Green Globes : Sustainable Architecture and The Green Building Concept
The Green Globes rating system is considered the “Practical Building Rating System.” It can be a great substitute to LEED certification. Below, we will compare the two certification programs to help you pick the right one for your next building project.
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Certification Process
Green Globes Certification
| Registration | Design | Construction | Commissioning | Certification |
| Register with online survey form | Stage 1 Self-assessment | Stage 2 Self-Assessment | Post Assessment | Recognition |
| Project checklist | Green Globes review |
LEED Certification
| Registration | Design | Construction | Certification |
| Register online with GCBI | Design Phase | Construction Phase | Review Process |
| Online tools & resources | Online assessment checklist | Online assessment checklist | Appeal process |
| Certified |
Rate of Difficulty
Rating System
LEED offers several rating systems that are each separated into five different categories: Building Design & Construction, Interior Design & Construction, Operations & Maintenance, Neighborhood Developments, and LEED for Homes.
Green Globes offers only three categories:
- Green Globes for New Construction
- Green Globes for Existing Buildings
- Green Globes for Existing Healthcare Buildings
Credit Categories
These credit categories are determined by each organization. Before a building project can receive certification, they are rated within each category to ensure they are following energy-efficient practices. While Green Globes measures a building project on a 1000-point scale, LEED rates buildings on a 110-point scale. Below is a list of each category:
As you can see, both rating systems measure a building’s energy efficiency, water efficiency, air quality, site location, and use of recyclable materials & resources. Unlike LEED, Green Globe gives points for the quality of the management team. During the assessment, a Green Globes member will come to the construction site to review and inspect the management team, as well as all of their documentation. This is a great incentive for a contractor or project developer, as it encourages them to continue doing their best work.
Minimum Program Requirements
Although LEED certification has minimum requirements, or prerequisites, within their rating system, Green Globes does not. LEED requires that every building meet minimum water efficiency, energy performance, and air quality, before receiving certification. The USGBC believes that all buildings should follow a minimum standard of energy efficiency. Green Globes, on the other hand, believe that prerequisites leave little room for flexibility. Therefore, they have no minimum program requirements.
Certification Levels
Green Globes:
LEED Certification:
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