The sustainability certifications The certification of a building, a company or an asset has passed a rigorous process that confirms compliance with environmental, social and governance criteria.
The seal, issued by accredited bodies, means improved performance and efficiency, long-term profitability, environmental responsibility, health and wellbeing. A sustainability certification acts as a guarantee to investors, regulators and the market, validating that assets and companies are in compliance ESG standards recognised.
In this context, Gesvalt acts as an expert consultant in sustainable certification and corporate sustainability. We support companies and investors in certification processes linked to investment, regulation, ESG reporting, energy efficiency and asset valuation. Our approach connects sustainability and business, integrating certification as a value lever.
Find out more about our sustainability solutions for business.
Types of sustainability certification
The market offers various types of sustainability certifications, seals and standards for both buildings and companies. Each label responds to specific objectives, levels of demand and areas of application.
Sustainability certifications for buildings
The sustainable building certifications assess the environmental performance and efficiency of real estate throughout its life cycle. They are key for real estate assets.
- LEED: international certification focusing on energy efficiency, water, materials and indoor environmental quality.
- BREEAM: one of the most widely implemented systems in Europe for assessing sustainable buildings.
- WELL: oriented towards the health and well-being of people in built spaces.
- FITWEL: certification focused on health, accessibility and healthy design.
- Sustainable Building Certification (generic): comprehensive assessment of the environmental performance of the property.
These sustainable building certifications have a direct influence on value, profitability and investment attractiveness.
Sustainability certifications for companies
Companies can also access sustainability certifications that attest to their ESG commitment.
- ESG Reporting and non-financial reporting frameworks.
- Corporate environmental certifications linked to impact and responsible management.
- Energy and environmental management seals, aligned with ISO 14001 sustainable development.
These sustainability certifications demonstrate compliance, transparency and alignment with the three ESG pillars.
Complementary norms and standards
ISO 14001, integrated within the concept of sustainable development ISO 14001, establishes an environmental management system based on the three pillars of sustainability ISO 14001:
- Environment
- Society
- Governance and management
These standards are not always a visible seal, but they are the technical basis underpinning many sustainability certifications and ESG audits, and fit fully into certification and reporting processes.
Environmental sustainability certificate: what it is
An environmental sustainability certificate certifies that a building or asset meets objective criteria for efficiency, reduced environmental impact and responsible resource management. It is a concrete form of sustainable certification.
The key benefits of an environmental sustainability certificate are clear:
- Greater energy efficiency.
- Reduction of operating and fixed costs.
- Increased asset value, especially in sustainable buildings.
- Regulatory compliance and anticipation.
- Access to green finance, green loans and alignment with European taxonomy.
Apply for your sustainability certificate
How to obtain a sustainability certification with Gesvalt?
The process to obtain sustainability certification must be rigorous, clear and accompanied by experts. At Gesvalt we carry it out in this way:
- Diagnosis and initial audit.
- Selection of the most appropriate seal or certification.
- Preparation of technical documentation.
- Implementation of necessary improvements.
- Final certification and external audit.
- Renewal, monitoring and continuous improvement.
Why choose Gesvalt for sustainability certification?
- Expert and independent consultancy.
- Comprehensive technical support.
- Validation of ESG criteria.
- Preparation of documentation for audits.
- Proven experience in corporate asset and building certification.
Gesvalt is also an associate member of the Green Building Council Spain, The new building sector, a benchmark in the transformation towards a sustainable model for the building sector.
Sustainability certifications in buildings and why it is key
Sustainable building certifications are already a critical factor in the real estate sector.
They are essential for:
- Offices
- Logistics warehouses
- Hotels
- Residential and BTR
- Shopping centres
It has a direct impact on:
- Asset value and profitability.
- Sustainability rating.
- Market and investor perception.
- Access to international funding.
- Cost reduction and regulatory compliance.
Gesvalt accompanies in:
- Pre-assessment of the asset.
- Sustainable certification processes.
- Review of standards.
- ESG and technical due diligence.
Advantages of properties with sustainability certification
A sustainable house or building is environmentally and health-conscious, technically high quality and has a long-lasting functionality. Although there is an awareness of energy efficiency, not all the advantages of sustainability-certified buildings are always known.
An advantage over the competition
Certified properties stand out from other assets. Users demand healthier and more efficient spaces, especially in large cities, which improves competitive positioning.
Above-average incomes
Certified buildings are considered premium assets. In offices, improved well-being and productivity allow higher and more stable rents to be applied.
Increased demand and occupancy
Assets with sustainable certification have lower availability rates and higher tenant attraction.
Sustainability-certified assets are more resilient
In adverse economic cycles, they maintain their value better. Efficiency and environmental quality favour contract renewal and reduce turnover.
Lower operating and fixed costs
Although they require initial investment, sustainability certifications lead to medium-term savings through more efficient energy, water and waste management.
Regulations and standards linked to sustainable development
Sustainability certifications are aligned with key regulatory frameworks:
- ISO 14001 and sustainable development ISO 14001.
- European Green Taxonomy.
- ESG and CSRD Directives.
- Agenda 2030 and SDGs.
The sustainable development ISO 14001 is based on the three pillars of ISO 14001 sustainability and acts as a technical support for certification and reporting processes.
Conclusion
The sustainability certifications They bring reputation, efficiency, access to investment and regulatory compliance. They are a strategic tool for companies and real estate assets. Gesvalt is an expert consultant in sustainable and ESG certification, and accompanies organisations throughout the process.
Contact Gesvalt for advice on sustainability certification.
Apply for your sustainability certificate
We also recommend reading our article on sustainability in real estate.
Frequently asked questions about Sustainable Certificates
What are sustainability certifications?
These are accreditations that verify compliance with ESG criteria in buildings and companies using recognised standards.
What are the most common types of sustainability certification for buildings and companies?
They include LEED, BREEAM, WELL, FITWEL, corporate environmental certifications and ISO 14001 based systems.
What is an environmental sustainability certificate?
It is an accreditation that validates the energy efficiency and low environmental impact of an asset.
What benefits does a sustainable certification bring to an organisation or asset?
It enhances value, reduces costs, facilitates financing and strengthens regulatory compliance.
How can Gesvalt help in the certification process?
Gesvalt advises, audits and provides technical support throughout the entire sustainability and ESG certification process.