What is Green Rating System?

Green building rating systems are crucial in India to promote sustainable construction practices, reduce
environmental impact, and improve building performance. These systems provide a framework for
evaluating and certifying buildings based on their environmental performance, encouraging energy
efficiency, water conservation, and use of sustainable materials. They also address national priorities
like reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving energy security, and conserving natural
resources.

Green building rating systems are crucial in India to promote sustainable construction practices,
reduce environmental impact, and improve building performance. These systems provide a
framework for evaluating and certifying buildings based on their environmental performance,
encouraging energy efficiency, water conservation, and use of sustainable materials. They also
address national priorities like reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving energy security,
and conserving natural resources.
Need for green building rating systems

1. Addressing Environmental Concerns:

Green building ratings systems help minimize the environmental footprint of buildings by promoting
sustainable design and construction practices. Helps to Reduce Environmental Impact, Conserving
Resources, Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions
2. Promoting Sustainable Development
Green building rating systems align with India's national priorities for sustainable development,
including energy efficiency, water conservation, and resource management.
3. Enhancing Building Performance
4. Green building certifications can enhance the marketability of buildings, attracting investors and
tenants who value sustainability.
5. Governments in India are increasingly supporting green building initiatives through incentives,
regulations, and policies. Green building rating systems provide valuable data and insights for the
government to formulate better policies for sustainable development.
 LEED
• Sustainable Site 26
Site Selection – Urban Redevelopment – Alternative Transportation – Reduce the Site
Disturbance
• Water Management 10
Water Efficient Landscaping – Innovative Wastewater Technologies –
Water use Reduction
• Energy Efficiency 35
Fundamental building system – Minimum energy performance – HVAC
– Renewable energy – Green power
• Materials Use 14
Recycled contents – Building Reuse – Waste Management
• Indoor Environment Quality 15
Thermal comfort – Low Emitting Materials
– Ventilation Effectiveness – Daylight and views
• Design Innovation 6
• Local Environment 4
• LEED Certification Process
• The LEED certification process involves the following steps:
• Registration: Register the project with the USGBC.
• Documentation: Gather and submit documentation, including design and construction
plans, energy models, and commissioning reports.
• Review: The USGBC reviews the submission to ensure compliance with LEED
requirements.
• Certification: The project is awarded LEED Gold certification upon successful review.

• LEED Certification Levels

• Certified: 40-49 points (threshold for certification)
• Silver: 50-59 points (demonstrates good sustainability performance)
• Gold: 60-79 points (demonstrates excellent sustainability performance)
• Platinum: 80+ points (demonstrates outstanding sustainability performance)
1. LEED for Homes Certification Levels:
• The points required for each certification level in LEED for Homes are:
• Certified: 45–59 points
• Silver: 60–74 points
• Gold: 75–89 points
• Platinum: 90+ points

2. LEED for Building Design and Construction (BD+C) - Commercial Buildings:

• This rating system is used for new construction or major renovations of commercial buildings (offices, retail,
hotels, etc.).

3. LEED for Interior Design and Construction (ID+C) - Commercial Interiors:

• This rating system is for interior spaces (e.g., tenant improvements, renovations, and office interiors).

4. LEED for Operations and Maintenance (O+M) - Existing Buildings:

• For existing buildings, this rating system focuses on the ongoing operations and maintenance of a building.
5. LEED for Neighborhood Development (ND):

• This rating system is for sustainable development at the neighborhood level, focusing on urban design,
transportation, and green infrastructure.
• In the context of LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), Neighborhood Development
(LEED ND) is one of the LEED rating systems focused on creating sustainable, livable, and resilient
communities. It promotes sustainability at a community scale rather than just an individual building level.
• LEED for Neighborhood Development (LEED ND) provides a framework for sustainable development of
neighborhoods, combining the principles of smart growth, urbanism, and green building. It emphasizes the
creation of vibrant, walk able communities that prioritize environmental, economic, and social sustainability.

6. LEED for Cities and Communities:

• This system evaluates the sustainability of entire cities and urban communities.

