Have you heard certification customers complain about mountains of documentation, redundant requirements, and endless paperwork?
We've been there—and we know there's a better way.
Certifications shouldn't feel like a maze of red tape. They should be a force for connection, collaboration, and clarity.
The Power of Overlap
Take U.S. Green Building Council and International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) —two powerhouse certification programs shaping the future of sustainable, people-first buildings. Instead of competing, they've found ways to complement each other, making it easier for projects to pursue both certifications.
What Makes These Certifications Unique?
LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design): Focuses on sustainability, including energy efficiency, responsible materials, and environmental impact.
WELL Building Standard: Prioritizes human health and people-first design, concentrating on air quality, lighting, movement, and design choices that help humans thrive.
Together, they create spaces that benefit both the planet and its people.
Where Collaboration Meets Innovation
The LEED + WELL Crosswalk demonstrates how certification programs can work together:
- Indoor Air Quality: Cleaner air benefits both health and certification requirements
- Lighting & Daylight Access: Optimized natural light supports energy efficiency and human well-being
- Materials & Waste Management: Sustainable materials create healthier spaces for people and the environment
- Site Selection & Transit Access: Walkable locations contribute to sustainability and well-being goals
Amplifying Collaboration: From Crosswalk to Customer Success
Discovering overlap is just the first step. The real magic happens when certification organizations actively promote and leverage these connections:
Strategic Partnership Approaches
- Joint Webinars & Events: Host collaborative sessions that showcase how multiple certifications can work together
- Unified Marketing Materials: Create guides that highlight the complementary nature of different certification programs
- Shared Case Studies: Develop compelling narratives that demonstrate the value of multi-certification approaches
- Partner Referral Programs: Establish mechanisms that make it easier for clients to pursue multiple certifications
Making Crosswalks Visible
The goal isn't just to create crosswalks—it's to make them so clear and appealing that customers can't help but see the value. This means:
- Developing interactive tools that show certification overlaps
- Creating simplified visual guides
- Offering integrated consulting services
- Providing clear, tangible benefits of pursuing multiple certifications
Why Collaboration Matters
For certification organizations, collaboration isn't just nice—it's necessary. Here's why:
- Lower Barriers to Adoption: Make it easier for customers to say "yes" by reducing complexity
- Demonstrate Leadership: Show your commitment to innovation and industry progress
- Build Trust: Simplify processes that genuinely help your customers
- Stay True to Your Mission: Amplify the real purpose of certifications—making things better
The Bottom Line
Your certifications should work for your clients, not against them. By leveraging natural overlaps between programs, organizations can create smarter, more streamlined, and more powerful certification experiences.
We believe standards and certifications should be easy to understand, trust, and use. And we're working to make that a reality—one collaboration at a time.
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