EDGE certification has established itself as one of the main tools to promote sustainable construction around the world. Developed by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), this methodology allows buildings to significantly reduce their consumption of energy, water and materials, while improving their profitability and contributing to the care of environment.
Before digging deeper, it's important to understand what a sustainability certificate is. A sustainability certificate is a document issued by an accredited entity that certifies that an organization complies with environmental, social, or governance (ESG) standards. In addition, it works as a seal of guarantee, a communication tool and a factor that provides credibility and transparency, strengthening the trust of stakeholders and improving the position in the market.
Next, we explore what it is EDGE, how it works, its benefits and why increasingly companies and developers they adopt it as an essential part of their sustainable projects.
EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies) certification It is a system of sustainability certification which evaluates the environmental performance of buildings during their design and construction.
Its main objective is to reduce the consumption of water, energy and materials through technological and intelligent design strategies; for this, the company must implement specific actions aimed at resource efficiency. These strategies need to be applied to meet certification requirements.
In other words, EDGE is a sustainability certificate which helps the company, as well as construction companies, architects and developers, to demonstrate their commitment to resource efficiency And the environmental responsibility. It depends on companies to adopt sustainable practices and seek certifications that support their environmental management. Sustainability certificates, such as EDGE, are essential in the industry to validate compliance with environmental and social standards. With the EDGE certificate, the company improves its efficiency and credibility in the market.
The sector of construction represents one of the largest sources of carbon emissions in the world. For this reason, systems such as EDGE emerge as an alternative to transform traditional buildings in projects more sustainable and efficient. Energy efficiency and the reduction of the carbon footprint are key aspects in sustainable construction, contributing to the decarbonization of the sector.
Unlike other sustainability certificates, EDGE focuses on measuring concrete results, such as the reduction of energy consumption, the rational use of water and the optimization of the materials used. In addition, EDGE evaluates the savings of water and carbon incorporated in materials, allowing users to optimize strategies to improve energy and resource efficiency.
Among others, there are certifications such as LEED, BREEAM and Passivhaus that also promote sustainable practices. In Spain, these specific certifications and regulations are relevant to regulatory compliance and the improvement of sustainability in the sector. There are numerous projects certified under these standards, demonstrating their increasing adoption.
The management of sustainability processes is essential to achieve environmental objectives and ensure regulatory compliance. It is expected that in the coming years, sustainable construction will continue to evolve, with greater integration of renewable energies and innovative technologies.
The system promotes a transition to a model where design and innovation are combined with long-term profitability.
The circular economy in construction is an innovative approach that seeks to transform the way in which resources are used in the sector. In construction, for example, the reduction of the consumption of natural resources is promoted through the reuse and recycling of materials, which minimizes the generation of waste and extends the useful life of products. One of the main advantages of this model is that the extraction of raw materials is reduced and the use of materials is optimized, helping to reduce the environmental impact of construction.
The use of circular economy strategies can be applied at all stages of construction, from the design and selection of materials to the execution and maintenance of buildings. For example, the incorporation of recycled materials in the manufacture of new products or the recovery of components at the end of a building's useful life are increasingly common practices. In short, the circular economy represents an opportunity for companies in the sector to adopt a more efficient and sustainable management system, aligned with the current demands of society and the environment.
To obtain the EDGE certification, a project must meet a minimum reduction of 20% in energy, water and material consumption compared to a standard building.
The process is divided into three main stages:
In addition, the Edge App tool makes it possible to model projects and predict savings in water and incorporated carbon, facilitating sustainable decision-making from the start. EDGE certified projects are designed to integrate harmoniously with their environment, minimizing environmental impact and promoting biodiversity. This certification provides transparency and value to its customers, improving trust and satisfaction by demonstrating commitment to sustainability.
This transparent and measurable methodology makes EDGE a reliable and adaptable system to residential, commercial and institutional projects, both in Latin America as in other regions.
The use of renewable energy in construction is essential to move towards a more sustainable and efficient model. In construction, the integration of renewable energy systems, such as photovoltaic solar panels or wind turbines, makes it possible to generate clean energy directly in buildings, thus reducing energy consumption from non-renewable sources. On the other hand, energy efficiency is enhanced through the use of insulating materials, high-performance windows and LED lighting systems, which contribute to reducing energy consumption in built spaces.
In sustainable construction projects, the combination of renewable energy and energy efficiency not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions, but also improves the profitability and value of buildings. In short, the use of renewable energy and the implementation of energy efficiency systems are key strategies for promoting sustainability in construction and responding to the demands of customers and today's society.
One of the biggest benefits of EDGE certification It is their ability to generate economic and social value.
