Context-responsive green design for sustainable buildings: a systematic literature review and comparative multiple-case analysis of LEED and BREEAM certified projects

Abstract

Purpose – To develop and test a context-responsive green design framework through a systematic literature review and comparative multiple-case analysis of LEED- and BREEAM-certified buildings. Design/methodology/approach – A PRISMA-based systematic literature review identified 112 eligible studies from Scopus, Web of Science and ScienceDirect (2000–2025). Six eco-design domains were synthesized and operationalized through a matrix-based evaluation of The Edge (BREEAM Outstanding) and Bank of America Tower (LEED Platinum). Findings – Results reveal strong convergence in energy-related domains, while differences emerge in water management and indoor environmental quality. Sensitivity analysis confirmed the robustness of comparative rankings. Research limitations/implications – The study is limited to two internationally certified case studies and focuses on design-integrated ecological performance rather than broader socio-economic dimensions. Social implications – The framework provides architects, designers and policymakers with a transparent tool for benchmarking and improving sustainability integration in certified buildings. Originality/value – The study advances green building evaluation by integrating systematic evidence synthesis with matrix-based benchmarking and contributes a replicable framework for context-responsive green architectural assessment.