also known as the Haute Qualité Environnementale (High Quality Environmental standard), is a French certification that is based on the fundamental principles of sustainable development from the 1992 Earth Summit. HQE certifications cover a building’s entire lifecycle (construction, renovation and operation). The certification may be obtained by nonresidential or residential buildings, as well as urban planning and development.

The certificate is based on the four themes of energy, environment, health and comfort, which are assessed on a scale of zero to four stars. Each theme assesses fourteen targets including worksite, energy, water, waste, maintenance, air quality and more. The overall ranking of a building is achieved from the total of the stars obtained in each of the four themes. The rating system delineates between Excellent, Very Good, Good, and Pass, based on the number of stars earned.

LEARN MORE: HQE Certification

FRANCE