Indicates whether the organization employs green building practices.
Organizations should footnote the specific green building practices employed and details on the sustainability certifications, ratings, and labeling schemes received. See usage guidance for further information.
This metric is intended to capture the organization’s green building practices. Examples of practices to footnote may include energy-saving strategies (e.g., energy use monitoring, efficient appliances and lighting, renewable energy use), systems for increasing water efficiency (e.g., water-efficient appliances, fixtures, and landscaping), systems to monitor and improve air quality (e.g., increased ventilation, access to natural daylight), and use of sustainable materials (e.g., reclaimed products), among others. Certifications to footnote may include LEED certification or LEED equivalent certification. Organizations can refer to the glossary for additional information on green buildings.
Organizations are encouraged to report this metric in conjunction with Renewable Energy Capital Expenditures (OI9206). Organizations can also report this metric in conjunction with Energy Conserved (OI6697), Water Conserved (OI4015), or Waste Reduced (OI7920) to capture the quantitative effects of the green building practices they have employed.
Metrics identified as "cross-category" are those that are relevant to any IRIS+ Impact Category or Impact Theme (i.e., these metrics are not specific to any particular industry/category or theme).
June 2022 - IRIS v5.3 Released (current version)
Immaterial change. Minor revision to usage guidance for clarity.
January 2020 - IRIS v5.1 Released
No change.
May 2019 - IRIS v5.0 Released
No change.
March 2016 - IRIS v4.0 Released
No change.
March 2014 - IRIS v3.0 Released
Material change. Metric definition and response format modified to provide clarity based on best practices and standard guidance.
November 2011 - IRIS v2.2 Released
No change.
February 2011 - IRIS v2.1 Released
No change.
September 2010 - IRIS v2.0 Released
Material change. Green Building Practices (OI6765) replaced Employs Green Building Practices (OF46). Metric name and definition language modified to increase specificity by allowing for selection of practices used.
September 2009 - IRIS v1.0 Released
New metric. Employs Green Building Practices (OF46) was developed via the Original IRIS Working Group.
IRIS Metrics Work Better in Sets
To use IRIS metrics—and the resulting data—to understand impact performance, IRIS metrics should be used and analyzed in generally accepted sets and according to well-defined objectives. IRIS+ gives you access to generally accepted Core Metrics Sets aligned to common Impact Themes and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).