7. LEED for Healthcare:

• LEED for Healthcare focuses on improving the sustainability of healthcare facilities, ensuring patient health, and
reducing environmental impact.
• Choosing LEED over BREEAM can offer several advantages, depending on the project's
goals and location:

• Global Recognition: LEED is internationally recognized and widely adopted, making it

an excellent choice for projects aiming for global visibility and alignment with
international sustainability standards.
• Simpler Approach: LEED is often considered more straightforward and user-friendly
compared to BREEAM, which can be more academic and rigorous in its methodology.
• Focus on Energy Efficiency: LEED places a strong emphasis on energy efficiency and
the use of renewable energy, which can be a priority for many projects
• Universal Applicability: LEED is designed to be universally applicable, with standards
that can be implemented worldwide, whereas BREEAM is more tailored to regional
contexts
• Cost-Effective: Certification costs are relatively affordable for smaller and mid-sized
projects in India.
BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method)
• It is a widely used sustainability assessment method for buildings and
infrastructure projects.
• BREEAM is a voluntary scheme that assesses the environmental performance of
buildings and infrastructure projects. It was launched in 1990 by the Building
Research Establishment (BRE) in the UK.
• BREEAM Certification Levels
• BREEAM certification levels are based on a scoring system, with higher scores
indicating better environmental performance:
• Pass: 30-44 points
• Good: 45-59 points
• Very Good: 60-74 points
• Excellent: 75-89 points
• Outstanding: 90+ points
• BREEAM Assessment Categories
• BREEAM assessments evaluate buildings and infrastructure projects across several
categories:
• Management: Project management, commissioning, and handover
• Health and Wellbeing: Indoor air quality, thermal comfort, and acoustic performance
• Energy: Energy efficiency, renewable energy, and energy monitoring
• Transport: Accessibility, public transport, and cyclist facilities
• Water: Water efficiency, rainwater harvesting, and grey water reuse
• Materials: Sustainable materials, waste management, and recycling
• Waste: Waste management, recycling, and minimization
• Land Use and Ecology: Land use, ecology, and biodiversity
• Pollution: Air pollution, water pollution, and noise pollution
• Innovation: Innovative features, technologies, and strategies
Category Weight age (%) Key Focus Areas
Management 12% Management of the building during design, construction, and operation.

Indoor air quality, lighting, acoustics, and thermal comfort for building
Health and Well-being 15%
occupants.

Energy 19% Energy efficiency, renewable energy, and carbon emissions reduction.

Transport 10% Sustainable transportation options, site location, and reducing car dependency.

Water 7% Efficient water use, conservation, and management of wastewater.

Materials 12% Use of sustainable materials, minimizing embodied carbon, and waste reduction.

Waste management strategies during construction and throughout building

Waste 7%
operation.

Land Use and Ecology 10% Impact on biodiversity, ecological value, and green space management.

Pollution 7% Reducing the building’s pollution impact, including noise and light pollution.

Innovation 10% Innovative, sustainable solutions that exceed standard requirements.

• BREEAM New Construction (Typical Weightings)
• Management – 12.5%
Covers aspects like project management, sustainability performance, and building commissioning.
• Health and Wellbeing – 15%
Focuses on indoor environmental quality, including lighting, air quality, thermal comfort, and acoustics.
• Energy – 19%
Assesses energy efficiency and performance, focusing on reducing energy consumption, enhancing the building’s energy systems, and
incorporating renewable energy sources.
• Transport– 7.5%
Looks at sustainable transportation options, including proximity to public transport, provision for cyclists, and electric vehicle charging
points.
• Water – 7.5%
Measures water efficiency, water-saving systems, and overall reduction in water consumption.
• Materials – 12.5%
Reviews the sustainability of building materials, including their impact on the environment, sustainability of sourcing, and recyclability.
• Waste– 7.5%
Focuses on the waste management processes during construction, operational waste management, and efforts to reduce waste sent to landfill.
• Land Use and Ecology (LE) – 10%
Looks at the impact of construction on the site and surrounding ecosystem, promoting ecological value, biodiversity, and sustainable land use.
• Pollution – 7.5%
Assesses pollution related to building operations, including reducing air, water, and noise pollution, as well as the use of ozone-depleting
substances.
• Innovation – 10%
Rewards innovative approaches to sustainability that go beyond the standard requirements, encouraging groundbreaking sustainable
practices.
• BREEAM Rating System with Weighted Parameters
• Management (12%)
• MAN 01: Project Management (3%): 0-5 points
• MAN 02: Commissioning (3%): 0-5 points
• MAN 03: Handover (3%): 0-5 points
• MAN 04: Performance Monitoring (3%): 0-5 points

• Health and Wellbeing (15%)

