The Green Home Revolution: Your Guide to LEED, IGBC and other Certification

Pravin Jagtap
Sep 16
5 min read

A home is more than just a place to live; it's a reflection of our values. As awareness of climate change and environmental impact grows, so does the desire for green homes—residences designed and built to be environmentally sustainable and resource-efficient. These homes are not only better for the planet but also for the people living in them.

But how do you know if a home is truly "green"? This is where third-party certifications come in. In India, two of the most prominent green building certifications are LEED and IGBC Green Homes.

What Are These Certifications?

Both LEED and IGBC Green Homes are internationally recognized rating systems that verify a building's environmental performance. They assess a home based on a checklist of criteria and award points for sustainable features. The more points a home earns, the higher its certification level.

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)

Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), LEED is a globally recognized standard. In India, it's administered by the Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI). LEED for Homes is the specific rating system for residential buildings, evaluating them on categories like energy and water efficiency, material selection, and indoor environmental quality.

The certification works on a points-based system. Projects earn points for implementing green building strategies. Based on the total points, a home can achieve one of four certification levels:

• Certified: 40-49 points

• Silver: 50-59 points

• Gold: 60-79 points

• Platinum: 80+ points

This certification is a globally recognized symbol of sustainability, giving homeowners and builders a benchmark to prove their commitment to eco-friendly practices.

IGBC (Indian Green Building Council) Green Homes

The IGBC Green Homes rating system was developed by the Indian Green Building Council, which is part of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). It is specifically tailored to the Indian climate, regulations, and building practices, making it highly relevant to the local market. IGBC certification focuses on encouraging the use of local materials and water-efficient fixtures that address India's unique environmental challenges.

Rating Levels IGBC Green Home

IGBC use a tiered system to recognize varying levels of sustainability:

• Certified

• Silver

• Gold

• Platinum (the highest level)

GRIHA (Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment)

GRIHA is India's national green building rating system, established by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) and the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). It is specifically designed to be relevant to the Indian climate and building practices.

How it Works: GRIHA evaluates a building's environmental performance across its entire lifecycle, from design to operation. It uses a star-based rating system from 1 to 5 stars, with a 5-star rating signifying the highest level of environmental performance.

Who Can Apply: GRIHA is suitable for all residential projects, from individual homes to large townships. It has a specific rating variant called SVA-GRIHA (Small Versatile Affordable GRIHA) which is tailored for smaller homes and projects, making it a very accessible option for individual homeowners.

Key Focus: GRIHA emphasizes passive solar design, water conservation through rainwater harvesting, and the use of locally-sourced materials.

BEE Star Rating

The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), a government body under the Ministry of Power, provides a star rating system for energy efficiency. While it does not certify entire homes as green buildings, it is highly relevant for homeowners.

How it Works: The BEE star rating is an energy efficiency label applied to individual electrical appliances like air conditioners, refrigerators, washing machines, and fans. The rating ranges from 1 to 5 stars, with a 5-star rating indicating the highest level of energy efficiency.

Relevance to Homes: For a homeowner, choosing appliances with a high BEE star rating is a simple and effective way to reduce electricity consumption and lower utility bills, directly contributing to the home's overall sustainability.

Eco Niwas Samhita (Energy Conservation Building Code for Residential Buildings)

Launched by the Ministry of Power, the Eco Niwas Samhita (ENS) is a mandatory building code, not a voluntary certification.

How it Works: The code sets minimum energy efficiency standards for the design and construction of new residential buildings. It provides guidelines on a building’s envelope (walls, windows, roof), insulation, and lighting to ensure it meets a minimum level of energy performance.

Relevance to Homeowners: While it doesn't give a "green" certificate like IGBC or GRIHA, complying with ENS is a foundational step in building an energy-efficient home and may be a mandatory requirement for construction in some Indian states.

Why Is Certification So Important?

Investing in a certified green home is a smart decision with benefits that extend far beyond a fancy plaque on the wall.

1. Environmental Impact

Green-certified homes use fewer resources and produce less waste. They help reduce your carbon footprint by incorporating energy-efficient appliances and renewable energy sources like solar panels. By using smart water management systems, they help conserve water, a critical issue in India.

2. Economic Benefits

Certified homes are designed to save you money in the long run.

Lower Utility Bills: Green homes use 20-30% less energy and water than conventional homes, leading to significant monthly savings on electricity and water bills.

Increased Property Value: A green certification acts as a valuable asset that increases a home's market value and resale appeal.

Incentives: Both central and state governments in India offer financial incentives, such as tax rebates and expedited approvals, for certified green projects.

3. Health and Well-being

A certified green home is a healthier place to live. The use of non-toxic, low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) paints, flooring, and adhesives improves indoor air quality. This reduces the risk of respiratory issues and allergies, creating a safer and more comfortable environment for your family.

Who Can Apply for Certification?

A wide range of people and projects can apply for and benefit from green home certification. The process is not limited to large-scale developers; it is accessible to anyone committed to sustainability.

Individual Homeowners: If you are building a new home or undertaking a major renovation, you can work with an architect and builder to get your project certified.

Builders and Developers: Companies can certify their single-family or multi-family residential projects to gain a competitive advantage in the market.

Architects and Designers: The project's design team plays a crucial role in ensuring the home meets the certification requirements. They can register the project and guide it through the entire process.

Whether you're building from scratch or renovating an existing property, embracing green principles and pursuing certification is a powerful way to contribute to a sustainable future for both your family and the planet.