
EDGE Advanced and LEED Platinum – The Rarest and Most Valuable Green Certifications
News
Fewer than 15% of projects achieve EDGE Advanced and less than 10% achieve LEED Platinum worldwide — highlighting the rarity and difficulty of these two top-tier green certifications. They not only demand exceptional standards but also affirm a company’s pioneering position on the sustainable development map.
EDGE Advanced – A Leap Toward “Zero-Carbon Ready”
While basic EDGE requires projects to save at least 20% energy, 20% water, and 20% materials, EDGE Advanced raises the bar with a minimum 40% energy savings — a tough, highly selective threshold. This milestone positions a project as “Zero-Carbon Ready”, signaling readiness for a pathway to fully eliminating operational carbon emissions.
Notably, once a project achieves EDGE Advanced and demonstrates effective operation for one year, it can progress further to obtain EDGE Zero Carbon — a certification proving the building not only saves resources but also operates with net-zero carbon emissions. In this sense, EDGE Advanced is both a leap in energy efficiency standards and a foundation for reaching the ultimate green benchmark.
LEED Platinum – A Rare Green Achievement
The LEED certification system progresses through Certified → Silver → Gold → Platinum. Among these, LEED Platinum accounts for only 9–10% of all LEED projects globally, showcasing its exclusivity and difficulty. To achieve this level, projects must score exceptionally high across multiple criteria: energy, water, materials, indoor environment, innovation, and regional priorities.
LEED Platinum certification is not only proof of maximum effort in design–construction–operation but also a strategic milestone: reinforcing sustainable branding and enhancing business credibility in demanding markets such as Europe and the U.S.

EDGE Advanced and LEED Platinum Compared with Other Certifications
Criteria | Basic EDGE | EDGE Advanced | EDGE Zero Carbon (Extended) | LEED Certified/Silver/Gold | LEED Platinum |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Energy Savings | ≥20% | ≥40% (Zero-Carbon Ready) | ≥40% + Net Zero operation | 20–60% depending on level | ≥70–80% |
Achievement Rate | Majority | ~10% | 1–2% | Majority | 5–7% |
Scope of Evaluation | Energy, water, materials | Energy, water, materials | Energy, water, materials + Net Zero | Comprehensive, but baseline | Most comprehensive & stringent |
Brand & Value | Entry-level | Demonstrates Net Zero ambition | Ultra-rare, Net Zero leadership | Reputable from Gold level upward | Global prestige, elite status |
Conclusion on EDGE Advanced and LEED Platinum
- EDGE Advanced: More than an upgrade from basic EDGE, it is a “ticket” to Zero-Carbon Ready status — rare, with only about 10% of EDGE projects achieving it. This makes it an optimal choice for Vietnam and other emerging markets, combining cost efficiency with access to green financing.
- EDGE Zero Carbon: An extended level, only for projects already achieving EDGE Advanced and proving carbon neutrality after at least one year of operation. This ultra-rare certification represents true leadership in net-zero building trends.
- LEED Platinum: The highest benchmark in the LEED system, attained by only 5–7% of global projects. It symbolizes world-class excellence, elevating real estate brands in international markets, particularly in strict regions like Europe and the U.S.
Consultancy Services at ISD Engineering
With over 5 years of experience in green building consulting, ISD Engineering is a pioneer in Vietnam for both LEED and EDGE certification. We are proud to be the first and only green building consultancy in Vietnam recognized as:
- LEED Proven Provider by USGBC/GBCI — acknowledging our consistent excellence in delivering LEED projects.
- EDGE Premier Service Provider by IFC/World Bank Group — an exclusive title awarded only to organizations with outstanding expertise and performance in EDGE certification.
We provide end-to-end solutions:
- Strategic consulting for each building type.
- Status assessment & detailed roadmaps with cost optimization.
- Full support with documentation, certification procedures, and project implementation.
Contact Us
👉 Get in touch today for expert consultation and join the pioneers achieving green building certification in Vietnam.
🔗 Learn more about ISD Engineering’s expertise in green building certification.
References
- International Finance Corporation. (2023). EDGE Green Buildings Market Transformation. World Bank Group. Retrieved September 25, 2024, from https://edgebuildings.com/
- U.S. Green Building Council. (2023). LEED Rating System: Certification Levels and Project Directory. USGBC. Retrieved September 25, 2024, from https://www.usgbc.org/leed
- World Green Building Council. (2023). Advancing Net Zero: Status Report. WGBC. Retrieved September 25, 2024, from https://worldgbc.org/
- Posted on
- February 25, 2022