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What does EDGE measure?
EDGE compares a project with a baseline building of the same type in the same country, using local climate data, utility costs and construction practice built into the EDGE App[1]. It measures three results (operational energy, operational water and the embodied carbon of materials), and each must reach at least 20% savings. A project that saves 45% on energy but only 15% on water does not qualify until the water design improves.
Which buildings can be EDGE certified?
EDGE covers homes, apartments, offices, hotels, retail, hospitals, schools and warehouses, both new buildings and existing ones being renovated[1]. In Lebanon, typical candidates are residential towers, mixed-use developments, schools and university buildings, and offices seeking green finance or a stronger sales story.
What are the EDGE certification levels?
| Level | Requirement |
|---|---|
| EDGE Certified | At least 20% savings in energy, water and embodied carbon in materials |
| EDGE Advanced | EDGE Certified, plus at least 40% on-site energy savings |
| EDGE Zero Carbon | EDGE Advanced, with remaining operational energy covered 100% by on-site or off-site renewables or purchased carbon offsets, confirmed once the building is occupied |
Source: IFC[1].
Most projects start with EDGE Certified. The guide on EDGE levels covers each level in more detail.
How does EDGE certification work, step by step?
- Register the project and model it in the EDGE App, testing design measures until all three categories reach 20%.
- Prepare the design documentation (drawings, specifications, calculations) and submit it for the design audit.
- An independent EDGE auditor reviews the design; the certification body issues the preliminary (design-stage) certificate.
- After construction, the auditor carries out a site audit to confirm that what was built matches the design.
- The certification body issues the final EDGE certificate.
Where independent support helps
An EDGE expert runs the design assessment, tests options against budget and prepares the audit file. An independent EDGE auditor then checks the design and the completed building; the two roles must be held by different people on any one project. Otibara provides EDGE expert support, and EDGE audits through Sintali on projects we have not advised.
Common questions
How long does EDGE certification take?
The design assessment usually takes 2 to 6 weeks, and the design audit and preliminary certificate a further 4 to 8 weeks. The site audit and final certificate follow construction, typically 4 to 8 weeks after completion. Durations are indicative and depend on the project and the certification body.
What drives the cost of EDGE certification?
There are two parts. Registration and certification fees are set by the certification body[2][3]. Expert support depends on building size and complexity, the number of design options tested and the quality of the documentation.
Who issues EDGE certificates in Lebanon?
Approved certification bodies, currently GBCI and Sintali, after independent audits[2][3].
Can existing buildings be certified?
Yes. Existing buildings can be certified, often through retrofits such as efficient cooling, lighting, glazing and water fixtures, with the savings verified in the EDGE App[1].
Does EDGE help with green finance?
Many banks and development finance institutions recognise EDGE as evidence of a green building for green loans and bonds. Eligibility depends on each lender's criteria.