As a builder, project developer, or planner, you know how complex modern construction projects can be, especially in a dynamic market like Lisbon and throughout Portugal. In a world where sustainability, efficiency, and human well-being are at the forefront, a deep understanding of green building practices is essential. This is precisely why mezzalyn has invested heavily in professional development and earned a total of seven certifications from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).

In this blog post, we want to show you what the USGBC is all about, which courses we at mezzalyn. healthy homes have completed, and most importantly, how this knowledge brings tangible benefits to you and your projects in Portugal and Lisbon.

What is the USGBC and Why Is It So Important?

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), founded in 1993, is a non-profit organization dedicated to a sustainable future through cost- and energy-efficient green buildings. The USGBC‘s mission is to transform how buildings and communities are designed, built, and operated, enabling an environmentally and socially responsible, healthy, and prosperous environment that improves the quality of life for all.

The organization is globally renowned for developing the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) rating system. LEED is a holistic system that has established a common standard for measuring “green building.” With LEED, buildings are evaluated across nine areas, including location and transportation, water and energy efficiency, materials, indoor air quality, and innovation. It is a dynamic system that continuously evolves to meet the latest knowledge and technologies.

In addition to LEED, the USGBC also offers the SITES rating system. This system focuses on the sustainable design of outdoor areas, from public parks to corporate campuses. SITES emphasizes the restoration of ecosystems, the management of stormwater, and the creation of landscapes that promote human health and well-being.

The credentials and certificates awarded by the USGBC and its certifying body, Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI), are a global benchmark for expertise in sustainable construction. They signal that a professional has the skills necessary to deliver projects that are not only environmentally responsible but also economically and socially successful.

mezzalyn’s 6 Certifications: An Overview of Our New Knowledge

We at mezzalyn have completed seven courses that have deepened our knowledge of the latest developments in the LEED and SITES rating systems.

1. Introduction to LEED v5 for Design and Construction

This course provides a comprehensive insight into the latest standards of the LEED rating system for new construction and major renovation projects (BD+C) as well as for commercial interiors (ID+C). The new LEED v5 standard places a special focus on reducing carbon emissions and improving quality of life and ecological conservation. For the first time, Embodied Carbon (grey energy) is a prerequisite for certification, representing a significant shift in the industry towards greater transparency and sustainability.

Introduction to LEED v5 for Design and Construction

2. Introduction to LEED v5 for Operations and Maintenance: Existing Buildings

This course covered the LEED v5 rating system for the operation and maintenance of existing buildings (O+M). Rather than focusing on new construction projects, this course teaches how to assess and improve the performance of existing properties. The emphasis is on practical strategies to increase energy and water efficiency, reduce waste, and improve the experience of the building’s occupants.

Introduction to LEED v5 for Operations and Maintenance: Existing Buildings

3. LEED v4.1 Residential Multifamily Overview

This training provided an overview of the LEED v4.1 rating system, specifically tailored for multifamily residential buildings. It covered the specific requirements and credits for residential buildings and showed how the holistic LEED approach can be applied to residential projects to create healthier and more resource-efficient living spaces. The course focused on a life-cycle analysis of materials, energy and water efficiency, and optimal indoor air quality.

LEED v4.1 Residential Multifamily Overview

4. Exploring the SITES Rating System – Site Design – Materials Selection

This course is a deep dive into material selection within the SITES rating system. It discussed the requirements for materials used in the design of outdoor spaces and highlighted how the selection of reusable, regional, and non-toxic materials can help reduce a project’s environmental impact. This course deepens the understanding of the importance of the circular economy in landscape design.

Exploring the SITES Rating System – Site Design – Materials Selection

5. SITES Profiles of Resilience

This course addressed the resilience of landscapes to extreme environmental and weather events. It used practical examples to show how SITES-certified projects are resilient to natural disasters such as storms and floods. One example was a regional park in Texas that remained unharmed after three severe floods due to a SITES transformation and also significantly increased visitor numbers and revenue. The course demonstrates that sustainable planning is also a strategic investment in a project’s long-term security and economic success.

SITES Profiles of Resilience

6. Built for Health: Health at Home

This course focused on the principles of human health and well-being in residential spaces. In an era where people are spending more time at home, it is more important than ever to design living spaces that promote the well-being, mental health, and productivity of their occupants. This course provided insights into material selection, indoor air quality, and other factors that create a healthy living environment.

Built for Health: Health at Home

How Mezzalyn’s Clients Benefit from This USGBC Expertise

Our USGBC certifications are not merely an academic pursuit; they are a promise from mezzalyn to you, our clients in Lisbon and Portugal. They signify that we have the expertise to make your projects future-proof, efficient, and valuable.

1. Competitive Advantage and Marketability

The demand for green and sustainable buildings is growing rapidly worldwide. More and more governments and companies are relying on LEED and SITES standards. With mezzalyn as your expert partner who knows the LEED system inside and out, you can respond to tenders that require certification and set your project apart from the competition. A LEED-certified building has a proven higher attractiveness for tenants, which translates into faster lease-up rates—a crucial factor in the Portuguese real estate market.

2. Cost Savings and Efficiency

Sustainable construction pays for itself. LEED-certified buildings tend to have lower operating costs because they generally consume less energy and water. Strategies for waste reduction and the use of recycled materials can also lower construction costs. Our knowledge at mezzalyn allows us to make the right decisions during the planning phase, bringing you long-term savings.

3. Increased Property Value

LEED-certified buildings tend to have a higher property value and may qualify for a variety of incentives like tax rebates or grants. By implementing the right measures, your project becomes a stable investment in Lisbon.

4. Better for People and the Planet

Ultimately, green building is about creating better living and working spaces. We at mezzalyn healthy homes can help you realize projects that not only protect the environment but also promote the health and well-being of occupants. The knowledge from the courses on LEED v5, LEED for residential buildings, and “Built for Health” enables us to develop strategies that lead to better air quality, more comfort, and an overall healthier environment. This can boost productivity and reduce sick days.

The seven certifications that mezzalyn has earned are proof that we are continuously educating ourselves to offer you the most advanced and effective solutions in the field of sustainable construction. It is our mission to not just build buildings, but to help shape the future of construction in Lisbon and Portugal.