Leed Vs Edge know the differences.

Choose the one that best suits the needs of your project. Both offer unique approaches to ensuring the sustainability and efficiency of your buildings, helping you meet the highest environmental standards.

In today’s context of growing environmental awareness, green building certifications play a crucial role in promoting sustainable practices in construction. Two of the most prominent in this field are EDGE and LEED. Both certifications seek to optimize energy efficiency and reduce the environmental impact of buildings, but each offers a unique approach. In this blog, we will explore the differences and similarities between EDGE and LEED to help you determine which one is best suited for your projects.

In a world that is increasingly aware of the importance of sustainability and energy efficiency, green building certifications have gained great relevance. Two of the most recognized certifications in this field are EDGE and LEED. Both seek to promote sustainable construction practices, but each has its own characteristics and approaches. In this blog, we explore the differences and similarities between EDGE certification and LEED certification, in order to understand which may be the most suitable option for a project.

EDGE Certification:

EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies) is a certification developed by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), an entity of the World Bank Group. The main focus of EDGE is to improve the efficiency in the use of resources in buildings, including energy, water and construction materials. To obtain EDGE certification, a building must demonstrate a 20% reduction in energy, water and embodied energy consumption compared to a traditional reference building.

LEED Certification:

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a certification developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and has become a widely recognized global standard for sustainable construction. LEED evaluates multiple aspects of a building, including sustainable design, energy efficiency, use of sustainable materials, indoor air quality, and water and waste management. LEED uses a scoring system in different categories, such as energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, and indoor environmental quality, and awards certification based on the level of compliance achieved.

Key Differences:

• Focus: EDGE focuses primarily on resource efficiency, while LEED covers a broader range of aspects, including project location, waste management, and indoor environmental quality.

• Evaluation: EDGE uses a performance-based approach, comparing the building's consumption to a conventional reference model. LEED, on the other hand, uses a scoring system in different categories.

• Geographical Reach: LEED is a widely recognized global certification, with certified projects in several countries. EDGE, while also international, has a stronger presence in emerging and developing markets.

• Cost and Complexity: EDGE is generally considered less expensive and less complex to obtain compared to LEED, due to its more specific approach and focus on resource efficiency.

Similarities:

• Both certifications promote sustainable construction and encourage the reduction of the environmental impact of buildings.

• Both EDGE and LEED seek to incentivize energy efficiency, water management, and the choice of sustainable materials.

• Both certifications provide external recognition and validation for buildings that meet their standards.

In conclusion, both EDGE and LEED certification play an important role in driving sustainable construction and creating more efficient and environmentally friendly buildings. The choice between the two will depend on the client's needs and specific characteristics of the project.

When looking to decide between EDGE and LEED certifications for a project, it is essential to conduct a careful assessment of the project. This assessment will allow you to evaluate the specific characteristics of the project, specific requirements, and sustainability goals to determine which of the two certifications is the most feasible and appropriate option.

Ultimately, both certifications can be valuable tools to promote sustainability in the construction sector and contribute to a greener future.