Performance vs. Plaques: The True Measure of Green Building Certifications

Greetings Measurablites, Real Estate Innovators, and Eco-Advocates,

Welcome to the second edition of “The Measurabl Minute”—and the first blast of insight we're sharing in 2024! We've got great news to jumpstart the year. Get ready for a live debate that's sure to stir up the sustainability scene. We're taking a critical deep dive into a Bisnow article that's shaking up the status quo on green building certifications. So tune in—this is one conversation you won't want to miss as we unfold the complexities of this billion-dollar narrative. Let’s peel back some layers together, ready?

In the Spotlight: Green Certifications' Carbon Controversy

It's the golden age for green certifications and reporting, with organizations clamoring for the likes of BREEAM, LEED, and GRESB. These badges of environmental honor signal to investors and lenders a building's green status. But here's the rub: Amidst the surge in certification, skepticism arises about their direct impact on carbon reduction. 

Now, If you haven’t read the article at hand, start there and come back… or just follow along as we sum it up:

Hot Takes from the Article:

• Box-Ticking vs. Carbon-Slicing: Some argue that the current certification process emphasizes compliance over actual carbon savings. Coen van Oostrom of Edge Technologies bluntly states that the system is flawed, potentially diverting focus from meaningful environmental action.
• Complexity vs. Clarity: The myriad of available certifications creates a complex landscape, leaving investors and developers navigating a maze to determine which buildings truly embody sustainability.
• Economic Value vs. Environmental Virtue: While certifications have been linked to increased building values and rental rates, the question looms: Do they genuinely reflect a building's environmental footprint, or are they merely a lucrative label?

Deep Dive Discussion Points:

• Certifications as Value Additions: We're looking into whether the economic advantages of certifications are in step with their environmental contributions.
• A Multitude of Choices: We recognize the breadth of certification choices and aim to understand how this variety influences their intended role in driving environmental progress.
• Ensuring Authenticity: Amidst increased regulatory focus, we're keen to distinguish between superficial claims and certifications that truly signify a positive environmental impact.

The Debate Beckons

Forget the fluff, it’s 2024, and we're not content with surface-level chats. Our upcoming live discussion will dissect these points and much more, with Chris Pyke from GRESB and Matt Ellis from Measurabl steering the conversation! 

We're Asking the Tough Questions:

→ What are the positive and negative impacts of the current variety of sustainability certifications on the real estate industry?

→ Are we experiencing a progression in certification standards or an expansion in their market appeal?

→ How do the metrics and scores used in sustainability certifications correlate with real-world impacts such as cost of capital and sales price, and what defines performance in this context?

Ready to join the live conversation:

🚀 Event at a Glance: "Real Estate's Green Certification Challenge: A Critical Discussion"

🔗 Ready to Register? [Sign up here!]

📆 When? Monday, Jan 29

⏰ Time? 11 am PT / 2 pm ET

We Want to Hear from You!

Your insights and experiences are the heartbeat of this debate. Your perspective is invaluable as we navigate the complex web of green certifications. Do you see these certifications as stepping stones towards sustainability, or are they stumbling blocks disguised in green? Comment below. Let's talk about it!

Chime In With Your Questions and Thoughts:

We're inviting you to be an active participant in this conversation. Whether you’re on the front lines of sustainable development or a keen observer of the industry’s evolution, your questions can spark deeper understanding and drive the discussion forward.

How to Participate:

• Submit Your Questions: Have something to ask our speakers? Want to challenge the status quo or validate a point? Comment your thoughts, and we will work to include them in the agenda, or email us directly at kristi.hedin@measurabl.com
• Join the Conversation: Sign up now and mark your calendar. This is your chance to join industry leaders as we dissect the effectiveness of green certifications and explore the future of sustainability in real estate.

Join us as we venture beyond the green façade to uncover the real impact of building certifications. Let’s contribute to a dialogue that could redefine sustainability in real estate.

Sign up here or watch live on Linkedin here