Evaluation of public buildings constructed in Alanya after 2010 according to the sustainable site criteria of LEED and BREEAM certification systems

This study emphasizes that, following the Industrial Revolution, technological advancements, rural-to-urban migration, rapid population growth, and increased industrialization have collectively led to significant environmental degradation within ecosystems. This ecological disruption continues to pose serious threats to the sustainability of natural systems. Toward the end of the 20th century, scholarly attention to sustainability revealed that construction activities are among the primary contributors to environmental harm. In response, architectural discourse began incorporating concepts such as sustainable building systems, green building systems, and green architecture. To promote sustainability and establish a common framework within the built environment, the United Kingdom introduced the BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) certification system. Subsequently, the United States developed the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification system, which employs a point-based evaluation method grounded in compliance with environmental performance criteria. Although various countries have since implemented their own national certification systems, BREEAM and LEED remain the most comprehensive and internationally recognized frameworks in the field. Within this context, the present study focuses on the evaluation of green building certification systems based on sustainable site criteria as applied to public buildings. Public buildings were selected as the subject of analysis due to their large physical footprints, symbolic and exemplary roles in urban environments, high energy consumption caused by intensive human circulation, and their considerable ecological impact—particularly when sustainability principles are integrated into their design and operation. The specific focus on public buildings in the Alanya district is informed by the area's geographic location, climatic characteristics, and rapid urban development relative to its size. The aim of the study is to assess the application of sustainable site criteria in public buildings and thereby contribute to environmental sustainability while offering a reference model for other rapidly developing urban areas. To achieve this objective, six public buildings constructed in Alanya after 2010 were identified and analyzed using a quantitative approach. These buildings were evaluated across their life cycles—from site selection through operational use to potential demolition or deconstruction—based on the sustainable site criteria outlined in the LEED and BREEAM certification systems. Input was gathered from LEED Accredited Professionals (LEED APs) and BREEAM Assessors and Accredited Professionals (APSs). A scoring system was developed according to the criteria, and expert evaluations were employed to conduct a comparative analysis of sustainable site performance. The findings of the study not only assess the current status of selected public buildings but also aim to provide guidance for future public projects in Alanya, across Turkey, and potentially within private sector developments. As public buildings often serve as exemplary models and fulfill a broad range of societal needs, their alignment with sustainability principles contributes to raising environmental awareness and fostering economic and social responsibility within the community.