Understanding LEED and BREEAM certifications
LEED certification: objectives and criteria
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification is one of the world's most recognized green building rating systems, providing a framework for sustainable, efficient and energy-saving construction. Launched by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) in 2000, LEED certification has evolved to meet today's environmental challenges, with its most recent version, LEED v5, introduced in 2024.
What are its objectives?
The main objectives of LEED certification are to promote sustainable building practices that contribute to :
- DecarbonizationDecarbonization - reducing carbon emissions from the construction and operation of buildings to combat the climate crisis.
- Resilience, encourage the construction of adaptive buildings capable of withstanding climatic and environmental hazards.
- Health and well-being, ensuring a healthy and comfortable indoor environment for occupants.
- Equity, promoting diversity, inclusiveness and equitable outcomes in built environments.
- Ecosystem conservation, sustaining ecosystems through regenerative development practices.
What are the eligibility criteria?
To achieve LEED certification, a project must meet a set of mandatory criteria and choose from a series of optional credits to accumulate points. The seven criteria are organized into several categories, each designed to evaluate different aspects.
| Objective | |
|---|---|
|
Location and transport |
Favor locations that minimize environmental impact and maximize access to sustainable transportation |
|
Sustainable sites |
Encourage site management practices that reduce negative environmental impacts |
|
Water management
|
Promote water use efficiency through conservation and recycling strategies |
|
Energy and atmosphere |
Reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions through energy efficiency and renewable energies |
|
Materials and resources |
Use sustainable, recycled and local materials to minimize ecological footprint |
|
Indoor environmental quality |
Ensure good indoor air quality and a comfortable environment for occupants |
|
Innovation |
Encouraging innovative solutions to improve the sustainability of buildings |
Bouygues Construction's Challenger headquarters in Guyancourt has been awarded LEED Platinum certification. Measures implemented include a 48% reduction in energy consumption, a 55% reduction in water consumption, the use of 26% recycled materials and 47% regional materials, and the detour of over 75% of site waste from landfill.
These measures demonstrate how LEED-certified projects can combine environmental performance and occupant comfort while meeting today's sustainability requirements.
BREEAM certification: objectives and criteria
BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) is one of the world's leading standards for assessing the environmental performance of buildings. Established in the UK in 1990, BREEAM is widely recognized for its holistic approach to sustainability, covering various environmental, social and economic aspects of construction projects.
What are its objectives?
The main objectives of BREEAM certification are to :
- Reducing environmental impactWe encourage construction and operating practices that minimize ourcarbon footprint and impact on the natural environment.
- Improve occupant well-beingEnsure healthy, comfortable living and working conditions.
- Promoting innovationTo promote innovation, stimulate the adoption of new technologies and sustainable construction methods.
- Ensuring resilience, designing buildings capable of withstanding climatic hazards and other disturbances.
- Optimizing the use of resourcesWe are committed to optimizing the use of resources, promoting energy efficiency, sustainable water management and the responsible use of materials.
What are the eligibility criteria?
Like LEED, BREEAM certification assesses buildings in several categories, each with specific criteria.
| Objective | |
|---|---|
|
Management |
Promote sustainable project management throughout the project life cycle |
|
Health and well-being |
Ensure quality indoor conditions (air quality, thermal and acoustic comfort) |
|
Energy |
Reduce energy consumption through efficient systems and the use of renewable energies |
|
Transport |
Encourage the use of sustainable modes of transport by facilitating access and providing appropriate infrastructure |
|
Water |
Optimize water consumption with water-saving installations and rainwater recovery systems |
|
Materials |
Use sustainable, recycled materials with low environmental impact |
|
Waste |
Minimize waste production and encourage recycling and reuse |
|
Land use and ecology |
Protecting and enhancing biodiversity and integrating buildings into their natural environment |
|
Pollution |
Reduce emissions of air, noise and light pollutants, and minimize impact on local ecosystems |
One example of a BREEAM-certified project is the Clichy-Batignolles eco-neighborhood in Paris. This urban development achieved BREEAM certification for its integrated sustainability planning, including green spaces, energy-efficient buildings and sustainable transport infrastructure. This was made possible by the use of solar panels and heat pumps to reduce energy consumption, and the use of local and recycled materials in the construction of the buildings.
The importance of charging infrastructure in the energy transition
The role of charging stations in sustainable buildings
In 2024, more than ever, companies and building owners are being urged to integrate these infrastructures to meet environmental requirements and user expectations. The Mobility Orientation Law (LOM) in France requires companies with parking lots of more than 20 spaces to install charging stations to encourage the use of electric vehicles.
Charging stations enable buildings to reduce their carbon footprint by integrating charging solutions powered by renewable energies. This contributes to environmental certifications such as LEED and BREEAM, which recognize initiatives to reduce CO2 emissions. By complying with regulations such as those defined by the LOM law, companies can benefit from subsidies and tax credits. The ADVENIR project in France offers grants covering up to 40% of the cost of installing charging stations, making the transition easier for companies.
