EDGE Advanced and LEED Platinum – The Rarest and Most Valuable Green Certifications

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/