There are numerous international certifications and labels in the construction sector, with the main ones presented below.
These certifications and labels guarantee occupants a defined level of quality and comfort. Certified homes are designed and constructed with the aim of minimizing environmental impact. Moreover, these certifications represent a performance standard generally superior to what is required by national regulations.
Certifications
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)
LEED is an international certification system created in 1998 by the US Green Building Council to assess the energy and environmental quality of new or rehabilitated buildings. The certification proves that the building was designed to minimize its ecological footprint.
The assessment covers the entire construction process and is based on a set of criteria that award points to the building, allowing it to achieve one of four certification levels: Certified, Silver, Gold, or Platinum.
The seven main categories considered are:
- Sustainable site development
- Energy and atmosphere
- Materials and resources
- Indoor environmental quality
- Innovation and design processes
- Regional credits
- Water use efficiency
Although LEED is based on American standards, which may make its application in other countries difficult, it remains the most widely used certification system worldwide.
According to the USGBC database, more than 98,000 buildings around the world have already obtained LEED certification, whether in renovation projects or new constructions.
And in Portugal?
Currently, there are still few buildings certified by the LEED system in Portugal — notably three new constructions in Covilhã. The company Bureau Veritas acts as an intermediary between the client and the USGBC, the entity responsible for the official issuance of certificates.
BREEAM (BRE Environmental Assessment Method)
The BREEAM is an environmental assessment system for buildings created in 1986 by the British organization Building Research Establishment (BRE). It is one of the oldest and most widely used methodologies in the world, applied in over 76 countries and in thousands of construction projects.
The assessment can occur in different phases — from design and conception to construction, use, and renovation of the building.
The BREEAM method analyzes a building’s sustainability based on various categories:
- Energy
- Health and well-being
- Innovation
- Land use
- Materials
- Management
- Pollution
- Transport
- Waste
- Water
For each subcategory, credits are awarded that determine the final certification level. There are also different standards adapted to the type of project: Communities (large developments), Infrastructure (public works and civil engineering), New Construction, In-Use, and Renovation.
Just like in the LEED system, it is possible to obtain various certification levels: Certified, Good, Very Good, Excellent, and Exceptional.
And in Portugal?
The Sintra Forum was the first building in Portugal to obtain, in 2012, the “Good” level according to the BREEAM methodology.
HQE (High Environmental Quality)
The HQE is an environmental quality approach created in 2002, whose main objective is to construct or renovate buildings using sustainable materials and technologies throughout their entire life cycle.
The HQE methodology is based on four fundamental commitments:
- Quality of life
- Respect for the environment
- Economic performance
- Responsible management
Although it originated in France, the HQE certification is applied to buildings in various countries around the world — although there are currently no certified buildings in Portugal.
WELL – International Certification
The WELL certification is the first construction standard focused exclusively on the health and well-being of people. Its framework is based on seven fundamental pillars:
- Air
- Water
- Nutrition
- Light
- Physical activity
- Comfort
- Spirit
Just like in the LEED system, the WELL certification presents three performance levels: Silver, Gold, and Platinum.
Currently, there are no certified projects in Portugal, but there are already about 143 certified buildings worldwide.
NF HQE – International Certification
The NF HQE certification can be applied to any type of building, whether in new construction or renovation. Its evaluation criteria are organized around four main areas:
- Energy
- Environment
- Comfort
- Health
Additionally, minimum performance requirements are required, allowing for four levels of certification: Good, Very Good, Excellent, and Exceptional.
Labels
Effinergie (Energy efficiency and comfort in buildings)
The Effinergie is a French collective founded in 2006, whose goal is to promote more sustainable and energy-efficient constructions. The initiative has given rise to various labels that contributed to the popularization of low-energy buildings in France, including:
- BBC Effinergie 2017
- BEPOS & BEPOS+ Effinergie 2017
- Effinergie Renovation
Minergie – International Label in the Construction Sector
Minergie is a Swiss construction label focused on the comfort of buildings, energy efficiency, and the enhancement of real estate assets. This label applies to both new constructions and renovated buildings, covering the residential and tertiary sectors.
Certified Minergie buildings are distinguished by low energy needs and the prioritization of renewable energies over fossil fuels. However, the label does not impose specific construction techniques or materials.
There are three main labels and various supplements:
- Minergie – for buildings that exceed national standards in quality, comfort, and energy efficiency. It also requires a minimum self-production of electricity, excellent airtightness, and controlled ventilation.
- Minergie-P – aimed at very low consumption buildings.
- Minergie-A – focused on energy-autonomous buildings, capable of producing all the energy needed for their operation.
- ECO Supplement – includes over 70 criteria related to health and ecology in construction.
- SQM Construction Certificate – applies to the construction phase, ensuring a high quality standard; available for buildings with provisional Minergie, Minergie-P, or Minergie-A certification.
- SQM Operation Certificate – aims to optimize energy efficiency and comfort during the building’s usage phase.
BBCA (Low Carbon Building)
The BBCA certification applies to new or renovated buildings and recognizes the exemplary nature of a construction in terms of carbon footprint. The label values all low-carbon practices, including:
- Intelligent and balanced use of materials
- Low-carbon energy
- Use of bio-based materials
- Selective deconstruction
- Reuse of construction waste
The certification is based on a points system (1 point = 10 kg of CO₂ not emitted or stored) and has three levels: BBCA Standard, Performance, and Excellence.
The label can be awarded during the design phase or at the time of building delivery.
Passivhaus Label
The Passivhaus is a German energy performance label that defines a global construction concept whose main objective is to eliminate the need for conventional heating systems. For more information about this type of construction, please refer to the dedicated page on passive houses.
Bio-sourced Building Label (Bâtiment bio-sourcé)
This regulatory label values the environmental performance of different types of buildings. It can only be obtained in association with an existing certification, such as NF HQE.
The building must be partially constructed with bio-sourced materials, derived from plant or animal biomass (for example: wood, hemp, straw, feathers, or sheep wool).
A minimum incorporation limit of these materials in construction elements must be respected.