• HEA 01: Indoor Air Quality (5%): 0-10 points
• HEA 02: Thermal Comfort (4%): 0-8 points
• HEA 03: Acoustic Performance (4%): 0-8 points
• HEA 04: Visual Comfort (2%): 0-4 points

• Energy (19%)
• ENE 01: Energy Efficiency (8%): 0-16 points
• ENE 02: Renewable Energy (6%): 0-12 points
• ENE 03: Energy Monitoring (5%): 0-10 points

• Transport (8%)
• TRA 01: Accessibility (4%): 0-8 points
• TRA 02: Public Transport (2%): 0-4 points
• TRA 03: Cyclist Facilities (2%): 0-4 points
• Waste (5%)
• WST 01: Waste Management (3%): 0-6 points
• WST 02: Recycling (2%): 0-4 points

• Land Use and Ecology (5%)

• LE 01: Land Use (3%): 0-6 points
• LE 02: Ecology (2%): 0-4 points

• Pollution (5%)
• POL 01: Air Pollution (3%): 0-6 points
• POL 02: Water Pollution (2%): 0-4 points

• Innovation (10%)
• IN 01: Innovative Features (5%): 0-10 points
• IN 02: Innovative Technologies (3%): 0-6 points
• IN 03: Innovative Strategies (2%): 0-4 point
• Water (7%)
• WAT 01: Water Efficiency (4%): 0-8 points
• WAT 02: Rainwater Harvesting (2%): 0-4 points
• WAT 03: Greywater Reuse (1%): 0-2 points
• Materials (13%)
• MAT 01: Sustainable Materials (6%): 0-12 points
• MAT 02: Waste Management (4%): 0-8 points
• MAT 03: Recycling (3%): 0-6 points
• Waste (5%)
• WST 01: Waste Management (3%): 0-6 points
• WST 02: Recycling (2%): 0-4 points
• Land Use and Ecology (5%)
• LE 01: Land Use (3%): 0-6 points
• LE 02: Ecology (2%): 0-4 points
• Pollution (5%)
• POL 01: Air Pollution (3%): 0-6 points
• POL 02: Water Pollution (2%): 0-4 points
• Innovation (10%)
• IN 01: Innovative Features (5%): 0-10 points
• IN 02: Innovative Technologies (3%): 0-6 points
• IN 03: Innovative Strategies (2%): 0-4 point
• The Energy category typically carries the highest weighting (19%), reflecting the
global importance of reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions.

• Categories like Health and Wellbeing (15%) and Materials (12.5%) emphasize
the significance of occupant comfort and sustainability in the building’s design
and construction.

• Transport (7.5%) and Water (7.5%) are critical but considered secondary to
factors like energy efficiency or environmental impact.

• Innovation also receives a 10% weighting to encourage projects that push the
boundaries of sustainable design.
BREEAM in India:
Advantages:
– Comprehensive Approach: Covers a wide range of sustainability factors, including social and
economic impacts.
– Global Recognition: Well-recognized globally, which is valuable for international stakeholders
or projects aiming for global impact.
Disadvantages:
– Limited Market Penetration in India: BREEAM is not as widely adopted or recognized as
LEED in India, meaning it has limited appeal to developers and investors.

– Higher Costs: Certification fees and implementation costs can be higher due to limited
infrastructure and fewer local consultants familiar with the system.

– Lack of Local Adaptation: BREEAM is not as customized to India’s environmental and cultural
context, which may make it harder to implement effectively.

– Fewer Government Incentives: There are fewer financial incentives from the Indian
government for BREEAM-certified projects compared to LEED.
Aspect LEED BREEAM

Developed by the Building Research Establishment

Origin Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)
(BRE) in the UK

Geographical Predominantly used in Europe, but also global

Primarily used in the U.S., but has global applications
Focus applications

Certification
Certified, Silver, Gold, Platinum Pass, Good, Very Good, Excellent, Outstanding
Levels

Focus on water efficiency but slightly less emphasis

Water Focus Focus on water efficiency and conservation
compared to LEED

Predominantly used in Europe but has a growing

Global Reach Used worldwide, widely recognized
global presence

Industry
Widely available training and resources in India for Limited support and training available in India
Training &
architects, developers, and consultants. compared to LEED.
Support

Industry
Widely available training and resources in India for Limited support and training available in India
Training &
architects, developers, and consultants. compared to LEED.
Support
Indian Green Building Council (IGBC)
• It is a part of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), and it is India's leading organization for
promoting sustainable building practices. The IGBC offers various green building rating systems to
encourage and recognize buildings that implement sustainable practices in their design, construction,
and operation. Developed by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in India. Primarily focused on
India, tailored to Indian context

• The IGBC Green Building Rating System is tailored to address India's unique environmental,
social, and economic conditions. It takes into consideration local building practices, energy
consumption, water usage, and the overall environmental impact of buildings.

