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In India, where the construction industry is a major contributor to energy consumption and carbon emissions, going green is no longer optional.

This blog dives into the green building certification process in India: why it’s essential, what it involves, and how it adds long-term value to your space. Learn how BuiltX support sustainable design and construction, and explore the leading certification systems in India—IGBC, GRIHA, and LEED India—to find the right fit for your project’s vision and scale.

India’s building sector is responsible for nearly 33% of the country’s total energy use and about 20% of its CO₂ emissions. That makes sustainable construction one of the most powerful levers for environmental change.

Green buildings use 20–30% less energy and 30–50% less water than conventional ones, helping save on operating costs while reducing environmental impact. Whether you're building a school, hospital, office, or home, green design offers long-term efficiency and better occupant comfort.

Certified green buildings also promote health and well-being—through better air quality, natural light, and thermal comfort. This is especially important in sectors like healthcare, education, and housing, where people spend long hours indoors.

Certification adds credibility, too. It’s an independent stamp of approval for sustainability. Donors, customers, partners, and even government bodies increasingly look for these credentials. As of 2023, India had over 10 billion square feet of registered green buildings, and it ranks among the top countries globally for LEED-certified spaces.

In many cities, certified green buildings enjoy perks like faster approvals, reduced property taxes, or additional Floor Area Ratio (FAR). These incentives, along with growing awareness, make green certification not just an eco-conscious choice—but a smart financial and strategic one.

IGBC (Indian Green Building Council)

Best for: Commercial buildings, institutions, residential projects, and public-use facilities of all types.

• Voluntary certification with wide coverage
• Rated out of 100 points (Certified, Silver, Gold, Platinum)
• Ideal for nonprofits building varied infrastructure
• Based on Indian traditions (Panchabhutas) + modern science
• Valid for 3 years

Why choose IGBC?
It's flexible, well-known in India, and supports different building types—perfect for NGOs with diverse needs.

GRIHA (Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment)

Best for: Institutional and public sector buildings

• India’s national green rating system
• Star-based rating (1 to 5 stars)
• Targets projects >2,500 sq. meters (SVAGRIHA for smaller ones)
• Emphasis on passive solar design, water, waste, and local climate
• Often required or incentivized by Indian government for public projects
• Valid for 5 years

Why choose GRIHA?
It’s tailor-made for India, aligns with national policies, and is ideal for large campus-style NGO projects like hospitals or universities.

LEED India – Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design

Best for: High-profile, globally oriented projects; urban commercial spaces; MNCs; and organizations wanting international recognition.

• Global certification administered in India by GBCI
• Point-based (Certified, Silver, Gold, Platinum)
• Popular for commercial buildings and large offices
• Signals world-class sustainability
• Higher cost, more documentation

Why choose LEED?
If you work with international donors or want global recognition, LEED offers prestige. Great for urban or flagship NGO projects.

1. Project Planning and Goal-Setting

Before registering, organizations must first define their sustainability goals. This includes choosing the right rating system (IGBC, GRIHA, or LEED) based on the project type, size, and mission.

• A rural school may opt for IGBC Green Schools, while a large urban hospital may aim for GRIHA or LEED.
• At this stage, it's advisable to engage a green building consultant who can conduct a feasibility study and advise on what level (e.g., Silver, 3-Star) is realistically achievable within the project’s budget and constraints.

2. Registration with the Certification Body

Once a certification system is selected, the project is formally registered.

• This involves submitting project details and paying a registration fee.
• For example:
  • GRIHA requires an online registration with an Expression of Interest (EOI) and payment.
  • IGBC and LEED have similar online portals where a project profile is created.

After registration:

• The project team gains access to rating templates and guidelines.
• GRIHA conducts a kickoff orientation workshop to walk the team through the process.

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3. Design and Documentation Preparation

This is the core of the certification journey.

• During design and construction, the team (architects, engineers, consultants) integrates green features like:
  • Rainwater harvesting
  • Solar power
  • Natural ventilation
  • Energy-efficient HVAC
  • Waste segregation plans
  • Non-toxic materials

For each criterion, the team prepares:

• Drawings, simulations, narratives, and data that demonstrate compliance
• Example:
  • For an energy credit, simulation reports are generated
  • For water efficiency, plumbing layouts and calculations are included

4. Mid-Construction Checks and Site Visits

Green ratings aren’t just paperwork—they require real-world proof.

• GRIHA mandates at least two site visits:
  • At plinth level, to assess construction practices
  • Near completion, to inspect installations
• IGBC usually conducts one final audit post-documentation.

Site teams must be trained in:

• On-site waste segregation
• Erosion control
• Low-impact construction methods

Some systems (like GRIHA) offer a design review or pre-certification phase, where plans are reviewed early to catch issues before it’s too late.

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5. Final Submission and Review

As the project nears completion, the team uploads:

• Proof of compliance (drawings, photos, test reports, vendor certifications) to the certification portal.
• A review committee evaluates the submission.
• For example:
  • GRIHA does a preliminary review, then sends feedback
  • After updates, a final evaluation is done
  • IGBC and LEED have rounds of technical queries if clarification is needed

6. Certification Award

After successful review:

• The building is awarded a final rating:
  • IGBC/LEED: Certified / Silver / Gold / Platinum
  • GRIHA: 1-star to 5-star

This comes with:

• A certificate
• A plaque (for display)
• Possible state-level incentives (depending on location)

Example: An NGO’s skill center might earn an IGBC Gold or 4-star GRIHA rating, which boosts credibility and highlights environmental commitment.

7. Post-Certification and Continuous Improvement

Certification isn’t a one-time event—it’s a responsibility.

• NGOs should train facility teams to:
  • Operate sewage treatment plants (STPs)
  • Maintain solar PV systems
  • Monitor energy/water usage

Some rating systems (e.g., GRIHA) require post-occupancy awareness campaigns.

• Most certifications are valid for 3–5 years:
  • IGBC: ~3 years
  • GRIHA: ~5 years
  • After which a renewal audit or upgrade can be done

Green building certification is a blueprint for creating cost-effective, high-performance, credible, and eco-friendly infrastructure.

These certifications (like IGBC, GRIHA, and LEED) not only validate your commitment to sustainability but also future-proof your project against evolving regulations and stakeholder expectations.

At BuiltX Sustainable Design & Construction, we simplify this journey. From integrating solar panels, rainwater harvesting, HVAC optimization, and low-emission materials into your project’s design to navigating the certification paperwork and ensuring post-construction performance, BuiltX makes green building accessible and efficient.

Whether you’re planning hospital or educational institution, partnering with BuiltX ensures you don’t have to choose between budget and sustainability. You get both—delivered by a team committed to innovation, efficiency, and impact.

Ready to build green? Let’s create infrastructure that sustains.

Schedule your free consultation today!