Green pyramid rating system vs. LEED: strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement

Abstract

Abstract The study evaluates the Egyptian Green Pyramid Rating System (GPRS v2, 2018) against international Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED v4.1) framework, focusing on water and energy criteria. It seeks to identify strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for GPRS improvement, with particular attention to its applicability within the Egyptian context. A comparative cross-mapping method was applied to the GPRS Technical Manual and the LEED BD + C Reference Guide, examining assessment procedures, prerequisites, and credit structures. The analysis revealed major quantitative gaps: GPRS awards energy points starting at envelope-only savings without a minimum prerequisite, whereas LEED requires whole-building minimum energy performance equivalent to a 10% improvement over ASHRAE 90.1. GPRS water efficiency begins at 10% indoor reduction– not prerequisite, compared to LEED’s mandatory 20% baseline, and GPRS includes no compulsory outdoor water reduction, unlike LEED’s 30% prerequisite. Additionally, GPRS lacks mandatory building-level metering and renewable energy benchmarks, both required under LEED. Empirical validation was conducted using Abu Qir General Hospital, a GPRS-certified project, as a case study, which was re-assessed under LEED benchmarks to examine certification gaps and challenges. The project achieved strong results under GPRS (36/60 points in water and 34/56 in energy) but failed to meet LEED prerequisites for indoor and outdoor water reduction, minimum energy performance, and building-level metering. GPRS demonstrates contextual strengths through passive design strategies and flexible water-saving measures but faces weaknesses in mandatory performance thresholds, operational monitoring, and verification mechanisms. Opportunities exist to enhance GPRS credibility and by integrating LEED-style prerequisites while maintaining local relevance.