Green Globes

Green Globes is an environmental assessment and rating system for buildings that was developed for the US market by the Green Building Initiative (www.thegbi.org). It grew out of a Canadian rating system for existing buildings that is based primarily on the UK’s Building Research Establishment’s Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM).  Green Globes was introduced in the United States in 2004, and is currently under further development as an American National Standard for Green Building Assessment (GBI ANSI-01-200XP).

The online version of the rating system is delivered through a user-friendly web-based interface. Users are prompted through a series of questionnaires that relate to various stages in the process, from project concept through commissioning. Following completion of the online Green Globes-New Construction (Green Globes-NC) questionnaire, a report discussing the environmental benefits of each design strategy is automatically generated. The feedback provided to the user allows for design changes to be made prior to the beginning of construction, therefore providing greater environmental impact.

For building owners desiring a Green Globes rating, a minimum threshold of 35% of 1000 points must be achieved. Once the project is officially registered on the GBI website, the building owner is eligible to schedule a third-party review and subsequent on-site walk-through required to obtain a Green Globes rating and certification.

Green Globes is a flexible rating system that does not penalize designs when certain credit areas are not applicable. Additionally, the points available for certain credits are on a scale, so even modest yet valuable environmental measures are recognized.  Further, the existing rating system and proposed ANSI standard recognize all credible forest certification programs and the environmental benefits of using bio-based materials.

See www.thegbi.org for additional information.