Different Environmental Certifications Used Around the World

Environmental certification refers to environmental regulations and associated development. Business can avail this certification, by applying through authorized agencies. These businesses have to adhere to certain objectives and processes in order to receive environmental certification. The article below describes major environmental certification programs used globally.

Recently, there has been increasing onus on businesses to apply for environmental certification. Due to high consumption of resources and continuous economic growth, there is a lot of pressure on the environment. By adopting certain measures, businesses can ensure sustainable development so that resources are not compromised for future generations. Miljöcertifiering is a set of measures that can help to provide businesses with an effective environmental management system.

Increasing sustainable development, improving company image and providing ethical products for consumers are major motivations for a business to implement environmental certification. Getting such certification can also improve a business’ competitive advantage. Environmental certification comes with particular eco-labels which can be used on company products. This can make the products stand out as being efficient and environmentally conscious. Overall, businesses can project an indication of good practices by applying for such certification programs.

There are several third-party agencies which businesses can contact to get environmental certifications. Some of the widely-used environmental certifications are briefly described below.

BREEAM

The Building Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) is the world’s first formalized method for environmental assessment. It was first established in 1990. BREEAM certification can be availed in several countries. In Sweden, the Swedish Green Building Council operates BREEAM SE. BREEAM evaluates buildings and construction projects to determine the sustainable use of energi och miljö (articles.abilogic.com, BENEFITS OF BREEAM IN STOCKHOLM FOR ASSESSING SUSTAINABILITY OF BUILDINGS). This evaluation helps businesses to attain a high level of sustainability for their buildings. There are several authorized organizations which help businesses apply and comply with BREEAM assessments.

LEED

The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is a very popular green building certification program around the world. This program was developed by the U.S Green Building Council (USGBC). This program includes a set of rating systems. The ratings are provided on the basis of several factors of a constructed structure like operations, building design, maintenance and neighborhoods. After a business receives a certain number of points, it is classified into one of the four rating levels: Certified, Silver, Gold and Platinum (usgbc.org, 2016). The LEED program can help businesses to be environmentally aware and more responsible regarding efficient use of resources (usgbc.org, ABOUT LEED, 2016). Apart from the United States, the LEED environmental certification is also availed in the countries of Canada and Sweden for residential constructions.

EMAS

The Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) is a voluntary environmental resource management program operating under European regulations. Organizations first have to register with EMAS. These organizations then have to commit themselves to evaluate, manage and improve their environmental performance. EMAS is available to a wide variety of economic and service sectors. This certification is provided by independent third-party environmental organizations. These organizations are supervised by government bodies and are granted the authority of giving the certification (europa.eu, WHAT IS EMAS?, 2016). The ISO 1400: 2004 efficiency requirements are a part of the EMAS program.

An miljöcertifiering företag that can help businesses in Sweden is Exengo. Visit their website for more details.

There are many motivations for building and constructions managers in Stockholm to take up environment friendly measures for structures. Making use of the services of an environment consultant could help with this.