Introduction
In the building industry, sustainability has become increasingly important, driven by a growing awareness of environmental impacts, economic considerations, and regulatory pressures. The built environment is responsible for nearly 40% of global energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, making it a critical sector for implementing sustainable practices.
Given the necessary shift in the building industry and the profound transformation in recent years, there is a need to adapt. This evolution expands beyond environmental consciousness; it encompasses the creation of spaces that offer enhanced efficiency, promote occupant health, and deliver long-term economic benefits. The industry’s focus has shifted toward developing buildings that not only minimize their environmental impacts but also optimize resource use, providing for a lasting value; sustainability, in every aspect of the world, is the focus.
The Green Globes® certification provides for a comprehensive assessment and rating system for buildings. Developed by the Green Building Initiative (GBI), they offer a complimentary certification to the well-known LEED rating system and are recognized in both the United States and Canada. The process of this certification overall evaluates buildings on various aspects of sustainability, including energy efficiency, indoor environmental quality, etc.
What is the certification, understanding Green Globes:
The Green Building Initiative’s Green Globes is a science-based, three-in-one whole-building certification system that evaluates environmental sustainability, health & wellness, and resilience of all types of commercial real estate. The certification is designed to allow building owners and managers to essentially choose which sustainability features best fit their building and its occupants. GBI’s personalized approach assists in achieving the most sustainable outcomes based on each individual building type, budget, location, and the needs of occupants.
This assessment and certification system can be applied to all commercial building types. Green Globes incentivizes building owners to strive toward the Green Building Initiative’s vision of sustainable, healthy, and resilient buildings for all. As the certification facilitator, GBI plays a crucial role in promoting sustainability in the built environment. As the developer, GBI maintains assessment criteria that reflect the current best practices in the industry. They educate and train industry professionals on sustainable practices. Their user-friendly, cost-effective certification process encourages widespread adoption of these practices. GBI continuously updates its standards to align with evolving technologies and sustainability goals.
Key Features and Benefits
Green Globes certification offers four levels of recognition, represented by the number of globes awarded. A Green Globes-certified building would meet at least 35% of the 1,000 points that could be deemed applicable to the project.
| One Green Globe | Two Green Globes | Three Green Globes | Four Green Globes |
| A building that earns one GreenGlobe meets 35-54% of the 1,000-point system. This level signifies a commitment to basic sustainability practices and initiatives. | Achieving two GreenGlobes indicates that the building meets 55-69% of the 1,000-point system. This represents a higher standard of sustainability performance, showing more comprehensive environmental efforts. | Buildings awarded three GreenGlobes have met 70-84% of the 1,000-point system. This high level of certification reflects significant achievements in sustainability and innovative environmental management. | The highest certification, four GreenGlobes, is awarded to buildings meeting 85-100% of the 1,000-point system. This level demonstrates exemplary performance in sustainability across various criteria, showcasing leadership in environmental stewardship. |
To obtain certification, project teams typically start by registering their project with GBI, then use the Green Globes online assessment tool to evaluate their building’s performance. The self-assessment available is followed by a third-party on-site assessment, which is conducted by a GBI-approved assessor. The assessor provides verification of the projects achievements and provides recommendations for improvements.
Key features include:
- User-friendly approach
- Flexibility to adapt to different building types and regions
- Cost-effectiveness
- An emphasis on practical, achievable measures
In addition, there are many benefits to pursuing a certification with GreenGlobes, including:
- Enhancing overall building performance
- Reducing operating costs
- Improves occupant well-being
- Market differentiation
- A keep demonstration of environmental commitment
Utilizing GreenGirt CMH™ and SMARTci® for your Project
GreenGirt CMH and SMARTci provide advanced building envelope solutions designed to optimize thermal efficiency and sustainability. GreenGirt CMH is a continuous insulation system that is an alternative to traditional metal Z-girts. It’s made from a unique composite metal hybrid material that combines steel’s strength with the composite’s thermal efficiency. SMARTci is an air- and water-tight building enclosure system that utilizes GreenGirt CMH and custom-profiled rigid insulation.
Leading the Shift Toward Energy Efficiency
The innovative GreenGirt CMH and SMARTci systems lead the construction industry’s move toward energy efficiency and environmentally responsible practices. These advanced systems help projects meet aggressive energy-reduction targets required by certifications like Green Globes and LEED. They help drive the industry toward a more energy-efficient and environmentally conscious future.
Incorporating GreenGirt CMH and SMARTci into a project offers significant advantages in achieving superior building envelope performance. The GreenGirt CMH and SMARTci systems utilize a composite metal hybrid technology, combining the strength of steel and the thermal efficiency of composites.GreenGirt CMH and SMARTci align closely with Green Globes criteria by enhancing energy efficiency, reducing environmental impact, and improving indoor air quality. The thermal efficiency provided dramatically reduces heat transfer, leading to lower energy consumption and improved occupant comfort. The product’s durability ensures long-term performance, while its adaptability allows for use with any cladding system.
GreenGirt CMH and SMARTci’s ease of installation streamlines the construction process, reducing labor costs and project timelines. For even greater thermal performance, the SMARTci system, which incorporates GreenGirt CMH, provides a comprehensive solution that completely eliminates thermal bypass, resulting in best-in-class efficiency. At Advanced Architectural Products, we offer engineering support and resources, including design assistance, installation guidance, and performance data, ensuring optimal implementation and maximizing the benefits of our systems. Choosing GreenGirt CMH and SMARTci helps projects achieve superior thermal performance and contribute to sustainability goals. Additionally, this choice can also lead to higher Green Globes certification levels.
Conclusion
Green Globes certification continues to be a significant benchmark for sustainable construction practices. Systems like GreenGirt CMH and SMARTci enhance building envelope performance, aligning with Green Globes criteria. For sustainable projects, exploring solutions that improve thermal efficiency and adaptability can help earn green building recognition. Additionally, innovative building envelope systems are worth considering when aiming for certifications like Green Globes to achieve sustainability goals.
GreenGirt CMH and SMARTci offer superior thermal efficiency, durability, and adaptability, making them the best solution for meeting and exceeding energy reduction targets. To maximize these benefits in your projects, consult our team of engineering experts. This will also increase your potential for Green Globes certification. They provide tailored guidance and technical support to help you achieve your sustainability goals. Contact us today to take a significant step toward a greener built environment.
