Green Building and Sustainability Audit Checklist
Green building audits drive energy savings, tenant satisfaction, and ESG reporting. This annual checklist assesses sustainability performance across energy, water, waste, and indoor environmental quality per LEED, ENERGY STAR, and BOMA sustainability standards.
- Industry: Real Estate
- Frequency: Annual
- Estimated Time: 45-60 minutes
- Role: Property Manager / Sustainability Manager
- Total Items: 32
- Compliance: ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager Benchmarking Requirements, LEED for Existing Buildings: O+M - USGBC Rating System, BOMA Energy Efficiency Program (BEEP), EPA Mandatory Greenhouse Gas Reporting Rule 40 CFR Part 98
Energy Performance
Review energy benchmarking and performance.
- Property benchmarked in ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager?
- ENERGY STAR score above 50 (or improving trend)?
- 12 months of complete utility data (electricity, gas, water) entered in Portfolio Manager?
- Occupancy sensors and daylight controls in common areas and offices?
- LED lighting conversion completed or planned for major areas?
- HVAC scheduling and setback programming optimized for occupancy?
Water Conservation
Review water use efficiency.
- Water use submetered by major system (irrigation, HVAC, domestic)?
- Low-flow plumbing fixtures (WaterSense labeled) installed?
- Cooling tower chemical treatment optimized for cycles of concentration?
- Irrigation system with smart controller and weather-based ET scheduling?
- Water leak detection program active with monitoring for anomalies?
Waste Diversion and Recycling
Review waste management and diversion.
- Recycling program in place with tenant participation?
- Waste diversion rate tracked and improving?
- Organics or food waste composting program where applicable?
- Electronics recycling program for tenants?
- Construction waste diversion tracking for any renovation work?
Indoor Environmental Quality
Review indoor air quality management.
- HVAC filters maintained per ASHRAE 62.1 recommendations?
- No unresolved indoor air quality complaints from tenants?
- Green cleaning products (EPA Safer Choice or LEED approved) in use?
- No smoking policy enforced within 25 feet of all entrances?
- Periodic IAQ testing for CO2, VOCs, and particulates completed?
Green Certifications and Disclosures
Review certification and disclosure status.
- LEED certification current or in progress?
- ENERGY STAR certification current (score 75+)?
- Local benchmarking and disclosure ordinance compliance current?
- Building data included in owner's ESG or sustainability report?
- GRESB or equivalent real estate sustainability benchmark participation?
Documentation and Tenant Engagement
Verify sustainability documentation and engagement.
- Green lease provisions in place with major tenants for data sharing?
- Tenant utility data sharing agreements executed for Portfolio Manager?
- Annual sustainability plan with goals and action items current?
- Sustainability performance communicated to tenants annually?
- Capital expenditure plan includes energy efficiency improvements?
- Annual sustainability audit report prepared?
Related Real Estate Checklists
- Commercial Property Capital Expenditure Planning Checklist
- Commercial Property Capital Expenditure Planning Checklist
- Property Tax Assessment Appeal Documentation Checklist
- Commercial Building Fire Safety Compliance Checklist
- Commercial Tenant Onboarding Checklist
- Property Management Vendor and Contract Management Checklist
Related Facility Maintenance Checklists
Why Use This Green Building and Sustainability Audit Checklist?
This green building and sustainability audit checklist helps real estate teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for property manager / sustainability manager professionals, this checklist covers 32 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: annual.
Ensures compliance with ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager Benchmarking Requirements, LEED for Existing Buildings: O+M - USGBC Rating System, BOMA Energy Efficiency Program (BEEP), EPA Mandatory Greenhouse Gas Reporting Rule 40 CFR Part 98. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Green Building and Sustainability Audit Checklist cover?
This checklist covers 32 inspection items across 6 sections: Energy Performance, Water Conservation, Waste Diversion and Recycling, Indoor Environmental Quality, Green Certifications and Disclosures, Documentation and Tenant Engagement. It is designed for real estate operations and compliance.
How often should this checklist be completed?
This checklist should be completed annual. Each completion takes approximately 45-60 minutes.
Who should use this Green Building and Sustainability Audit Checklist?
This checklist is designed for Property Manager / Sustainability Manager professionals in the real estate industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.
Can I download this checklist as a PDF?
Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.