Certified buildings not only reduce operating costs through the efficient use of water and energy, but they also increase their market value and its attractiveness to investors and buyers with the international recognition granted by EDGE.
In addition, EDGE projects usually have access to green funding and international support programs focused on climate change mitigation. However, obtaining and maintaining certification can involve technical and administrative challenges that require ongoing attention.
The adoption of EDGE by companies helps to improve their reputation and credibility in the market, demonstrating their commitment to sustainability. Managing sustainable practices is critical to maximizing economic value and ensuring compliance with environmental standards.
This makes certification a strategic tool for companies seeking to align their sustainability objectives with the financial profitability.
The financing of sustainable projects is an essential element in promoting sustainable construction and encouraging the adoption of responsible practices in the sector. First, green loans represent a financing option designed specifically for projects that seek to reduce environmental impact and promote sustainability. These loans often offer favorable conditions for companies that demonstrate a commitment to resource efficiency and the reduction of emissions.
Second, investments in renewable energy have established themselves as an attractive alternative to finance projects that generate clean energy and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Not only does this type of investment contribute to sustainability, but it can also improve the profitability of projects in the long term. Finally, sustainability certification is a determining factor in accessing better financing conditions, since projects certified as sustainable tend to be perceived as less risky and more aligned with sustainable development objectives. Thus, access to finance becomes a key driver for the transformation of construction towards more responsible and efficient models.
The sustainability of buildings is not only measured by its environmental impact, but also by its effect on people's quality of life.
EDGE projects promote healthier spaces, with better natural ventilation, efficient lighting and adequate thermal control. In addition, these buildings are designed to integrate harmoniously with their environment, minimizing environmental impact and promoting biodiversity.
In short, EDGE certification helps to build urban environments that promote social equity And the collective well-being, benefiting entire communities and generating value for their customers by improving their satisfaction and well-being.
EDGE certification is a powerful incentive for developers seeking to excel in sustainable construction. In Colombia, for example, EDGE certification has become a strategic tool for those who want to access concrete benefits in their projects. First, obtaining EDGE certification allows access to financial advantages, such as preferential interest rates and long-term financing options, facilitating the economic viability of sustainable developments.
Second, EDGE certification improves the image and reputation of projects, since developers can demonstrate their commitment to sustainability to customers, partners and investors. This recognition is a key differentiator in a market that is increasingly competitive and aware of environmental impact. In short, EDGE certification is an incentive that promotes sustainability in construction, offering tangible benefits both financially and reputationally, and contributing to the transformation of the sector towards a more responsible and efficient future.
Increasingly companies and developers join the EDGE project network. In countries such as Mexico, Colombia, Peru, Spain, among others, this certification has become synonymous with environmental leadership and transparency. In Spain, the adoption of EDGE certification responds to national regulations that promote energy efficiency and sustainability in construction.
Globally, there are thousands of projects certified under the EDGE standard, demonstrating their growing recognition and adoption in different regions.
Organizations that implement EDGE demonstrate a tangible commitment to sustainability, improving its reputation and meeting the international objectives of sustainable development (SDGs).
For this reason, get an EDGE certificate not only does it represent a technical recognition, but a statement of principles: building for a more efficient, equitable and responsible future.
Faced with the increase in the carbon footprint and the demand for resilient infrastructure, EDGE is positioned as a concrete solution to combat climate change. In this context, it is necessary to adopt EDGE certification to move towards sustainable construction and reduce environmental impact.
By reducing the energy consumption and promote low-impact materials, directly contribute to the global objectives of carbon neutrality. To do this, strategies such as optimizing resources, selecting sustainable materials and improving energy efficiency in projects must be implemented.
In this regard, adopt an EDGE certification is a key action within the Green transition that the construction sector lives on.
It is a step towards buildings that are more responsible, efficient and prepared for the environmental challenges of the future.
EDGE certification it's not just a technical recognition: it's a model of transformation for sustainable construction industry.
By reducing the consumption of water, energy and materials, promotes innovation, profitability and social responsibility in projects around the world.
Implement EDGE means to build with purpose, contributing to the balance between development, sustainability and well-being.
And in a context where energy efficiency and transparency are valued more than ever, get this certification it is an investment with long-term benefits.
EDGE certification is one of the fastest and most effective ways to create efficient buildings, reduce energy, water, and material consumption, and increase property resale value. Developed by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), part of the World Bank Group, EDGE helps real estate projects lower their environmental impact, reduce operating costs, and support decarbonization efforts. With a streamlined and measurable process, EDGE has become a strategic certification for developers and investors seeking sustainability, profitability, and market differentiation.
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