Exploring BREEAM and Green Globes: The Alternatives to LEED

Which are two main alternate rating systems to LEED?

• A. ASHRAE and Energy Star
• B. BREEAM and Green Globes
• C. Green Building Initiative and Living Building Challenge
• D. HERS and Indoor Air Quality Plus

Answer: (B)

The correct choice is indeed B, which identifies BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) and Green Globes as two main alternate rating systems to LEED. BREEAM is a widely recognized sustainability assessment method based in the UK, focusing on evaluating the environmental performance of buildings and communities through a robust set of criteria. It has been influential in promoting sustainable practices globally and serves as a significant alternative to LEED in design and construction projects. Green Globes is another alternative rating system that offers a flexible and user-friendly approach to assessing sustainability in buildings. It is known for its practical and cost-effective framework, catering particularly well to small- and medium-sized projects, making it a suitable counterpart to LEED. While the other options, such as ASHRAE and Energy Star, focus more on energy performance and efficiency rather than providing a holistic design and construction rating system like BREEAM and Green Globes, the Green Building Initiative, Living Building Challenge, HERS, and Indoor Air Quality Plus also serve specific niche purposes but do not hold the same recognition and comprehensive application as BREEAM and Green Globes in terms of widely accepted rating systems distinctly used in the market as alternatives to LEED.

As you're preparing for the LEED Green Associate exam, you might be wondering about alternative rating systems that are making waves in the green building industry. One question that often pops up is: Which are two main alternate rating systems to LEED? The answer, my friend, lies in BREEAM and Green Globes. Let’s unpack this a bit, shall we?

First, let’s shine a light on BREEAM, or the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method, if we're being all formal. Originating from the UK, BREEAM takes a comprehensive approach to sustainability. It's about more than just slapping some solar panels on the roof and calling it a day. This system evaluates the environmental performance of all types of buildings and communities through a rigorous set of assessment criteria. Why is this important? Well, BREEAM has been instrumental in driving sustainable practices across the globe, highlighting its role as a substantial contender against the well-known LEED certification.

Now, let’s not forget about Green Globes. This alternative offers a more flexible, user-friendly framework for assessing sustainability in buildings. It’s particularly appealing to smaller projects or those on a budget! Have you ever felt overwhelmed by extensive green certification processes? That’s where Green Globes shines. Its practical, straightforward approach caters well to small- and medium-sized ventures, making sustainability accessible to a larger range of builders and project owners.

Now imagine you’re a project manager faced with choosing a certification. On one hand, you have BREEAM, known for its comprehensive criteria, pushing you to focus on myriad aspects of sustainability from energy use to biodiversity. On the other hand, there's Green Globes—leaning more into user-friendliness and cost-effectiveness. It’s like choosing between a heavy-duty truck that can handle anything and a sleek sedan that gets you where you need to go efficiently. Both paths lead towards sustainability; it just depends on your goals, project size, and budget.

But here’s something to keep in mind: while ASHRAE and Energy Star focus largely on energy performance—and don’t get me wrong, that's super important—they don’t provide the holistic, comprehensive structure of a system like BREEAM or Green Globes. Likewise, systems like the Green Building Initiative and the Living Building Challenge serve specific niches but lack the widespread recognition of our stars in the spotlight, BREEAM and Green Globes.

To wrap this up, as you prep for the LEED exam, keep in mind that understanding these alternative systems enriches your knowledge of sustainability and building assessments. It broadens your perspective, making you a more versatile candidate in the green building arena. So, the next time you're brushing up on your exam material, don’t forget to give BREEAM and Green Globes their moment in the sun—they're not just alternatives; they’re vital players in the quest for a greener future.