Internal Messages
Strategies that keep existing building operations and maintenance costs down are critical when competing in an open market, but Mark says Green Globes certification offers his company internal benefits, too. “Getting independent certification is really important to my staff. They want to know they’re working for a company that puts its values into practice,” he explains. “My building professionals got to manage the Green Globes process and learn from it. And we can divert the funds saved by an internally driven process into further enhancing our own structure.”
Green Globes certification culminates with a detailed final assessment report that provides benchmarks, includes conversation notes with the team and outlines clear suggestions for future improvement.
“We received tips that were tangible and directly applicable to the projects,” reports Raigosa Cottrell. “The Assessor’s report can bring up something completely new to consider or help the owner discover that a certain measure isn’t as difficult to implement as previously thought.”
Mark adds achieving Green Globes certification was gratifying for his company. “We were really proud to get Four Green Globes,” he affirms. “You can’t buy that. Our people look at that and know it was something we worked hard at and achieved as a company.”
About Green Globes
Green Globes originated from the United Kingdom’s BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method), which was adopted in Canada and subsequently became Green Globes before arriving in the U.S. Now, the U.S. federal government recognizes Green Globes certification as equivalent to any leading sustainable building certification. Green Globes for Existing Buildings covers six environmental assessment areas:
- Energy
- Water
- Resources
- Emissions
- Indoor Environment
- Environmental Management
Once an assessment is verified by a third party, properties achieving 35 percent or more of the total possible points (up to 1,000) receive a Green Globes rating based on the percentage achieved.
85-100 percent = four Green Globes Demonstrates national leadership and excellence in the practice of water, energy and environmental efficiency to reduce environmental impacts.
70-84 percent = three Green Globes Demonstrates leadership in applying the best practices regarding energy, water and environmental efficiency.
55-69 percent = two Green Globes Demonstrates excellent progress in achieving reduction of environmental impacts and use of environmental- efficiency practices.
35-54 percent = one Green Globe Demonstrates a commitment to environmental-efficiency practices.
Photos: Green Building Initiative