Environmental Certification Protocols and Minimum Environmental Criteria in Sustainable Construction: A Comparative Study

This article focuses on a thorough examination of eight internationally prominent environmental certification protocols, including LEED, BREEAM, ITACA, and others, specifically addressing their application and evaluation within the realm of sustainability in construction sites. The analysis delves into the characteristics of each protocol, with a particular focus on the criteria governing practices during the construction process. By normalizing scores and criteria, percentages reflecting the impact of each protocol on the construction site and process were derived. Additionally, a detailed analysis was conducted on practices outlined in the Italian Minimum Environmental Criteria, integrating them with guidelines from international protocols. Common practices were categorized and synthesized into nine management categories, highlighting convergences and divergences among the various standards examined. Using comparative tables, the article clearly illustrates which practices are supported by each protocol and the Italian Minimum Environmental Criteria. This research provides a detailed analysis of sustainability strategies in construction sites, offering a clear and comparative view of sustainable practices supported by international protocols and national criteria.