GBI Seeks Public Input for New Certifications, Opens Pilot Program for Green Globes Net Zero Programs

The Green Building Initiative offers two new certification programs: Green Globes Net Zero Energy and Green Globes Net Zero Carbon. These programs will support building and portfolio owners’ efforts to establish baselines, measure progress and validate compliance with building performance standards, municipal regulations, federal sustainability objectives and ESG reporting requirements.

GBI’s programs simplify certification and recognition of Net Zero achievements using time- and cost-effective tools and processes.

The two new certification programs, along with the Green Globes NZ Calculator, are designed to provide a graduated opportunity to  validate progress over time. Minimum requirements for recognition include a 50% reduction in either site net energy use intensity (for Green Globes NZE) or net CO2 equivalent (for Green Globes NZC) to be recognized as ‘Emerging.’ From there, building and portfolio owners can progress toward ‘Distinguished’ at 90% and ‘Exemplary 100’ at 100%, which is  the ultimate net zero objective.

The programs support new buildings and major renovations, existing buildings, and portfolios. New buildings will receive validation as “Designed to Achieve” one of these levels of recognition.

GBI is seeking public input on the structure, methodology and market alignment of its Net Zero programs. Input will be reviewed by subject matter experts and considered for continuous improvement of the programs following procedures found in Public Input Procedures for Non-Standards. Interested parties should return their GBI Public Input Form to input@thegbi.org no later than Aug. 30.

Additionally, GBI invites buildings and portfolios to pilot both Net Zero programs. Project teams will be assigned a GBI project manager, and when ready for validation, a third-party Green Globes assessor will confidentially review building/portfolio data. As needed, the GGA can input available data into the Green Globes NZ Calculator on the owner’s behalf. Following a review of data inputs and documentation, a report will be provided containing the results and personalized recommendations for improvement. Projects that meet minimum requirements and that have completed third-party validation of their achievement level will be eligible for recognition under the Green Globes Net Zero Energy and/or Green Globes Net Zero Carbon programs.

The project team for each participating building will receive a report with recommendations based on its progress, even if ineligible at the time of validation for recognition. These programs are designed to support every building or portfolio owner on their journey toward net zero objectives. Complimentary pilot registration is available through Dec. 31.

To participate in the public input period and or in the complimentary pilot, register here. Following registration, the public input form, program materials, instructions and the Green Globes Net Zero Calculator (beta version) will be emailed.