Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies (EDGE) Rating System
Follow globally recognized standards for your project.
EDGE (“Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies”) is a free software, a green building standard, and an international green building certification system. EDGE is an innovation of IFC, a member of the World Bank Group. IFC created EDGE to respond to the need for a measurable and credible solution to prove the business case for building green and to unlock financial investment.
Edge CERTIFICATION FEATURES
What Is EDGE Certification
Introduction of EDGE Certification
EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies) is a green building certification system for emerging market countries. It is a voluntary, third-party certification program that helps developers and owners of buildings and communities reduce their environmental impact and save money.
EDGE is based on a set of performance criteria that are aligned with the International Green Construction Code (IgCC). The IgCC is a model code that provides a comprehensive set of building design and construction requirements for energy efficiency, water conservation, indoor air quality, and sustainable site development.
EDGE is a flexible rating system that can be applied to a wide range of building types, including commercial, institutional, and residential buildings. The rating system is also scalable, so it can be used to assess the environmental performance of both new and existing buildings.
Objectives of EDGE Certification Rating System
The objectives of the EDGE rating system are to:
- Reduce the environmental impact of buildings and communities in emerging market countries.
- Help developers and owners save money on energy and water costs.
- Promote the adoption of green building practices in emerging market countries.
How EDGE Certification Works
The EDGE rating system uses a points-based system to assess the environmental performance of buildings and communities. Buildings and communities earn points for meeting performance criteria in the following areas:
- Energy efficiency: Buildings and communities earn points for using energy-efficient materials and equipment, and for designing their buildings to be as energy-efficient as possible.
- Water conservation: Buildings and communities earn points for using water-efficient materials and equipment, and for designing their buildings to use as little water as possible.
- Indoor air quality: Buildings and communities earn points for using materials and equipment that do not emit harmful pollutants into the indoor air, and for designing their buildings to provide good indoor air quality.
- Sustainable site development: Buildings and communities earn points for siting their buildings in a sustainable location, and for using sustainable materials and practices in their construction.
To achieve certification, buildings and communities must earn a minimum number of points. The number of points required for certification varies depending on the size and type of building or community.
EDGE Certification Criteria
The EDGE rating system is based on a set of performance criteria that are aligned with the International Green Construction Code (IgCC). IgCC is a model code that provides a comprehensive set of building design and construction requirements for energy efficiency, water conservation, indoor air quality, and sustainable site development.
The EDGE rating system assesses the environmental performance of buildings and communities in four key areas:
- Cost Calculator: EDGE helps you decide the best green options and estimate the incremental costs of green building.
Focus on Resource Efficiency: EDGE focuses on energy, water, and embodied energy in materials for a quantitive approach.
Bio-Climatic Modeling: EDGE is location-specific, with climate and lifestyle data for thousands of cities.
Streamlined Process: A shorter certification workflow saves you time, with most required documentation already on hand.
Green Finance Aligned: EDGE is aligned with international green finance standards, including GRESB, ICMA, CBI, and CDP.
International Acclaim: Integration of the EDGE brand into your marketing efforts distinguishes your projects and carries global prestige.
The three components of EDGE Certification
- Free Software: The EDGE App helps identify the most cost-effective ways to reduce the resource intensity of a building.
- Green Standard: EDGE focuses purely on energy, water, and embodied energy in materials for a quantitative approach to sustainability.
- Verified Green Label: The internationally recognized certification system makes it fast and easy to verify the resource efficiency of a project.
What is Green Buildings?
"Energy-efficient structures designed with sustainability in mind, creating a greener and healthier environment." "These eco-conscious buildings minimize environmental impact while maximizing occupant comfort and well-being."
"Embark on a journey into the world of sustainable architecture and discover the transformative power of green buildings on our comprehensive overview page."
Different EDGE Certifications
You have three options for EDGE certification. First, use the EDGE App to achieve at least a 20% reduction in water and materials. Then, select your goal for saving energy to match one of these levels:
LEVEL 1: EDGE Certified: Buildings and communities that earn at least 20% savings in energy, water, and embodied energy in materials are eligible for EDGE Certified.
- Requirements: 20% or more savings in energy, water and embodied energy in materials.
- Timing: At preliminary and final certification stages.
- Renewal: Not required.
- Cost: Registration and certification fees.
LEVEL 2: EDGE Advanced (Zero Carbon Ready): Buildings and communities that earn at least 40% savings in energy, water, and embodied energy in materials are eligible for EDGE Advanced.
