Best Social Impact Certifications for Buildings

Living Building Challenge

International Living Future Institute

The most rigorous building standard in existence, with a dedicated Equity petal requiring inclusive design, universal access, and equitable investment in the surrounding community. Projects must demonstrate 12 months of performance.

WELL Equity Rating

International WELL Building Insititute

Evaluates how buildings and organizations advance health equity through inclusive design, equitable access, and community engagement. Applies at the building, portfolio, and organizational level.

Just

International Living Future Institute

A transparency label for organizations behind buildings, disclosing workforce diversity, pay equity, and community engagement. Often paired with Living Building Challenge and other ILFI certifications.

FitWel Certification

Center for Active Design

Developed by the CDC and GSA, Fitwel evaluates how buildings impact community health outcomes — including access to healthy food, active transportation, and social equity in surrounding neighborhoods.

CHPS - Collaborative for High Performance Schools

Collaborative for High Performance Schools

Ensures school buildings provide equitable access to healthy, high-performance learning environments. CHPS addresses indoor air quality, daylighting, and thermal comfort for all students.

EDGE Certified

International Finance Corporation (IFC)

The International Finance Corporation's certification making green buildings affordable and accessible in developing markets. EDGE reduces the cost barrier to sustainable construction in emerging economies.

Living Community Challenge

International Living Future Institute

Extends Living Building Challenge principles to the neighborhood and community scale. Includes equity requirements for inclusive community engagement, universal access, and equitable development.

WELL Certification

International WELL Building Insititute

WELL's Community concept evaluates how buildings promote equity, inclusion, and social connection — including access to healthcare, civic engagement, and emergency preparedness for all occupants.

Parksmart Certification

Green Business Certification Institute

Certifies parking structures that support equitable access to sustainable transportation. Parksmart evaluates EV charging, bike facilities, transit connectivity, and community accessibility.

TRUE Certification

Green Business Certification Inc.

TRUE (Total Resource Use and Efficiency) certification addresses environmental justice by ensuring buildings minimize waste sent to landfills and incinerators that disproportionately impact disadvantaged communities.