Green Globe Assessment System vs. LEED

Attribute	Green Globe Assessment System	LEED
Focus	Global sustainability certification system	Building-specific sustainability certification system
Established	1994	1998
Criteria	360+ indicators across 41 criteria	100+ possible points across 9 categories
Applicability	Hotels, resorts, conference centers, attractions, and more	Buildings, homes, neighborhoods, and cities
Global Reach	Used in over 80 countries	Used in over 160 countries

Introduction

Green building certifications have become increasingly popular as organizations and individuals seek to reduce their environmental impact and promote sustainability. Two of the most well-known certification systems are the Green Globe Assessment System and LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). While both systems aim to promote sustainable building practices, they have some key differences in terms of criteria, focus areas, and global reach.

Certification Criteria

The Green Globe Assessment System evaluates buildings based on a set of criteria that include energy efficiency, water conservation, waste management, and indoor air quality. The system also considers factors such as site selection, transportation options, and community engagement. In contrast, LEED certification focuses on nine key areas, including sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, and indoor environmental quality. LEED also awards points for innovation and design process.

Focus Areas

One of the main differences between Green Globe and LEED is their focus areas. Green Globe places a strong emphasis on social responsibility and community engagement, requiring projects to demonstrate their positive impact on local communities. LEED, on the other hand, prioritizes energy efficiency and resource conservation, with a focus on reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable building materials.

Global Reach

Green Globe is a global certification system that is recognized in over 80 countries around the world. It has a strong presence in the tourism and hospitality industry, with many hotels and resorts seeking Green Globe certification to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability. LEED, on the other hand, is more widely recognized in the United States and has a strong presence in the commercial real estate sector. However, LEED is also gaining popularity in other countries as more organizations seek to adopt sustainable building practices.

Cost and Complexity

Both Green Globe and LEED certification can be costly and time-consuming processes. Green Globe certification requires an initial assessment fee, annual membership fees, and ongoing monitoring and reporting requirements. LEED certification also involves fees for registration, certification, and review, as well as costs associated with documentation and verification. The complexity of the certification process can vary depending on the size and scope of the project, with larger and more complex projects requiring more documentation and verification.

Benefits of Certification

Both Green Globe and LEED certification offer a range of benefits to building owners and occupants. Certified buildings are more energy efficient, have lower operating costs, and provide a healthier indoor environment for occupants. Green Globe certification can also help organizations demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and attract environmentally conscious customers. LEED certification, on the other hand, can enhance a building's marketability and increase its value, as well as improve the health and well-being of occupants.

Conclusion

While both the Green Globe Assessment System and LEED aim to promote sustainable building practices, they have some key differences in terms of certification criteria, focus areas, global reach, cost, and complexity. Green Globe places a strong emphasis on social responsibility and community engagement, while LEED prioritizes energy efficiency and resource conservation. Both certification systems offer a range of benefits to building owners and occupants, making them valuable tools for promoting sustainability in the built environment.