• IGBC ratings are awarded based on the total number of points a building earns across all categories.
The certification levels are:
• Certified: 40-49 points
• Silver: 50-59 points
• Gold: 60-69 points
• Platinum: 70+ points
 Weight age
Category Key Focus Areas
(%)

Site Selection & Planning 7 Site sustainability, location, accessibility, and preservation of green spaces.

Energy performance, efficiency of systems, use of renewable energy,

Energy Efficiency 30
carbon emissions.
Indoor Environmental Quality Indoor air quality, lighting, thermal comfort, noise control, occupant well-
12
(IEQ) being.
Use of sustainable materials, waste management, recycling, and local
Material & Resources 10
sourcing.
Reducing light, noise, and air pollution, minimizing environmental
Pollution Control 6
degradation.
Innovative sustainable technologies and practices that exceed standard
Innovation 5
requirements.

Social Aspects 5 Community benefits, health, safety, and well-being of occupants.

Regional Priority 10 Addressing local environmental priorities and specific regional challenges.
• IGBC Rating Systems
The IGBC offers a variety of rating systems, each designed for different types of buildings and projects. These
include:
• IGBC Green New Building Rating System
– Target Audience: New buildings or those under construction.
– Focus Areas: Energy efficiency, water conservation, sustainable building materials, and indoor
environmental quality.
– Certified:40 - 49 Silver:50 - 59 Gold:60 - 74 points Platinum:75 – 100

• IGBC Green Existing Building Rating System

– Target Audience: Existing buildings that want to improve their sustainability through renovation and
retrofitting.
– Focus Areas: Energy efficiency, water use, waste management, and improving overall operational
performance.
– Certified: 50 - 59 points Silver: 60 - 69 points Gold: 70 - 79 points Platinum: 80+ points
• IGBC Green SEZ (Special Economic Zone) Rating System
• Target Audience: Developments within Special Economic Zones.
• Focus Areas: Environmental sustainability, energy optimization, and resource management within SEZs.
• IGBC Green Campus Rating System
Target Audience: Entire campuses, such as corporate offices, educational campuses, or industrial
campuses.
Focus Areas: Sustainable design, energy and water management, and ecological protection across large
areas.
Certified:50 - 59 points Silver: 60 - 69 points Gold: 70 - 79 points Platinum: 80+ points

• IGBC Green Factory Building Rating System

Target Audience: Industrial buildings, including factories, manufacturing facilities, and warehouses.
Focus Areas: Energy efficiency, indoor air quality, water conservation, and waste management.
Certified:50 - 59 points Silver: 60 - 69 points Gold: 70 - 79 points Platinum: 80+ points

• IGBC Green Interiors Rating System

Target Audience: Interior design and fit-out of buildings.
Focus Areas: Sustainable materials, energy efficiency, and indoor environmental quality.
Certified: 30-44 Silver: 45-59 Gold: 60 - 79 points Platinum: 80+ points
• IGBC Green Homes Rating System
Target Audience: Residential buildings and homes.
Focus Areas: Sustainable design, water and energy management, and health and comfort for residents.
Certified: 50 - 59 points Silver: 60 - 69 points Gold: 70 - 79 points Platinum: 80+ points

