Revolutionize Your Designs and Impact the World with Sustainable Innovation
Sustainability is becoming an increasingly important consideration for building owners and operators.
Not only can sustainability practices help to protect the environment, but they can also lead to cost savings, improved marketability, and healthier, more comfortable environments for building occupants.
The Green Globes certification program is a valuable resource for building owners and operators looking to improve their sustainability. In this article, we will explore the benefits of the certification and the resources and support available to help buildings achieve certification.
We will also discuss the potential for cost savings and improved marketability for certified buildings.
If you are interested in learning more about how Green Globes can help your building achieve sustainability, read on!
Revolutionize Your Designs and Impact the World with Sustainable Innovation
What is Green Globes, and what does it certify?
It is a sustainability certification program for buildings developed and maintained by the Green Building Initiative (GBI). It is a third-party, voluntary certification program that assesses buildings’ environmental performance and helps building owners and operators identify and prioritize improvement opportunities.
Green Globes certifies a wide range of buildings, including commercial, institutional, and residential buildings, as well as existing and new construction projects. It focuses on the health, comfort, and well-being of building occupants, as well as the environmental performance of the building.
To earn Green Globes certification, buildings must undergo a comprehensive assessment process that evaluates their performance in many key areas, including energy efficiency, indoor air quality, water conservation, materials selection, and site selection and development.
The assessment process is based on a set of standards and guidelines developed by the GBI based on recognized industry standards and best practices.
Buildings that earn certification are recognized for their commitment to sustainability and are eligible to use the Green Globes brand and marketing materials to promote their achievements.
Certified buildings can expect many benefits, including reduced operating costs, improved marketability, and enhanced occupant satisfaction.
How does the Green Globes certification process work?
The Green Globes certification process is a comprehensive assessment of a building’s environmental performance conducted by a certified Green Globes Professional (GGP).
The process is designed to help building owners and operators identify and prioritize improvement opportunities and recognize buildings committed to sustainability.
The Green Globes certification process begins with a self-assessment, in which the building owner or operator completes an online questionnaire to evaluate the building’s performance in many key areas, including energy efficiency, indoor air quality, water conservation, materials selection, and site selection and development.
The self-assessment questionnaire is based on the Green Globes standards and guidelines developed and maintained by the Green Building Initiative (GBI).
Once the self-assessment is complete, a GGP conducts an on-site assessment of the building to verify the accuracy of the self-assessment and to identify any additional opportunities for improvement. The GGP also interviews building staff and occupants to gather further information about the building’s environmental performance.
Based on the self-assessment and on-site assessment results, the GGP prepares a report that summarizes the findings and recommends specific actions that the building owner or operator can take to improve the building’s environmental performance. The building owner or operator can then implement the recommended measures and re-assess the building’s performance or pursue full certification.
To earn full Green Globes certification, the building must meet a certain number of criteria based on the size and type of building. Once the installation has completed the necessary measures, it can use the Green Globes brand and marketing materials to promote its achievements.
Revolutionize Your Designs and Impact the World with Sustainable Innovation
What are the benefits of achieving Green Globes certification?
Green Globes certification is a voluntary, third-party sustainability certification program for buildings developed and maintained by the Green Building Initiative (GBI).
Buildings that earn Green Globes certification are recognized for their commitment to sustainability and are eligible to use the certification brand and marketing materials to promote their achievements.
There are many benefits to achieving certification, including the following:
- Reduced operating costs: certified buildings typically use less energy, water, and other resources, which can result in significant cost savings for building owners and operators.
- Improved marketability: certified buildings are recognized for their commitment to sustainability, which can make them more attractive to tenants, buyers, and investors.
- Enhanced occupant satisfaction: certified buildings are designed and operated with the health, comfort, and well-being of building occupants in mind, which can lead to higher levels of satisfaction and productivity.
- Improved environmental performance: certified buildings are designed and operated to minimize their ecological impact, which can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect natural resources.
- Access to resources and support: certified buildings have access to various resources and support to help maintain and improve their environmental performance, including training, tools, and technical assistance.
Overall, achieving Green Globes certification can provide a range of benefits to building owners and operators, as well as to building occupants and the environment.
How does Green Globes compare to other sustainability certification programs, such as LEED?
Green Globes and LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) are both sustainability certification programs for buildings designed to help building owners and operators identify and prioritize opportunities for improving the environmental performance of their facilities.
Both programs are recognized as industry leaders and are widely used worldwide. However, there are some key differences between the two programs.
One of the main differences between Green Globes and LEED is the assessment process. Green Globes uses a self-assessment questionnaire completed online by the building owner or operator, followed by an on-site assessment conducted by a certified Green Globes Professional (GGP).
