Certification or rating systems are practical tools of eco-development for assessment of parameters of a building at design, construction and operation stages, in other words, assessment of the level of compatibility to the specific standards granting a building with the official status of green building by being certified according to one of existing certification systems. Diversified structure of certification systems which takes into account different criteria, allows assessing the efficiency of resources consumption of a building in order to provide users with relevant level of comfort and functionality. And along with this the level of certificate awarded depends on multiple factors among which quality of interiors, technologies and innovative solutions applied for construction, materials etc. Rating of certificates allows classifying and comparing buildings by their respective parameters of energy efficiency and is a key political instrument for reduction of energy consumption in buildings. Therefore certification contributes to achievement of national goals in the energy sector.

TYPES OF CERTIFICATION

       Different certification systems may be applied to both new and existing buildings, there are nominal and functional, mandatory (EU Directive on energy performance of buildings) and non-mandatory (BREEAM, LEED) systems. Thus the nominal approach is based on research data on the building and functional approach is based on indications of metering equipment showing the real energy consumption.

       Different certification systems may be applied to both new and existing buildings, there are nominal and functional, mandatory (EU Directive on energy performance of buildings) and non-mandatory (BREEAM, LEED) systems. Thus the nominal approach is based on research data on the building and functional approach is based on indications of metering equipment showing the real energy consumption.

 BREEAM vs LEED

       BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) – a method of assessment of environmental efficiency of buildings developed in 1990 by the British company BRE Global.

     Number of buildings certified by BREEAM exceeds 116 000, while the total number of buildings and constructions registered for assessment is 714 000. This system can be applied to both new and already operated buildings of the following profile: general education institutions, courts, industrial facilities, health care facilities, office centers, commercial constructions, jails, housing buildings, multi-apartment buildings, modernization and improvement of environmental performance of existing buildings, rehabilitation of existing housing stock, social and territorial agglomerations with integrated facilities for working, studying, living and distraction, other types of buildings and constructions (elaboration of individual scheme).

     The assessment includes the following criteria: management, efficiency of water use, energy, materials, health and environmental safety, waste management, efficient use of construction site and ecology, pollution of environment, transports and innovations.

       LEED (The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), Green Building Rating System –  rating system of assessment of green buildings developed by the US Green Building Council (USGBC), operating on the market since 1993. There are more than 7.1 billion m2 certified according to this system: 5462 commercial buildings (more than 27000 registered), 5988 private buildings (more than 24000 registered).LEED is applicable for the following categories: new buildings, exploitation of existing buildings, final finish of buildings, schools, commercial interiors (office centers), commercial surfaces, health care institutions, residential property, development of sub-urban building (cottage settlements). 

     The following categories are subject to assessment: sustainable development of the territory, efficiency of water use, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, quality of interior, innovations in design. 

     Each category is being awarded with points considering the relative importance of impact factors related to the building assessed. A building may be assigned with the following ratings depending on the quantity of credits awarded (see Table 2):

LEED OR BREEAM QUALITY CERTIFICATION:

Stage 1: Start, preliminary assessment and coordination

• Familiarization with certification principles and coordination of design team (repartition of tasks and responsibilities);
• Preliminary assessment of building and estimation of building’s potential category;
• Prioritization and selection of points;
• Elaboration of Action Plan, tasks and responsibilities for each stakeholder.

Stage 2: Design assessment

• Environment consulting services for realization of a low environmental impact construction;
• Client/Prime contractor technical support;
• Validation, permanent monitoring of compliance with certification system requirements;
• Monitoring of efficiency and appropriate integration of requirements during the Implementation Phase – Permanent monitoring of the project level in relation to the category objectively estimated during the Stage 1;
• Assessment report for «Design & Procurement»/attaching of supporting documents. 

Stage 3: Commissioning assessment  

• Environmental consulting and environmental management of green construction;
• Acceptance of the building – General Designer/Prime Contractor technical assistance – environmental information;
• Assessment report for «Post Construction Phase»/attaching of supporting documents.