First international definition of sustainable development was published in 1987 within the Report of the World Commission on Environment and Development: "Our Common Future'' that is more widely known as "Brundtland Report''. The definition states that Sustainable development is the kind of development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. This definition serves a key element for many sectors that consider sustainability. When it comes to sustainable building principles and building principles in general the definition is rather complex. The 3 key considerations from an architecture theory are aesthetics (technologies and shape of buildings), function (current function and possibility to adapt to future needs) and construction (materials used). Sustainability however focuses on 3 main areas - ecology, economics and society needs. In order to successfully address all of these elements, certain systems and tools are needed to harmonize the process - building codes, standards, certification systems. Construction of building is a complex process that requires an integrated approach at all stages of the project in order to successfully meet the intention. When it comes to sustainable building in particular, various certification tools are in place to help address different aspects - environmental protection, economy over building lifecycle and social aspects, for example, accessibility, functionality and health. This paper sets out an overview of the key focus of most commonly known international certification systems. These systems are compared on a basis of importance of ecology, economy, social, energy, health and comfort, functionality, technical, design and integrated approach aspects. This analysis of different priorities among these systems and adaptability potential to Baltic market will serve as a basis for further research in potential to develop a certification system for local market, taking into account the local circumstances. The goal for the development of a local certification system is to create tool with straight forward criteria that can be easily understood by consumers (developers, investors, future owners and tenants, state and local government procurers) and can be implemented by specialists of building sector (architects, designers, project managers, builders). (C) 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd