Sustainable construction: green building standards in the US
In recent years, the United States has witnessed a significant shift towards sustainable and environmentally conscious practices in various sectors, including construction. The US government is supporting the development of key infrastructure such as solar projects.
States such as New York are investing in sustainable buildings and clean energy, and the green buildings market is projected to grow at a CAGR at 9.50% between 2023 and 2030. These are just a few of the developments helping to shift our world to a more sustainable landscape. Amongst these are green building standards which have emerged as a vital framework to guide and promote sustainable construction practices.
At AtkinsRéalis, we believe that by working together we can engineer a better future for our planet and its people. From finding solutions for sustainable architecture to our award-winning green developments creating energy-saving, comfortable indoor building environments. We’re leading the engineering field in achieving Net Zero Carbon as rapidly as possible, by helping our clients manage climate risk and build climate resilience through solutions like DecarbonomicsTM which provides a data-driven approach to decarbonize existing buildings, at the portfolio level through the creation of AI-enabled data digital twins.
If you’re searching for a career with a focus on sustainability within construction, it's crucial to familiarize yourself with the green building standards prevalent in the US. Read on to learn about the guiding principles helping to reshape our world and how they’re being put into practice.
The green building revolution
Green building is the practice of using processes that are environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout a building's life-cycle from siting to design, construction, operation, maintenance, renovation and deconstruction.
As an engineer delving into the world of green buildings, there are several notorious examples that showcase remarkable ingenuity in their design and construction. One such iconic structure is the Bullitt Center in Seattle, USA. The Bullitt Center boasts a rooftop solar array that generates more energy than it consumes, an advanced rainwater collection system for on-site water usage, and an innovative composting toilet system.
This six-story office building has achieved the Living Building Challenge certification – one of the guiding green building standards – which recognizes its exceptional sustainability features.
As you can tell, green building codes and standards play an important part in shaping a sustainable future, but what are they?
Green building standards in the US
1. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED):
LEED, developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), is one of the most widely recognized green building rating systems in the USA. It provides a comprehensive framework for designing, constructing, operating, and maintaining sustainable building standards. LEED certification evaluates various aspects, including energy efficiency, water conservation, indoor air quality, and sustainable materials, to encourage environmentally responsible construction practices.
2. EnvisionTM
EnvisionTM, developed by the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure (ISI), is a sustainability framework and rating system that can be applied to all types of civil infrastructure, similar to the LEED rating system for buildings. The framework provides a flexible system of criteria and performance objectives to aid decision-makers and help project teams identify sustainable, resilient, and equitable approaches during the planning, design, and construction that will continue throughout the project’s operations, maintenance, and end-of-life phases.
3. International Green Construction Code (IgCC):
The International Green Construction Code, a joint effort of the International Code Council (ICC) and the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), sets minimum requirements for sustainable construction practices. It covers a range of areas such as energy conservation, water efficiency, site development, material selection, and indoor environmental quality. Many jurisdictions in the USA have adopted the IgCC or incorporated its provisions into their local building codes.
4. ENERGY STAR:
ENERGY STAR is the government-backed symbol for energy efficiency. The blue ENERGY STAR label provides simple, credible, and unbiased information that consumers and businesses rely on to make well-informed decisions. It’s a voluntary labeling program whereby Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets energy efficiency specifications and those that meet them can choose to display the ENERGY STAR logo. Earning the ENERGY STAR label signifies that a building meets strict energy performance standards, reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
5. Green Globes
Green Globes is another widely used green building certification program in the USA. It evaluates buildings based on various criteria such as energy efficiency, water conservation, indoor environmental quality, and resource management. Green Globes employs a user-friendly online assessment tool that enables professionals to track and improve their sustainability performance throughout the construction process.
6. Zero Energy Ready Homes (ZERH)
The Department of Energy's Zero Energy Ready Homes program promotes the construction of high-performance homes that generate as much renewable energy as they consume on an annual basis. ZERH certification recognizes builders who employ advanced technologies and design strategies to achieve exceptional energy efficiency, indoor air quality, comfort, and durability.
7. Living Building Challenge (LBC)
The Living Building Challenge, developed by the International Living Future Institute, is a rigorous green building certification program that pushes the boundaries of sustainable design and construction. It focuses on creating buildings that operate as self-sufficient and regenerative systems, with a strong emphasis on net-zero energy, water independence, and use of non-toxic materials.
Drive sustainable innovation at AtkinsRéalis
As sustainability becomes an integral part of the construction industry in the USA, green building standards play a crucial role in guiding professionals towards environmentally responsible practices. Familiarizing yourself with these standards, such as LEED, IgCC, ENERGY STAR, Green Globes, ZERH, and LBC, will not only enhance your understanding of sustainable construction principles but also demonstrate your commitment to creating a greener future, and help to position yourself as a valuable asset in the construction job market.
Explore our latest opportunities in architecture and planning jobs, construction, or engineering jobs where you can make a real impact to people’s environments and lives at AtkinsRéalis today.
Interested? Find out more about life at AtkinsRéalis
Sign up to receive the latest content tailored to your interests
Our articles

