The most popular green certificates in Poland are BREEAM and LEED. According to the „Green buildings in Poland 2015” report published by Colliers International, the first of them was granted to 202 structures, and the LEED certificate – to 47 buildings. The most common grade in LEED is Gold, whereas in BREEAM – Very Good.
The advantage of BREEAM is particularly noticeable in systems dedicated to the already existing structures. It may result from more strict character of the LEED certification system which requires a detailed monitoring of the building, engagement of an administrator, tenants and users. The BREEAM system requires an annual confirmation of the certificate and conducting a full audit every 3 years, whereas in the LEED system – the implemented procedures and effectiveness of buildings are verified after 5 years – explains Andrzej Gutowski, senior expert in Department for Green Building Certification, Colliers International.
The greatest growth in number of certified structures last year was recorded in Warsaw, where ca. 126 buildings with the LEED or BREEAM certificates are situated. The other locations are Cracow with 26 structures, Poznań with 17 and Wrocław with 12 buildings.
The certificates are mostly granted to office properties and thus the greatest growth dynamics may be observed in that sector. However, a clear upward tendency is also noticeable among the number of certifications granted in the commercial and logistic property sectors. The smallest group in respect of received certificates includes hotels.
The BREEAM and LEED systems do not only confirm the management quality and operational effectiveness of a certain structure but also allow to fulfill environmental obligations which are included in the strategies of the Corporate Social Responsibilty. It is extremely important for big and international tenants who are obliged by global procedures to pro-ecological attitudes – comments Róża Wypych, younger specialist in Department for Green Building Certification, Colliers International.