Green building, also known as sustainable or eco-friendly construction. Green buildings aim to minimize the impact of the environment constructed by humans on both humans and nature. This can be achieved through adept management of energy, water, and other vital resources. Additionally, green buildings prioritize the health of occupants, ensuring their well-being and improving employee productivity. Green buildings can minimize waste, mitigate pollution, and contribute to the preservation of our environment, preventing its degradation.
Significance of Green Building
1. Sustainability for Future Generations
The impact of traditional construction on the environment is staggering, contributing to deforestation, excessive energy consumption, and the emission of harmful greenhouse gases. In contrast, green building minimises these adverse effects by utilizing sustainable materials, reducing energy consumption, and implementing renewable energy sources such as solar panels and wind turbines. By doing so, we are safeguarding our planet for the current generation and leaving a healthier and more sustainable environment for generations to come.
2. Energy Efficiency
Through the integration of energy-efficient
and design strategies, green buildings consume significantly less energy than their conventional counterparts. This reduces utility bills for occupants, lessens the strain on power grids, and minimizes the carbon footprint. Energy-efficient lighting, advanced insulation, and intelligent HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems are examples of how green buildings achieve remarkable energy savings.
Sr. No. | Criteria | Benefits |
1 | Energy Savings | 23.5 Billion of Energy savings per million sq ft per annum |
2 | Water Savings | 72.3 Billion Litres of Water savings per million sq ft per annum |
3 | CO2 Reduction | Reduced CO2 emissions by 19.2 Million tonnes per million sq ft per annum |
4 | Waste Reduction | Diverted 2.5 Million tonnes of construction waste from landfill every year |
3. Enhancing Indoor Air Quality and Health
Indoor air quality in traditional buildings can often be compromised by poor ventilation and toxic materials. Green buildings, on the other hand, employ ventilation systems that enhance air circulation and utilize materials with low volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions. This results in healthier indoor environments, reducing the risk of respiratory issues, allergies, and other health concerns.
4. Reduced Water Usage and Water Recycling
Water scarcity is a global challenge, and green buildings address this concern through innovative water management practices. Efficient plumbing fixtures, rainwater harvesting systems, and greywater recycling are all critical components of green building design. By minimizing water pollution and maximizing water reuse, green buildings contribute significantly to water conservation efforts, making them a vital asset in regions grappling with water shortages.
5. Positive Economic Impact
While the initial investment in green building technologies and materials might be slightly higher, the long-term savings far outweigh the upfront costs. Reduced energy bills, lower maintenance expenses, and increased property values are some financial benefits of green buildings. Furthermore, governments and municipalities often provide incentives and tax breaks for eco-friendly construction, further promoting its economic viability.
6. Facing the Climate Change
As the effects of climate change become increasingly evident, the resilience of our built environment becomes paramount. Green buildings, designed with climate adaptation in mind, are better equipped to withstand extreme weather events, flooding, and other natural disasters. Through resilient design and the use of durable materials, green buildings offer a more secure shelter for occupants while contributing to the overall resilience of communities.
The Indian Green Building Council (IGBC)
The Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) is a leading organization promoting sustainable building practices in India. It is founded in the year 2001 by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII),
One of its most notable contributions to IGBC is the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) India rating system. LEED India provides a framework for evaluating buildings across categories such as sustainable site development, water efficiency, energy performance, materials selection, and indoor environmental quality.
Official Website: https://igbc.in/
Categories of Evaluation in LEED
LEED India encompasses various categories for evaluating buildings, each focusing on a specific aspect of sustainability.
1. Sustainable Site Development
This category emphasizes responsible land use, site ecology, and minimizing the environmental impact of construction on surrounding ecosystems. It promotes site selection, brownfield redevelopment, and stormwater management strategies.
2. Water Efficiency
In this category, LEED India encourages the efficient use of water resources. It addresses water conservation through strategies like water-efficient landscaping, water-efficient fixtures, and water reuse systems.
3. Energy Performance
Energy efficiency is a cornerstone of LEED India. This category assesses a building's energy consumption, promotes renewable energy sources, and encourages strategies for reducing energy use and greenhouse gas emissions.
4. Materials Selection
LEED India evaluates the environmental impact of materials used in construction. It encourages the use of sustainable and recycled materials and strategies to reduce waste during construction and demolition.
5. Indoor Environmental Quality
Indoor air quality and occupant comfort are focal points of this category. LEED India promotes strategies that enhance indoor air quality, provide ample natural light, and create a comfortable and healthy indoor environment.
Certification Process of LEED
LEED India operates on a credit-based system. Buildings earn points by implementing sustainable strategies within the categories mentioned above. The number of points earned determines the level of certification, ranging from Certified to Platinum. The certification process involves project registration, submission of documentation, and a review by the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI) to ensure compliance with LEED India standards.
General Steps in Certification Process
1. Project Registration
2. Documentation Submission
3. Review and Evaluation
4. Certification Level Determination
5. Certification and Recognition
