CLEVER – What Determines the Cost

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CLEVER is a quality and sustainability rating system for real estate based on ESG principles, meeting the highest standards of global best practices.

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This assessment involves a comprehensive examination of the property, addressing several key questions:

 

  • How to save on construction and operation costs?
  • How efficient are the building’s engineering systems?
  • How is the site integrated with its surroundings and users?
  • What methods ensure inclusivity and accessibility for all?

The cost of CLEVER assessment is determined by:

 

  1. Consultant support fees
  2. Mandatory payments to the certification body
  3. Costs for additional solutions that the client chooses to implement for assessment purposes

 

These elements depend on the property’s functions, characteristics, size, and the client’s goals.

 

Cost of Consultant Support for CLEVER Assessment

 

A property owner looking to implement CLEVER certification must carefully select a consultant. The choice depends on specific goals, which can vary widely, including:

 

  • Obtaining certification at the lowest cost
  • Certification for marketing/PR purposes, such as applying for awards
  • Meeting corporate requirements
  • Using assessment tools to enhance project quality
  • Cost-saving on construction/operation or specific consultant requirements
  • Building the most advanced, innovative property

 

Consultants can be found to match these objectives and help explore all options for the property.

 

 

List of Consultants

 

HPBS has compiled a list of top consultants in Russia:

 

  • HPBS – Center for Research and Environmental Engineering
  • EcoStandard Group
  • Green Expertise
  • ESG Expert Anna Minakova
  • CORE XP
  • O1Standart
  • Ecosovetnik (Ksenia Agapova)
  • EST Group
  • ESG Transformation Expert Ekaterina Kuznetsova
  • ESG Expert Andrey Kuznetsov

 

Working with a qualified consultant allows each issue to be thoroughly examined and project solutions to be optimized.

 

Starting the assessment ideally begins during the concept or project documentation phase. This way, CLEVER requirements can be embedded early on, avoiding additional costs and project delays due to late adjustments.

 

By introducing the rating system early, the project can implement more solutions and achieve a deeper rating.

 

HPBS’s experience shows that additional expenses to upgrade an object to meet CLEVER requirements range from 2%-5% of the initial construction budget for the “Silver” and “Gold” levels, depending on the initial plans and construction conditions. These costs mainly include expanding the building’s functions, working with contractors, and sourcing higher-quality materials and equipment.

 

 

Consultant’s Scope of Work for CLEVER

 

CLEVER assessment follows these stages and measures, which determine the final cost:

 

1. Preliminary Project Assessment and Strategy Development

 

  • This stage is critical for reaching the desired result. The Consultant assesses project solutions, analyzes compliance with system requirements, evaluates the current and potential rating, and holds sessions with the project team and property owner to align on the evaluation strategy. During these sessions, all parties aim for synergy, optimizing building performance, occupant comfort, and environmental benefits. Detailed project and construction requirements are set, with a cost-benefit analysis guiding budget decisions.

 

2. Support During the “Design” Stage for Preliminary CLEVER Certification

 

This stage represents the beginning of integrating requirements into the project. It generally lasts 9–15 months depending on complexity and includes:

 

  • Site layout development to meet system requirements
  • Selection of energy-efficient equipment (chillers, fan coils, elevators, etc.)
  • Water-saving fixtures
  • Eco-friendly materials
  • Engaging qualified professionals (ecologists, acousticians, hydrologists). CLEVER places particular emphasis on the expertise and experience of consultants, fostering competent solutions from industry experts.

 

3. Support During the “Construction” Stage for Final CLEVER Certification

 

  • Officially known in CLEVER as “Post-Construction,” this stage includes responsibility for construction quality, contractor welfare, resource tracking, proper waste disposal, and system acceptance.

 

4. Specialized Consultant Work

  • In some cases, additional expertise is required. This might include environmental or acoustic assessments or lifecycle evaluations. Specialized work is often necessary for the “Gold” level or higher, ensuring a sustainable, comfortable, and high-quality environment integrated into the urban landscape.

 

 

Official Fees

 

Official fees paid to the Certification Body – mandatory for assessment – are broken into three parts based on the area of the property:

 

  • Registration
  • Design Stage or Preliminary Certification
  • Post-Construction or Final Certification

 

For a detailed cost breakdown and assessment process, please fill out the form below, and we’ll respond to any questions.

 


The CLEVER System, created by VEB.RF’s Development Institute in collaboration with the National PPP Center, was co-developed with HPBS. CLEVER-certified properties are eco-friendly, cost-effective, and attractive to investors and business owners.

 

 

 

Published: October 24, 2024
Author: Kira Perepelitsa