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It is well known that the construction and operation of buildings account for a significant proportion of global resource consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, which puts this sector at the forefront of environmental challenges, including as an example for other sectors. In addition, the need to create healthy and efficient environments makes sustainability an imperative for the future of cities and buildings. At a macro level, to tackle climate and urban challenges, and at a micro level, to promote the well-being of building occupants and the resilience of communities. Energy efficiency, the responsible use of resources and the creation of healthy environments are crucial since, as well as reducing environmental impact, they will provide quality of life with a focus on users’ health, comfort and productivity.
The challenges are many: the increasing carbon footprint in urban areas, the scarcity of natural resources, issues related to human health and well-being, and the growing demand for transparency and social responsibility in business practices, among many others debated over the last few decades.
In this scenario, sustainability certifications such as LEED, WELL, BREEAM, SmartScore, and WiredScore play a vital role. They provide metrics and standards that guide the sector in applying and promoting more responsible and innovative practices. These certifications align with ESG principles, ensuring that property assets meet the highest standards of environmental, social, and governance performance.
Awareness of this responsibility, Castro Group has invested transparently and continuously in these certifications, ensuring that its property projects contribute to a more sustainable future and create value for all the stakeholders involved.
In this article, explore in detail each certification adopted by the Castro Group:
Created by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) in 1998, LEED certification is one of the most recognised in the world. It promotes sustainability from building design to operation. It aims to improve environmental performance in terms of energy efficiency, the use of sustainable materials, efficient water management, and indoor environmental quality.
BREEAM was created in the UK in 1990 and is one of the oldest and most internationally recognised certifications for assessing building sustainability. Like LEED certification, it analyses various factors, including management, energy, health, well-being, transport, water, materials, waste, land use, ecology, and pollution.
Launched in 2014 by the International WELL Building Institute, also created by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), it aims to transform buildings and organisations to promote people’s health and well-being. Thus, this certification intervenes in the design, protocols, and operational policies for air, water, nutrition, light, fitness, comfort, and mental health.
With digitalisation’s growing importance in the real estate sector, the SmartScore and WiredScore certifications have emerged as standards for designing buildings that are prepared for the technological needs of the present and the future.
The WiredScore certification, launched in 2013, recognises and promotes digital connectivity in buildings. It includes assessment criteria such as mobile connectivity and Wi-Fi, ensuring they have the best infrastructure for businesses and people. The SmartScore certification, introduced in 2021 by the same organisation, recognises and promotes smart, technologically advanced buildings that provide exceptional experiences, promoting operational and energy efficiency through intelligent solutions.
The certifications presented above are tools that Castro Group uses in the integral development of the project, both in the design and construction phases, to ensure that all our assets are developed with sustainability as a pillar.
In terms of environmental impact, we value LEED and BREEAM certifications for their holistic view of sustainability, which addresses contemporary environmental challenges, balances the building’s energy and water efficiency, and minimises ecological impact.
In terms of occupant impact, Castro Group’s key element is WELL certification. The company understands that health and well-being are essential to the success of property projects. By integrating the WELL requirements into our developments, we provide environments that promote quality of life.
Finally, with SmartScore and WiredScore, we aim to create increasingly interconnected, technologically advanced and future-proof spaces, guaranteeing building occupants the best access to digital connectivity services.
Castro Group uses each of these tools according to the typology of each building, adapting to the client’s requirements and the project’s needs and objectives.
