Certification in operation is a process for evaluating a building's performance based on its energy consumption and its comfort and durability characteristics, with the aim of awarding it a label. Obtaining such certification has become a mark of quality for project owners and real estate developers.
This indeed allows for anticipating building risks and malfunctions, as certification requires a thorough assessment. It enhances the technical understanding of the certified property. Numerous factors are taken into account, including technical aspects, occupant health and safety issues, and the integration and respect of biodiversity in their operation.
Operational certification is also a means for owners to ensure the longevity of their investment. Finally, it guarantees users good working conditions, thereby enhancing a building's attractiveness by attesting to the optimization of its operation.
/ Choosing a certification /
Labels are proliferating to evaluate a building's environmental performance. The most common are BREEAM and HQE certifications. Compliance with current regulations is always a prerequisite.
/BREEAM /
BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) is a British standard and the most widely adopted internationally.
It is awarded following an analysis covering a wide range of areas, from energy management to access to sustainable transportation, including water management, waste recovery, and building pollution levels. Each criterion is assigned points, contributing to an overall score.
Several versions of BREEAM certification exist, each adapted to a specific building type or use, such as residential buildings, office blocks, educational institutions, shopping centers, etc. BREEAM-certified buildings can be assessed across five ratings: "Pass", "Good", "Very Good", "Excellent", or "Outstanding".
/HQE /
HQE (High Environmental Quality) certifications are primarily used in France. There are two types: HQE Building and HQE Sustainable Building, each available in three certification types for Construction, Renovation, and Operation.
HQE Building
The HQE Building family covers numerous themes related to sustainable development:
- energy management,
- water management,
- carbon emissions management,
- occupant health management…
HQE Sustainable Building
The HQE Sustainable Building family goes further by incorporating the dimensions of circular economy, biodiversity, inclusive design, or life cycle assessment.
It is therefore particularly well-suited for companies with a strong ESG focus.
The HQE certification comprises 4 levels:
- Proficient,
- Highly Proficient,
- Excellent,
- Exceptional.
/ Sinteo's Operations Expertise /
Sinteo supports you throughout your certification process. The first step involves an opportunity study. We assess your buildings to determine if the prerequisites are met and which type of certification they are eligible for.
We advise you on the actions to implement for the building to reach its full potential and assist you in drafting the specifications. Once certification is obtained, we provide ongoing monitoring and support during annual surveillance audits.
Obtaining a certificate is not the sole purpose of our mission: the implementation of a certification must be part of a concerted continuous improvement process, aligned with the CSR objectives of the certification holder and the needs of various stakeholders.
Certification should be viewed as a tool and a process that helps fulfill the objectives of the European Taxonomy, the Tertiary Decree and to implement an ESG policy at the building level.