Table Of Contents
- Introduction
- Green Building Certifications
- IGBC: Indian Green Building Council
- GRIHA: Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment
- EDGE: Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies
- Going Green
- Conclusion
World Environment Day, celebrated on June 5, was established by the United Nations in 1972 to promote environmental awareness. Every year, millions of people from across the world come together on this occasion to highlight the compelling need for environmental protection and conservation, and it will be no different this time. This year’s theme, “Combatting Plastic Pollution”, aims to take a close look at the problem of plastic waste that is spiraling at an alarming rate worldwide.
Talking about plastic waste, this World Environment Day, let us remind ourselves that protecting the planet starts with our everyday choices. One of those choices includes the homes we build and live in. On a positive note, an increasing number of home buyers are opting for green-certified buildings across India.
According to a KPMG report, “Green buildings are gaining prevalence, incorporating bioclimatic architecture, cool roofs, waste hauling and resource-efficient structural systems. These command higher rental premiums and create more value for owners and investors.”
But what are “green buildings”, and how are they certified?
What are Green Building Certifications?
Green building certifications are hallmarks of quality for eco-friendly homes. They measure how well a home conserves energy and water, how sustainably it’s built, and how comfortable it is to live in.
Here are some facts that highlight the importance of green buildings in the current scenario:
- Green buildings can reduce carbon emissions by 35% and waste by 70%.
- Green buildings are known to have around 20% reduced maintenance costs compared to ordinary counterparts.
- Living green walls, including vertical gardens or eco-walls, enhance air quality and also serve as a natural acoustic filter, enhancing the overall well-being of the occupants.
So, what green building certifications should you look out for? Let’s take a closer look at the three most recognised certifications in the Indian market.
IGBC: Indian Green Building Council
The Indian Green Building Council (IGBC), the country’s primary green rating system, is a part of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). Established in 2001, its vision is “To enable a sustainable built environment for all and facilitate India to be one of the global leaders in the sustainable built environment by 2025”.
An IGBC-certified home usually provides:
- Lower energy bills by around 20 to 30%: Green homes are built to be energy-efficient, using less electricity for lighting, heating, and cooling. That means noticeably lower bills each month.
- Water savings of up to 50%: Green buildings may include smart plumbing, low-flow fixtures and rainwater harvesting, helping you use water more efficiently.
- More ventilation: With improved design and materials, green homes allow for greater natural airflow, keeping your space cooler and fresher without relying too heavily on fans or air conditioning.
- Cleaner indoor air: Eco-friendly finishes (e.g., bamboo flooring and reclaimed wood) and improved air circulation make a significant difference for occupants.
- Better chances of government rebates and tax savings: A certified green home could also make you eligible for incentives such as rebates or tax relief under various government schemes.
GRIHA: Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment
Backed by the Indian government and The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), GRIHA focuses on making homes sustainable from the ground up.
GRIHA Version 3 is a green building rating system comprising 34 different criteria that assess various aspects, from site planning to energy and water usage efficiency.
The system awards up to 100 points, with mandatory and optional criteria. Key focuses include reducing environmental impact, enhancing comfort, and ensuring social responsibility. Buildings are rated at one to five stars based on the points earned. There is also an innovation category, offering up to 5 bonus points for exceptional sustainable practices that exceed standard requirements.
The benefits of GRIHA-certified properties include:
- Reduces carbon emissions and conserves natural resources.
- Lowers energy use with solar heaters and LED lighting.
- Saves water via rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling.
- Improves indoor air quality through ventilation and the use of low-VOC paints.
- Enhances natural light through thoughtful design features.
- Encourages waste reduction with composting and organic treatment.
- Uses eco-friendly, alternative materials to lessen environmental impact.
- Offers better resale value due to rising demand for eco-friendly homes.
EDGE: Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies
EDGE is an international certification created by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the private sector arm of the World Bank.
This certification is more than just saving money for developers and homebuyers. It’s a clear indicator of which green building methods truly reduce energy, water use, and the impact of building materials.
EDGE is a simple and effective tool that helps builders create designs that conserve resources and enhance a building’s value and appeal. With EDGE software, builders can quickly and easily design energy- and water-efficient homes or commercial buildings that cut resource use by at least 20%.
The software is user-friendly and takes into account the local climate and how people will use the building. It also shows potential costs and payback times, making it easier to make smart, sustainable choices.
EDGE certification happens in two steps: First, a preliminary design review shows that the project plans meet the reduced energy consumption targets. Then, after construction, an auditor checks the building to confirm it meets the requirements before awarding full certification.
Whether building homes, offices, hotels, or shops, EDGE guides builders toward greener, smarter buildings, and the strategies used can later support more advanced certifications, such as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), which is a green building certification programme run by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).
In India, where resources are precious, EDGE helps builders understand how sustainable choices can pay off. By providing developers with a clear picture of their expected return on investment, EDGE makes it easier and more appealing to build in ways that are beneficial to both people and the planet.
Why Going Green Matters: Resale, Livability, and Sustainability
Green-certified homes are no fads. They’re becoming sought-after assets that tend to sell faster at higher prices. The primary reason is that these homes create healthier and more comfortable living spaces with cleaner air, improved natural light, and reduced noise.
Seniors and children are often more sensitive to environmental comfort and indoor air quality, and hence, green-certified homes take precedence for many homebuyers. A home with proper ventilation and reduced pollutants ensures a safer and cleaner environment which also enhances the overall quality of life.
Green homes also benefit communities by helping to conserve water and energy, reducing carbon emissions, and easing the burden on local infrastructure.
Conclusion
Green certifications, such as IGBC, GRIHA, and EDGE, collectively represent a thoughtful approach to homebuying that balances comfort, cost, and environmental care. Choosing a certified home is a small but meaningful way to support sustainability while investing in a better quality of life.
FAQs
- What do IGBC and GRIHA aim to achieve?
- What does it mean to be green building certified?
- Are IGBC and LEED the same?
- Can a project become EDGE-certified anywhere in the world?
IGBC and GRIHA are all about making buildings greener. Their main objective is to reduce the use of energy, water, and other resources. They also champion minimising waste and lessening the environmental footprint of both the building and the practices followed to run these structures.
When a building is green-certified, it means it has met all the requirements for being environmentally friendly and resource-efficient throughout its entire life. It shows a dedication to sustainable methods from start to finish.
Not quite. They are different systems for certifying green buildings. LEED, which comes under the US Green Building Council, is used worldwide. IGBC, on the other hand, focuses on India, promoting eco-friendly building practices within the country.
EDGE certification is currently offered in developing countries such as Costa Rica, India, Indonesia, South Africa, and Vietnam, among others.
Sources:
99 Acres | Business Standard | GBCI | Earthood | Worldgbc
