EDGE certification involves two key stages. It is recommended that a project go through both preliminary and post construction stages in order to successfully achieve EDGE certification.
Each stage consists of a 2 round submission process to the GBCSA
1. Preliminary: At the design stage, enter the project details into the EDGE software and select green options. The platform will quickly establish the feasibility of the green measures you plan to use on the project.
Note: In order to comply, the project must reach the EDGE Standard of a minimum of 20% improvement in energy, water, and embodied energy in materials as measured against current standard building regulations.
A preliminary certificate is issued by the GBCSA at this stage.
2. Post Construction: Following construction an EDGE auditor is dispatched to site to verify the projects green credentials. The EDGE auditor will then collate the findings and submit the relevant documentation to the GBCSA.
The GBCSA will then verify the documentation and issue a final EDGE certification certificate per unit to the project owner.
Taking green measures, EDGE proves that the next generation of buildings can be more affordable to build. Preliminary indications from South African pilot projects targeting EDGE certification point to an additional construction cost of not more than 3% to meet the EDGE Standard, but this will vary for each project depending on the specific design of the project.