Introduction to environmental certifications
Environmental certifications provide a structured assessment of how sustainable buildings are throughout their lifecycle. The most widely used environmental certifications in Europe are LEED, BREEAM, and other regional certifications.
- LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is one of the most well-known assessment systems internationally. It is a global certification system that rates buildings based on criteria such as energy and water use, indoor environment quality, material selection, and waste management.
- BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) is a widely used environmental certification system in Europe. The system assesses buildings across several areas, such as energy use, health and well-being, pollution control, and material selection.
- Regional certifications: Various countries in Europe have developed their certification systems adapted to national regulations and climate conditions. For example, Germany has DGNB (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Nachhaltiges Bauen) and France has HQE (Haute Qualité Environnementale). These systems assess buildings based on similar criteria to LEED and BREEAM but are tailored to local needs and standards.
Why obtain an environmental classification?
Obtaining environmental certifications for a building offers several benefits:
- Increased property value: Environmentally certified buildings with high operational net income generally have a higher market value.
- Lower operating costs: Through energy efficiency and low energy consumption, operating costs are reduced.
- Healthy indoor environment: Contributes to increased comfort and productivity for those who occupy the building.
- Strengthened brand image: A certification communicates the property owner’s environmental ambitions.
How a life cycle assessment works
A Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) forms the basis for an environmental certification and is a method for analyzing the environmental impact of a building throughout its entire lifespan. LCA considers all phases of a building's life cycle—from raw material extraction, production, and transport, to usage, and finally, waste management and demolition. Often, the building's environmental impact is dominated by the construction phase and operations, making building automation and energy optimization crucial for reducing the overall impact.
How building automation is key to achieving environmental certifications
Buildings account for about 40% of annual energy consumption in the EU. A significant portion of this comes from the operation and maintenance of buildings, including heating, ventilation, cooling, water, wastewater, and electricity. For property owners aiming to achieve an environmental certification, investments in building automation become a crucial step.
- Modern and integrated control systems: By implementing modern and integrated control systems for heating and ventilation, it is possible to optimize the building's operation according to its use. Techniques such as reduced operating times, presence control, and temperature control contribute to a more energy-efficient property.
- Data-driven analysis: With the help of building automation, it is possible to collect and analyze data from the building's various systems. This enables efficient identification of energy peaks and inefficient processes. Through proactive management and data-driven analysis, energy use can be continuously optimized.
- Planning and preventive maintenance: Building automation creates conditions for planning and preventive maintenance. Instead of reacting to problems that have arisen, property owners can use the system's data to anticipate and prevent potential operational disruptions. This leads to reduced costs and extends the lifespan of the building's technical systems.
In summary, building automation is a crucial tool for both achieving and maintaining the high standards required for environmental certification of buildings. By integrating advanced technology and smart control systems, property owners can optimize energy use, reduce operating costs, and improve resource use. This leads not only to increased economic profitability and reduced environmental impact but also to a healthier indoor climate.