Green Mark is a green building certification system developed by the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) of Singapore since 2005. This certification evaluates building performance based on criteria such as energy and water efficiency, environmental protection, indoor environmental quality, and innovation. Green Mark helps reduce operating costs, improve occupant well-being, and contribute to sustainable development.

The certification levels of Green Mark

The performance requirements for certification have been raised by an additional 5% compared to the fixed standards set in 2005. In addition, a new recognition scheme called SLE = Super Low Energy has been introduced for buildings that exceed the target Green Mark certification level (at least 60% improvement over the 2005 standard).

The certification levels include:

• GM GOLD (> 40%) – applicable only to buildings that have previously obtained Green Mark certification (for re-certification or those without major chiller system upgrades).
• GM GOLD PLUS (> 50%).
• GM PLATINUM (> 55%).

Project groups may choose to pursue the Green Mark GoldPLUS or Platinum certifications, which are comprehensive schemes covering various aspects of sustainability. Meanwhile, the Green Mark SLE certification focuses specifically on energy performance. Projects that meet the requirements for the Green Mark SLE series will be certified as Green Mark SLE/ZE/PE.

The details of each certification level are explained below:

The Green Mark Sustainability Assessment Areas consist of five main categories:

Green Mark 2021 consists of two main categories: Energy Efficiency (Operational Carbon) as a mandatory requirement, and Sustainability Sections.

There are five key areas for assessing the environmental sustainability of buildings, developed in collaboration with industry stakeholders to align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Each area can achieve a maximum of 15 points, and buildings that score at least 10 points in any given area will be awarded a badge recognizing outstanding performance.

• Health and Well-being: Assesses the extent to which a building supports the physical, mental and social health of its occupants.
• Whole Life Carbon: Assesses the total carbon footprint of a building over its lifetime, including the carbon footprint of building materials and sustainable construction methods, with a goal of achieving zero carbon emissions.
• Resilience: Assesses a building’s ability to withstand climate change and use natural solutions to protect and restore natural or altered ecosystems.
• Maintainability: Encourages building design that can be safely and efficiently maintained to maintain high performance throughout the building’s life.
• Intelligence: Assesses the application of intelligent technology and data management systems in design, construction, renovation and operation to create automated, integrated and responsive buildings.