Green building certification

Introduction

Green building certification is a procedure that assesses buildings according to particular environmental and sustainability criteria. It comprises analyzing a building’s construction, operation, maintenance, and design to ensure that it minimizes its impact on the environment, enhances the health of the occupants, and promotes resource efficiency. These certifications demonstrate a commitment to energy efficiency, environmental responsibility, and a more sustainable future.

Types of Green Building Certifications in India

IGBC

A wide range of grading systems is offered by the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) for various building types, including residences and townships. In India, IGBC-certified buildings are growing more prevalent as people become more conscious of sustainable building practices. The most widely used method in India, it focuses on overall sustainability by considering elements like creative design, interior environmental quality, material selection, energy efficiency, and water conservation. Based on the points accumulated, a building is rated by IGBC at four different levels: Certified, Silver, Gold, and Platinum.

LEED

The most popular green building rating system in the world is called LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). LEED offers a framework for cost-effective, efficient, and healthful green buildings and is applicable to almost all building types. LEED certification is a globally recognized symbol of sustainability achievement and leadership.

BEE

Energy performance is specifically covered by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency’s (BEE) Star Rating system. Based on their energy efficiency, buildings are rated from 1 to 5, with 5 stars denoting the highest level of achievement. In India, this system, which promotes energy conservation, is required for specific building types.

GRIHA

GRIHA establishes a clear definition of what qualifies as a “Green Building” by assessing a structure’s environmental performance holistically over the course of its whole life cycle.

Based on widely recognized energy and environmental principles, the rating system will seek to strike a balance between the established practices and emerging concepts, both national and international.

How Does The Green Building Rating System in India Work?

The green building rating system in India is a process that verifies a building’s design, construction, and operation comply with specific sustainability standards. Here’s a general summary of how it works:

• Project Registration: The project owner registers the building with the chosen certification agency (IGBC, LEED, GRIHA). This officially initiates the certification process.
• Design and Planning: The project team, architects, engineers, and contractors incorporate green building strategies into the design and construction plans. This includes factors such as energy efficiency, water conservation, material selection, indoor environmental quality, and site sustainability.
• Documentation and Submission: The project team gathers and submits documentation to demonstrate that the building meets the criteria of the selected rating system. This documentation may consist of design drawings, specifications, calculations, performance data, and other relevant information.
• Review and Assessment: The certification body reviews the submitted documentation to verify compliance with the rating system’s standards. This usually involves technical experts who assess the building’s performance against the established benchmarks.
• Site Verification (if applicable): Some certification frameworks require on-site verification to ensure that the building was constructed as planned and that the green building strategies are properly executed. This can involve inspections and testing.
• Certification Award: If the building meets all the criteria and passes the review process, the certification body awards the appropriate level of certification (Certified, Silver, Gold, Platinum, or a specific number of stars).
• Ongoing Monitoring (sometimes): Some certifications require ongoing monitoring and reporting to ensure that the building maintains its intended operation and retains its green status. This might involve periodic audits or reporting of performance data.

Benefits of Green Home Certification

• Healthier Living: Green homes focus on indoor environmental quality. This frequently means improved ventilation, low-VOC (volatile organic compound) materials, and elements that reduce allergens and pollutants.
• Lower Operating Costs: One of the most attractive advantages is the possibility of substantial savings on your utility expenses. Green homes are designed for energy and water efficiency. This results in lower electricity bills, diminished water usage, and less money wasted.
• Increased Property Value: As more and more individuals become environmentally conscious, green homes start to gain a greater appeal. Certification serves as evidence of your home’s eco-friendly credentials, making it more prominent in the marketplace. This results in a higher resale value when you choose to sell the house.
• Environmental Responsibility: Beyond individual benefits, green home certification represents a commitment to the planet. By cutting down your energy and water usage, you are reducing your carbon footprint and aiding in a more sustainable future. It’s a method of living in alignment with nature.
• Access to Incentives: In certain regions, governments or utility companies provide incentives for homeowners who construct or renovate green. These may include tax incentives, rebates, or lower interest rates on green mortgages. It’s worthwhile to see what’s offered in your locality.
• Enhanced Comfort and Durability: Green homes are often constructed with superior-quality, durable materials and include design features that improve comfort. Consider better insulation, more natural light, and enhanced thermal performance. This can translate to a more pleasant and satisfying living experience.
• Peace of Mind: Being aware that your home has been independently verified to fulfill specific sustainability standards offers peace of mind. Certification instills confidence that your home is beneficial for both you and the environment. It’s a symbol of quality and responsible living.

