Rating Systems
Building Rating Systems are a form of eco-labeling, covering the performance of the entire building. Building Rating Systems let stakeholders know, how "green" the building is. To obtain a rating, the building must meet certain criteria set by the administering organisation. BREEAM and LEED are two well known building ratings. Ratings also exist for building components, eg energy efficiency and water efficiency.
BRE BREEAM (Program Information)
BREEAM is an environmental assessment and labeling scheme for buildings. It encompasses offices, retail and industrial buildings, homes (Ecohomes), health facilities, mixed-use schemes and other building types.
http://products.bre.co.uk/breeam/index.html
WGBC LEED (Program Information)
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, Green Building Rating System)
was developed by the US Green Building Council. It evaluates environmental performance from a "whole building" perspective over a building's life cycle. LEED is a self-certifying system designed for rating new and existing commercial, institutional, and high-rise residential buildings.
http://www.usgbc.org/LEED/LEED_main.asp
Energy Star (Website)
This website provides background information on the Energy Star program, as well as detailed information on achieving energy star ratings for new and existing buildings.
http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=home.index
Green Building Council Australia Green Star (Website)
This website provides information on Green Star. This rating system covers various aspects and stages of a building.
http://www.gbcaus.org/greenstar/page.asp?id=117
