LEED® AND BOMA BEST CERTIFICATIONS
As the world becomes increasingly concerned with environmentalism, and energy costs increasing year after year, discussions of sustainability have become mainstream with both the general public and businesses alike. In Canada, two of the leading certifications which can be awarded to a building in recognition of its design, construction and ongoing operations as a green building are
- Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®), administered by the Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC); and
- BOMA BEST, administered by the Building Owners and Managers Association of Canada (BOMA Canada)
As leading sustainability and environmental stewardship certifications in Canada, a number of similarities exist between the two, including energy, water, and waste management efficiencies within buildings. Both standards also have minimum requirements for certification known as BEST Practices in BOMA, and Prerequisites in LEED
Currently, BOMA BEST offers five certification levels whereas LEED offers four certification levels. CERTIFICATION LEVELS are as follows:
BOMA BEST
Baseline is awarded to buildings that have met the Baseline Practices and have achieved between 0% and 29% on the Questionnaire.
Bronze is awarded to buildings that have met the Baseline Practices and have achieved between 30% and 59% on the Questionnaire.
Silver is awarded to buildings that have met the Baseline Practices and have achieved between 60 and 79% on the Questionnaire.
Gold is awarded to buildings that have met the Baseline Practices and have achieved between 80 and 89% on the Questionnaire.
Platinum is awarded to buildings that have met the Baseline Practices and have achieved between 90 and 100% on the Questionnaire.
LEED
Certified is awarded to building that have met all prerequisites in the rating system and earned between 40 and 49 points.
Silver is awarded to building that have met all prerequisites in the rating system and earned between 50 and 59 points.
Gold is awarded to building that have met all prerequisites in the rating system and earned between 60 and 79 points.
Platinum is awarded to building that have met all prerequisites in the rating system and earned over 80 points.
FOCUS AREAS
Both programs assess a facility not just on its usage of resources but also on its ongoing maintenance and operations and ultimately, how they may impact the environment. Focus areas of the two programs are similar:
BOMA BEST focus
Energy and Carbon
Accessibility and Wellness
Water
Custodial and Waste
Indoor Air Quality and Hazards
Resilience and Site
BOMA BEST focus
Sustainable Sites
Material and Resources
Location and Transportation
Water Efficiency
Energy and Atmosphere
Innovation
Indoor Environmental Quality