Green Building Initiative Launches Ascent Building Certification™ for Global Markets

This section is Partnership Content suppliedThe content in this section is supplied by GlobeNewswire for the purposes of distributing press releases on behalf of its clients. Postmedia has not reviewed the content. by GlobeNewswire Article contentNew portfolio-ready building certification delivers proven tools to achieve credible sustainability and performance outcomes worldwideSign In or Create an AccountEmail AddressContinueor View more offersArticle contentPORTLAND, Ore., March 03, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Green Building Initiative (GBI) announces the global launch of Ascent Building Certification™, a science-based whole building certification designed to evaluate sustainability, health, and resilience practices for all types of commercial real estate across regions and portfolios. Ascent will be used for new and existing projects in the EU, the UK, and elsewhere outside Canada and the United States to improve the built environment’s impact on climate and society.Article contentWe apologize, but this video has failed to load.Try refreshing your browser, ortap here to see other videos from our team.Article contentArticle contentAscent Building Certification™ is a global expansion of GBI’s trusted third-party assessment and certification programs. GBI has certified over 93 million square meters (1 billion square feet) of commercial real estate, leading with its flagship certification, Green Globes®. Strong adoption of Green Globes combined with market demand for a robust, proven, and transparent certification that delivers consistent methodology across borders and portfolios led GBI to expand its flagship certification globally under the Ascent™ brand.Article contentTop StoriesGet the latest headlines, breaking news and columns.There was an error, please provide a valid email address.Sign UpBy signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.Thanks for signing up!A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.The next issue of Top Stories will soon be in your inbox.We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try againInterested in more newsletters? Browse here.Article contentDesigned for owners and project teams managing assets in all lifecycle phases, Ascent provides a consensus-based framework, consistent with Green Globes, that adapts to local standards and regulatory requirements. The certification responds to growing market demand for certification systems that combine transparency, a trustworthy independent assessment, and practical usability—without unnecessary administrative burden.Article content“Building owners and investors are facing increasing pressure to demonstrate measurable performance and return on investment across global portfolios,” said Vicki Worden, CEO of GBI. “GBI’s Ascent Building Certification answers that demand with a practical, transparent, and ESG-aligned approach.”Article contentArticle contentAscent is designed to serve organizations seeking user-friendly, portfolio-ready certification. Key features include:Article contentGlobal consistency with local relevance through a unified framework adaptable to regional regulations and environmental conditionsTransparent scoring and results that support credible reporting and stakeholder confidenceIndependent third-party assessment conducted through GBI’s established assessor networkUser-friendly software tools with centralized reporting dashboards and aggregated portfolio scoringDedicated expert support from GBI’s team of green building specialists and project managersArticle contentCertification levels align with the Green Globes One through Four rating system, and performance categories address critical building outcomes and Environmental Assessment Areas, including project management and responsible business practices, site, energy, water, materials, and indoor environment.Article contentBy combining transparent scoring, independent certification, structured expert guidance, and user-friendly tools, Ascent reduces friction in the certification process while maintaining rigorous performance standards.Trending Shocks can force Bank of Canada to hike rates even when economy weak, says deputy Economy PDAC 2026: Hodgson says Canada's mining sector is at a 'hinge moment' while announcing new critical minerals projects Mining From defence to airlines: How stocks are reacting to Iran attacks Investor As East-West pipeline divide persists, Atlantic Canada's energy isolation is only getting worse Oil & Gas Garry Marr: Bad news, Gen Z — The Freedom 55 guy is still working in his 60s and you will be, too Retirement Article contentOrganizations can learn more or begin the certification process at:https://thegbi.org/assessment-certification/ascent-certification/Article contentFor media inquiries, contact megan@thegbi.org.Article contentAbout GBIArticle contentGBI is an international nonprofit organization and American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Accredited Standards Developer dedicated to improving the built environment’s impact on climate and society. Founded in 2004, the organization is the global provider of the Green Globes®, Journey to Net Zero™, Guiding Principles Compliance, and Ascent Building Certification™ and assessment programs. GBI also issues professional credentials, including the Green Globes Professional (GGP) and Guiding Principles Compliance Professional (GPCP). To learn more about opportunities to become involved with GBI, contact info@thegbi.org or visit the GBI website at www.thegbi.org.Article contentMEDIA CONTACT Megan Baker, GBI Vice President of Engagement, megan@thegbi.org, (971) 256-7174Article contentArticle contentArticle contentArticle contentArticle contentArticle contentShare this article in your social networkCommentsYou must be logged in to join the discussion or read more comments.Create an AccountSign in Join the Conversation Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion. Please keep comments relevant and respectful. Comments may take up to an hour to appear on the site. You will receive an email if there is a reply to your comment, an update to a thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information. Shocks can force Bank of Canada to hike rates even when economy weak, says deputy Economy PDAC 2026: Hodgson says Canada's mining sector is at a 'hinge moment' while announcing new critical minerals projects Mining From defence to airlines: How stocks are reacting to Iran attacks Investor As East-West pipeline divide persists, Atlantic Canada's energy isolation is only getting worse Oil & Gas Garry Marr: Bad news, Gen Z — The Freedom 55 guy is still working in his 60s and you will be, too Retirement