EDGE, LEED or BREEAM? A Comparison for Projects in Türkiye
All three systems are internationally recognised; they differ in scope, duration and cost. A short comparison:
| EDGE | LEED | BREEAM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Developed by | IFC (World Bank Group) | USGBC (USA) | BRE (UK) |
| Focus | Energy, water, materials (3 categories, measurable %) | 9 categories: site, water, energy, materials, indoor environment, transport, etc. | 10 categories, including management and ecology |
| Scoring | Pass/fail; 3 levels | 110 points; 4 levels | Percentage; 6 levels |
| Typical duration | 3–6 months | 12–24 months | 12–24 months |
| Cost | Low | High | High |
| Audit | EDGE Auditor site audit mandatory | Document-based review | Licensed assessor |
| Who requires it? | IFC/EBRD/CEB loans, EU-funded programmes (SHIFA), green housing loans | Corporate tenants, Class A offices, campuses | European funds, logistics/industrial |
When EDGE?
When the financing or the specification requires EDGE, when budget and schedule are tight, and when a measurable savings certificate is enough. The most efficient option for housing, health centres, light industry and mid-sized offices.
When LEED/BREEAM?
For prestige projects explicitly requested by corporate tenants and international investors, and when indoor environmental quality, transport and site criteria also need to be documented.
Can they be combined?
Yes. EDGE's energy and water model provides input to the related LEED credits. Many investors use EDGE as fast proof for financing and LEED for marketing. Our team is accredited in all three systems; it is delivered under a single contract.