Buildings equipped with charging stations offer an additional service to employees and visitors, enhancing their satisfaction and comfort. Smart charging stations, which enable remote management and energy optimization, add value in terms of convenience and sustainability.
By integrating charging stations, buildings can not only meet legal and environmental requirements, but also position themselves as leaders in the transition to a sustainable future. These infrastructures are now essential to any strategy of sustainable development and responsible management of energy resources.
Impact of charging stations on LEED certification
Installing charging stations for electric vehicles helps earn credits by promoting alternative modes of transport and reducing dependence on thermal vehicles. Projects can earn points by installing charging stations for at least 2% of total parking spaces, thus encouraging the use of electric vehicles. The use of electric vehicles, combined with renewable energy sources, maximizes points in the "energy and atmosphere" category by demonstrating efficient energy management and reduced CO2 emissions. Projects can also earn credits in the Innovation category by adopting advanced charging technologies and developing educational programs to promote the use of electric vehicles. Innovation can include smart charging stations that optimize energy use and enable remote management, thus increasing the efficiency and sustainability of the building.
Also read → What will be the charging infrastructure challenges for electric cars in 2024?
Impact of charging stations on BREEAM certification
Specific BREEAM criteria for charging infrastructure
BREEAM certification includes specific criteria for electric vehicle charging infrastructures. In the "Transport" category, BREEAM assesses the efforts made to encourage sustainable modes of transport. It awards points for the installation of charging stations in strategic locations that are easily accessible to users. Projects must demonstrate that charging stations are well located, with adequate signage and easy access for all electric vehicles. Projects must install a sufficient number of charging stations to meet user demand. BREEAM generally recommends that 10% of parking spaces be equipped with charging stations, with a minimum capacity to ensure fast and efficient charging. Finally, to maximize points in this category, projects can incorporate renewable energy sources to power charging stations.
In the "Energy" category, charging stations must be equipped with intelligent management systems that optimize energy distribution and reduce consumption peaks. These systems can include features such as load shedding and off-peak charging scheduling to minimize the impact on the power grid. BREEAM values projects that implement monitoring and reporting systems for charging stations. This includes the ability to monitor energy consumption, generate detailed reports and provide real-time information to users on the availability and status of charging stations.
Finally, in the "Innovation" category, projects that go beyond standard BREEAM requirements can earn additional credits. The adoption of innovative charging technologies, such as two-way charging stations (Vehicle-to-Grid, V2G) that enable vehicles to return energy to the grid, can offer additional benefits in terms of sustainability and energy resilience. Projects can also earn points by implementing educational programs to promote the use of electric vehicles and inform users about the environmental and economic benefits of charging stations.
Examples of BREEAM-certified projects with charging stations
King's Cross Central, London, United Kingdom
The King's Cross Central development is an excellent example of a BREEAM-certified urban project that has integrated electric vehicle charging points. This project, located in the heart of London, has achieved BREEAM Excellent certification thanks to a number of sustainable initiatives, including :
- Installation of charging stations Electric vehicle charging stations: the site includes several electric vehicle charging stations strategically located in its parking lots, facilitating access for users and encouraging the adoption of electric vehicles.
- Renewable energy Renewable energy: the charging stations are powered by solar panels installed on the roofs of the buildings, reducing the site's overall carbon footprint.
- Sustainable mobility In addition to the charging stations, the project has set up bicycle infrastructure and car-sharing programs, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable mobility.
Bloomberg European Headquarters, London, United Kingdom
Bloomberg's European headquarters in London is another flagship project to receive BREEAM Outstanding certification. This building, often cited for its innovative and sustainable features, includes :
- Recharging infrastructure Electric vehicle charging stations are available for employees and visitors, integrated into the building's parking lots. These terminals are compatible with the latest fast-charging standards.
- Intelligent energy management Energy management: the building uses energy management systems to optimize the distribution of electricity to charging stations, reducing peak demand and ensuring efficient recharging.
- Impact on BREEAM certification BREEAM certification: the integration of these charging stations has contributed to significant credits in the "Transport" and "Energy" categories, demonstrating a clear commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Port of Rotterdam, Netherlands
The Port of Rotterdam's sustainable development project, certified BREEAM Excellent, has also focused on charging infrastructure for electric vehicles:
- Charging stations in parking lots: The port has installed several charging stations for electric vehicles, giving trucks and other commercial vehicles easy access to recharging, thus reducing emissions linked to sea and land transport.
- Renewable energies: These kiosks are partly powered by renewable energies, including wind turbines and solar panels, reinforcing the positive impact on the environment.
Reduced carbon footprint: The initiative has not only improved the port's environmental performance, but also contributed to its image as a leader in sustainable development in the maritime sector.
Conclusion
Electric vehicle charging stations are therefore key elements in achieving LEED and BREEAM environmental certifications, making a significant contribution to the energy transition and reducing CO2 emissions. Integrating these infrastructures into buildings not only improves their environmental performance, but also increases their value and attracts environmentally conscious users. Charging stations are essential to any sustainable development strategy and to the creation of resilient, environmentally-friendly buildings.
If you would like to know more about the charging station tax credit at 2024please consult our article on the subject.
