Green Building Certification: What Canadian Companies Should Know About

This article explores several major Green Building Certification programs available to Canadian businesses. We explain how the Building Owners and Managers Association’s BOMA BEST®, LEED®, ISO 14001, ENERGY STAR and other programs work and outline the benefits they offer. We also discuss how companies can support their certification goals through verified renewable energy certificates.  

Understanding these programs can help organizations make informed decisions about sustainability investments while strengthening their environmental credentials and long-term competitiveness. 

Green energy isn’t just a purchase for today, but an investment in our shared tomorrow. When you make a purchase, you are providing funds for the infrastructure required to continue operating and remain competitive within the market. Customers are also increasingly willing to support companies that demonstrate real efforts to become more sustainable. 

If you choose to pursue BOMA BEST® (Building Owners and Managers Association) or LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certifications, or if you simply aim to reduce a percentage of your carbon footprint, publicizing your sustainability initiatives can be a strong step toward strengthening your brand and gaining a competitive advantage. 

But what exactly are green certifications, why should businesses invest in them, and what options are available on the market? Here we go through everything you know about these topics. 

Why should companies invest in certificates? 

Businesses, regardless of industry, should understand the importance of sustainability certifications, as they play a significant role in building customer trust. The investment itself demonstrates a commitment to improving environmental performance and shows that a company is willing to work internally toward greener goals. 

Moreover, environmental regulations in Canada are evolving rapidly, reflecting the country’s growing concern for environmental protection and sustainability. Being certified helps companies stay ahead of regulatory risks rather than reacting to them. 

Another important point to highlight is that although certification often requires an initial investment, the operational improvements associated with certification standards can reduce energy costs and improve internal processes, leading to higher efficiency and less waste. In summary, beyond building market trust, certification can help protect the environment while delivering long-term financial savings. 

Who benefits from certification? 

Companies across many sectors can benefit from sustainability certifications that focus on improving energy efficiency and environmental performance. 

Businesses that seek to improve internal processes, reduce energy consumption, and strengthen environmental accountability are particularly well positioned to benefit from these programs. Examples include: 

• Agriculture 
• Beverage companies 
• Manufacturers 
• Energy and utility service providers 
• Hospitality businesses 

Organizations that invest in energy efficiency and sustainability initiatives often gain operational improvements, enhanced credibility, and stronger relationships with environmentally conscious customers. 

BOMA BEST® Certification 

The Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA International) is a federation of numerous local BOMA associations across the United States, Canada, and other countries. Founded in 1907, the organization represents the commercial real estate industry, including building owners, managers, developers, and companies that provide services and products required for building operations. 

In 2005, BOMA launched BOMA BEST®, a certification program designed to assess the environmental performance and sustainability of existing buildings. 

Earlier versions of the program evaluated six key areas, but the framework has expanded and now measures performance across multiple categories, using tools such as ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager where applicable. The categories include: 

• Energy (ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager) 
• Air 
• Comfort 
• Health and wellness 
• Custodial practices 
• Purchasing policies 
• Waste management 
• Site management 
• Stakeholder engagement 

Buildings must generally be at least one year old and have at least 70% occupancy for twelve consecutive months (with some exceptions). After selecting the criteria relevant to their asset class, buildings can undergo assessment and become eligible for certification. 

Multiple buildings located in different regions may also be evaluated under a single portfolio if they are managed under the same organization and management policy. 

To find the most suitable green energy plan to support your BOMA BEST® certification goals, one of our representatives can assist you with your purchase. 

From waste generation to energy usage, a company’s environmental impact extends beyond direct emissions. Learn how we can help your organization move toward carbon neutrality. 

The BOMA BEST program aligns with Canadian environmental regulations and recognizes sustainability efforts in building operations. It prioritizes: 

• environmental performance and sustainability of properties 
• smart building features such as monitoring, tracking, security, and operational efficiency 

To help reduce environmental impact, BOMA BEST provides building owners and managers with a structured questionnaire designed to identify opportunities for improvement. 

Additional benefits of BOMA BEST certification include: 

• Demonstrating environmental responsibility to tenants and stakeholders 
• Making properties more attractive to environmentally conscious tenants 
• Potentially lowering operating costs through improved energy efficiency 
• Promoting healthier indoor environments through responsible operational practices 
• Access to training and resources for ongoing sustainability improvements 

How to Get BOMA BEST Certified 

1. Building owners and managers begin by completing an online questionnaire outlining sustainability practices and building performance. 

2. A BOMA BEST assessor then reviews the information, performs a site inspection, and verifies the data. 

3. Following verification, the building receives a certification level based on the assessment results. 

LEED® Certification 

Canada has often looked to international best practices when developing environmental policies and sustainability frameworks. In 1993, the U.S. Green Building Council was founded with the goal of promoting sustainable practices in the design, construction, and operation of buildings. 

To achieve this goal, the organization developed the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) green building rating system, which officially launched in 2000. LEED® establishes metrics for measuring energy efficiency and environmental performance throughout a building’s lifecycle—from design and construction to operation and maintenance. 

In 2003, the Canada Green Building Council was formed as the Canadian counterpart. The organization adapted the LEED framework for Canadian conditions and now oversees its implementation in Canada. 

Designers and architects can become LEED® accredited to demonstrate expertise in designing sustainable buildings. If you have a construction or renovation project planned, hiring a LEED-accredited professional can help support your building’s certification. 

