Best Green Certifications for Commercial Buildings

LEED Building Design and Construction (BD+C)

U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)

The most widely recognized green building certification globally. LEED BD+C covers new commercial construction and major renovations with a points-based system across energy, water, materials, and indoor quality.

BREEAM In-use

BRE Group

The world's longest-established sustainability assessment method, originating in the UK. BREEAM In-Use evaluates existing commercial buildings across management, health & wellbeing, energy, transport, water, materials, waste, land use, and pollution.

WELL Certification

International WELL Building Insititute

The leading health-focused building standard for commercial interiors and workplaces. WELL evaluates air, water, nourishment, light, movement, thermal comfort, sound, materials, mind, and community.

FitWel Certification

Center for Active Design

Developed by the CDC and GSA, Fitwel is a cost-effective certification for commercial offices, multifamily buildings, and retail spaces. Known for its streamlined, evidence-based approach to health outcomes.

LEED Building Operations and Maintenance (O+M)

U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)

LEED O+M certifies existing commercial buildings that implement sustainable operations, including energy efficiency, water conservation, waste management, and indoor environmental quality improvements.

Green Star Buildings

GBCA

Australia's leading sustainability rating system, managed by the Green Building Council of Australia. Used across commercial offices, retail, industrial, and public sector projects throughout the Asia-Pacific.

EnergyStar Certified - Commercial Buildings

EPA/DOE

The EPA's benchmarking and certification for energy-efficient commercial buildings. ENERGY STAR is the most widely used energy performance benchmark in the US, covering offices, retail, hotels, and more.

DGNB Certificate

German Sustainable Building Council - Deutsche Gesellschaft für nachhaltiges Bauen e.V

Germany's comprehensive sustainability certification evaluating buildings across environmental, economic, sociocultural, technical, and process quality. The leading standard for commercial buildings in Central Europe.

Green Globes for New Construction

Green Globes

A flexible, ANSI-approved green building assessment for commercial new construction in the US and Canada. Known for its interactive, web-based assessment process and on-site verification.

Living Building Challenge

International Living Future Institute

The most rigorous green building standard in existence. Commercial and institutional projects must demonstrate net-positive energy, water, and waste over 12 months of actual operation.