Frequently Asked Questions

The Journey to Net Zero™ certification is a program for evaluating a building’s energy use and carbon emissions. It provides recognition of reduced consumption and emissions, improves transparency, and provides guidance for further reduction as facilities work towards a goal of net zero.

The Journey To Net Zero Compass Subscription gives users full access to the Calculator Tool. Users can test and demonstrate unlimited projects without starting the full assessment process. Gain familiarity with the platform, use the calculator as a planning tool, and test real or proposed data to gain insights and inform decision-making as you plan and progress toward net zero.

Green building is the practice of designing, constructing, and operating buildings—the full lifecycle of a structure—to be more sustainable, healthy, resilient, and resource-efficient. Its goal is to build better, for people and the planet.

Green building practices can lower operating costs while increasing rental premiums. They also improve health and comfort for occupants, while strengthening building resilience and reducing climate and environmental impact.

Green building may involve upfront costs, but it can improve measurable long-term value through increased operational efficiency, lower utility costs, and better building performance.

The Green Building Initiative (GBI) is an international nonprofit dedicated to improving the built environment’s impact on people and the planet, by working alongside developers, owners, architects, engineers, facility managers, and government officials.

GBI delivers trusted green buidling certifications, assessments, training, education, industry standards, and advocacy to organizations and professionals dedicated to improving the built environment around the globe.

GBI’s green building programs include Green Globes® for projects in the U.S. and Canada, Ascent™ for international projects, Journey to Net Zero™ for carbon and energy reduction recognition, and Guiding Principles Compliance for U.S. federal buildings.