The Green Building Council – Green Council BiH association brings together experts from various fields to promote best practices in sustainable and responsible construction through an interdisciplinary approach. They have produced a substantial number of scientific and professional publications, as well as workshops, lectures, conferences, and advocacy initiatives. The organization pays special attention to young people through the organization of summer schools and practical workshops that help raise awareness about the importance of sustainable development. The association has received the highest award, the EU New European Bauhaus, for the best European project in the field of sustainable construction and development. With a partnership agreement signed with the German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB), they plan to continue their certification projects and promote sustainable and responsible building even more actively and conscientiously. We spoke with Sanela Klarić, an advisor to the Association, about their educational programmes and green certification processes.
Q: What are the biggest obstacles in the process of green building certification?
A: Our experience shows that the greatest obstacles in the process of green building certification primarily stem from a lack of awareness about the advantages of this approach. Citizens, designers, construction companies, and investors are still not sufficiently familiar with the benefits of green certification, which often leads to a lack of support from the outset. Another challenge lies in the absence of clear strategies and legal frameworks that would systemically support such processes, as well as in the lack of completed examples within the country and the region that could serve as models and demonstrate that these projects can be both successful and cost-effective. Furthermore, professional capacities – from designers and contractors to certifiers – are still underdeveloped, which hinders the wider adoption and effective implementation of green certification standards.
IN FOCUS:
- Solar energy is the future – but only if it’s safe
- Brutalism and Its Identity in the Era of Architectural Uniformity
- ABB Home Automation in the Service of Energy Efficiency
Q: How does green housing certification work in practice?
A: Green building certification involves the engagement of a qualified, accredited certifier from the very beginning of the planning and development stage. Their role is not merely formal but also advisory and educational: they guide the design team, investors, and contractors throughout the entire process, from the initial concept to final completion. The certifier helps maximize the site’s potential, introduces principles of sustainable resource management, advises on responsible site management and waste handling, and monitors the life-cycle assessment of materials, components, and the building itself. Particular attention is given to the efficient use of water and renewable energy sources, the use of natural and locally sourced materials, as well as compliance with health standards that include testing water and indoor air quality, and verifying the effectiveness of energy efficiency measures. Safety standards, such as fire protection and inclusive access to buildings, are also an integral part of the process.
Unlike traditional construction methods, green certification is more complex and demands greater responsibility, interdisciplinary collaboration, and continuous monitoring. Nevertheless, the benefits it brings far outweigh the initial effort. The result is higher-quality buildings designed with both people and the environment in mind, offering greater comfort, protecting users’ health, reducing negative environmental impacts, and saving energy, water, and other resources in the long term. Such buildings represent an investment not only in a sustainable future but also in the safety and quality of life of present and future generations.
Q: Do you have data on reduced energy consumption or emissions for the projects you have supported?
A: For buildings currently in the pre-certification and certification phase, data must be collected over twelve months, after which the results can be verified and officially presented. Alongside this, user education is being conducted to encourage responsible behavior and the implementation of green certification measures in daily life. Even now, although the process is still ongoing, significant savings and increased user satisfaction are clearly noticeable. However, until the data collection period is completed, these results cannot be officially confirmed or shared with the public. The experience of our colleagues from the DGNB (German Sustainable Building Council), with whom we have signed a partnership agreement, further encourages us, as their professional insights provide important validation of our findings and demonstrate that we are moving in the right direction.
Interview by Jasna Dragojević
The interview was published in Energy portal Magazine GREEN ARCHITECTURE
