A Review of Green Building Certification Systems through the Lens of Sustainable Architecture

Abstract

Today, the building sector, with its investments, consumes 30–40% of the world's primary resources and is continuing to grow. Energy saving through energy efficiency in buildings has become essential globally. The construction industry has thus become a crucial element not only economically but also in terms of its significant environmental impacts. Therefore, recognizing various aspects of sustainability in green buildings is worth considering. The present study has been conducted using a descriptive and analytical method, relying on quantitative data and library research. First, the principles of sustainable buildings were thoroughly examined, followed by a review of various rating systems such as BREEAM, CASBEE, GBTool, U.S. Green Globes™, and LEED®. It was found that the LEED rating system, compared to other systems, enjoys broader global acceptance. However, the research shows that each rating system reflects the policies and approaches of different countries regarding sustainability. Thus, the green building topic is a global issue that requires regional solutions. In fact, warming, climate change, and all environmental concerns confronting the world cannot be addressed with a single system. Instead, solutions must consider local conditions—not only primary climate characteristics but also regional policies. This paper aims to review and compare major green building certification systems from the perspective of sustainable architectural principles.

Keywords

• Sustainable buildings
• Green building rating systems
• Environmental impact

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