Q: What does Green Space Project stand for?
A: Green Space is an acronym for what our mission is.
Growing Responsibility and Enriching our Environment through Naturally
Sustainable Practices And Community Education.
Q: What’s the benefit to achieving a GSP Certification?
A: You save money on utility bills, have a positive impact on the environment and community and a tremendous marketing opportunity for your property. See the benefit section for more.
Q: Are you a non-profit company?
A: No. We are a not just for profit company. Read more about that on our parent company’s website www.gngenterprises.net
Q: What are the funds collected from certification used for?
A: Great question. Our mission is to see the global adoption of energy conservation and sustainable practices. A minimum of 10% of the certification fees received by GSP is donated to organizations that promote environmental responsibility and sustainable design on your behalf.
Q: Are you competing with LEED™ and Energy Star™?
A: Absolutely not. We applaud and admire the leadership they have shown in green building adoption and for blazing a trail through this frontier. Without their efforts GSP could not exist. GSP is designed for a broader market and to have a more immediate and tangible impact on our environment.
Q: How do your costs compare with LEED™?
A: Your investment to achieve a GSP rating is significantly lower than that for LEED™. Primarily the cost differentials are from lower cost criteria to meet and relief from the burden to hire consultants and experts to navigate and document the LEED™ process.
Q: Do you assist in marketing the properties that are GSP certified?
A: Yes, we are constantly looking for ways to promote our mission to the public thereby adding value to your achievement.
Q: How long will the assessment and certification process take?
A: The amount of time it takes to complete the paperwork depends upon the time needed to acquire documentation and support information for your assessment. If your building is already constructed, the amount of time depends upon how quickly the changes are implemented and documented. The certification process will only take 2 to 4 weeks once your completed assessment is received.
Q: Is there a registration fee?
A: Yes, there is a non-refundable registration fee.
Q: Is there a fee to expedite the process?
A: No, the designation will be assigned within 2 to 4 weeks once your assessment documentation is received in completion along with your certification fee.
Q: How much will it cost?
A: The cost is determined by your building square footage. Please see the cost schedule here.
Q: How much is the certification fee and what does it cover?
A: The certification fee covers the review and designation of your project upon final submission along with the documentation regarding your certification and an indoor plaque for the building.
Q: When is the certification fee due?
A: The certification fee is due in full with your completed assessment.
Q: Is there a cost to upgrade my certification?
A: Yes, there is a one-time upgrade fee to change certification levels.
Q: Who can submit documentation?
A: Anyone associated with your organization such as the building owner or manager, a consultant, or an architect or designer. GSP has no restrictions on who can submit documentation.
Q: What is commissioning and am I required to do it?
A: Commissioning is a systematic and documented process of ensuring that specific building systems perform interactively according to the design intent and the owner's operational needs. Green Space Project ™ does not require commissioning on any project.
Q: Do I have to use a GSP Certified architect or designer?
A: No, you do not have to use a GSP Certified architect or designer.
Q: Is there any benefit to using a GSP Certified architect or designer?
A: You will receive a 20% discount on your certification fee for certain levels if you use a GSP Certified architect or designer. We will also work with them to guarantee you will receive your certification.
Q: Is there a way for me to guarantee certification?
A: Yes, see above.
Q: What if I come up with a sustainable project component that is not a part of the assessment? Can I get credit for it? Is there a fee?
A: Yes, we encourage our clients to pursue additional ways to increase efficiency and sustainability. Please submit it with documentation and it will be credited to your overall score. There is no additional fee for this service.
Q: What sort of documentation can I expect to receive when my building becomes certified?
A: You will receive a letter of certification stating when your building was awarded its Green Space Project ™ Diamond designation and when it is due for re-evaluation. You will also receive a chart of items to consider for future change to increase the efficiency and sustainability of your building.
Q: Can I use the Green Space Project ™ logo in my marketing materials?
A: You may use the standard GSP logo if you do not have a certified building. As long as you maintain a current Green Space Project ™ Diamond building designation, you may use the GSP diamond logo in your marketing materials. Please contact us for any graphic files you would like to use.
Q: Will I receive a plaque?
A: Yes, you will receive an indoor plaque made of FSC wood and recycled glass by an environmentally responsible company. If you would like an outdoor plaque, there will be an additional charge of $250.