Constantin Buta, Mădălina Stănescu, Geanina Mihai, Nicolae Costin Mociu
DOI: 10.2478/ouacsce-2024-0020
Abstract – Buildings are responsible for a significant portion of global energy use
and greenhouse gas emissions. With population growth and urbanization on the rise,
we have to rethink the way we build cities to enable greener and smarter living for all.
Building with a vision for the future means thinking ahead to reduce our
environmental impact. In this context the green certification of buildings is a method
of evaluating their energy performance and environmental impact. This study
examines environmental assessment tools commonly used for building green
certification, including LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design),
BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method),
and others used in Romania. These tools evaluate the sustainability of buildings across
categories such as energy efficiency, water use, materials and resources, indoor
environmental quality, and site selection. Choosing the right tool depends on the
specific goals, location, and size of the building. Overall, these assessment tools
provide a framework for promoting sustainable building practices.
Keywords – energy efficiency, environmental assessment, green building
certification, materials and resources, sustainable building practices,
sustainability, water use