LEED® Canada evaluates buildings across several key metrics: 

• Indoor environmental quality 
• Energy and atmosphere 
• Sustainable sites 
• Location and transportation 
• Materials and resources 
• Innovation in design 
• Awareness and education 

How to Become LEED Certified 

Purchasing Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) can contribute toward the Energy and Atmosphere credit category within LEED certification. Along with energy efficiency improvements, the category encourages the use of clean and renewable energy sources. 

Our representatives can help you identify the most suitable green energy plan to support your LEED® certification goals. 

BREEAM Certification

Since 1990, BREEAM standards have helped improve building performance throughout the lifecycle of an asset, from design and construction to refurbishment and in-use operations. 

The framework supports the creation of net-zero carbon buildings while encouraging responsible land use, biodiversity protection, and sustainable construction practices. 

Similar to LEED, but with a different geographic footprint and technical emphasis, BREEAM assessments evaluate environmental performance across multiple categories, including energy use, materials, land use, ecology, and emissions. 

Projects located in Canada are assessed through international frameworks such as INT In-Use, INT New Construction, and INT Refurbishment & Fit-Out. 

BREEAM assessments use recognized performance metrics to evaluate a broad range of environmental categories and sustainability criteria. 

How to Become BREEAM Certified 

The assessment process typically involves five steps: 

1. Find a licensed BREEAM assessor 

2. Register the project 

3. Conduct the assessment 

4. Complete a quality assurance review 

5. Receive the final certification 

ISO 14001 Environmental Management 

ISO 14001 is a globally recognized standard for environmental management systems. It helps organizations identify environmental risks, improve operational efficiency, and implement structured sustainability strategies. 

Companies across many industries use ISO 14001 to demonstrate a commitment to reducing environmental impact and improving energy performance. 

The certification helps organizations stay ahead of regulatory requirements while reducing the risk of legal or reputational issues related to environmental compliance. 

In addition to improving sustainability performance, ISO 14001 can lead to long-term operational savings, stronger environmental awareness within organizations, and improved reputation among stakeholders. 

How to Become ISO 14001 Certified 

• The cost of ISO 14001 certification varies depending on company size, industry, and operational complexity. 

• The certification process follows the Plan–Do–Check–Act management framework, which provides a structured approach to continuous environmental improvement. 

Verifying your Green Purchases 

Green energy purchases are often considered long-term investments. While they may involve higher upfront costs, they frequently lead to financial savings over time through increased efficiency and reduced operational expenses. 

If you decide to make a green energy purchase, it is important to ensure the product or service has been independently verified. 

Other Green Building Certifications available for Canadians 

ENERGY STAR 

The ENERGY STAR certification program compares the energy performance of buildings using a large dataset of properties across Canada. 

Buildings receive a score from 1 to 100 based on their energy usage per square meter. A higher score indicates better energy performance compared with similar buildings. 

To qualify for certification, buildings must achieve a score of 75 or higher, meaning the building performs better than at least 75% of comparable buildings. 

Benefits of ENERGY STAR certification include: 

• Reduced carbon emissions 
• Lower operational costs 
• Potential increases in rental rates 
• Higher property value 

Acquiring ENERGY STAR certification: 

1. Register with ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager. 

2. Track your property’s energy data for at least one full year. 

3. Begin the application once the building reaches a score of 75 or higher. 

4. Schedule verification by a licensed professional. 

5. Submit the final application and receive certification. 

Ecologo® 

The Ecologo® certification demonstrates that a product or service has undergone rigorous third-party testing for reduced environmental impact. The certification is administered by UL Solutions. 

Renewable energy facilities such as solar or wind projects that receive Ecologo® certification demonstrate that their operations meet recognized environmental standards. 

Green-e® 

Green-e® certification applies to renewable energy and carbon offset products. Managed by the Center for Resource Solutions, the program provides assurance that renewable energy certificates and offsets meet strict verification standards. 

Programs such as LEED® and BOMA BEST® often require RECs used toward certification credits to be Green-e® certified or verified through an equivalent program. 

Our specialists verify that any green energy purchases conducted on your behalf meet recognized certification standards and support your sustainability goals. 

Fairtrade 

Fairtrade International connects producers, businesses, and consumers in a global system of ethical trade. 

Through partnerships with organizations such as the Gold Standard Foundation, Fairtrade has developed climate initiatives that support sustainable development and carbon reduction projects. 

These projects help communities reduce emissions, improve resilience to climate change, and participate in global carbon credit markets. 

Companies that invest in Fairtrade climate initiatives can contribute to stronger communities while supporting environmental sustainability. 

Get your property certifiably green

Building owners and managers seeking BOMA BEST® or LEED® certification can earn credits toward energy requirements by purchasing Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs). LINK 

To ensure credibility, these certificates should be verified through recognized programs such as Ecologo® or Green-e®. Verified RECs demonstrate that renewable energy has been generated and delivered to the grid, helping organizations meet sustainability targets while supporting the growth of clean energy infrastructure.

Key takeaways

• Green building certifications strengthen credibility: Programs such as BOMA BEST®, LEED®, ISO 14001, and ENERGY STAR demonstrate a company’s commitment to environmental responsibility and operational transparency. 

• Sustainability certifications support energy efficiency: Many programs encourage organizations to monitor energy performance, improve operational processes, and reduce emissions. 

• Certification can provide long-term financial benefits: Although green building certification may require an initial investment, improvements in efficiency can reduce operating costs and improve building performance over time. 

• Verified green energy purchases can support certification goals: Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs), and other verified green energy products can contribute toward provincial sustainability targets and certification requirements. 

• Environmental standards continue to evolve in Canada: Organizations that acquire green building certifications ahead of regulatory changes and growing expectations from customers, investors, and tenants can reduce their operational costs and improve energy efficiency.