With growing environmental concerns and stricter regulations, the building and infrastructure industries are seeing a real shift. Clients, investors, and regulatory bodies now expect sustainability to be built into every project from the start. 

From specifying eco-friendly materials to achieving LEED certification, Passive House standards, or aligning with government regulations like the BC Energy Step Code, NECB (National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings), and municipal green building requirements, architects and engineers have a growing number of frameworks to guide their approach. These policies aim to improve energy efficiency, reduce carbon footprints, and support Canada’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. 

However, buildingSMART standards further enhance these efforts by enabling digital collaboration, reducing rework, and ensuring transparency across project stakeholders. This openBIM approach supports all sustainability goals—whether you're designing for energy performance, material efficiency, or lifecycle emissions—by giving teams the tools and data they need to make smarter, greener decisions. 

For firms making strategic investments in sustainable design or professionals looking to upgrade their credentials, certification is becoming the norm in building your next key differentiator. The demand for proven expertise in digital workflows, energy-efficient design, and carbon-conscious construction practices is rising—and those who can demonstrate their knowledge will be best positioned to lead and take on new projects. 

Sustainability Is Now a Business Imperative 

According to the Autodesk State of Design & Make 2024 Report, 97% of industry leaders have already made sustainability a priority in their organizations. This shift is not just about environmental responsibility; it is also about business viability. 

• Customer Expectations: Clients are actively seeking out firms that prioritize sustainable design, with 83% of industry leaders stating that customer demand is driving their sustainability goals. 

• Regulatory Compliance: Governments are implementing stricter environmental policies, making sustainable practices necessary to remain competitive. 

• Financial Incentives: Investors are looking for measurable sustainability commitments, and initiatives such as the Inflation Reduction Act offer financial benefits for companies transitioning to greener practices. 

The architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry is responsible for 42% of global CO₂ emissions—27% from building operations and 15% from embodied carbon in materials. The urgency for change is clear, and firms that do not adapt risk falling behind both in compliance and client expectations. 

Eco-Friendly Materials and Sustainable Construction Practices 

A significant portion of a building’s environmental impact is determined at the design stage. Architects and engineers are increasingly turning to low-carbon materials, recycled content, and energy-efficient construction methods to reduce the long-term footprint of their projects. 

• Mass Timber Construction: The use of engineered wood has gained traction as a sustainable alternative to concrete and steel. It significantly reduces embodied carbon, with some projects reporting up to a 65% decrease in emissions. 

• Recycled and Reclaimed Materials: Firms such as Lake Flato Architects in the U.S have successfully integrated repurposed materials into their projects, demonstrating that sustainability does not require sacrificing aesthetics or performance. 

• Circular Economy Design: The Ellen MacArthur Foundation reports that 80% of a product’s environmental impact is determined at the design stage, reinforcing the importance of early planning for sustainability. 

These approaches are proving that sustainable design is not only possible but also commercially viable. 

The Value of LEED vs. buildingSMART Certification: A Dual Path to Sustainable Excellence 

For organizations looking to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability, LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) has long been the gold standard. It focuses on reducing environmental impact through better energy use, water conservation, and sustainable materials. Buildings that meet LEED criteria consistently outperform conventional structures in both performance and value:

• Energy consumption is reduced by up to 30% 

• Carbon emissions decrease by 35% 

• Water usage is lowered by as much as 50% 

• Waste cost savings range from 50% to 90% 

Beyond environmental impact, LEED certification also enhances property value, improves operational efficiency, and strengthens a firm’s market position. As more clients and developers require LEED standards in their projects, certification becomes a smart and strategic investment for individuals and firms alike. 

The Rise of buildingSMART, ISO 19650 & OpenBIM 

While LEED focuses on environmental performance, buildingSMART certification is becoming just as critical—especially in the digital age. It supports the implementation of open, standardized BIM workflows that align with sustainability targets from design through operations. 

Where LEED defines what sustainability looks like, buildingSMART shows how to achieve it through interoperable digital collaboration. 

At the heart of this digital shift is ISO 19650, the international standard for managing information over the whole life cycle of a built asset using Building Information Modelling (BIM). It sets the framework for organizing and sharing data efficiently—enabling teams to reduce waste, avoid costly errors, and make smarter decisions from concept to handover. 

Why buildingSMART Certification Matters: 

• Enhances Project Collaboration: OpenBIM and ISO 19650 frameworks create a shared digital environment that reduces miscommunication and rework 

• Drives Better Decision-Making: Digital twins and real-time data support more informed, sustainable choices 

• Improves Market Competitiveness: As of 2023, over 50% of global AEC firms reported requiring or preferring buildingSMART- or ISO 19650-certified professionals on large projects 

With government regulations and procurement policies increasingly favouring open standards and data transparency, buildingSMART certification is fast becoming a global norm—especially in public-sector and infrastructure projects. 

Two Certifications, One Common Goal 

Both LEED and buildingSMART are essential pillars of sustainable design. While LEED measures the environmental outcome, buildingSMART enables the process through digital excellence. Together, they help firms meet both performance targets and delivery standards—ensuring projects are greener, smarter, and more resilient. 

For organizations investing in training, will position their teams for greater efficiency, lower costs, and a stronger ability to meet sustainability goals. For professionals, this certification provides a clear pathway to career advancement in an industry that increasingly values digital expertise. 

Get Certified with SolidCAD 

SolidCAD offers buildingSMART certification courses designed to equip professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in sustainable, data-driven design. These courses provide practical training on BIM interoperability, digital standards, and sustainability-focused workflows. 

To stay competitive and ensure your projects meet the highest standards, register for an upcoming course today: Learn more and secure your spot. 

By integrating sustainability at every stage—from material selection to certification and digital optimization—architecture can drive meaningful change. The future of design is green, and those who embrace it will lead the industry forward.