Preview
GeneralContent type
BlogsPublish date
02/11/2025
Summary
Meet Benisa, a resilient and dedicated professional at AtkinsRéalis. Her career journey showcases growth and the impact of an inclusive work culture. Overcoming early challenges and embracing div

Preview
EuropeContent type
BlogsPublish date
02/11/2025
Summary
At AtkinsRéalis, we’re incredibly proud to be part of the UK’s journey towards achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The transformation required is massive, touching every corner of our economy—fr

Preview
EuropeContent type
BlogsPublish date
02/11/2025
Summary
The UK’s energy landscape is undergoing a major transformation as the country moves toward a more sustainable and resilient energy system. With a strong commitment to reducing carbon emissions, th

Preview
Middle EastContent type
BlogsPublish date
02/11/2025
Summary
NEOM, Saudi Arabia’s most transformative project, is a city designed for the future. A key component of the nation's Vision 2030 initiative, the eco-friendly mega-city is home to the most forward-t

Preview
GeneralContent type
BlogsPublish date
02/04/2025
Summary
Hi, I'm Ahmad, the regional leader of AtkinsRéalis' Power New Build team here in the Northwest of England. Why did I join AtkinsRéalis? I wanted to be part of a world-class engineering services p

Preview
EuropeContent type
BlogsPublish date
01/31/2025
Summary
Sophie, a Building Surveyor at AtkinsRéalis, tells all about life in Bristol You’ve probably already seen the photos of hot air balloons drifting over Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s Clifton Suspensi

Preview
AustraliaContent type
BlogsPublish date
01/31/2025
Summary
The rail sector is at the heart of Australia’s infrastructure revolution, spanning more than 36,064km of track and powering economic growth, innovation, and connectivity. Once reliant on imported as

Preview
IndiaContent type
BlogsPublish date
01/31/2025
Summary
Do you want to fuel your career with purpose and watch your impact grow? Would you like to make an impact and join the global net zero revolution? Do you have what it takes to lead the nuclear r

by
Shailaja Mantha

Preview
GeneralContent type
BlogsPublish date
01/29/2025
Summary
The future of electrical engineering is bright, and its influence on industries like automotive, energy, and wearable technology is growing exponentially. At AtkinsRéalis, electrical engineers are a

Preview
AsiaContent type
BlogsPublish date
01/29/2025
Summary
Mechanical engineering is recognized as one of the most diverse and impactful fields, constantly shaping innovations across industries. At AtkinsRéalis, professionals like Sean, a BIM (Building

Preview
EuropeContent type
ProjectsPublish date
01/29/2025
Summary
Our Water, Environment, and Project Delivery teams—along with Design & Advanced Technology and Project and Programme Services—delivered the career-defining Havant Thicket Reservoir pro

by
Shailaja Mantha

Preview
AsiaContent type
BlogsPublish date
01/28/2025
Summary
What does it take to transform an industry? Hard work, innovative technology, and a culture that fosters creativity. This is how AtkinsRéalis, a global leader in project management, engineering
Related jobs
We are sorry but we currently have no jobs in this area.
Continue browsing to look at our other available opportunities
Equality, diversity and inclusion
We’re devoted to growing the diversity of our people, promoting an inclusive culture, providing everyone with an equal voice because simply put, it’s the right thing to do. Click to learn more.
Find out more