04 Mar 2009 05:03:04
International green rating tools for buildings team up
International carbon, energy and sustainability rating systems for buildings are to develop a common language.
The UK's BREEAM scheme and the Green Building Council signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the LEED rating system of the US and Australia's Green Star.
Developing common metrics to measure the emissions of CO2 equivalents is the key objective of the MOU and a working group with representatives from each organisation is to meet to achieve this goal.
Paul King, Chief Executive of the UK Green Building Council said: "The way in which we construct and operate buildings accounts for almost half of all CO2 emissions contributing to climate change globally.
"Rating tools like BREEAM, LEED and Green Starhave a proven track record in driving significant improvements in performance, and I'm delighted they are now coming together to help create an international language."
Following the governments move to tackle carbon emissions from all UK homes with a green makeover, there have been calls for a similar initiative to be introduced for non-domestic buildings.
Meanwhile, the Commons' Public Accounts Committee has claimed that in trying to boost energy efficiency and reduce carbon dioxide emissions, the government has relied to heavily on building standards and suppliers.
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