Certification:
key figures of our continuous growth
The number of “NF Bâtiments Tertiaires-Démarche HQE” certified projects continues to grow. In late October 2011, approximately 730 projects had been certified under the HQE brand, encompassing more than 11 million sqm in France and abroad.
Regarding the high-performance energy labels, 57 labels have been issued. This 2011 year-end will be marked by a significant issuance of high-performance energy labels. Indeed, 800 label applications have been registered.
| Sectors | SQM | Number of certifications |
|---|---|---|
| Office building Logistics and other activities Education Healthcare Commercial Hotel sector |
7 701 311 957 690 801 516 738 934 652 415 220 232 |
494 39 121 24 36 14 |
| Total général | 11 072 098 | 728 |
Please find the list of certified operations at these links:
- Including the full profile, click HERE
- Located with Google Map, click HERE
A passport for sustainable buildings
The Sustainable Building Passport developed by the HQE Association and Certivéa is a new notice, complementary to the HQE certificate, displaying in a simple manner the performance levels of certified buildings, according to four themes: energy, environment, health and comfort.
For each of these themes, four classification levels represent the building's performance, expressed in a number of stars. An overall performance level of the building is calculated based on the total number of stars awarded: HQE Good (1 to 4 stars), HQE Very Good (5 to 8 stars), HQE Excellent (9 to 11 stars), HQE Exceptional (12 stars and higher).
With this new complementary notice, it is now easier to see, at a glance, the overall performance level of an HQE building. This simpler and clearer notice, readily understandable, was among the expectations of many of the sector's players.
An international notice
This new notice, which is available in an English version, applies to HQE-certified projects outside France. It meets the expectations of various stakeholders and it is in line with the international practices of the real estate market.
“Do green buildings deliver on their promises?”
Jean Carassus, a consultant and Professor at the Ecole des Ponts Paris Tech, conducted a study entitled “Do Green Buildings Deliver on Their Promises?” for the Centre Scientifique et Technique du Bâtiment (CSTB) and the certification body Certivéa, where he examined 18 months of usage of the HQE certification for service buildings in operation.
This study’s aim: to take stock of the HQE certification in service buildings in operation, through feedback from project owners of certified buildings. Stakeholders were interviewed regarding various issues, such as the impact of certification on the real estate values of buildings, their real performance levels, and so forth. Based on the analysis of real situations, the study proposes some possible developments to strengthen building certification requirements, adjust its operational framework, improve its dissemination, etc.
Five questions
The study is based on five questions posed to the managers of six real estate companies for service buildings, two investors, two users and two operators:
- What are the real performance levels of certified office buildings?
- Are we progressing in measuring actual performances?
- What is the connection between property value and performance levels?
- In what way is the “HQE® Exploitation” certification a step forward?
- Which changes are needed from the part of players in the real estate and construction sectors for managing operations based on actual performances?
Eleven recommendations
Through an analysis of the responses, eleven key points were identified for professionals in the construction and real estate sectors, but also for the certification body.
These recommendations are organized around two major axes:
• The design and construction of green office buildings: when a building is designed and built, it is necessary to immediately think of its usage qualities, to integrate its future operation/maintenance and reward the parties involved according to the performance of the construction.
•The management and use of green office buildings: it is essential to consider the real consumption levels of the building, including the new link formed between owner/users/operators.
HQE Aménagement: a new process certified by Certivéa
The HQE Aménagement certification, a process certified by Certivéa, has been in operation since November 2, 2011.
The HQE Aménagement™ certification is for a developer, a development project and a community. The certification attests to the fact that the parties involved took an approach that integrates sustainable development for a development project, whatever the type.
The Project Management System (SMO) characterizes the requirements associated with different stages of a development project, in order to address the challenges related to sustainable development. It mainly emphasizes the role of each party regarding each of the six key phases of a project.
With the HQE Aménagement™ certification, developers and local authorities now have clear benchmarks and a process recognised by a third party. This enables them to promote and clearly differentiate their projects.
• Recognition One Passport for sustainable construction > Read more
• Certifications The keys figures of a continual growth > Read more
• Urban and Town Planning HQE approach Certification scheme for Urban and Town planning is operational since November 2nd > Read more
