Green building certification is transforming the real estate and construction industry by promoting sustainable design, encouraging environmentally responsible practices, and delivering substantial benefits for building owners and residents.
What is Green Building Certification?
Green building certification is a formal process that evaluates the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of buildings against defined sustainability criteria. Certification frameworks in India, such as IGBC (Indian Green Building Council), assess buildings on parameters like energy efficiency, water conservation, indoor air quality, waste management, and social wellbeing.
Popular Certification Systems
The IGBC offers several rating systems tailored for different residential building types:
- IGBC Green Homes: For all new residential buildings or communities.
- IGBC NEST and NEST PLUS: For self-developed homes with built-up areas of 150 and 300 sqm, respectively.
- IGBC Green Affordable Housing: For multi-dwelling affordable housing projects.
- IGBC Green Residential Societies: For operational improvements in existing apartments and group housing.
These systems have four levels Certified, Silver, Gold, and Platinum depending on points earned across sustainability categories.
Key Benefits of Green Building Certification
- Reduced operating costs from lower energy and water consumption.
- Improved health, comfort, and productivity for occupants due to superior indoor environmental quality.
- Higher asset value and market reputation green certified projects attract premium buyers and investors.
- Compliance with local regulations and eligibility for government incentives and subsidies, such as in Tamil Nadu where compliant projects can receive up to 25% subsidy on green initiatives.
- Significant contributions to decarbonization and net zero goals with features like solar PV installations, natural ventilation, rainwater harvesting, and waste recycling.
Why Pursue Green Building Certification?
1. Environmental Responsibility
Certified green buildings significantly reduce their environmental footprint through:
- Energy-efficient systems like LED lighting and BEE-rated equipment.
- Water-saving fixtures, rainwater harvesting, and wastewater treatment.
- Use of recycled, local, and eco-friendly materials.
2. Economic Benefits
Contrary to popular belief, going green doesn’t always mean higher costs. In fact, 45–55 points of IGBC credits can be achieved with no extra cost by simply adhering to smart design and local regulations. Over and above, there are additional incentives such as subsidies and lower interest rates to further the economic benefits.
3. Health and Well-Being
Green-certified homes prioritize occupant health through:
- Natural ventilation and daylighting.
- Low-VOC paints and adhesives.
- Dedicated spaces for physical activity and community engagement.
4. Marketability and Reputation
A green certification enhances a project’s appeal to environmentally conscious buyers and investors. It also aligns with corporate ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) goals, boosting brand reputation.
The Certification Process
Green building certification involves a stepwise approach:
- Preliminary assessment to check eligibility and applicable rating system. Design integration of green features energy-efficient lighting, water meters, rainwater harvesting, local materials, and more.
- Documentation, audits, and commissioning including measurement of performance indicators.
- Submission and final evaluation by the certifying authority, resulting in award of the certification level and ongoing compliance monitoring.
How to Get Started with Green Certification
1. Choose the Right Rating System: Identify which IGBC program fits your project. For expert evaluation and guidance, connect with Conserve Consultants
2. Integrate Sustainable Design Early: Passive architecture, energy modeling, and water-efficient systems should be part of the initial planning.
3. Focus on Low-Cost Credits: Many credits require no additional investment just thoughtful design and compliance.
4. Leverage Incentives: Explore state policies, like subsidies for green industries and data centers.
Strategic Advantages
Investing in green building certification is a proactive step toward resilience, reputation, and responsibility. Certified projects not only fulfill ESG requirements but also contribute to building performance improvement, healthier communities, and regulatory leadership.
Conclusion
Green building certification is not merely a compliance exercise it is a key driver for sustainable urbanization, cost efficiency, and occupant wellbeing. Real estate developers, homeowners, and society managers should prioritize certification as an investment in the future, unlocking environmental, economic, and social value.
