BREEAM, LEED, QNG? Building certification systems and the products of EDELHOLZ

Green architecture

An environmentally conscious approach is no longer just an advantage, but increasingly an expectation for modern buildings. It's undeniable that the construction industry is globally one of the largest consumers of energy and emitters of carbon dioxide, while urban expansion, material usage, and waste generation place a significant burden on the environment. However, the goal of "green" architecture is not only to reduce energy consumption or to use renewable resources. It involves a more complex perspective: material usage, construction technologies, indoor environmental quality, and the long-term impacts of a building’s operation must all be considered across the entire lifecycle of the building. This is where building certification systems come into play, regulating and evaluating the environmental performance of buildings.

What is BREEAM, LEED, QNG and the others?

The most famous and globally recognized building certification systems are BREEAM and LEED. For Hungarian architects, designers, and manufacturers, it is also worth getting acquainted with the German QNG and WELL programs. Naturally, buildings can be evaluated according to many other systems as well, with different countries preferring different schemes (in France, for example, the leading certification system is the locally developed HQE, Jin Japan, it’s the domestically created CASBEE etc.).

BREEAM (UK): Evaluates buildings based on energy management, material usage, water management, waste handling, transportation infrastructure, etc. The certification levels are: Pass, Good, Very Good, Excellent, and Outstanding. It is most commonly used in the United Kingdom, Scandinavia, and Western Europe. In some countries (e.g., the Netherlands, Norway), having this certification can be advantageous in public procurement or when applying for tax benefits.

LEED (USA): Focuses primarily on energy efficiency, water usage, indoor environmental quality, and material selection. The certification levels are: Certified, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. It is mainly used in North America but is gaining popularity globally—especially in Asia and the Middle East.

QNG (Qualitätssiegel Nachhaltiges Gebäude – Germany): Evaluates residential and public buildings based on environmental, economic, and health-related criteria. The system distinguishes three levels: Basis, Plus, and Premium. In Germany, it is often a prerequisite for various government grants and funding programs..

WELL (USA): Assesses factors such as air and water quality, natural lighting, acoustic comfort, design that encourages movement, and mental well-being. The system has three levels: Silver, Gold, and Platinum. It is increasingly popular worldwide in office buildings, schools, and healthcare facilities.

Certification involves costs (registration and evaluation fees, consulting expenses), yet demand for the above certifications continues to grow. This is due to the fact that energy efficiency and a healthy indoor environment pay off in the long run, and maintaining the building typically costs less compared to a standard construction project. A BREEAM or LEED certification also carries significant prestige, increasing the building's value. Short-term benefits include the fact that in several countries, successful certification can qualify a project for government support or tax incentives.

What products should we choose to meet the requirements of the certification systems?

When selecting installed products such as flooring and floor coverings, it's important to ensure that they place the smallest possible burden on the environment and do not harm the health of the building's occupants—for example, through the emission of pollutants. These products should also come with appropriate documentation.

Low environmental footprint: Products whose manufacturing and transportation involve low CO₂ emissions.
Local procurement: Materials produced regionally are preferable and offer advantages!
Certified raw materials: For example, FSC- or PEFC-certified wood.
Non-toxic materials: Surface treatments free from VOCs (volatile organic compounds).
Declared environmental performance: Availability of documents such as an EPD (Environmental Product Declaration).

What EDELHOLZ wood flooring products offer: parquet, straight plank flooring, stairs

EDELHOLZ oak floor and wall coverings are not only aesthetically pleasing, but also produced in an environmentally friendly manner.

Raw material: oak from sustainably managed, Hungarian forests. We have an FSC certification.
Production: Energy-efficient processes, long-lasting and easily repairable products. We have an EPD declaration that covers the entire life cycle of the product.
Surface treatment: Oak parquet treated with natural European oils, with practicallyzero VOC emissions. Test results from the EPH Institute in Dresden confirm that EDELHOLZ oiled wood flooring meets even the strict AgBB standard!
Certifications: Our hardwood floors and herringbone parquet meet the required standards, which we have regularly inspected and tested. In this way, we support compliance with building certification requirements.

A BREEAM-story: VEKSTHUSET (Oslo)

VEKSTHUSET is part of Urtekvartalet, one of Oslo’s largest urban development initiatives. Our natural oak wood straight plank flooring was incorporated into the project of A-Lab project through our Norwegian partner, and we are proud to have been part of such a forward-thinking and modern endeavor!

By providing natural wood flooring—straight planks—we have contributed to the healthiness of the indoor environment, as the natural surface treatment ensures that our parquet, stairs, and straight plank flooring products have virtually zero VOC emissions. Since we manufacture using Hungarian raw materials, our environmental emissions and carbon footprint are also low!

Sustainable architecture is not just a trend, but a responsibility. Certification systems help navigate the world of "green" solutions. EDELHOLZ is a partner that represents real value in such projects with its certified, environmentally conscious products. Whether you are a designer or an investor, choosing the right materials can be crucial in obtaining green certification—and shaping our future. Feel free to contact us!