Green Rating Systems Comparison

By: Larry Dykstra, PE, LEED AP, Environmental Systems Design, Inc. 

In today’s world of green buildings and sustainable design the property manager is presented with many options when it comes to choosing which rating system to align with. It has become increasingly apparent that tenants are attracted to buildings which are environmentally responsible. Research has shown that there is a correlation between a positive green rating and tenant retention, higher rent levels, and lower operational expense. Clearly these rating programs can help a property to be its best, but which to choose?

The answer to this question is not obvious and will depend upon the local market. Experience has shown that one size does not fit all. There are some key factors to consider which will bear upon the final decision.

To assist property owners and managers in making this choice, the following table lists key criteria and the corresponding data for the four most popular rating systems. This side-by-side comparison should help property managers understand similarities and differences in these rating systems so they may select the one which best suits their needs.

This spreadsheet does not have a scoring system. It is up to the individual user to determine which criteria should be more heavily weighted according to the needs of their building. The goal is to present a comparison between the various rating systems to facilitate an informed decision. Knowing how they compare is a good first step.