Green buildings have become a prominent trend in recent times, driven by increased awareness of environmental concerns, changing mindsets, demand for quality homes, and international trends. The growth of green buildings in India is noteworthy, as investors and buyers become more conscious of the ecological impact of construction projects. From airports to schools, office centers, residential buildings, and hospitals, there are numerous examples of adopting environment-friendly techniques. India now boasts the second-highest number of green buildings globally.
Green Building Certifications in India
To validate and promote green building practices, various certifications are available. These certifications evaluate a building on multiple parameters and provide ratings and certifications accordingly. These certifications add credibility to a project and affirm their pro-environment claims.
For buyers or investors seeking sustainable structures, these certifications serve as a useful tool to understand the environmental impact of the building. Additionally, green buildings help save energy costs by incorporating technologies and designs that lower energy consumption.
In India, three certifying agencies are most popular, certifying buildings under Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment (GRIHA), and Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) ratings.
LEED Certification
The LEED rating system is one of the most popular green building certifications worldwide. Administered by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC), established in 1993, it evaluates projects based on criteria such as water usage, energy conservation, and the use of sustainable materials. The scores assigned are used to define rankings, which fall under categories like certified (40-49 points), silver (50-59 points), gold (60-79 points), and platinum (80+ points).
A platinum rating is the highest score given to a building. India boasts over 1,600 LEED-certified buildings, including Terminal 3 at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport in Delhi, the American Embassy School in Delhi, and the Anna Centenary Library Building in Chennai.
IGBC Rating Systems
The IGBC rating system, supported by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and managed by the Indian Green Building Council established in Hyderabad in 2001, offers ratings such as certified, silver, gold, and platinum. Buildings are assessed accordingly. There are nine different types of certifications, depending on the project type, including certificates for new and existing buildings, schools, factories, homes, townships, Special Economic Zones (SEZ), landscapes, and metro systems. Notable IGBC-rated green buildings include Thermax Corporate House, Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation Building, and Oval Nest.
GRIHA Ratings
Developed by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) and supported by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Government of India, the GRIHA rating system follows a star-based system where five stars indicate the highest ranking. Points are assigned for each star, with one star for 25-40 points, two stars for 41-55 points, three stars for 56-70 points, four stars for 71-85 points, and five stars for 85 points and above. Examples of GRIHA-rated projects include Hotel Grand Chola in Chennai, Indira Paryavaran Bhawan in New Delhi, and Manipal University Campus in Jaipur.
The Impact of the Pandemic on Green Building Demand
The coronavirus pandemic, which shook the world a couple of years ago, has proven to be a blessing in disguise, reconnecting people with nature. Consequently, the demand for green buildings in India has increased, with buyers considering the ecological footprint of their homes and offices.
Other Prominent Organizations Promoting Green Buildings
Apart from the aforementioned certifying bodies, other organizations are working to promote environmentally conscious buildings. These include the Bureau of Energy Efficiency and the World Green Building Council, among others. The ratings and certifications provided by these bodies can help buyers make informed decisions. Understanding the ratings ascribed on the certificate is crucial to get an accurate picture of the eco-friendliness of a project.
In a nutshell
Green Building Certification plays a vital role in promoting sustainable construction practices. With increased awareness of environmental concerns, the demand for green buildings in India is on the rise. Certifications like LEED, IGBC, and GRIHA provide a reliable measure of a building’s environmental impact, helping buyers and investors make informed decisions.
As India continues to adopt green building practices, the future of sustainable construction looks promising, contributing to a healthier and more sustainable environment for all.