The advantages of building certification – Should I or shouldn’t I?

We likely have little time left to prevent climate change from causing global warming of more than 1.5 degrees Celsius. Buildings, but also the building sector as a whole, are responsible for almost 40 percent of total greenhouse gas emissions, and as such contribute significantly to the crisis. 

However, this does not mean that we should pillory the real estate and construction sectors as contributors to the problem. The real estate and construction sector has been working for years to build, renovate and operate sustainable and environmentally conscious buildings. Various technologies, materials and processes are used to this aim. Building certifications can also provide a framework for how to design future properties. [Read more about building certifications here!]

Whether building certification is worthwhile for your properties is something you have to weigh up for yourself.

However, if you have been toying with the idea of having your buildings certified to a recognised standard for some time, we can help you make the decision. We have briefly summarised the advantages for you.

Advantages at company level: 

1. Tenant satisfaction increases as the quality of stay of the certified building is higher. 

2. Employees’ identity with their company increases if the company promotes sustainability, e.g. through a certified building.

3. The reputation of the company increases, as more and more stakeholders pay attention to sustainability.

4. Investment behaviour will change positively as ever more investors invest in green companies (and buildings).

Asset benefits: 

1. Value protection/increase of the building through a green certificate.

2. Lower vacancy rates as tenants prefer a certified building.

3. Tenant loyalty increases as tenants identify better with a green building.

4. Higher sales value can be achieved as the building is future-proof.

5. Lower operating costs for existing buildings by minimising the consumption of resources.

6. Reduced risks, as potential hazards have been identified in advance and, if necessary, eliminated.

7. Higher user productivity, as the well-being of the building users is taken into account.

8. Reduced risk of failure of technical building systems, as certification ensures efficient functioning of building services through structured tracking.

Not quite convinced yet? 

1. According to a study by the DGNB, buildings that are already certified will meet the taxonomy requirements more easily in future, as certification means that high-quality data is already available at asset level. [Read more about the EU’s upcoming taxonomy regulation here].

2. Building certifications also influence your ESG actions, as building certification is part of possible ESG strategies.

Do you need more information on building certification or would you like to discuss the pros and cons with us personally? Please feel free to contact us! We look forward to supporting you in your decision.

Related Posts

Looking Ahead to 2025: A Year of Growth and Possibilities

As we step into 2025, we’re filled with optimism for what lies ahead. The past...

ESG Report 2022-23: Celebrating our achievements

We are pleased to publish our ESG Report for 2022 and 2023. We feel very...

Climate in Crisis: Reaching a planetary tipping point

In the last few months, we have seen wildfires rage across California and Portugal and...

Sommerfest 2024: In partnership with nature

Each year, we pause business activities for a few days and spend time as a...

GBCI Europe Circle, Athens: The benefits of slow travel

EnviroSustain has been one of the sponsors of GBCI Europe Circle for the past three...

Rewilding Oder Delta: A sustainable hub for local rewilding

Cover Image credits: Sophie Monsarrat | Rewilding Europe We are now in our second year...