Building certifications

Which certification makes sense for your development?

Who trusts us
Assess project
Why certify

Certification is not just a seal. It is a product decision.

The value shows up when the seal guides design decisions, proves performance and supports conversations with the market, capital and the end user.

Assess the development's objective
01

Real estate value

Differentiation, positioning and attributes that strengthen how the product is perceived.

02

Performance

Energy, water, materials, comfort and measurable environmental performance.

03

ESG & capital

Technical evidence for investors, funds, financial institutions and ESG commitments.

04

Health & well-being

Healthier spaces and strategies focused on people's experience.

Certifications

Different objectives. Different paths.

Get to know the main certifications and where each one concentrates its value.

LEED
LEED

Sustainability with globally recognised standing.

International certification that assesses a building's environmental performance comprehensively, covering energy, water, materials, location, indoor environmental quality, waste and emissions.

Ideal for developments seeking a robust international benchmark in sustainability and ESG.

SustainabilityESGPerformanceInternational recognition
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GBC Condomínio
GBC Condomínio

Sustainability applied to Brazilian residential projects.

Certification developed by Green Building Council Brasil for multifamily residential developments. It assesses site planning, water and energy efficiency, materials, indoor environmental quality, construction and social-environmental practices.

Ideal for developers who want to structure and demonstrate sustainability in the residential product.

ResidentialSustainabilityESGQuality
Explore GBC Condomínio
EDGE
EDGE

Environmental efficiency with a financial reading.

International certification from IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, focused on demonstrating efficiency in energy, water and materials.

Its objective, measurable approach is particularly relevant for developments seeking to demonstrate environmental performance, strengthen ESG strategies and support green financing conversations.

EfficiencyGreen financeESGEnergyWaterCarbon
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Fitwel
Fitwel

Health and well-being as an attribute of the development.

International certification focused on how the built environment influences health, well-being and quality of life.

Assesses strategies related to indoor quality, physical activity, mobility, outdoor areas, food, user experience and health policies.

WellnessHealthExperienceLifestyleComfort
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ENCE
ENCE

Proven energy efficiency.

Brazil's National Energy Conservation Label rates the energy performance of buildings and provides an objective way to demonstrate their efficiency level.

The assessment considers envelope and building system characteristics according to the applicable typology and methodology.

EnergyPerformanceEfficiencyLabelling
Explore ENCE

Not sure which one to choose?

HYGGE can carry out a preliminary analysis considering typology, project stage, commercial objectives, ESG targets and investment strategy.

Assess my development
Choose by objective

What are you looking for in the development?

Select an objective.

This is a preliminary indication. The certification strategy must consider typology, location, project stage, technical requirements and the development's objectives.

LEED GBC Condomínio EDGE Fitwel ENCE
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When to start

Avoid rework, start early.

Certifications can become more complex or costly when considered late.

Assess my project stage
  1. Feasibility studyDecision still open
  2. Concept designIdeal window
  3. Schematic designBest return
  4. Detailed designFine-tuning
  5. ConstructionMore rework
  6. OperationSpecific route
How we work

From strategy to certification.

01

Assessment

We map the development, typology, stage, objectives and available documentation.

02

Strategy

We select the certification and structure targets, scorecard and technical paths.

03

Design

We guide architecture and engineering teams and develop the analyses and simulations required.

04

Energy simulation

We run parametric energy simulations to optimise performance and efficiency.

05

Construction and evidence

We track applicable requirements, documentation and evidence.

06

Certification

We organise the submission and follow the review process.

Facade environmental performance study conducted by HYGGE
Why HYGGE

Engineering, sustainability and real estate strategy at the same table.

HYGGE combines technical analysis, commercial insight and cross-discipline coordination to turn certification into a product decision, auditable documentation and a realistic implementation path.

+900projects delivered
4countries served
FitwelChampion + Provider
EDGEExpert + Auditor
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Next step

Which certification makes sense for your development?

Tell us briefly about the project.

Response time: 1 business day.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about certifications.

Which is the best certification for my development?

It depends on the objective. LEED tends to be strong for international recognition and broad ESG; EDGE for efficiency and green finance; GBC Condomínio for Brazilian residential; Fitwel for wellness and health; ENCE for energy performance.

Is it possible to obtain more than one certification?

Yes. In many cases a combination makes sense. The care needed is to build a single documentation strategy to avoid rework across scorecards, audits and evidence.

Which certification is best suited to residential projects?

GBC Condomínio, EDGE, Fitwel, ENCE and LEED can all apply, with different focuses. The best route depends on the product, market standard, project stage and commercial objectives.

Which certification is best suited to corporate buildings?

LEED, EDGE, Fitwel and ENCE are usually relevant routes. LEED carries broad international recognition, EDGE reinforces efficiency, Fitwel adds health and experience, and ENCE demonstrates energy performance.

Which certification can help with green financing strategies?

EDGE is one of the most direct routes through its reading of energy, water and materials efficiency. LEED, GBC Condomínio and ENCE can also support ESG evidence, depending on the lender's criteria.

What is the difference between LEED, EDGE, GBC Condomínio and Fitwel?

LEED is a comprehensive international environmental certification. EDGE demonstrates resource efficiency in straightforward terms. GBC Condomínio applies sustainability to Brazilian residential projects. Fitwel focuses on health, well-being and user experience.

Does certification increase construction costs?

There may be costs for consulting, fees, documentation, audit and technical adjustments. When the strategy comes in early, a significant share of the decisions can be built into the design with less rework.

Can I start a certification with construction already under way?

In some cases, yes. The risk is higher because procurement, construction records, materials, commissioning and evidence may already be locked in or lost.

When is the best moment to start?

Feasibility, concept and schematic design are the most favourable stages. The design still has room to optimise site planning, envelope, systems, materials, comfort and documentation.

How much does it cost to certify a development?

Cost varies by certification, area, typology, complexity, stage, target level, audit, official fees and the simulations required. A proper estimate starts with an assessment.