On the other hand, LEED uses a more formal, credit-based assessment process in which the building owner or operator submits documentation to demonstrate compliance with the LEED standards.
Another key difference between the two programs is the focus of the assessment. Green Globes focuses on the health, comfort, and well-being of building occupants, as well as the environmental performance of the building. On the other hand, LEED has a broader focus that includes ecological performance and social and economic factors.
There are also some differences in the cost and complexity of the two programs. Green Globes are less expensive and less complex than LEED, making them more accessible to small and medium-sized buildings. However, LEED has a larger and more established market presence, and some building owners and operators may view it as more prestigious.
Overall, Green Globes and LEED are valuable sustainability certification programs that can help building owners and operators improve their buildings’ environmental performance. The right program for a particular installation will depend on the specific needs and goals of the building owner or operator, as well as the size and type of building.
What types of buildings are eligible for Green Globes certification?
Green Globes is a sustainability certification program for buildings developed and maintained by the Green Building Initiative (GBI). It is a third-party, voluntary certification program that assesses the environmental performance of buildings and helps building owners and operators identify and prioritize opportunities for improvement.
Green Globes certifies a wide range of buildings, including:
- Commercial buildings: Office buildings, retail buildings, and other non-residential buildings are eligible for certification.
- Institutional buildings: Schools, hospitals, and other buildings are eligible for certification.
- Residential buildings: Apartments, condominiums, and other buildings are eligible for Green Globes certification.
- Existing buildings: It can certify existing buildings and new construction projects.
To be eligible for Green Globes certification, a building must be occupied and operational and have a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. In addition, the building owner or operator must be committed to improving the environmental performance of the building and must be willing to complete the Green Globes assessment process.
Overall, Green Globes is a flexible and inclusive certification program that is well-suited to a wide range of buildings, including both existing and new construction projects.
Revolutionize Your Designs and Impact the World with Sustainable Innovation
How much does it cost to pursue Green Globes certification?
The cost of pursuing certification can vary depending on many factors, including the size and type of building, the complexity of the assessment process, and the resources required to implement the recommended actions.
The Green Building Initiative (GBI), which maintains the certification program, offers many pricing options for building owners and operators interested in pursuing certification.
Prices for the Green Globes self-assessment questionnaire, which is the first step in the certification process, start at $995 for minor buildings (less than 50,000 square feet) and increase with the size of the building.
The cost of the on-site assessment, which is conducted by a certified Green Globes Professional (GGP), is typically based on the size of the building and the complexity of the evaluation. The GBI provides a fee calculator on its website to help building owners and operators estimate the cost of the on-site assessment.
In addition to the assessment process cost, building owners and operators may incur charges to implement the recommended actions and achieve certification. These costs can vary widely, depending on the recommended activities and the resources required to implement them.
The cost of pursuing certification can vary but is typically more affordable than other sustainability certification programs, such as LEED. Building owners and operators interested in pursuing certification should contact the GBI for more information about the costs and pricing options.
What are the requirements for maintaining Green Globes certification?
Green Globes is a sustainability certification program for buildings developed and maintained by the Green Building Initiative (GBI). Buildings that earn certification are recognized for their commitment to sustainability and are eligible to use the brand and marketing materials to promote their achievements.
To maintain their certification, Green Globes-certified buildings must meet specific requirements.
One of the essential requirements for maintaining Green Globes certification is completing a re-assessment process every two years.
During the re-assessment, the building owner or operator must complete an updated self-assessment questionnaire and participate in an on-site assessment conducted by a certified Green Globes Professional (GGP).
The re-assessment is designed to ensure that the building maintains its environmental performance and identify further improvement opportunities.
In addition to the re-assessment process, certified buildings must meet specific ongoing performance requirements.
These requirements vary depending on the size and type of building. Still, they may include maintaining specific energy and water efficiency levels, indoor air quality, and materials selection, as well as implementing ongoing environmental management practices.
To help building owners and operators meet these requirements, the GBI provides various resources and support, including training, tools, and technical assistance. Green Globes-certified buildings also have access to a network of other certified buildings and professionals, which can provide valuable support and guidance.
Maintaining Green Globes certification requires a commitment to ongoing improvement and implementing best practices for sustainability. By meeting these requirements, Green Globes-certified buildings can continue to be recognized for their achievements.
In addition, they can promote the benefits of sustainability to building occupants, tenants, and the wider community.
How do Green Globes address indoor air quality and occupant comfort?
Indoor air quality (IAQ) and occupant comfort are important considerations for building owners and operators, as they can significantly impact the health, productivity, and well-being of building occupants. Green Globes, a sustainability certification program for buildings developed and maintained by the Green Building Initiative (GBI), addresses IAQ and occupant comfort in many ways.
