Hyderabad: Green building rating system launched

Some of the unique green concepts addressed in the rating system are: Green procurement policy; Green measures beyond the fence; Passive architecture; Use of alternative construction technologies and materials; and, Green measures cost analysis

Hyderabad: The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Indian Green Building Council has digitally launched the IGBC Green Service Buildings Rating System. The rating system is the 26th rating of the Indian Green Building Council. V Suresh, Chairman, IGBC and Gurmit Singh Arora, Vice Chairman, IGBC, launched the rating on digital platform with over 400 participants from across the country. Suresh said, "Understanding the challenges in implementing the green features by service buildings and small office buildings, the Council has developed and launched the rating system exclusively to address such building typologies."

Arora has emphasised that, "the cost of certified green buildings is reducing year-on-year and presently the additional investment is only 1-2% higher than a conventional building, which is equally applicable for small buildings". The rating system is applicable to both new and existing buildings. The rating majorly focuses on service buildings such as petro stations, substations, police stations, fire stations and other small buildings such as offices, banks, retail and healthcare facilities (without in-patient services).

Some of the unique green concepts addressed in the rating system are: Green procurement policy; Green measures beyond the fence; Passive architecture; Use of alternative construction technologies and materials; and, Green measures cost analysis. By adopting the service buildings rating tool, the projects would achieve various tangible and intangible benefits including energy & water savings and health & well-being of occupants.

The rating system also acknowledges and awards points to the projects which addresses health & hygiene and Covid19 aspects.

What is green building?

A 'green' building is a building that, in its design, construction or operation, reduces or eliminates negative impacts, and can create positive impacts, on our climate and natural environment. Green buildings preserve precious natural resources and improve our quality of life. Any building can be a green building, whether it's a home, an office, a school, a hospital, a community centre, or any other type of structure, provided it includes features listed above. There are a number of features which can make a building 'green'. These include:

♦ Efficient use of energy, water and other resources

♦ Use of renewable energy, such as solar energy

♦ Pollution and waste reduction measures, and the enabling of re-use and recycling

♦ Good indoor environmental air quality

♦ Use of materials that are non-toxic, ethical and sustainable

♦ Consideration of the environment in design, construction and operation

♦ Consideration of the quality of life of occupants in design, construction and operation

♦ A design that enables adaptation to a changing environment