Taking sustainable development and efficiency into consideration during construction is valued by residents, property developers, and owners, as well as societal decision-makers. Making better use of natural resources and realising lower property usage costs incentivises investments in environmental factors when buildings are designed. The environmental classification tool makes it easier to agree upon matters such as the energy efficiency targets of buildings and solution development.
RTS Environmental Classification is an electronic tool and certification programme that is lighter than LEED and BREEAM and is suitable for conditions in Finland. The tool is suited to different building types, such as office and commercial buildings, residential buildings, accommodation buildings, and school and nursery buildings. RTS Environmental Classification Tool provides you with a clear tool and process to steer operations during the construction process.
1. Get the tool
Initially, the construction project client procures a user licence for the RTS Environmental Classification Tool. The user licence is used to log in to the RTS Environmental Classification Tool. The tool enables property owners, environmental consultants, and designers to familiarise themselves with the environmental quality classification criteria.
2. Set a target
The client specifies the minimum targets for the environmental quality of the construction project, as well as the sub-areas where the minimum level will be achieved and the potential for the target level to be surpassed. In addition, a decision is taken to apply for RTS Environmental Classification. All of the target levels and weighting of the criteria are specified in the environmental tool. The project participants are invited to review the requirement specifications for preparing solutions in accordance with the target level.
3. Enter data
The project manager sets targets for each criterion using the RTS Environmental Classification Tool. During the project, the client and project manager use the tool to monitor the realisation of the target level for the project. Environmental consultants can provide assistance on planning changes to the design and construction phase of the project. The project manager inspects the reports that are produced by designers and contractors and are saved on the tool, and awards scores to them.
4. Audit the project
The auditors, who are trained experts authorised by the Building Information Foundation RTS, inspect the contents and scores of the reports saved on the tool and decide whether to grant approval. RTS’s classification working group processes the auditing reports, confirms the classification, and certifies the project. RTS sends a certificate of approval to the project owner.
The RTS Environmental Classification Tool is:
- a clear method for deciding upon environmental targets using classification criteria
- a reliable process for identifying the sub-areas where the desired outcome will be reached
- precise process steering, which guides the project towards the targeted outcome, taking into consideration the needs of all parties
- a method for carefully realising documentation, which boosts efficiency and increases the quality of the end result
- Independent, third-part auditing provides transparency and reliability, and ensures the achieved outcome.