• IGBC Green School Rating System

Target Audience: Educational institutions.
Focus Areas: Energy conservation, water management, improved indoor air quality, and overall student
and staff well-being.
Certified: 50 - 59 points Silver: 60 - 69 points Gold: 70 - 79 points Platinum: 80+ points
 GRIHA (Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment)
• This is India's national green building certification system. It is designed to evaluate the environmental
performance of a building based on its overall impact on the environment during the entire lifecycle
of the building (from planning to construction, operation, and maintenance). GRIHA focuses on
sustainable development in the Indian context and aims to promote environmentally responsible,
resource-efficient, and sustainable buildings.
• GRIHA assesses a building’s performance in a comprehensive manner, with focus on sustainability,
environmental impact, and resource efficiency. The system evaluates buildings across several criteria
and awards points based on their performance. The higher the number of points, the higher the
certification level achieved.
• GRIHA Certification Levels:
• 1 Star: 40-49 points
• 2 Star: 50-59 points
• 3 Star: 60-69 points
• 4 Star: 70-79 points
• 5 Star: 80+ points
• The GRIHA Rating System evaluates buildings based on various sustainability criteria across several
categories. Each category carries a specific weight age, which contributes to the final rating of the
building. Below is the category-wise weight age chart for the GRIHA rating system:
• Site Selection and Site Development (15%)
• Focuses on minimizing environmental damage during site development and optimizing the location to
reduce impacts such as traffic congestion and pollution.

• Building Planning and Design (15%)

• Involves integrating sustainability in the building design, including energy-efficient layouts,
ventilation, and maximizing the use of natural light.

• Energy Efficiency (25%)

• Energy performance plays a major role in the GRIHA rating, with points given for the reduction of
energy consumption, use of renewable energy, and efficient systems like HVAC.

• Water Efficiency (10%)

• Encourages the use of water-saving fixtures, rainwater harvesting, and water-efficient landscaping.
• Building Materials (10%)
• Points are awarded for selecting sustainable materials that have minimal environmental impact, such as
recycled, renewable, or low-energy materials.
• Indoor Environmental Quality (15%)
• Ensures the building offers a healthy indoor environment, including good air quality,
effective ventilation, noise control, and adequate day lighting.

• Sustainable Building Operation (10%)

• Focuses on efficient building operations, such as waste management, energy
conservation, and maintenance practices that ensure long-term sustainability.

• Innovation (5%)
• Recognizes innovative practices or technologies that exceed standard green building
practices, contributing to greater environmental sustainability.

• Health and Well-being (5%)

• Focuses on features that improve the quality of life for occupants, such as good air
quality, natural lighting, and overall comfort.
Certification
Key Focus Notable Projects Certification Levels
System

- CII Sohrabji Godrej Green

Business Centre (Hyderabad)
Global standard for energy efficiency, water Certified, Silver, Gold,
LEED LEED Platinum
conservation, and sustainable construction Platinum
- Infosys Green Building
(Bangalore) LEED Gold

- IGI Airport T3 (Delhi)

Focus on integrated environmental design and
GRIHA 4 Star
GRIHA performance, with emphasis on local climate 1 Star to 5 Star
- Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium
and context
(New Delhi) GRIHA 4 Star

Embassy Tech Village

Tailored to Indian context, promoting energy
(Bangalore) IGBC Platinum Certified, Silver, Gold,
IGBC efficiency, water conservation, and sustainable
- Wipro Eco Energy Platinum
design
(Bangalore) IGBC Platinum
 ECOTAL
The full form of ECOTAL is Environmental Construction and Operational Sustainability Assessment and
Labeling. ECOTEL® is an environmental certification that enables hotels to be truly green, socially responsible, and
sustainable over the long term
• Bronze – Basic Sustainability
– Points Required: 40 to 50 points
– This level represents a basic commitment to sustainability. It ensures the building meets fundamental green
standards.
• Silver – Intermediate Performance
– Points Required: 51 to 70 points
– A step up from Bronze, Silver certification indicates a more comprehensive implementation of sustainable
practices.
• Gold – High Performance
– Points Required: 71 to 85 points
– Gold-certified buildings demonstrate advanced sustainability efforts, including high energy efficiency, water
conservation, and sustainable material use.
• Platinum – Outstanding Sustainability
– Points Required: 86 to 100+ points
– Platinum certification is awarded to buildings that exhibit exceptional performance across all sustainability
criteria and go beyond industry standards.
1. Energy and Atmosphere (30% Weightage)
Focuses on reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

2. Water Efficiency (15% Weightage)

Encourages the efficient use of water and management of wastewater.

3. Materials and Resources (20% Weightage)

Focuses on sustainable building materials and reducing waste.

4. Indoor Environmental Quality (20% Weightage)

Ensures a healthy and comfortable indoor environment for building occupants.

5. Innovation and Design Process (5% Weightage)

Encourages innovative approaches and beyond-the-standard green design.

6. Site Selection and Ecosystem Impact (10% Weightage)

Focuses on minimizing environmental damage through site selection and preserving ecosystems.