Rating System And Practice Tools

A rating system is not the same beast as an life-cycle assessment or environmental impact and performance assessment tool, although the system ’ s score and ultimate performance of a building can provide valuable impact evaluations and other data to stakeholders. Rating, labeling, and certifi cation systems provide a scale for measuring a building ’ s incorporation of green building strategies as compared with more conventional, mainstream buildings.

The “ Challenge ” is meant to be just that: a challenge. Instead of a guideline or directive to employ best practices, the system is comprised of sixteen mandatory prerequisites that all need to be fulfi lled to obtain certifi cation. Project teams may not apply for a rating until operations are in effect for one year after occupancy.