Understading Green Building Concept & GRIHA Rating

What do you mean by Green Building ratings?

Green building rating systems, such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method), are frameworks used to evaluate the environmental performance of buildings. These ratings take into account factors such as energy efficiency, water conservation, indoor air quality, and the use of sustainable materials. Buildings that meet certain standards set by these rating systems can earn certifications, such as LEED Silver or BREEAM Excellent, which indicate that the building has been designed and constructed with a high level of environmental performance.

How do you improve energy efficiency in Buildings

There are several ways to improve energy efficiency in buildings, some of which include:

1. Insulation: Properly insulating a building can prevent heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer, reducing the amount of energy needed to maintain a comfortable temperature.
2. Lighting: Switching to energy-efficient lighting, such as LED or CFL bulbs, can significantly reduce the amount of energy used for lighting.
3. HVAC: Installing high-efficiency heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems can significantly reduce energy consumption for climate control.
4. Windows: Installing energy-efficient windows can help to reduce heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer, reducing the energy needed for heating and cooling.
5. Renewable Energy: Incorporating renewable energy sources such as solar panels, wind turbines, geothermal systems can help to reduce the building's dependence on fossil fuels.
6. Building Automation Systems: Installing Building Automation Systems (BAS) can help to monitor and control energy usage in a building, making it easier to identify areas where energy can be saved.
7. Green Roofs: Green roofs are a layer of vegetation planted over a waterproofing membrane on a flat or sloping roof. They can provide insulation, reduce stormwater runoff, and improve air quality.
8. Water conservation: Installing low-flow showerheads, faucets, and toilets can significantly reduce the amount of water used in a building, which in turn can reduce the energy needed to heat and pump water.

What are different green building rating system in india?

In India, the most widely recognized green building rating system is the Indian Green Building Council's (IGBC) Green Building Rating System. The IGBC rating system is based on the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) rating system and is adapted to suit Indian conditions. It is a voluntary rating system that covers a wide range of building types and can be applied to new construction as well as existing buildings. The rating system evaluates a building's performance in areas such as site selection and development, water and energy conservation, indoor environmental quality, and materials and resources. Buildings that meet certain standards set by the IGBC can earn certifications, such as IGBC Gold or IGBC Platinum, indicating that the building has been designed and constructed with a high level of environmental performance.

What is GRIHA rating system

GRIHA (Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment) is a rating system for green buildings in India, developed by the The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI). It is based on the Indian context and it's aim is to provide a national benchmark for design, construction and operation of energy-efficient and environmentally-sustainable buildings. GRIHA evaluates a building's performance in areas such as site selection, water and energy conservation, indoor environmental quality, and materials and resources. GRIHA is a comprehensive rating system that covers a wide range of building types, including residential, commercial, institutional, and industrial buildings.

The GRIHA rating system is divided into two categories:

• GRIHA for new construction (GRIHA NC)
• GRIHA for existing buildings (GRIHA EB)

Buildings that meet certain standards set by the GRIHA can earn certifications, such as GRIHA 3-Star, GRIHA 4-Star, GRIHA 5-Star, or GRIHA 6-Star, indicating that the building has been designed and constructed with a high level of environmental performance. GRIHA rating system also has a special category for affordable housing projects, known as GRIHA for Affordable Housing (GRIHA AH).

GRIHA rating system is considered to be one of the most comprehensive and stringent rating system in India. It is widely accepted and recognized by various organizations, national and international.

What is GRIHA EB

GRIHA EB (GRIHA for Existing Buildings) is a rating system for evaluating the environmental performance of existing buildings in India, developed by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI). It is a voluntary rating system that aims to recognize and promote the adoption of energy-efficient and environmentally-sustainable practices in existing buildings.

GRIHA EB rating system covers a wide range of building types, including residential, commercial, institutional, and industrial buildings. It evaluates a building's performance in areas such as energy and water conservation, indoor environmental quality, and materials and resources.

The rating system is divided into two levels:

• GRIHA EB Level 1: Compliance-based assessment
• GRIHA EB Level 2: Performance-based assessment

The GRIHA EB Level 1 assessment is based on compliance with a set of pre-determined criteria, while the Level 2 assessment is based on the actual performance of the building in terms of energy and water consumption, indoor environmental quality, and other environmental factors.

Buildings that meet certain standards set by the GRIHA EB can earn certifications, such as GRIHA EB Level 1 or GRIHA EB Level 2, indicating that the building has been designed and constructed with a high level of environmental performance.

GRIHA EB is considered as a useful tool for building owners and managers to improve the energy and environmental performance of existing buildings and it also provides a roadmap for retrofitting and upgrading buildings for better energy efficiency and environmental performance.