- Requirements: EDGE certified with 40% or more on-site energy savings.
Timing: At preliminary and final certification stages.
Renewal: Not required.
- Cost: Registration and certification fees.
EDGE Zero Carbon: Buildings and communities that achieve net-zero carbon emissions are eligible for EDGE Zero Carbon.
- Requirements: EDGE Advanced with 100% renewables on-site or off-site, or purchased carbon offsets to top off at 100%. All energy must be accounted for, including diesel and LPG.
- Timing: At least one year after final EDGE certification with 75% occupancy, when operational data must be submitted.
- Renewal: Every four years with 100% renewables and every two years with purchased offsets.
- Cost: Approximately $1,000, depending on certifying partner (in addition to registration and certification fees).
Benefits of EDGE Certification
EDGE brings international prestige to your project from the design stage onwards. Whether you’re a homebuilder, commercial owner, or are building to sell, capitalize on the value of certification before your project has been built.
Here are a few of the benefits.
Home Builders:
- Attract better financing for you and your customers
- Label your homes as green
- Promote resource-efficient savings
- Earn customer referrals
Commercial Owners:
- Increase occupancy rates
- Drive profitability
- Ensure cost control across properties
- Take a portfolio approach with EDGE or mix and match with LEED
Build to Sell:
- Attract investors
- Distinguish your properties
- Complement efficiencies in construction and labor
- Accelerate turnover
- Quantify your sustainable brand
How to get EDGE certified
The first step is to register your project. Receive a preliminary EDGE certificate at the design stage, then repeat the process at the post-construction stage to earn the final EDGE certification. Existing buildings can go straight to final certification.
To get EDGE certified, developers and owners must complete the following steps:
- Design and construct their building or community to meet the EDGE performance criteria.
- Use the EDGE software to assess the environmental performance of their building or community.
- Submit their assessment to an EDGE verifier.
- Pay the EDGE certification fee.
Once a building or community has been certified by EDGE, it will be issued a certificate of EDGE certification. The certificate will be valid for five years.
Conclusion
EDGE is a valuable tool that can help developers and owners of buildings and communities in emerging market countries reduce their environmental impact and save money. If you are considering a new or renovation project in an emerging market country, I encourage you to learn more about the EDGE rating system and how it can help you achieve your sustainability goals.
EDGE Certification Registration and Rating Procedure
To register for EDGE certification, developers and owners must create an account on the EDGE website. Once an account has been created, developers and owners can begin the process of designing and constructing their building or community to meet the EDGE performance criteria.
Design and Construction
When designing and constructing their building or community, developers and owners must consider the following EDGE performance criteria:
- Energy efficiency: Buildings and communities must be designed and constructed to be as energy-efficient as possible. This can be done by using energy-efficient materials and equipment, and by designing the building or community to take advantage of natural light and ventilation.
- Water conservation: Buildings and communities must be designed and constructed to use as little water as possible. This can be done by using water-efficient materials and equipment, and by designing the building or community to collect and reuse rainwater.
- Indoor air quality: Buildings and communities must be designed and constructed to provide good indoor air quality. This can be done by using materials and equipment that do not emit harmful pollutants into the indoor air, and by designing the building or community to have good ventilation.
- Sustainable site development: Buildings and communities must be sited in a sustainable location, and they must be constructed using sustainable materials and practices. This can be done by choosing a location that is close to public transportation, and by using materials that are locally sourced and recycled.
Assessment
Once the building or community has been designed and constructed, developers and owners can use the EDGE software to assess the environmental performance of their building or community. The EDGE software will calculate the amount of energy, water, and embodied energy in materials that the building or community will save compared to a baseline building or community.
Verification
Once the environmental performance of the building or community has been assessed, developers and owners must submit their assessment to an EDGE verifier. The EDGE verifier will review the assessment and determine if the building or community meets the EDGE performance criteria.
Certification
If the building or community meets the EDGE performance criteria, it will be certified by EDGE. The certification process typically takes 6-8 weeks. Once a building or community has been certified by EDGE, it will be issued a certificate of EDGE certification. The certificate will be valid for five years.
Conclusion
EDGE is a valuable tool that can help developers and owners of buildings and communities in emerging market countries reduce their environmental impact and save money. If you are considering a new or renovation project in an emerging market country, I encourage you to learn more about the EDGE rating system and how it can help you achieve your sustainability goals.