Challenges in Implementing Green Building Practices

While green architecture offers numerous benefits, it still faces its own challenges, which include:

High Initial Investment

Although green architecture is economical over time, the upfront costs can still pose a challenge for many. Many individuals desire to reside in an eco-friendly home but find the construction expenses prohibitive. The amount you spend on construction may even vary based on the number of sustainable technologies you plan to incorporate in the building.

Availability of Sustainable Materials

One element that contributes to the high initial investment is the accessibility of green construction materials. These materials are not always readily available in every region of the world, and acquiring them can require additional time and expense when transported. In addition to construction materials, sourcing sustainable technologies can also prove to be difficult and expensive. Since these technologies are still relatively new and come with limited capacities in certain areas, selecting the right one for your needs can be challenging.

Finding The Right Workers

Locating workers who possess the expertise in constructing sustainable homes is also a big challenge. As green architecture remains a recent development in the industry, finding skilled workers to assist with such a project may not be an easy task.

Location

Green buildings are not appropriate for every location, as they maximize the use of solar energy. Therefore, it is advisable to construct these structures in areas where there are longer sunny days. The only aspect you need to be mindful of is climate change.

Future of Green Buildings in India

The green building concept in India is positioned for a future influenced by a combination of trends and technologies, supportive regulations and policies, and a rising public interest in sustainable living. Government incentives, obligatory green building codes, and collaborations between the private sectors will provide the necessary support and framework. The global market for green buildings is anticipated to reach US$ 594.8 billion by 2027, with India contributing to this expansion.

Conclusion

The green building movement in India signifies a crucial step towards a sustainable future, driven by a confluence of factors. Developers are increasingly incorporating sustainable features, from eco-friendly materials to energy-efficient designs and renewable energy integration, recognizing both environmental responsibility and market demand. A growing segment of environmentally aware consumers actively seeks out green homes and workspaces, further fueling this trend. This combined effort by government, developers, and consumers is shaping a greener India, where buildings contribute to a healthier planet while providing comfortable and resource-efficient spaces.

FAQs

1. Are green buildings more expensive to build in India?

While initial costs can sometimes be higher, green buildings often offer long-term savings through reduced energy and water consumption. The cost premium is decreasing as green technologies become more mainstream. Life-cycle cost analysis is crucial to understanding the true cost-effectiveness.

2. How does green building contribute to reducing carbon emissions in India?

Green buildings significantly reduce energy consumption, which is a major source of carbon emissions. By using less energy and incorporating renewable energy sources, they help lower the carbon footprint of the building sector.

3. What is the role of technology in green building?

Technology plays a vital role in green building, from building energy modeling software and smart building management systems to advanced materials and renewable energy technologies. Innovation is constantly improving the efficiency and effectiveness of green building practices.

4. What are some of the challenges in implementing green building practices?

Some of the challenges in implementing green building practices include higher initial investment costs, the availability of sustainable materials, finding skilled workers with green building expertise, and location considerations.

5. What are the benefits of green home certification?

Green home certification can lead to healthier living environments, lower utility costs, increased property value, and a sense of environmental responsibility.

6. What is the future of green buildings in India?

The future of green building in India looks promising, driven by trends, technologies, supportive regulations, and growing public interest. Government incentives, building codes, and private sector collaborations are expected to play a significant role. The market is projected to experience substantial growth in the coming years.