Certifications for sustainable and green constructions have emerged as crucial tools for assessing and promoting environmentally responsible building practices. In Peru, the primary certifications employed for green and sustainable buildings include LEED, EDGE, and local certifications such as Mi Vivienda Sostenible. These certifications play a pivotal role in evaluating and advancing construction initiatives that prioritize environmental considerations. They serve as benchmarks for fostering responsible development practices, ensuring that the built environment aligns with sustainability goals and contributes to a greener and more eco-conscious future.

LEED Certification

What is LEED certification?. Global Roofing Group - What is LEED Certification? (n.d.). https://globalroofinggroup.com/blog/what-is-leed-certification

This is the most widely used certification for green and sustainable buildings in Peru. With nearly 120 certified projects and approximately 150 in progress, Peru has witnessed a substantial increase in the number of constructions pursuing this recognition in recent years. However, the introduction of new versions of this certification, which impose higher demands regarding sustainability material requirements and energy efficiency, will render LEED more costly and rigorous to implement. The evolving landscape underscores a commitment to advancing sustainable building practices, though it presents challenges that builders and developers must navigate to meet the heightened standards of environmental stewardship.

EDGE Certification

DMG Thailand. (2020, August 31). The Edge Green Building Rating System; certification made easy. Development Management Group. https://www.dmg-thailand.com/edge-green-building-rating-system-certification/

This stands as the second most prevalent certification for green and sustainable buildings in Peru. With over 20 certified projects and approximately 100 in progress, these figures are remarkable considering the relatively short time this certification has been in the market. The popularity of EDGE in Peru can be attributed to two key factors: firstly, many districts are introducing ordinances to promote sustainable constructions, and secondly, the ease of its implementation and utilization of the digital platform. These elements have positioned EDGE as a favored choice for developers, demonstrating its effectiveness in aligning with both regulatory trends and the practical needs of the industry.

Local Certification

GBCpe. (2020, December 14). Programa MIVIVIENDA sostenible: Certificación Mivivienda verde. Issuu. https://issuu.com/perugbc/docs/fmv_peru_gbc_1_2

In Peru, we have a sustainable construction certification known as Mi Vivienda Sostenible (My Sustainable Housing). This initiative offers an economic bonus and preferential interest rates for individuals seeking to acquire a new home and a sustainable building certification program for real estate developers of social housing in the country. To date, over 175 projects and 59,800 homes have received certification under this program. This local certification not only encourages sustainable building practices but also actively contributes to the accessibility of eco-conscious living options for individuals and the advancement of responsible urban development.

New Certifications

Among the recently introduced certifications are Fitwel and WELL. These certifications, being relatively new on a global scale, lack a substantial number of expert consultants. Nevertheless, due to WELL's close connection with LEED, there is an ongoing project in Peru seeking WELL certification.

Another newcomer is BREEAM, which, despite its similarities to LEED, has struggled to gain traction in the Peruvian market, primarily attributed to its high implementation costs. As of now, there are no BREEAM-certified projects in Peru. These emerging certifications highlight the evolving landscape of sustainable construction practices in the country, where considerations of cost, expertise, and global connectivity play pivotal roles in shaping the adoption of new standards.

In summary, Peru's commitment to green building practices is evident through the widespread adoption of certifications such as LEED, EDGE, and Mi Vivienda Sostenible. LEED, while dominant, faces challenges with the introduction of more demanding versions. EDGE's rapid growth is attributed to local ordinances and a user-friendly digital platform. Mi Vivienda Sostenible has certified over 175 projects, making sustainable living accessible.

Newcomers Fitwel and WELL show promise, with a Peru-based WELL certification project underway. BREEAM, despite similarities to LEED, struggles due to high implementation costs, resulting in no certified projects in Peru. Peru's evolving green building landscape reflects a dynamic interplay of global standards, local initiatives, and economic considerations, signaling a sustainable and resilient future.