One of the critical ways that the certification addresses IAQ and occupant comfort is through its assessment process. The certification assessment includes many questions related to IAQ and occupant comfort, such as:
- Are adequate controls in place to maintain a comfortable temperature and humidity level?
- Is the ventilation system operating effectively and providing sufficient fresh air?
- Are there any potential IAQ hazards, such as mold or chemical emissions, and are they being adequately addressed?
- Are there measures to ensure the building is free of pests and other environmental contaminants?
By addressing these and other issues related to IAQ and occupant comfort, Green Globes helps to building owners and operators identify and prioritize improvement opportunities.
In addition to the assessment process, Green Globes provides a range of resources and support to help building owners and operators improve IAQ and occupant comfort. These resources include training, tools, technical assistance, and guidance on best practices for sustainability.
Overall, Green Globes is a valuable resource for building owners and operators looking to improve IAQ and occupant comfort. By addressing these issues, Green Globes-certified buildings can provide healthier, more comfortable environments for building occupants, leading to higher satisfaction and productivity.
Revolutionize Your Designs and Impact the World with Sustainable Innovation
What resources and support are available to help buildings achieve Green Globes certification?
The Green Building Initiative (GBI), which maintains the certification program, provides various resources and support to help building owners and operators achieve certification.
These resources are designed to assist building owners and operators throughout the assessment process and to help them identify and implement opportunities for improving the environmental performance of their buildings.
Some of the resources and support available to help buildings achieve Green Globes certification include:
- Self-assessment questionnaire: The first step in the Green Globes certification process is completing a self-assessment questionnaire. The questionnaire is completed online by the building owner or operator and helps to identify areas of strength and opportunities for improvement.
- Certified Green Globes Professionals (GGPS): GGPs are trained professionals who conduct the on-site assessment as part of the certification process. GGPs are available to provide guidance and assistance to building owners and operators throughout the assessment process.
- Training and education: The GBI offers a range of training and educational resources to help building owners and operators understand the assessment process and best practices for sustainability.
- Tools and resources: The GBI provides a range of tools and resources to help building owners and operators improve the environmental performance of their buildings. These resources include guides, templates, and case studies.
- Technical assistance: The GBI offers technical assistance to help building owners and operators implement the recommended actions and achieve certification. This assistance can include guidance on identifying and implementing cost-effective sustainability measures.
Overall, the resources and support provided by the GBI are designed to help building owners and operators navigate the certification process and to identify and implement opportunities for improving the environmental performance of their buildings.
Can Green Globes-certified buildings expect to see cost savings and improved marketability?
By earning Green Globes certification, buildings can demonstrate their commitment to sustainability. They can be recognized for their energy efficiency, water conservation, and indoor air quality achievements. In addition to these benefits, Green Globes-certified buildings may also expect cost savings and improved marketability.
One of the key benefits of certification is the potential for cost savings. By identifying and implementing cost-effective sustainability measures, certified buildings may be able to reduce their energy and water consumption, which can lead to lower utility bills. In addition, using sustainable materials and practices can help reduce the need for maintenance and repairs, which can also result in cost savings.
In addition to cost savings, certified buildings may also expect improved marketability. As sustainability becomes increasingly important to building occupants, tenants, and buyers, buildings demonstrating their commitment to sustainability may be more attractive to these groups.
As a result, by earning Green Globes certification, structures can differentiate themselves from their competitors and may be able to command higher rents or sale prices.
Certified buildings can expect various benefits, including cost savings, improved marketability, and recognition for their commitment to sustainability. In addition, by earning Green Globes certification, buildings can demonstrate their sustainability leadership and help create a more sustainable future.
Green Globes: a conclusion
In conclusion, the Green Globes certification program is a valuable resource for building owners and operators looking to improve their buildings’ sustainability. By earning certification, buildings can demonstrate their commitment to sustainability.
They can be recognized for their energy efficiency, water conservation, and indoor air quality achievements. In addition to these benefits, Green Globes-certified buildings may also expect cost savings and improved marketability.
If you are interested in learning more about how it can help your building achieve sustainability, consider taking advantage of the resources and support provided by the Green Building Initiative (GBI).
The GBI offers a range of training and educational resources, tools and resources, and technical assistance to help building owners and operators navigate the Green Globes certification process and identify and implement opportunities for improving the environmental performance of their buildings.
In addition to these resources, consider exploring our green building consultancies and courses. Our team of experts can provide valuable guidance and support to help your building achieve sustainability. Contact us today to learn more!
Revolutionize Your Designs and Impact the World with Sustainable Innovation
If you need our services in the Portuguese language, click here.