EcoVillage

EcoVillage is a green building certification standard developed for low-rise suburban residential developments, including cottage communities and their supporting infrastructure. Launched in 2006 by the National Bureau of Environmental Standards and Ratings, the standard was designed to reflect international best practices in sustainable low-rise construction and adapt them to the regional context of Russia, Ukraine, and Kyrgyzstan.

The certification evaluates projects across four categories, awarding points for meeting both mandatory prerequisites and optional performance criteria related to environmental quality, energy efficiency, site design, and sustainable construction practices. Projects accumulate points to achieve a certification rating, giving developers a structured framework for demonstrating the environmental performance of residential communities.

EcoVillage is intended for developers, designers, and builders of low-rise suburban residential projects who want independent third-party recognition of their sustainability efforts. It is particularly relevant for cottage and dacha-style community developments where environmental site planning and resource efficiency are priorities.