What Is YeS-TR (National Green Certificate System)? How Does It Differ from LEED and BREEAM?

Understanding YeS-TR in the Context of Global Green Building Certification

What is YeS-TR (National Green Certificate System)? How does it differ from LEED and BREEAM? This question has become increasingly important for developers, investors, and sustainability-driven organizations operating in Türkiye. As environmental regulations evolve and sustainability performance becomes a strategic business requirement, understanding the differences between global green building certification systems and Türkiye’s national framework is essential.

YeS-TR, officially referred to as the National Green Certificate System of Türkiye, was developed to respond to local environmental priorities, climatic conditions, and regulatory requirements. While international systems such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) dominate the global sustainability market, YeS-TR offers a localized, government-backed alternative tailored specifically to Türkiye.

This article provides a detailed comparison of YeS-TR vs LEED vs BREEAM, explaining their structures, assessment approaches, and strategic relevance for projects in Türkiye.

What Is the YeS-TR National Green Certificate System?

YeS-TR is Türkiye’s official green building certification system, developed under the coordination of the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change. Its main objective is to promote sustainable construction practices while ensuring alignment with Turkish legislation and national sustainability strategies.

Unlike international certification systems, YeS-TR focuses on local implementation. It considers Türkiye’s climate zones, construction standards, energy infrastructure, and material supply chains. As a result, the system provides a practical framework that balances environmental performance with regulatory feasibility.

Core Objectives of YeS-TR

• Reducing the environmental impact of buildings

• Improving energy and water efficiency

• Encouraging the use of local and sustainable materials

• Supporting national climate and carbon reduction targets

• Establishing a standardized green building framework across Türkiye

Because of this structure, YeS-TR functions not only as a sustainability assessment tool but also as a policy-aligned certification system.

Key Assessment Categories in YeS-TR

The YeS-TR National Green Certificate System evaluates projects across multiple performance-based categories.

Environmental and Resource Efficiency

First and foremost, YeS-TR prioritizes energy performance, water conservation, and waste management. Buildings are assessed based on their ability to reduce operational energy consumption and optimize resource use throughout their lifecycle.

Materials and Local Content

In addition, YeS-TR places strong emphasis on the use of locally sourced materials. This approach reduces transportation-related emissions and supports the domestic construction industry. Life cycle impacts and embodied carbon are also considered during evaluation.

Indoor Environmental Quality

Moreover, the system evaluates indoor comfort conditions, including thermal comfort, indoor air quality, natural lighting, and acoustic performance. These criteria aim to enhance occupant health and productivity.

Site and Location Criteria

Finally, YeS-TR assesses site selection, land use efficiency, and access to transportation infrastructure. Consequently, projects that integrate well with their urban context score higher.

How YeS-TR Differs from LEED

Governance and Origin

LEED is developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and is recognized globally as a benchmark for sustainable buildings. In contrast, YeS-TR is a government-led national system, which allows stronger alignment with Turkish regulations and public-sector requirements.

Organizations seeking international recognition often pursue LEED certification. You can explore ERKE’s expertise in this area through our dedicated service page:
👉 https://erkeconsultancy.com/leed-consulting

Localization vs Global Standardization

While LEED applies a globally standardized framework adaptable to different regions, YeS-TR is specifically designed for Türkiye. As a result, YeS-TR addresses local climatic conditions and regulatory structures more directly than LEED.

Cost and Implementation Complexity

Another key difference lies in cost and documentation requirements. YeS-TR generally involves lower certification fees and simpler documentation processes. LEED, on the other hand, often requires more extensive modeling, third-party reviews, and higher consultancy costs.

For official information on LEED, visit the U.S. Green Building Council:
🔗 https://www.usgbc.org

How YeS-TR Differs from BREEAM

Assessment Methodology

BREEAM, which originated in the United Kingdom, uses a detailed technical scoring system with weighted categories. YeS-TR follows a more practical and compliance-oriented approach, prioritizing measurable improvements over advanced simulation techniques.

Regional Applicability

BREEAM is widely used across Europe and adapted for different markets. YeS-TR, however, applies exclusively to Türkiye. Therefore, it is particularly suitable for projects that do not require European-level benchmarking but must demonstrate local sustainability compliance.

More information about BREEAM standards is available at:
🔗 https://www.breeam.com

YeS-TR vs LEED vs BREEAM: Strategic Comparison

When Should You Choose YeS-TR?

YeS-TR is an ideal choice if your project:

• Is located exclusively in Türkiye

• Prioritizes compliance with national regulations

• Requires a cost-effective green building certification

• Targets public-sector projects or local incentives

However, for projects involving international investors, multinational portfolios, or global ESG reporting frameworks, LEED or BREEAM may provide stronger international credibility.

Integrating YeS-TR with International Certification Systems

Increasingly, developers in Türkiye pursue dual certification strategies. By combining YeS-TR with LEED or BREEAM, projects can achieve both local compliance and international recognition.

At ERKE Consultancy, we support integrated sustainability strategies that align certification choices with investment goals and regulatory requirements. You can learn more about our advisory services here:
👉 https://erkeconsultancy.com/sustainability-consultancy

The Role of YeS-TR in Türkiye’s Green Transformation

YeS-TR plays a critical role in Türkiye’s transition toward low-carbon and resource-efficient construction. As national climate commitments expand, the system is expected to gain increased regulatory importance.

For official policy updates and sustainability initiatives, refer to the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change:
🔗 https://www.csb.gov.tr

Is the YeS-TR National Green Certificate System Mandatory in Türkiye?

At present, YeS-TR is not legally mandatory for all construction projects in Türkiye. However, its importance is increasing steadily. In particular, public buildings, large-scale developments, and projects seeking government incentives are increasingly encouraged to align with the YeS-TR framework. As a result, developers that adopt YeS-TR early can gain a strategic advantage in regulatory compliance and project approvals. Moreover, municipalities and public authorities are gradually integrating sustainability criteria into procurement and zoning processes. For this reason, understanding what is YeS-TR (National Green Certificate System) is becoming essential for long-term planning. From a strategic perspective, YeS-TR is expected to play a more influential role as Türkiye strengthens its green transformation policies.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Green Certification System

What is YeS-TR (National Green Certificate System)? How does it differ from LEED and BREEAM? In summary, YeS-TR is a nationally tailored, regulation-aligned green building certification system designed specifically for Türkiye. While LEED and BREEAM offer strong international recognition, YeS-TR provides accessibility, cost efficiency, and direct regulatory relevance for local projects.

Choosing the right certification system should always be a strategic decision based on project location, investor expectations, and long-term sustainability goals. With the right guidance, organizations can leverage YeS-TR, LEED, or BREEAM to maximize both environmental performance and business value.