Environmental certification 2026
The global eco-friendly trend has deeply affected the commercial real estate market. The existing green certification systems use different evaluation methods and a variety of criteria – from construction materials to demolition techniques. But all "green standards" have one thing in common: they aim at minimizing negative human impact on environment. In this section we give details on some popular ecological certificates.
The international green building certification system developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). It evaluates the sustainability of buildings at all stages, from design and construction to operation and maintenance. LEED applies to various types of projects: residential, commercial, office, multi‑family complexes, renovations, interiors, as well as district and city developments. The system considers energy and water consumption, efficient use of materials and resources, indoor environmental quality, waste management, environmentally responsible site selection, and user comfort and health. Projects are registered in a dedicated online platform (LEED Online or Arc) and then undergo verification. If all mandatory requirements are met and points are earned according to selected criteria, the project receives certification at one of four levels: Certified, Silver, Gold, or Platinum. LEED is recognized worldwide as a leading standard for sustainable construction.
Examples of buildings with LEED certificates:
Legion II Business Center, Khimki One Business Center, Nordstar Tower Business Center
The British system for assessing the environmental performance of buildings, developed by the BRE Global research centre, evaluates the «life cycle» of a project-from design and construction to operation, refurbishment, or renovation. Since 1990, the methodology has been used to analyse the sustainability of buildings, infrastructure, and complex developments. The system covers a wide range of categories: management, energy and water use, materials, transport, indoor environmental quality, user health and comfort, ecology, biodiversity, waste management, and sustainable land use. Projects are assessed by a licensed assessor and undergo external verification. Once the required number of points is achieved, a rating of Pass, Good, Very Good, Excellent, or Outstanding is awarded. BREEAM is recognised as one of the most reliable and authoritative international standards for «green» construction.
Examples of buildings with BREEAM certificates:
A national Russian system for assessing real estate, developed by the Autonomous Non-Profit Organization «Research Institute for Sustainable Development in Construction» (NIURS). It evaluates sustainable development measures at all stages - from concept and design to commissioning and operation. The assessment covers parameters such as energy and water efficiency, environmental performance, indoor environmental quality, materials, human comfort, and connection with nature. The system also considers operational practices and long-term impact, ensuring buildings and complexes contribute positively to sustainability goals. Based on the evaluation, a project receives one of the rating levels: Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum. The standard applies to various types of properties - residential, office, commercial, warehouse, tourism facilities, and data centers - helping to create a comfortable, healthy, and environmentally responsible environment for people and nature.
The international sustainable building certification system developed by the German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB) evaluates the quality and sustainability of buildings, interiors, and districts at all stages of a project's life cycle. The methodology is based on three key principles: life cycle analysis, a holistic approach, and evaluation of actual performance indicators. It includes a balanced assessment of environmental, economic, and sociocultural aspects, as well as technical, process, and local criteria. The standard can be applied to new and existing buildings, renovations, operations, and districts. Based on compliance with the requirements, a project receives a DGNB certificate of Platinum, Gold, Silver, or Bronze, depending on the level of criteria fulfillment. DGNB is recognized as a global benchmark in sustainable building, adaptable to climatic and local conditions in different countries. "Leninsky, 119" Business Center in Moscow is the first building in Russia certified under DGNB standard. It's rank is Gold.
An international certification system for buildings and districts focused on health, well-being, and everyday user behavior. The standard is based on scientific research in the field of public health and focuses on how architectural, operational, and planning decisions influence the physical and psycho-emotional condition of people. The assessment covers aspects such as the promotion of physical activity, indoor environmental quality, access to services and amenities, safety, social interaction, and connection to the surrounding natural and built environment. Fitwel is applicable to office, residential, and public buildings, as well as to complexes and neighborhoods. The project undergoes thorough documentation review, after which the asset is awarded one of the certification levels - One Star, Two Stars, or Three Stars - depending on the number of points achieved and full compliance with the standard requirements.
An international building certification system, primarily focused on health, well-being, and the overall quality of indoor environments. The standard carefully evaluates how the physical characteristics of a building can affect the condition and well-being of occupants, including factors such as air and water quality, lighting, thermal comfort, acoustics, physical activity, and emotional wellness. The methodology is firmly based on scientific and medical research and applies comprehensively to the design, construction, and operation of buildings, spaces, and interiors. Certification may be used either independently or alongside other sustainable building systems, including LEED. Upon completion of assessment, a project receives a certification level of Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum, depending on the points earned and requirements met. The standard is developed by the International WELL Building Institute, and certification is officially administered through GBCI.
A Russian certification system for commercial real estate that confirms buildings’ readiness to connect to and use digital services in line with international requirements. The certification assesses a building’s digital and telecommunications infrastructure, including structured cabling systems, external communication networks, the possibility of resilient connections to data centers, power supply and engineering systems, as well as the availability of IT services and services with guaranteed quality levels (SLA). The certification process includes documentation collection, comparison of actual parameters with required criteria, verification of engineering and IT systems, and an audit of compliance with CRB standards, including information security. CRB is applied to office buildings and business centers, allowing assets to be recognized as “digital real estate” and reflecting their level of digital readiness.
Examples of buildings with Cloud ready building certificates:
The Russian environmental certification system focuses on sustainable development, energy efficiency, and ESG principles. The certification was developed by the National PPP Center (VEB.RF Group) and the Center for Sustainable Development in Construction and Real Estate Operations, in collaboration with major developers, property owners, and the expert community, with the support of VEB.RF and ProGorod.
The certification applies to the following types of properties: office buildings/business centers, warehouse complexes, social and industrial facilities, sports facilities, multifunctional complexes, apartments, and retail spaces. The system is suitable for both new construction (New Construction) and existing operational properties (In-Use). The certification level is assigned based on the percentage of compliance with established criteria: Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond.
Examples of buildings that have received the «Clover» certificate:
Business center ICITY, Rostec City Business Park, Business center Iskra-Park
A Russian rating system for assessing and certifying the sustainability of buildings and green construction. The certificate serves as a reliable quality mark for sustainable, low-carbon buildings and helps confirm compliance with ESG principles and Russian regulations in the field of energy and resource efficiency. The system evaluates more than 200 criteria based on national GOST standards and international ISO/IgCC principles, including energy and water efficiency, the use of environmentally friendly materials, organization of separate waste collection, spatial comfort, health and well-being of occupants, barrier-free and inclusive environments, and other aspects. As a result of the assessment, a project is assigned an “eco status” and a green certificate, which increases trust among investors, clients, and developers and strengthens the asset’s position in the sustainable real estate market.
Examples of buildings with EGBS certificates:
A Russian certification standard for sustainable buildings and offices, developed with the support of the Committee for Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Development of the Russian Guild of Managers and Developers. The standard adapts international green certification practices (LEED, BREEAM) to Russian regulations and local conditions, and confirms the ESG-focused approach of developers and property owners. Certification is carried out in stages - from preparation of technical documentation and reports, through construction works, to commissioning of the asset. During the process, the project is assessed against mandatory measures and accumulates points across various sections. Based on the assessment results, one of the certification levels is awarded: Certified, Silver, Gold, or Platinum. The certificate confirms compliance with sustainable development principles, improves indoor environmental quality, and demonstrates a responsible approach toward people and the environment.