Mind the Gap: An Evaluation of Indicator Discrepancies between Sustainability Standards and Certifications in the Built Asset Industry

Abstract

The built asset industry impacts our global environment significantly, contributing notably to environmental degradation. Various sustainability standards and certifications, such as LEED, DGNB, BREEAM, ISO 14001, and GRI 200 series, have been established to guide the industry toward sustainable practices. Despite their intended purpose, the diversity of these systems has led to a complex and inconsistent landscape. This paper undertakes a review of 25 certifications and 26 standards in the built asset industry, identifying and analyzing gaps and discrepancies in their measuring indicators. Using a rigorous process, we consolidated the diverse measuring indicators from each scheme into a list of 189 specific indicators, for comparative analysis. This analysis revealed notable gaps and inconsistencies within these schemes, illuminating differences in their emphasis and coverage of sustainability indicators. These findings highlight the need for increased standardization and inclusiveness in sustainability assessments within the industry. This study contributes to the discourse on industry standardization, policy decisions, sector transparency, and further research, marking a crucial step towards a more integrated approach to sustainability in the built asset industry.

Keywords: Sustainability, built asset industry, Sustainability standards, Green Building Certification