LEVEL(s)
Advantages as a common european framework for evaluating environmental performance
Construction is one of the sectors that contributes the most to climate change and the consumption of natural resources in Europe. According to the European Commission, buildings are responsible for 40% of energy consumption and 36% of greenhouse gas emissions in the EU. Additionally, they generate large amounts of waste and consume a significant amount of water. Therefore, it is essential to improve the environmental performance of buildings, both new and existing, to achieve the goals of the European Green Deal, a comprehensive strategy aiming to make the EU the first climate-neutral continent by 2050.
To achieve this objective, the European Commission and the Member States have developed Level(s), a common and independent framework to assess and improve the environmental performance of residential and office buildings throughout their lifecycle. Level(s) aims to harmonize the different certification systems existing in the Member States, offering common terminology and methodology to facilitate comparison and the exchange of best practices.
Level(s) is based on 6 macro-objectives that cover the 3 aspects defining sustainability: environmental, social, and economic. To measure the degree of compliance with each macro-objective, Level(s) proposes a series of indicators calculated based on standardized tools.
The Level(s) framework allows a comprehensive assessment at each phase of the project, from the most strategic or conceptual phase to the most operational or usage phase. To achieve this, it establishes three levels representing the degree of detail and precision with which the environmental performance of the project can be evaluated. The three levels are:
Level 1: Conceptual design. This level involves conducting qualitative assessments based on checklists that verify whether the project incorporates basic concepts or principles related to each macro-objective. For example, whether solar orientation or natural ventilation has been considered to improve energy efficiency.
Level 2: Detailed design and construction. This level involves conducting quantitative assessments based on standardized calculations that measure the project’s impact or benefit concerning each macro-objective. For example, whether the building’s carbon footprint or water consumption has been calculated.
Level 3: Construction and in-use behavior. This level involves conducting assessments based on real measurements that verify the building’s performance once completed and occupied, comparing it with the intended design. For example, whether indoor air quality or user satisfaction has been measured.
This is a significant advantage as it allows for a comprehensive evaluation of the project from the earliest stages of its development, tailoring the required detail to what is available at each stage. This facilitates the definition of realistic strategies from the outset, and also allows for the modulation of this strategy as the project progresses.
Level(s) offers multiple advantages for professionals and clients in the construction sector, including:
Comprehensive Sustainability Perspective:
Level(s) enables a complete understanding of sustainability in construction, considering not only energy efficiency but also social and economic aspects. This ensures that key issues, such as occupant health and reduced environmental impact throughout the building’s lifecycle, are addressed. According to a study by the World Green Building Council, sustainable buildings can enhance productivity, well-being, and academic performance of their users, as well as reduce operational and maintenance costs.
Facilitates Informed Decision-Making:
By providing clear and quantifiable indicators, Level(s) gives us a solid foundation for making informed decisions throughout all stages of the project. This encourages the adoption of sustainable strategies and the identification of areas for improvement. Moreover, Level(s) facilitates communication and dialogue among the various stakeholders involved in the project, such as architects, engineers, contractors, developers, and end-users.
Stimulates Innovation and Continuous Improvement:
The Level(s) framework promotes innovation by setting challenging and ambitious standards in terms of sustainability. This drives industry players to seek creative and technological solutions to meet the framework’s requirements, thus stimulating continuous improvement in the construction industry. Level(s) also encourages learning and the exchange of experiences between projects and countries, creating a European network of best practices.
Harmonization at the European Level:
By establishing a common set of indicators and goals, Level(s) aims to harmonize sustainability assessment in construction at the European level. This facilitates comparison between projects and countries, promoting best practices and cross-border collaboration. Additionally, Level(s) contributes to aligning projects with the EU’s policy and legislative objectives regarding climate, energy, and the environment.
Promotion of the Circular Economy:
Level(s) encourages the sustainable use of materials and efficient resource management, promoting the adoption of circular economy practices in construction. This drives increased reuse and recycling of materials, reducing the ecological footprint of the sector. According to Eurostat data, waste generated by construction and demolition activities accounts for 35% of the total waste generated in the EU.
At , 
we have implemented Level(s) as part of our standard design methodology.
Click here to learn more about Level(s).
