GBCI named global certification provider for IFC’s EDGE green building system
Latest move allows GBCI to continue to expand its role in mass market transformation to green buildings
WASHINGTON, D.C. – October 14, 2015 – (RealEstateRama) — Today, Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI) was named global certification provider by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) for its EDGE green building certification system. This partnership will help jumpstart mass market transformation to green buildings in nearly 100 developing countries across the world, in a fast, simple and affordable way.
An innovation of IFC, EDGE is a certification system for new residential and commercial buildings that enables design teams and project owners to assess the most cost-effective ways to incorporate energy and water saving options in their buildings. Earlier this year, GBCI was announced as the exclusive certification provider for all EDGE projects in India.
“The mass market transformation of the global built environment will require widespread participation and cooperation,” said Mahesh Ramanujam, COO, U.S. Green Building Council and President of GBCI. “EDGE helps us achieve our longstanding goal of green buildings for all within a generation. EDGE helps project teams by providing financially attractive measures for their new construction projects and allows them to upgrade to more comprehensive green building practices. GBCI is ready to bring our experience, technical capabilities and resources to accelerate and scale EDGE projects around the world.”
“Additionally, GBCI has the infrastructure and capabilities to deliver due to our partnership with global leader Bureau Veritas, that was announced last year,” added Ramanujam. “BV is facilitating LEED certification on behalf of GBCI and helping us to offer local touch points for customers.”
GBCI, the world’s premier green building credentialing body, also certifies projects and accredits professionals under USGBC’s LEED rating system, the global leadership program for green building; the WELL Building Standard for health and wellness in our built environment; the PEER standard for power systems and SITES, a program for sustainable landscape development.
IFC also announced global partner thinkstep/SGS. GBCI and thinkstep/SGS will operationalize EDGE by leveraging their networks, stimulating demand and driving certification uptake. They will also train independent auditors to engage with clients, assessing their work before rewarding projects with EDGE certification.
GBCI and SGS currently serve as exclusive local certification providers for EDGE in India and Vietnam, respectively, which has helped them prepare for global readiness.
“With its speed, affordability and simplicity, EDGE is fundamentally a game changer,” said Prashant Kapoor, Principal Green Building Specialist for IFC and inventor of EDGE. “As a new global certification provider for EDGE, GBCI will bring its experience, passion and outstanding reputation for delivery to create a dynamic shift in the market.”
EDGE empowers builders to choose technical solutions while capturing costs and projected operational savings. The drivers behind EDGE are financial, but the results are environmental—EDGE helps mitigate climate change by encouraging resource-efficient development.
To reach the EDGE minimum standard, a building must achieve a 20 percent reduction in energy and water consumption, as well as the energy used to make the construction materials.
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Christopher Gray
Media & Communications Specialist
