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Examining Energy Efficiency Practices in Office Buildings through the Lens of LEED, BREEAM, and DGNB Certifications

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  • Bianca Gasparetto Rebelatto

    (Post Graduate Program in Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Passo Fundo, BR 285, Passo Fundo 99052-900, RS, Brazil
    European School of Sustainability Science and Research, Hamburg University of Applied Sciences, 21033 Hamburg, Germany)

  • Amanda Lange Salvia

    (Post Graduate Program in Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Passo Fundo, BR 285, Passo Fundo 99052-900, RS, Brazil
    European School of Sustainability Science and Research, Hamburg University of Applied Sciences, 21033 Hamburg, Germany)

  • Luciana Londero Brandli

    (Post Graduate Program in Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Passo Fundo, BR 285, Passo Fundo 99052-900, RS, Brazil)

  • Walter Leal Filho

    (European School of Sustainability Science and Research, Hamburg University of Applied Sciences, 21033 Hamburg, Germany)

Abstract

Energy accounts for a significant share of carbon emissions, and buildings play a substantial role in this by contributing to both direct and indirect emissions throughout their lifecycle. Enhancing energy efficiency in buildings is a strategy to mitigate these impacts. The main goal of this review is to uncover solutions, trends, and examples of good practices in the field of office buildings. It presents effective cases and a SWOT analysis of LEED, BREEAM, and DGNB certifications, highlighting their contributions to energy efficiency in buildings on an international scale. The paper identifies and outlines similarities and differences between each methodology used to achieve energy efficiency in different buildings and contexts. The findings may allow new ways to improve access and obtain results regarding energy efficiency, thereby supporting building owners and companies in finding more effective solutions. The research highlights the necessity for continual enhancements in these systems, which should involve addressing economic factors, conducting post-occupancy evaluations, and considering lifecycle perspectives. The recommendations encompass standardizing practices, considering costs, conducting regular revisions, managing materials and resources, and incorporating occupancy measures.

Suggested Citation

  • Bianca Gasparetto Rebelatto & Amanda Lange Salvia & Luciana Londero Brandli & Walter Leal Filho, 2024. "Examining Energy Efficiency Practices in Office Buildings through the Lens of LEED, BREEAM, and DGNB Certifications," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(11), pages 1-24, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:11:p:4345-:d:1398919
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Elias Tsirovasilis & Martha Katafygiotou & Chrystala Psathiti, 2025. "Comparative Assessment of LEED, BREEAM, and WELL: Advancing Sustainable Built Environments," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(16), pages 1-23, August.
    2. Hedi Trabelsi & Younes Boujelbene, 2025. "Sustainable Development in the Tunisian Hotel Sector: A Case Study of Using LED Lighting and Photovoltaic Systems," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(8), pages 1-30, April.
    3. Ali Mansouri & Mohsen Naghdi & Abdolmajid Erfani, 2025. "Machine Learning for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Credit Targeting: Project Attributes and Climate Analysis Toward Sustainability," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(6), pages 1-19, March.
    4. Joy Dalmacio Billanes & Zheng Grace Ma & Bo Nørregaard Jørgensen, 2025. "Data-Driven Technologies for Energy Optimization in Smart Buildings: A Scoping Review," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(2), pages 1-49, January.

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