been globally recognized, especially in Europe, and is used to evaluate the environmental, economic and social sustainability of buildings.

BREEAM certifications are known for their broad and holistic assessment framework, where buildings are evaluated based on several aspects of sustainability including management, energy, water, materials, indoor climate and waste management. It also includes more specific factors such as biodiversity and options for transportation.

The table below shows the various criteria and what they are based on:

Based on the above criteria, a score or assessment is given which reflects how well a project performs in this sustainable certification. This creates a space for comparison between projects across the final results obtained by the projects. Furthermore, these ratings guarantee unambiguity in the perception of quality, performance and value. Below is an overview of the various assessments, and. following this, the project must achieve a score of at least 30% to receive a ‘BREEAM rating’.

LEED – Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design

LEED was developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) in 1998 and has quickly developed into one of the most widespread certification systems globally. It is especially popular in North America. The certification system is recognized for promoting energy-efficient construction and sustainability through a points system that rewards buildings for innovative and green design strategies.

Assessment categories

LEED assesses projects based on six central categories, which aim to reduce a building’s negative environmental impact and create a healthy and productive indoor climate:

1. Sustainable construction sites: Here the project’s location and design are assessed with a view to minimising negative influence on the local ecology and transportation. This includes site selection, reducing light pollution, managing rainwater and promoting biodiversity.
2. Water efficiency: Reduced water consumption is a key objective. This is achieved by implementing efficient water systems, such as low-flow toilets and rainwater collection for reuse in the building’s operations.
3. Energy and atmosphere: The assessment focuses on energy efficiency and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions through the use of innovative energy strategies and renewable energy sources. LEED awards significant points for design solutions that go far beyond legal requirements for energy efficiency.
4. Materials and resources: LEED encourages the use of sustainable materials with low environmental impact, e.g. recycled materials and materials with low embedded energy. There is also a focus on recycling building materials and waste reduction.
5. Indoor climate: The creation of a healthy and pleasant environment for users is central to LEED. This involves optimising ventilation systems, choosing materials without harmful emissions (e.g. chemical fumes) and ensuring access to daylight and view for the building’s users.
6. Innovation: Here, projects can earn extra points by implementing unique, innovative sustainability solutions that are not necessarily covered by the traditional categories. Projects can also earn points for exceeding the standard requirements in the other categories.

 

Levels of certification

The LEED certification is based on a points system where a project can achieve a maximum of 110 points. The certification levels are as follows:

LEED certifications apply to a wide range of building types and project phases including new construction, renovations and operations. LEED is particularly known for its strong focus on energy savings and reduction of greenhouse gases, which makes it a popular choice in countries and regions with strict climate policies.

How can Projektagenten contribute?

Although both BREEAM and LEED are strong international standards, the DGNB certification has become the preferred choice in Scandinavia. What the future holds is hard to say, but if you, as a player in the industry, are interested in sustainability projects, then Projektagenten’s broad portfolio of projects is the best place to start.

We have in-depth knowledge of both DGNB, BREEAM and LEED and can guide your company to make the right choices, whether you focus on national or international projects.