If you are a building owner, whether commercial or residential, you may be interested in how to make it more sustainable, environmentally friendly and how to increase energy efficiency. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is through LEED EBOM Certification. LEED EBOM (Existing Buildings: Operations and Maintenance) Certification is a recognition by the GBCI (Green Business Certification Inc.), the same body behind the certifications LEED y Alright. If you are interested in obtaining this certification for your building, it is important that you know some relevant facts. In this article, we will explain them to you.
Source: https://w-barcelona.hotelbcn-barcelona.com/ Hotel Vela project by EVALORE for IG. Photo edited by EVALORE.
What is LEED EBOM Certification?
The LEED EBOM certification focuses on existing buildings, their sustainable operation and maintenance. LEED EBOM is one of the most popular certifications worldwide, with more than 17,400 buildings certified in over 100 countries. Particularly 321 buildings in Spain, this certification system has gained popularity in recent years due to its special features that make it ideal for already constructed buildings.
Source: https://www.usgbc.org/
LEED EBOM
Consider the following aspects for measuring building performance, through an approach of life cycle of the building:
- Energy efficiencyevaluate the energy consumption in relation to the norms and standards established for the type of building in question. This includes assessing the building's energy consumption in different areas, such as lighting, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, among others.
- Water consumptionconsider the building's water consumption and its impact on the environment. Water use is evaluated in different areas, such as irrigation water, bathroom use, and cleaning, and the aim is to reduce consumption through the implementation of efficient technologies and practices.
- Indoor air qualityevaluates indoor air quality in terms of carbon dioxide levels, volatile organic compounds, humidity and temperature. The aim is to maintain a healthy and comfortable indoor environment for the building's occupants.
- Waste managementevaluate the amount of waste generated and the percentage of waste recycled or diverted from landfill.
- Impact on transportThe building's access and connectivity to sustainable transport options, such as public transport and bicycles, are evaluated.
- User experienceevaluates how the building affects occupants' health, comfort and satisfaction, analysing indoor air quality, thermal comfort, lighting quality and views.
Source: https://arcskoru.com/. Photo edited by EVALORE.
Certification levels
When the building is LEED O&M certified, it has an associated certification level. Each level requires progressively higher compliance with the established sustainability requirements and standards. In ascending order of sustainability and performance, they are as follows:
CertificateIt meets the minimum certification requirements.
SilverExceed the minimum requirements and achieve a higher score.
GoldReach an even higher level of sustainability and scoring.
PlatinumThe highest level, with the highest standards of sustainability and an exceptional score.
Obtaining this certification recognises that the building has a high level of environmental performance and sustainability in its operation and maintenance.
What are the benefits of LEED O&M Certification?
- Energy and water savingThe implementation of energy efficiency and water management practices can help reduce consumption, as well as the building's operation and maintenance costs.
- Indoor air quality improvementTo achieve certification, it is necessary to ensure ventilation that manages to reduce pollutants and can improve indoor air quality.
- Improvement of health and wellbeing: LEED O+M certification promotes the improvement of natural lighting quality and the selection of materials and products that are not harmful to health.
- Reduction of greenhouse gas emissionsThe implementation of energy efficiency practices and the use of renewable energy can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- Image enhancement of the building: Obtaining LEED EBOM certification is recognition that the building meets high environmental and sustainability standards. This can significantly improve the building's image and increase its value and market competitiveness.
LEED EBOM certification considers multiple aspects of building performance, aiming to promote sustainable practices and improve the building's environmental impact throughout its lifecycle.
How to obtain LEED EBOM certification?
To obtain LEED EBOM v4.1 certification, several steps must be followed:
- Register on the GBCI website and select the certification category «Existing Buildings: Operations and Maintenance» (EBOM).
- Prepare the documentation necessary for certification. All must be collected relevant data about the building, like the energy and water consumption, the materials used, waste management, etc.
- Initial assessment of the building to determine its current condition and its potential for improvement. Credit assessment, which consists of selecting and documenting the credits you wish to obtain. Each credit has a set value, and enough credits must be obtained to reach the minimum required score. In addition, it is compulsory to carry out a energy audit as part of the Energy Efficiency Best Management Practices Prerequisite, which will allow for the identification energy efficiency improvement opportunities of the building and establish a baseline energy consumption, must be carried out by a qualified professional.
- Action plan detailed to address the areas for improvement identified in the initial assessment.
- Submit the certification request via the LEED website.
- The application will be reviewed by the US Green Building Council (USGBC), which will verify that all the necessary requirements and credits to obtain certification are met.
- If the request meets all the requirements, it will be approved and issued the LEED EBOM Certification with the certification level achieved.
LEED O+M v4.1
The LEED EBOM v4.1 version includes several improvements and updates compared to the v4 version:
- Credits related to indoor air quality, ventilation, and lighting, focused on health and wellbeing, have been added.
- Simplification and clarity of requirements and credits.
- New credits related to continuous energy and water monitoring have been added, encouraging long-term optimisation and efficiency, with a greater emphasis on building performance.
- Compliance options have been broadened, allowing owners to tailor requirements to their building's specific needs and characteristics.
- Integration with other certification systems, such as Alright and EDGE. This enables more effective synergy and collaboration between different standards and certification programmes, leading to a more holistic approach to building sustainability.
Data monitoring
The LEED EBOM certification is a dynamic certification, Annual information on the building's performance in relation to the certification requirements must be provided. Depending on the information, the certification level may vary. Through the platform Arc From GBCI, the sustainability performance of buildings can be monitored. Data and documents updated on the Arc platform are synchronised with LEED Online.
Source: https://arcskoru.com/
Buildings that achieve this certification have succeeded in reducing their energy and water consumption, improving indoor air quality, and reducing waste and greenhouse gas emissions, among other benefits.
¿How long is the LEED EBOM certification of a project valid?
It is important to bear in mind that LEED EBOM Certification is not permanent. Following three years, a should be carried out recertification to maintain the certification. This will ensure that the building continues to comply with sustainability and efficiency standards. Regardless of this, it must be supplied Data energy consumption and building performance annually.
The LEED recertification encourages projects to monitor and ensure compliance with requirements, through the analysis of annual data for each of the certification categories: energy, water, indoor air quality, waste, transport and user satisfaction. Its importance lies in verifying the current performance, align and improve with the new requirements in order to have a sustainable building.
How much does the LEED EBOM certification cost?
To get a clearer idea of the costs, it is important to mention that the certification process involves hiring a team of professionals specialised in sustainability and energy efficiency. These professionals may include architects, engineers, consultants and other experts. En Evalore Spaces We can help you certify your building.
As well as professional fees, you also need to take into account the LEED application fee. This fee varies depending on the certification category and the geographical location of the building. Check here for prices of the LEED EBOM certification.
In short, LEED O&M is a valuable tool for building owners in Spain, as it allows them to increase market value of its properties, reduce operating costs and be oriented towards the sustainability. Adaptability to historic buildings, compliance with local regulations, and the improvement of occupant health and wellbeing are some of the special features that make LEED EBOM certification an attractive option for existing buildings.
At Espacios Evalore we help you certify your building, contact us.
Laura Barrios Mogollón
Architect and Sustainability Consultant, Espacios Evalore SLP
