In a global context where sustainability is no longer an option but a necessity,
certifications as Leed and Breeam that accredit sustainability in buildings have become a key tool to demonstrate good practices in the sector and that we are on the way towards circular construction, where the aim is to create the places we inhabit in a way that is healthy and respectful of the environment.
Among the most internationally recognised are LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and BREEAM (Building Research Establishment
Environmental Assessment Method). Both assess the environmental performance of buildings from a holistic perspective, ranging from energy efficiency to indoor air quality and choice of materials.
What is LEED certification?
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is an American certification developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and evaluates the environmental impact of construction based on multiple categories such as:
- Energy efficiency
- Water consumption
- Indoor environmental quality
- Use of sustainable materials
Depending on the points obtained, projects can achieve Certified, Silver, Gold or Platinum levels. One of the most valued aspects is the use of recycled, non-toxic, low-impact materials with sustainable life cycles, especially in the categories Materials and Resources (MR) and Interior Environmental Quality (IEQ).
What is BREEAM Certification?
BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) was born in the UK and is one of the longest-running sustainability assessment systems in the world. It assesses projects in nine categories: energy, health and wellbeing, materials, waste, water, transport, management, land use and innovation.
BREEAM is more flexible and adaptable to the local context, and stands out for its multi-criteria and detailed approach. It rewards not only the final results, but also the strategy and sustainable management of the project throughout its life cycle.
Both LEED and BREEAM share the same mission: to promote more responsible, efficient and healthy buildings. And both coincide in valuing the use of materials that reduce environmental impact and promote circularity.
HONEXT®, as a circular and sustainable building material, facilitates the achievement of environmental certifications in construction.
HONEXT®, as a circular and healthy building material, helps to meet both LEED and BREEAM standards. Manufactured in Barcelona from cellulose fibre waste, its panels are 100% recycled, recyclable, non-toxic and have very low volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions.
In addition, HONEXT® is Cradle to Cradle Certified® Gold and C2C Certified® Material Health Certificate™ Gold Level, which guarantees its production under principles of circular economy and environmental responsibility and its safety for indoor use.
By incorporating HONEXT® into a project, architecture and construction teams are not only choosing an innovative material: they are bringing their buildings closer to the highest international sustainability standards.
