Green Building Certifications in Emerging Markets: Challenges and Opportunities

In emerging markets like Indonesia, the journey toward achieving green building certifications presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities. As a green building consultant working primarily in Indonesia, I’ve witnessed firsthand the hurdles and the potential of this growing movement. Green Building certifications such as EDGE and Greenship are becoming increasingly sought after, but the road to adoption is far from smooth.

The Challenges

One of the most significant barriers to green building certifications in emerging markets is the lack of awareness and understanding among stakeholders. While sustainability is a growing global concern, many building owners, developers, and even consultants in these regions still see green certifications as unnecessary or overly complex. This mindset often stems from limited exposure to the benefits of sustainable practices or the misconception that green certification is an additional cost rather than an investment.

Another common issue is the limited availability of resources. Data for baseline comparisons, locally available energy-efficient materials, and experienced professionals in sustainable design are often hard to find. For instance, many of the materials or technologies required to meet certification standards may need to be imported, increasing costs and project timelines.

Financial constraints also play a major role. Budgetary limitations often make it difficult for developers to prioritize green certification, especially in smaller-scale projects. While international organizations may offer grants or incentives, these are not always accessible to local developers due to bureaucratic or eligibility issues.

Lastly, regulatory frameworks in emerging markets often don’t align with green certification standards. Local building codes may not support or enforce sustainable practices, making it harder to achieve compliance. This lack of clear guidance adds another layer of complexity to an already demanding process.  

The Opportunities

Despite these challenges, the potential for green building certifications in emerging markets is huge. Urbanization is happening rapidly in countries like Indonesia, which means there’s a chance to incorporate sustainable practices early on. For new developments, it’s often easier and more cost-effective to build green from the start rather than retrofitting later.  

Moreover, international green certification frameworks like EDGE have been tailored to the needs of emerging markets. EDGE, for example, focuses on simplicity, affordability, and quantifiable resource savings, making it an excellent fit for projects with tighter budgets. Its emphasis on measurable benefits—such as reduced energy, water, and material—makes it easier to communicate the value of certification to stakeholders who may be hesitant.

Working in Indonesia, I’ve also seen how collaboration with local experts and suppliers can lead to innovative solutions. While certain materials or technologies might not be readily available, creative problem-solving and local partnerships often yield alternatives that meet certification requirements while supporting the local economy.

How to Overcome the Barriers

From my experience, education is key to breaking down misconceptions. Many clients and project teams I’ve worked with were unfamiliar with the process at first. Explaining the certification framework in simple terms and focusing on achievable steps often makes the process less intimidating.

Financial incentives, like tax breaks or subsidies, can encourage developers to prioritize green building. If these policies aren’t available, highlighting long-term savings from reduced operational costs can also be persuasive.

Finally, creating success stories is one of the most powerful ways to build momentum. When a certified green building demonstrates tangible benefits—such as reduced operational costs, improved occupant comfort, or enhanced market value—it sets a precedent for others to follow. Sharing these success stories through case studies or industry events can inspire confidence and encourage broader adoption.

A Path Forward

Green building certifications in emerging markets are not without their challenges, but they also present an incredible opportunity to shape the future of sustainable development. By addressing barriers with education, innovation, and collaboration, we can pave the way for more inclusive and impactful green building practices.

Looking back at my own projects, I’ve seen how small steps toward sustainability can create a big impact. From improving the energy efficiency of a single office space to contributing to the certification of a large development, every effort matters.  

As emerging markets continue to grow, the potential for green buildings to drive sustainability—and improve lives—is limitless. It’s a challenging journey, but one worth taking.