Green Building Initiative Launches New Decarbonization Framework
By Fay Harvey
PORTLAND, Ore. — On Jan. 15, the Green Building Initiative (GBI), an international nonprofit organization and American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Accredited Standards Developer, released the newest addition to its sustainability building assessment and certification tools for real estate owners: Green Globes® Journey to Net Zero™ (JNZ).
The program focuses on decarbonizing the global built environment by providing a science-backed framework for building owners to assess carbon-emission performance. GBI recognizes projects that achieve at least a 50% reduction in carbon emissions and formally certifies buildings that attain a 100% reduction in one of the key areas from energy use to carbon emissions reduction.
“GBI identified a market need for a decarbonization assessment system available to all building types for use at any point in their progress towards net zero,” said Vicki Worden, GBI president and CEO, in a statement. “This cost-effective and user-friendly program allows building owners to evaluate current performance, identify opportunities for improvement and transparently demonstrate progress to stakeholders.”
Created in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy’s definition of zero-emission buildings, which was established in June 2024, GBI’s guides are utilized by owners and managers during the building design and operation processes to implement strategies that support achieving net-zero capabilities. The JNZ Energy (JNZE) program is focused on achieving a balance between energy usage and generation through solar, hydro, geothermal and wind. The JNZ Carbon (JNZC) program efforts are directed towards minimizing greenhouse gas emissions through strategies that leverage low- to zero-emissions energy sources that also support life-cycle thinking.
GBI Software, which is also found in all other GBI assessment programs, includes the Green Globes Net-Zero Calculator, which helps building administrators track energy consumption by offering metrics and insights for decarbonization efforts. Meanwhile, the Green Globes Net-Zero Assessment provides detailed feedback and recommendations from GBI assessors on how to enhance facility environmental performance. The JNZ programs also offer documentation of renewable energy usage and support towards regulatory compliance.
Prior to launching the new program, GBI conducted three public input periods as well as a pilot program to encourage industry feedback for a stronger assessment methodology. From July 2023 to November 2024, the pilot program was active in more than 100 million square feet of real estate, including Class A office portfolios, stadiums and mixed-use structures. The Washington D.C Millenium Building and Harka Headquarters in Portland, reached certified status during this time. To date, GBI has certified more than 767 million square feet of commercial and multifamily real estate through the Green Globes compliance programs.