Earning Certification Plus distinguishes projects that are designed to be among the best energy performers as part of a holistic approach to green building. Properties that earn Certification Plus are designed to future-proof their communities for energy affordability and offer associated health and resilience benefits. First introduced with the 2020 Green Communities Criteria, Certification Plus established an advanced level of recognition for projects certified to Green Communities that also invested heavily in energy efficiency.
With the 2026 Criteria, we’ve taken it a step further. Projects that achieve Certification Plus with the 2026 Criteria are those that have been designed to be significantly energy efficient as well as all-electric. And we’ve introduced a brand new tier, Green Communities Certification Plus Zero Emissions, to recognize those projects that meet Certification Plus and use clean energy sources to supply all site energy.
Compliance Pathways
Certification Plus, 2026 Green Communities Criteria
Projects that achieve Option 2 or 3 of Criterion 5.3 Advanced Building Performance as well as the all-electric option of either Criterion 5.4a or Criterion 5.4b All-Electric and Electric-Ready Design will be recognized as earning Certification Plus.
Certification Plus Zero Emissions, 2026 Green Communities Criteria
Projects that meet Certification Plus standards and maximize renewable energy via Criterion 5.7 Renewable Energy will be recognized as Certification Plus Zero Emission. These Green Communities projects are highly efficient, all electric, and powered solely by clean energy sources.
Certification Plus, 2020 Green Communities Criteria
Projects that follow 5.2b: Moving to Zero Energy: Near Zero Certification and/or 5.4 Achieving Zero Energy under the 2020 Green Communities program are recognized for making the greatest strides on the Path to Zero Energy and earn Green Communities Certification Plus, 2020.
Learn More!
For more information, detailed pathways, and resources explore Category 5: Energy.
Enterprise Community Partners also operates The Green Communities Zero Over Time Standard, a framework for planning and achieving net zero. This program is distinct from Enterprise Green Communities. More information about this standalone program can be found here.