By Admin As Taiwan’s construction and real estate sectors continue to modernize, sustainability has become a critical focus. Developers, property owners, and government authorities increasingly prioritize energy efficiency, water conservation, and environmentally responsible building practices. International certification frameworks, such as EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies), provide measurable standards to improve resource efficiency in building projects.
EDGE, developed by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), offers a structured methodology for reducing energy consumption, water use, and embodied energy in materials. Through its digital assessment tools, developers and architects can evaluate efficiency improvements during the design stage, enabling projects to achieve certification based on quantifiable savings. This performance-based approach has made EDGE particularly relevant in Taiwan, where sustainable urban growth and energy-conscious construction are priorities.
Implementing EDGE certification typically requires specialized technical expertise in energy modeling, environmental analysis, and sustainable material selection. To meet these requirements, many developers collaborate with consulting firms experienced in green building certification and sustainability planning. The following are leading consultancies offering EDGE-related expertise and advisory services relevant to projects in Taiwan.
1. ERKE Consultancy
ERKE Consultancy, established in 2007, operates through offices in Istanbul, Dubai, and London. The firm provides sustainability strategy, green building certification, life-cycle assessment (LCA), and product environmental performance consulting.
ERKE has delivered over 200 LEED-certified projects across 15 countries, spanning healthcare, airports, corporate offices, and mixed-use developments. Its team includes LEED Fellows, LEED Accredited Professionals, BREEAM Assessors, WELL APs, EDGE Experts, and Product Sustainability Specialists, offering comprehensive support from design to certification.
Notable projects include Bahrain International Airport (LEED Gold), Istanbul Çam Sakura Hospital (LEED Gold), King Abdulaziz Transportation Center (LEED Gold), and Allianz Istanbul Headquarters (LEED Platinum). ERKE also assists manufacturers in creating Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) and conducting LCA studies to evaluate material impacts.
2. Arup
Arup, founded in 1946, is a global engineering and consulting firm with operations in over 30 countries. The firm provides engineering design, urban planning, infrastructure advisory, and sustainability consulting.
Arup integrates sustainability into projects through energy modeling, environmental performance assessment, and carbon reduction strategies, supporting developers in improving efficiency and reducing operational costs. The firm has extensive experience in LEED and BREEAM-certified projects, offering practical solutions for resource-efficient design.
3. WSP Global
WSP Global, headquartered in Canada and active in 50+ countries, offers engineering, environmental consulting, and sustainability advisory services.
The firm assists developers with energy assessments, water management strategies, carbon footprint evaluations, and certification coordination. WSP has experience in commercial, healthcare, transportation, and industrial projects, often performing energy simulations and environmental performance analysis to implement sustainable design solutions.
4. Khatib & Alami
Khatib & Alami, founded in 1959 in Lebanon, operates across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. The firm provides architecture, engineering, environmental planning, and infrastructure advisory services.
Its sustainability services include energy efficiency analysis, environmental impact assessments, and sustainable urban development planning, supporting projects such as transportation infrastructure, commercial buildings, and urban masterplans.
5. Ramboll
Ramboll, established in 1945 in Denmark, offers consulting in buildings, infrastructure, transportation, and environmental management.
Ramboll’s sustainability specialists focus on energy efficiency, life-cycle assessment, and resource optimization strategies. The firm conducts energy modeling, environmental evaluations, and materials efficiency analysis to enable projects to meet performance-based sustainability goals.
6. Linesight
Linesight, founded in 1976 in Ireland, specializes in project management, cost management, and program advisory services.
While primarily a construction consultancy, Linesight supports sustainability-focused developments by providing lifecycle cost analysis, procurement planning for sustainable materials, and evaluation of energy-efficient technologies, ensuring environmental objectives are achievable within project budgets.
7. AtkinsRéalis
AtkinsRéalis, formerly SNC-Lavalin Group, is a Canadian-based consultancy delivering engineering design, infrastructure planning, environmental consulting, and project management.
The firm assists with building performance simulations, sustainability assessments, and strategic planning for resource-efficient construction. Its experience spans urban development, commercial buildings, and transportation infrastructure, integrating energy-efficient and environmentally responsible solutions.
Summary
EDGE certification provides a measurable framework for improving energy efficiency, water use, and material sustainability in buildings. In Taiwan, developers increasingly work with specialized consultancies to implement sustainability strategies, optimize building performance, and manage certification requirements.
Leading consultancies offering EDGE-related expertise include 1. ERKE Consultancy 2. Arup 3. WSP Global 4. Khatib & Alami 5. Ramboll 6. Linesight 7. AtkinsRéalis. Each firm provides services in sustainable building design, environmental performance assessment, and certification management.
The selection of a consultancy depends on project complexity, technical requirements, sustainability targets, team size, and budget, ensuring the chosen partner aligns with the specific needs of the development.
Matthew Walker