Green building certifications like BREEAM, LEED and WELL have become industry benchmarks for sustainable design. But as the built environment faces mounting pressure to reduce carbon emissions and deliver long-term value, it’s time to ask: do these certifications go far enough?
Recent industry commentary suggests that while green building certifications play a role in setting standards, they don’t always guarantee meaningful environmental outcomes. In some cases, buildings may achieve high ratings without delivering measurable reductions in energy use or carbon footprint. This disconnect raises important questions about how we define and measure sustainability in practice.
At OCS, we believe sustainability must be embedded into every stage of a building’s lifecycle – from design and construction to operation and maintenance. Certifications can be useful tools, but they should be part of a broader strategy that prioritises real-world impact over box-ticking.
Our work with partners like London South Bank University Green Skills Hub and the Red Tree Magenta development in Glasgow demonstrates how targeted interventions – such as energy audits, retrofit programmes and data-led decarbonisation plans – can drive lasting change.
We also recognise the importance of skills and education in supporting the transition to net zero. That’s why we’re investing in training and employment pathways that equip people with the knowledge to deliver sustainable solutions on the ground.
As the industry evolves, we’ll continue to challenge assumptions and champion approaches that deliver genuine environmental and social value. Because for us, sustainability is a commitment to doing things better.
