Services
Not all square feet are created equal.
From design through operations, we optimize buildings for
✓ high-performance
✓ environmental and social impact
✓ enhanced brand reputation
Building Certifications
Many building owners opt for 3rd-party certifications which provide a structured approach to implementing sustainability initiatives and to avoid greenwashing.
Rating systems (as they’re also known as) are available for both new construction and existing buildings, with their popularity varying region by region.
Our team has earned accreditation and experience with the following:
LEED
New construction and existing buildings
LEED Zero Energy-Water-Carbon
GAIA is recognized by USGBC as a LEED Proven Provider. This allows us to streamline our clients’ certification process with reduced fees.
BREEAM
BREAAM USA In-Use is for existing commercial and residential buildings
Volume pricing is available for portfolios
WELL
Advances occupant health, wellbeing, and equity
WELL At Scale program for portfolios
Fitwel
Design strategies to optimize health and wellness
Living Building Challenge
Regenerative design certification
Energy Star
Buildings must meet energy performance standards set by EPA.
Energy & Daylight Modeling
Early-stage energy modeling in the design process is crucial in optimizing building performance. Projects gain energy and cost savings by carefully assessing the energy efficiency of various design alternatives.
Three types of energy modeling:
Basic
Enhanced
Predictive
Example industrial warehouse and its energy consumption performed through energy modeling software.
Life Cycle Assessments & Embodied Carbon Reduction
Life cycle assessments (LCAs) quantify the environmental impacts associated with all life cycle phases of the building– from its beginning (raw material extraction) to its construction and use stage to its ending (decommissioning or the disposal of the building).
GAIA has completed over 100 life cycle assessments to date – and currently working on 150 active projects – which include baseline/proposed and optimized models.
If using the LEED v4 Building Design and Construction (BD+C) rating, LCAs earn 1 credit for Building Life-Cycle Impact Reduction. Additional pathways can earn up to 3 points.
Commissioning & Energy Audits
In-person verification assures systems are installed and functioning as designed. With ongoing commissioning, property owners prevent future risks and costly expenses.
GAIA offers on-site energy audits to comply with ASHRAE Level 1, 2, and 3.
Learn: Commissioning 101 →
GAIA commissioning providers on-site.
Solar Owner’s Representative
Does solar pencil out? Is your building required to install solar and a battery? GAIA supports owners in assessing their solar needs and every step of the process, from design review to managing vendors' bid packages through installation and operations.
How GAIA supports owners:
Standardized bid questions to ensure an equal comparison of all vendors
Unbiased 3rd-party review and feedback
Ongoing support beyond bid selection
3rd-party commissioning after installation
Navigating future community solar programs
Learn: Empowering Building Owners with Solar Energy Solutions →
Solar Analysis
GAIA analyzes buildings to determine their solar potential.How GAIA supports owners.
Solar supports net-zero certifications:
Zero Energy Certification by The International Living Future Institute (ILFI)
RE 100 led by The Climate Group in partnership with CDP
(Left) By reviewing the solar radiance, actual or expected energy loads, roof area, utility requirements, and rebates/incentives, GAIA helps projects maximize their reliance on renewables. (Right) Example of a solar layout and solar exposure.
ESG Strategy & Implementation
GAIA supports clients’ ESG journey at the asset, fund, and portfolio level. Our scope of services includes:
Planning: Develop ESG and sustainability initiatives
Project management: Be an extension of the design and construction teams
Marketing: Support communications and data-driven visual content for effective stakeholder engagement
30’000 ft level:
Roadmap to Decarbonizing New Construction and Existing Buildings →
GAIA offers tailored trainings, presentations, and speaking engagements on:
Corporate ESG Strategy & Implementation Workshop
Value Creation Through Sustainability
Complying with Building Codes (such as Title 24 and CALGreen)
Government Rebates & Incentives
Solar Requirements & Opportunities
Measuring & Reducing Embodied Carbon in New Construction
The Value of Early-Stage Energy Modeling as a Design Tool
Benefits of Commissioning & Energy Audits
Portfolio-Wide Decarbonization Strategy
Climate Action Plans
Educational Workshops
Image: NAIOP I.CON West Industrial Conference 2024 –Panel: ESG and Decarbonization Strategies for Industrial and Logistics Properties
Saving Water = Saving Money
GAIA has deep knowledge in:
Reclaimed/recycled water, greywater and blackwater systems
Drought-tolerant landscaping design
Water metering (also valuable for ESG reporting)
Efficient plumbing and irrigation systems
Heat pump water heaters
Atmospheric water generator (AWG) machines
Featured Water Articles
