Best Green Certifications for Existing Buildings

LEED Building Operations and Maintenance (O+M)

U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)

The most widely used green certification for existing buildings in North America. LEED O+M evaluates operational performance including energy, water, waste, transportation, and indoor environmental quality.

BREEAM In-use

BRE Group

The global standard for assessing and improving the environmental performance of existing buildings. BREEAM In-Use covers asset performance, building management, and occupier management with annual re-assessment.

Green Globles for Exisiting Buildings

Green Globes

Green Building Initiative's assessment and certification for existing commercial buildings. Evaluates energy, water, resources, emissions, and indoor environment with a practical, continuous-improvement approach.

BREEAM Refurbishment and fit-out

BRE Group

BRE's certification specifically designed for renovation and fit-out projects within existing buildings. Covers domestic and non-domestic refurbishments, evaluating design and procurement through construction.

Green Star Performance

GBCA

Australia's Green Building Council certification for existing building operations. Green Star Performance measures actual operational performance in energy, water, waste, indoor environment, and management.

LEED Interior Design and Construction (ID+C)

U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)

LEED's rating system for tenant improvement and interior fit-out projects within existing buildings. ID+C covers commercial interiors, retail, and hospitality spaces undergoing renovation or new tenant buildout.

Green Globes for Sustainable Interiors

Green Globes

Green Building Initiative's certification for interior renovations and fit-outs. Evaluates sustainable materials, indoor air quality, lighting, and energy efficiency for commercial interior projects.

Green Star Interiors

GBCA

Australia's certification for sustainable interior fit-outs and tenant improvements. Green Star Interiors evaluates materials, indoor environment quality, energy, and water for commercial interior projects.

WELL Performance Rating

International WELL Building Insititute

The WELL Performance Rating verifies that existing buildings are delivering healthy indoor environments through ongoing performance monitoring of air, water, light, thermal comfort, and acoustics.

SEAM Certification O+M Certification: Developer

SEAM

SEAM's operations and maintenance certification for building developers and owners. Evaluates sustainable operations, maintenance practices, and environmental performance of existing buildings.

SEAM Operations + Maintenance (O+M) Certification: Occupier

SEAM

SEAM's O+M certification from the occupier's perspective. Evaluates how tenants and occupiers manage sustainability in their leased spaces, covering energy use, waste, and indoor environment.