Green Building Initiate Green Globes
The Renschler Company's RenewAire Renovation project was the first project in the Midwest to receive Green Globes certification! The new East Washington Avenue Home Savings Bank branch received the second Green Globe certification in the Midwest. Our WEEBF Office and Wisconsin Fertility Institute projects also received Green Globes certification.
GBI Mission
The mission of the Green Building Initiative (GBI) is to accelerate the adoption of building practices that result in energy-efficient, healthier and environmentally sustainable buildings by promoting credible and practical green building approaches for residential and commercial construction. GBI uses a Green Globes rating system.
Green Globes for new construction was adapted from a system that is widely used in Canada, where it is one of only two green building rating systems recognized by the Canadian federal government. Under the trade name Go Green Comprehensive it is also the basis of the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) of Canada's national energy and environmental program for existing buildings.
Green Globes versus LEED Comparison
| Green Globes | LEED | |
|---|---|---|
| Areas Covered | Energy use, site selection, water use, materials and recycling, and indoor air quality | Energy use, site selection, water use, materials and recycling, and indoor air quality |
| Levels of Certification | Four levels: One, two, three, or four globes(1000 points). | Four levels: certified, silver, gold, and platinum (69 points) |
| Cost | $10,000 maximum | $35,000 minimum |
| Overview | Totally web-based information entry throughout design and construction. Follow up review by Green Globes auditor is used to verify compliance. | Must provide energy modeling during design and commissioning throughout construction. Lots of paperwork to follow. |
| Time for Approval | 3 to 6 months after occupancy | 16 to 24 months after occupancy |
| Difficulty in Getting Approval | Moderate | High |