The Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS) is a performance-based system developed for rating green buildings and infrastructures. The primary objective of GSAS is to create a sustainable built environment that minimizes ecological impacts and reduces resource use, considering the specific needs and context of the Middle East and North Africa regions (MENA). The system offers three different certifications: (1) GSAS Design & Build; (2) GSAS Construction Management; and (3) GSAS Operations. All certification procedures include an initial assessment followed by an audit.

The Equator Principles (EP) are a risk management framework for determining, assessing and managing environmental and social risk in projects that can be adopted by financial institutions. The tool provides a minimum standard for due diligence to support responsible risk decision-making. The EP apply globally, to all industry sectors and to four types of financial products: (1) project finance advisory services; (2) project finance; (3) project-related corporate loans; (4) bridge loans. Financial institutions can officially commit to the adoption of the EP.

The EO100™ Standard for Responsible Energy is a set of rigorous performance standards for energy development projects that was developed by the non-profit organization “Equitable Origin” based on a consensus from industry, NGOs, affected communities and government agencies to incentivize excellence in social and environmental performance of energy projects. The EO100™ Standard provides a framework to monitor on-the-ground performance as well as company-level policies. The tool confirms responsible business practices through independent verification with the option of a third-party certification.

Envision is a flexible system of criteria and performance objectives to aid decision makers and help project teams identify sustainable approaches during planning, design and construction of infrastructure projects that will continue throughout the project’s operations and maintenance and end-of-life phases. The Envision system consists of different components: (1) The Envision Pre-Assessment Checklist can be applied early-phase and used to prepare later sustainability assessments; (2) the Envision Online Scoresheet provides for a detailed online self-assessment; (3) the Envision Verification provides for an independent third-party project review process; (4) the Envision Awards offer recognition for qualifying verified projects.

The World Bank Environmental and Social Framework (ESF) sets out the World Bank’s commitment to sustainable development through a Bank Policy and a set of environmental and social standards that enable borrowers to better manage environmental and social risks of projects and to improve development outcomes. The tool offers an assessment of environmental and social risks and impacts of projects throughout the project life cycle in a systematic manner proportionate to the nature and scale of the project and the potential risks and impacts. Since 2018, the framework applies to all World Bank investment project financing.

The DGNB System for Districts is a planning and optimization tool which helps to create sustainable and livable districts. There are three types of certifications available across the project lifecycle: (1) a pre-certification for urban development plans, (2) a certificate for planning and development of projects that are at least 25% completed and (3) a final certificate for districts that are at least 75% completed. Assessments are undertaken by independent, DNGB-trained auditors. A final conformity check is undertaken by DGNB before the award of the certification.

CEEQUAL Projects assists in delivering improved sustainability performance and strategy of infrastructure projects. Projects are assessed across a range of management, environmental and social criteria, using the CEEQUAL Online Assessment Tool. The individual version for Term Contracts has been specifically created for the sustainability assessment of civil engineering and public realm works that are undertaken through contracts over several years, offering two question sets, one for maintenance works and one for new works. Assessments are conducted by CEEQUAL-trained assessors and verified by CEEQUAL-appointed external verifiers (in case of Term Contracts in the first and penultimate years including yearly surveillance visits).

Green Mark is a rating system of the Building and Construction Authority of Singapore to evaluate the environmental friendliness of infrastructure assets, giving recognition to projects that have adopted enhanced environmental sustainability strategies and measures. The assessment process includes design and documentation reviews as well as site verifications. It results in a point scoring and, if successful, a certification. There are further specific applications available for new and existing buildings with different functionalities.