As our cities grow, building sustainably is more important than ever. In India, certifications like green building certification India, IGBC, and GRIHA guide architects, builders, and homeowners toward eco-friendly, healthier, and cost-efficient structures. In this post, we’ll explore the main certification systems, compare them, share real-world examples, and highlight how they benefit you.
1. Why Green Building Certification Matters
- Lower running costs: Certified buildings generally use 15–50% less energy, reducing utility bills 20–30% and saving water 30–50%.
- Better health and productivity: Improved air quality, daylighting, and non-toxic materials enhance occupant comfort and well-being .
- Higher market value: Green-certified properties often fetch 10–20% higher resale prices and rent premiums up to 15%.
- Government perks: Some cities—like Nagpur—offer 20% property tax rebates for IGBC-certified buildings. Rajasthan reports payback periods in under two years thanks to incentives.
- Regulatory compliance: Certifications align with national sustainable goals and help streamline clearances.
2. Main Certification Systems in India
Indian Green Building Council (IGBC)
- Run by CII since 2001 and modeled on LEED.
- Categories: Certified, Silver, Gold, Platinum across residential, commercial, industrial, healthcare, and public buildings.
- Focuses on energy use, water efficiency, materials, indoor environment & site planning.
- By March 2024, IGBC had over 8,600 registered projects and 3,000+ certified, saving billions in energy and water.
- Certification valid for 3 years; recertification ensures ongoing compliance .
GRIHA (Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment)
- Developed by TERI; backed by MNRE; India’s national rating system since 2007.
- Covers 30 mandatory criteria—site, energy, water, waste, wellbeing and cultural context.
- Rated on a 1 to 5-star scale; certification lasts 5 years.
- Widely used for government buildings, where it’s often mandatory .
LEED India
- International standard (operated by USGBC), administered by IGBC locally.
- Applies across building types with rating levels: Certified, Silver, Gold, Platinum.
- Focuses heavily on energy, materials, water, and indoor quality.
Other Systems (BEE, EDGE)
- BEE star rating measures energy performance of commercial buildings.
- EDGE (IFC-supported) simplifies resource efficiency evaluation.
3. IGBC vs. GRIHA: A Comparison
| Feature | IGBC | GRIHA |
| Admin Body | CII/IGBC (international model via LEED) | TERI/MNRE; India-specific |
| Scope | Energy, water, materials, IAQ, site planning | Broader—including socio-economic factors |
| Mandatory Criteria | Scored; some flexibility in approach orders | Many criteria must be met—ring fencing ensures rigor |
| Certification Validity | 3 years, with potential recertification | 5 years |
| Adoption in India | ~8,600 registered, with ~3,000+ certified buildings | Fewer projects; very common for government/public buildings |
Which one to choose?
Use GRIHA for government/public-sector projects focused on compliance and national standards. IGBC suits private sector developers seeking flexibility and international recognition.
4. Notable Certified Projects
- Indira Paryavaran Bhawan, New Delhi: 5-star GRIHA + LEED Platinum; net-zero energy; solar, passive design, rainwater harvesting.
- Suzlon One Earth Campus, Pune: IGBC Platinum; solar, rainwater, green landscaping.
- IIT Hyderabad, Ministry of Environment, IIM Kozhikode, Bihar Museum—all high-rated GRIHA projects.
5. Benefits for Developers and Owners
- Operational cost cuts: up to 50% in energy/water savings.
- Premium returns: higher rents, faster sales, lower vacancies.
- Tax Rebates & Incentives: Some cities offer property tax cuts, extra floor area, grants .
- Better corporate image: appealing to eco-aware occupants and ESG investors.
- Legal alignment: Prepares for stricter future green norms.
6. How to Get Started
- Choose the suitable certification: IGBC for private/commercial; GRIHA for public/government-led projects.
- Engage early: Register at design stage; consult with accredited professionals.
- Design green features: Incorporate passive cooling, solar, rainwater harvesting, low-VOC materials, waste handling.
- Document continuously: Maintain records for energy, materials, air quality, site impact.
- Third-party evaluation: IGBC or GRIHA assess performance before/after construction.
- Maintain post-certification: IGBC requires periodic recertification; GRIHA ratings expire in 5 years.
7. Quick Checklist
- Choose certification: IGBC, GRIHA, LEED, or BEE
- Register early, partner with certified consultant
- Include water, energy, materials, IAQ, waste
- Set benchmarks: e.g., 30% energy savings, 40% water savings
- Track performance during construction
- Schedule third-party audits and apply
- Monitor and renew certification after validity period
Final Thoughts
Green building certifications aren’t just labels—they’re proof of sustainable, cost-saving, and healthy construction. Whether you aim for green building certification India under IGBC, GRIHA, or LEED, you’re joining a movement that brings real returns—to your pocket, your comfort, and the planet. With clear criteria, growing incentives, and many success stories, now is the best time to go green in real estate.
Source : fulinspace.com
