The primary certification model in Spain is VERDE, which consists of a certification process based on the evaluation of buildings using the tool VERDE. VERDE acknowledges the reduction in the building’s environmental impact compared to a standard reference building. This building is a model conceived according to the minimum parameters established by law and common practice.

It was developed by the Technical Committee of the Green Building Council (GBCE), which is an autonomous organization and a member of the World Green Building Council (WGBC), a nonprofit international association. The GBC is currently recognized as an established council of this organization.

The evaluation criteria are grouped into the following subjects:

• Site selection, project planning and development
• Energy and atmosphere
• Natural resources
• Indoor environmental quality
• Service quality
• Social and economic aspects

It is a voluntary system, but it is widely adopted and understood by the construction industry.