Skip to main content

EDGE Experts and EDGE Auditors

  • Updated

Where can I find a list of EDGE Experts?

View a list of EDGE Experts. You can search for an EDGE Expert by country or download the complete listing.

Where can I find a list of GBCI EDGE Auditors?

View a list of GBCI EDGE Auditors.

What if there are no EDGE Auditors in my country?

If there are no EDGE Auditors in your country, you may choose an EDGE Auditor in a nearby country. IFC currently allows remote audits due to the COVID-19 pandemic, so your auditor can be based anywhere in the world.

Who is an EDGE Expert?

An EDGE Expert is a professional that helps a developer, owner, and larger project team understand the EDGE Standard, EDGE App, and certification system. The scope of the EDGE Expert’s work includes advice on green design and assistance with preparing an application for EDGE certification.

Who is an EDGE Auditor?

An EDGE Auditor is an individual who determines by investigation and evaluation of objective evidence whether a building meets the requirements of the EDGE Standard. The EDGE Auditor completes this assessment by reviewing project documentation (design audits) and conducting visits to the project site (site audits), and making recommendations for certification to GBCI.

EDGE Auditors must be independent from the developer/owner/project team of a project they audit. The EDGE Auditor does not influence project design or make recommendations and only becomes involved once the project submission is received to begin the certification process.

EDGE Auditors have additional steps they must complete on top of what is required to be an EDGE Expert. EDGE Auditors must meet minimum eligibility requirements, submit an application, and attend GBCI’s EDGE Auditor Candidate Workshop. They also need to sign an EDGE Auditor agreement with GBCI, pay a nominal biennial maintenance fee, and complete a biennial project audit or refresher training. Learn more about the EDGE Auditor position.

Can an EDGE Auditor also serve as an EDGE Expert or perform any other services on the same project?

No, the EDGE Auditor cannot serve as an EDGE Expert or provide any other services for a project which they are auditing.

Can two individuals from the same company work on a project, one serving as the EDGE Expert and the other as the EDGE Auditor?

The same company may provide EDGE Auditor and EDGE Expert consultancy or other services for the same project as long as:

  • The EDGE Auditor and the EDGE Expert and/or other service providers are separate individuals.

AND

  • The company clearly defines the EDGE Auditor scope of work and associated fees separately from any other services offered (including EDGE Expert consultancy) for the project on their proposal and contract.

Note the EDGE Auditor will need to disclose this and any other potential conflicts of interest to GBCI as part of GBCI’s conflict of interest review process. The assignment of the EDGE Auditor is always subject to approval by GBCI.

How long after I complete my EDGE Expert training will I receive my EDGE Exam Eligibility ID?

IFC will email an EDGE Exam Eligibility ID to you within 2 weeks of completion of the EDGE Expert training.

Is there a time limit on when I have to take the EDGE Exam after completing the EDGE Expert training?

You need to take the EDGE Exam within two months of receiving your EDGE Exam Eligibility ID from IFC via email. Contact edgeexam@ifc.org if you need an extension.

Who do I contact about the next steps to become an EDGE Expert or any EDGE Exam related questions?

Any questions regarding EDGE Expert next steps or the EDGE Exam should be directed to IFC at edge@ifc.org.

How can I become a GBCI EDGE Auditor?

See the “Become an EDGE Auditor” section on the GBCI EDGE website.

How can I earn my EDGE Expert credential?

See the “Earn your EDGE Expert credential” section on the GBCI EDGE website.

Where can I find the EDGE Expert training?

Find details and courses for the EDGE Expert training on the GBCI EDGE website.

How do I prepare to pass the EDGE Exam?

Successful completion of GBCI’s EDGE Technical Workshop is required in order to be eligible to sit for the EDGE Exam. While the workshop serves as your best preparation for the EDGE Exam, you should expect to invest significant additional time studying technical materials like the EDGE Methodology Report, EDGE User Guide, and IFC’s EDGE Protocols before you attempt to take the EDGE Exam. You can also check out our tips on how to pass the EDGE Exam on your first try from our past students. Finally, you may wish to test your knowledge with sample exam questions and take the official EDGE practice exam via Prometric ($30 USD, payable to Prometric).

Is an owner or developer required to hire an EDGE Expert for a project seeking EDGE certification?

We highly recommend having an EDGE Expert or another individual on the project team that has experience with EDGE and green building strategies to facilitate and speed up the certification process. Engaging a seasoned green building consultant is vital to quickly identifying a project’s best path to meeting or exceeding the EDGE Standard and achieving certification.

Green building professionals also positively impact a project's long-term ROI by choosing the best strategies to improve performance, while minimizing the maintenance required over the lifetime of the project.

What is the relationship between GBCI and its auditors?

While GBCI EDGE Auditors have been vetted and trained by GBCI, they work for organizations that are independent of GBCI.

I'm an EDGE Expert or EDGE Auditor. Can GBCI help me decide my price for EDGE Expert or EDGE Auditor services?

GBCI is prohibited from advising Experts or Auditors on what fees to set. Instead, you may wish to refer to the draft contract scope documents created by IFC, estimate your level of effort in hours, and then multiply by your hourly rate:

The draft contract scope documents should be viewed as a starting point and carefully reviewed and edited to meet your project and client's specific requirements. GBCI does not take any responsibility for any potential issues arising from the use of these documents.

Related articles