The World of Green Building Certifications:
EDGE Certification Professional Credentials
EDGE Expert
An EDGE Expert is a professional who has been trained and certified by EDGE to help developers and owners design and construct buildings and communities that meet the EDGE performance criteria. EDGE Experts can provide guidance on a variety of topics, including energy efficiency, water conservation, indoor air quality, and sustainable site development.
To become an EDGE Expert, professionals must complete a training program and pass a certification exam. The training program covers the following topics:
- The EDGE rating system
- The principles of green building
- The technical aspects of designing and constructing green buildings
- The business case for green building
The certification exam tests professionals’ knowledge of the EDGE rating system and their ability to apply the principles of green building to real-world projects.
EDGE Verifier
An EDGE Verifier is an independent professional who is qualified to verify the environmental performance of buildings and communities that are seeking EDGE certification. EDGE Verifiers must be familiar with the EDGE rating system and the technical aspects of building design and construction.
To become an EDGE Verifier, professionals must complete a training program and pass a certification exam. The training program covers the following topics:
- The EDGE rating system
- The technical aspects of assessing the environmental performance of buildings and communities
- The EDGE verification process
The certification exam tests professionals’ knowledge of the EDGE rating system and their ability to assess the environmental performance of buildings and communities.
EDGE Professional Credentials Benefits
There are many benefits to earning EDGE Professional Credentials, including:
- Increased knowledge and skills in green building
- Increased credibility and professional recognition
- Increased opportunities for employment and business development
- Increased ability to help developers and owners achieve their sustainability goals
If you are interested in a career in green building, earning EDGE Professional Credentials can be a valuable asset. EDGE Professional Credentials can help you gain the knowledge, skills, and credibility you need to succeed in this growing field.
EDGE Certification Key Features
The EDGE rating system has a number of key features that make it a valuable tool for developers and owners of buildings and communities in emerging market countries. These features include:
- Cost-effectiveness: The EDGE rating system is designed to be cost-effective for developers and owners. The cost of certification is a fraction of the cost of building a green building to the same standards.
- Speed: The EDGE certification process is designed to be fast and efficient. The entire process, from design to certification, can be completed in a matter of months.
- Transparency: The EDGE rating system is transparent and open. The performance criteria are publicly available, and the certification process is overseen by an independent third party.
- Scalability: The EDGE rating system can be applied to a wide range of building types, from small homes to large commercial buildings.
- Recognition: EDGE certification is recognized by a growing number of governments, financial institutions, and businesses.
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Pros and Cons of Implementation
EDGE Certification Pros
- Reduced environmental impact: EDGE-certified buildings and communities typically have lower environmental impacts than non-certified buildings and communities. This can lead to reduced greenhouse gas emissions, water consumption, and waste production.
- Increased energy and water savings: EDGE-certified buildings and communities typically save energy and water compared to non-certified buildings and communities. This can lead to lower operating costs and increased tenant satisfaction.
- Improved occupant health and well-being: EDGE-certified buildings and communities typically have better indoor air quality and improved occupant health and well-being. This can lead to increased productivity and reduced absenteeism.
- Increased marketability and value: EDGE-certified buildings and communities typically have higher marketability and value than non-certified buildings and communities. This can make them more attractive to tenants and investors.
- Cost-effectiveness: The EDGE rating system is designed to be cost-effective for developers and owners. The cost of certification is a fraction of the cost of building a green building to the same standards.
- Speed: The EDGE certification process is designed to be fast and efficient. The entire process, from design to certification, can be completed in a matter of months.
- Transparency: The EDGE rating system is transparent and open. The performance criteria are publicly available, and the certification process is overseen by an independent third party.
- Scalability: The EDGE rating system can be applied to a wide range of building types, from small homes to large commercial buildings.
- Recognition: EDGE certification is recognized by a growing number of governments, financial institutions, and businesses.
EDGE Certification Cons
- Initial investment: There is an initial investment required to design and build a building to EDGE standards. However, this investment is typically offset by the cost savings and other benefits of green building.
- Training and expertise: Developers and owners may need to train their staff on green building principles and practices. They may also need to hire consultants with expertise in green building design and construction.
- Compliance with regulations: In some countries, there may be regulations that need to be complied with in order to achieve EDGE certification. These regulations can vary from country to country.
- Complexity: The EDGE rating system can be complex to understand and implement. However, there are a number of resources available to help developers and owners navigate the process.
Overall, the EDGE rating system is a valuable tool for developers and owners of buildings and communities in emerging market countries. It can help them reduce their environmental impact, save money, and improve the health and well-being of their occupants.
