How to earn green building certification points with urban beekeeping

Commercial real estate is under pressure to reduce emissions and show real ESG progress. Buildings account for up to 40%of global carbon emissions, according to experts at COP26. One way forward is through popular green building certifications, which reward properties for more sustainable building choices.

Before starting, set goals and be intentional

Remember: the certification isn’t the goal. It’s the demonstration that you’ve met your environmental goals. What these frameworks can do is guide you in setting your priorities and working toward them. Don’t be afraid to start small! Integrating a sustainability strategy is a journey and every step matters.

Biodiversity is slowly but surely becoming a greater priority for investors and ownerships. Frameworks are being produced to get organizations thinking about the material risk that could come from biodiversity loss. Both biodiversity and nature-based solutions are becoming a bigger part of the conversation around how we address Net-Zero and that is only going to increase over the years. As such, expect biodiversity to become an even bigger part of green building certifications in the future.

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Why pursue a green building certification

1. Environmental sustainability

First and foremost, green building certifications recognize a building’s sustainability performance. This can include energy efficiency, water conservation, waste reduction, and biodiversity preservation. By taking the necessary steps to obtain a green building certification, you’re contributing to the global effort of promoting a more sustainable future.

2. Increase property value

Green building certifications can enhance the market value of a property. Certified buildings tend to have higher resale values and increased rental rates compared to non-certified buildings. The certifications serve as evidence of your property’s superior performance, environmental responsibility, and potential for long-term savings, attracting environmentally-conscious tenants and investors.

3. Cost savings

Green buildings are designed to be more energy-efficient and resource-efficient, which can result in significant cost savings over time. Green building certifications often encourage the implementation of energy-saving technologies, such as efficient lighting systems, HVAC systems, and insulation. These improvements can lead to reduced utility expenses and operational costs, benefiting both property owners and tenants.

4. Tenant attraction and retention

Certified green buildings are increasingly sought after by tenants who prioritize sustainable and healthy living environments. These certifications demonstrate a commitment to providing a high-quality, environmentally-conscious space that promotes tenant well-being. Certified green buildings tend to report higher tenant satisfaction and lower turnover and vacancy rates.

5. Public image and repution

Adopting sustainable practices and achieving certifications is an effective way to showcase your commitment to environmental stewardship, corporate social responsibility, and community well-being. This in turn will positively impact your organization’s reputation, which can attract media attention and environmentally-conscious tenants and investors.

6. Regulatory compliance and future-proofing

Green building certifications often align with and exceed existing building codes and regulations. By obtaining certification, you ensure compliance with current and future environmental regulations and standards. This proactive approach helps future-proof your property against potential changes in legislation – which is key in an evolving regulatory landscape.

7. Health and well-being

Green building certifications prioritize tenant health and well-being, whether by promoting indoor air quality, using non-toxic materials, or providing connection to nature in the city. Certified buildings provide healthier indoor environments that can lead to improved tenant comfort, happiness, and even productivity.

A study in the UK found that employees working in offices with natural greenery saw a 15% rise in productivity over a three month period, compared to those working with no natural elements in their environment.

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Stand out from the crowd with a green building certification

Green building certifications are industry standard programs that recognize a building for its sustainability performance. Investing in a sustainability strategy to earn these certifications can make your building more attractive to potential tenants and increase its overall value. On top of that, you can feel proud knowing you’re making a positive impact in your community!The following guide will walk you through some of the top certifications and how you can earn them for your building.

DID YOU KNOW? Bringing an urban beekeeping project to your property can help you earn points towards 4 of the top green rating programs available on the commercial real estate market. Keep reading to learn how.

BREEAM Sustainability Assessment

BREEAM (the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) is an international green building certification system. To earn green building certification points, BREEAM awards up to 10 credits for adding a pollinator habitat to a commercial building.

How you can earn points:

• Up to 4 credits for submitting an Ecology Report that measures your property's ecological value and sets a baseline for improvements.
• Up to 6 credits for a Biodiversity Management Plan that outlines how your team will protect and enhance on-site biodiversity over time.

Alvéole’s service provides the key components for both. Your plan can include a managed beehive, wild bee home, and pollinator-friendly vegetation.

LEED Rating System

LEED is the most widely used green building rating system. It rewards creative approaches to sustainability with up to 5 points under the Innovation credit.

How you can earn points:

• The Green Building Council awards up to 5 points towards the Innovation LEED credit for out-of-the-box strategies. Adding a pollinator habitat to a commercial building can earn points towards this credit.

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BOMA 360 Performance Program

The BOMA 360 certification focuses on excellence in building operations. A pollinator project can earn you up to 5 points across multiple categories.

How you can earn points:

• 2 points for transforming rooftop space into a pollinator habitat
• 2 points for running events that engage tenants and the broader community
• 1 point for transparent tenant communication through tools like the MyHive app

Alvéole supports each of these with turnkey services and ongoing engagement, helping project teams meet green building goals.

BOMA BEST Certification

BOMA BEST recognizes Canadian existing buildings that lead in environmental performance. A beehive contributes directly to multiple scoring areas, totaling up to 13 points.

How you can earn points:

• 6 points under Health and Wellness for adding a visible natural feature
• 2 points in the Site category for restoring pollinator habitat
• 5 points for Stakeholder Engagement through educational workshops and community initiatives

By installing a hive and sharing its impact, your team checks the box for “Occupant Environmental Communication,” a BOMA BEST requirement, strengthening the connection between building occupants, nature, and human health.

How Alvéole supports green building certifications  

Activate your rooftop space & earn points

Transform underutilized rooftops into thriving ecosystems with sustainable building design elements:

• Beehives and wild bee habitats that support biodiversity and environmental design best practices
• Up to 5 certification points for sustainable site management, a key area in many green building rating systems

Enhance sustainability & site management

Alvéole helps meet environmentally sensitive site management criteria through:

• Pesticide monitoring and sustainable pest control recommendations to support indoor environmental quality
• Biodiversity monitoring to track and enhance local ecosystems in both existing buildings and new construction projects
• Up to 6 certification points for responsible land use and overall environmental performance

Increase tenant engagement & ESG awareness

Engaged tenants lead to stronger, more sustainable communities within the built environment. Alvéole offers:

• Environmental education workshops and beekeeper visits
• Online engagement platforms and giftable honey jars from your building’s hive
• Up to 6 certification points for fostering tenant and community engagement in building operations

Promote health & wellbeing

Nature has a proven impact on mental health and wellbeing, key health impact categories recognized by Fitwel and WELL:

• Connecting tenants to nature through onsite beekeeping initiatives
• Enhancing air quality with reduced pesticide exposure for improved indoor air quality and human health outcomes
• Up to 10 certification points for innovative wellness programs that promote environmental benefits

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What does a turnkey urban beekeeping package include?

• Installation and care for a honey bee hives & BeeHomes
• Environmental data and impact reporting
• A dedicated online platform with real-time updates
• Tenant engagement through workshops and custom honey jars

The takeaway

Urban beekeeping is more than a feel-good project. It is a practical, proven way to earn points toward major green building certifications. At the same time, it connects people to sustainability in a way that spreadsheets cannot.Want to learn how your property could qualify? Explore our packages.