The document outlines various green building rating systems, including BREEAM, LEED, GRIHA, and IGBC, which assess and certify the environmental performance of buildings to promote sustainable practices and reduce ecological impact. It details the evolution of these systems, highlighting key milestones and shifts in focus toward areas like well-being and circular economy. The document also provides insights into the certification processes, categories assessed, and the global reach of these initiatives.

1. DLOC-4
GREEN BUILDING
CONSTRUCTIONS
Module No. 5
Green Building Rating Systems
- Dr. Rohan Dasgupta

2. Introduction
● Green building rating systems are frameworks that assess and certify the environmental
performance of buildings.
● These systems are designed to:
○ promote sustainable construction practices,
○ reduce environmental impact, and
○ improve the overall efficiency and performance of buildings.
● Different countries and regions have their own green building rating systems, but many share
common principles.
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3. Evolution of Green Building Rating Systems
● 1990: BRE launched BREEAM (UK)
● 2000: USGBC launched LEED (US)
● 2001: CII launched IGBC (India)
● 2002: GBCA launched Green Star (Australia)
● 2003: TERI launched GRIHA (India)
● 2010: IFC introduced EDGE
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4. Evolution of Green Building Rating Systems
● Shift in focus of Green Building Rating Systems:
○ 2014 - well being standards
○ 2015 - life cycle analysis
○ 2020 - net zero initiatives (energy, water & waste)
○ 2024 - circular economy
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5. 5
Overview of
Green Building
Rating Systems

6. BREEAM
● BREEAM - Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method
● World's first green building rating systems
● Launched in: 1990
● Launched by: UK’s Building Research Establishment (BRE).
● Purpose: To assess, certify, and encourage the sustainability of buildings, infrastructure, and
communities.
● Global Reach: Used in over 70 countries worldwide, with region-specific adaptations.
● Website: https://breeam.com/
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7. BREEAM
● BREEAM evaluates projects across a wide range of categories, assigning
credits based on performance:
● Categories:
○ Energy: Reducing consumption and increasing efficiency.
○ Water: Efficient use and water-saving strategies.
○ Health & Well-being: Air quality, lighting, and thermal comfort.
○ Transport: Access to public transport and sustainable travel options.
○ Materials: Use of sustainable, low-impact materials.
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8. BREEAM
○ Waste: Minimization and recycling during construction and operation.
○ Pollution: Limiting pollutants and environmental impact.
○ Innovation: Points for adopting novel sustainable practices.
● Rating Levels:
○ Pass,
○ Good,
○ Very Good,
○ Excellent, and
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9. LEED
● LEED - Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
● globally recognized green building certification system
● Launched in: 2000
● Launched by: USGBC
● Purpose: To promote sustainable building practices and measure a building’s overall
environmental performance.
● Global Reach: Used in over 165 countries worldwide
● Website: https://www.usgbc.org/leed
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10. LEED
● LEED assesses buildings based on a point system across various sustainability
categories.
● Categories Assessed:
○ Energy and Atmosphere: Energy efficiency, renewable energy, and
greenhouse gas emissions reduction.
○ Water Efficiency: Efficient water usage and water-saving technologies.
○ Materials and Resources: Sustainable material sourcing and waste
reduction.
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11. LEED
○ Sustainable Sites: Environmentally responsible site selection and design.
○ Innovation: Bonus points for innovative sustainability practices and strategies.
● Certification Levels:
○ Certified
○ Silver
○ Gold
○ Platinum
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12. WGBC
● WGBC - World Green Building Council
● global network of national Green Building Councils (GBCs)
● Launched in: 2002
● Purpose: To accelerate the adoption of green building practices globally and create a more
sustainable built environment
● Global Reach: Over 70 member GBCs representing more than 36,000 companies and
organizations worldwide.
● Website: https://worldgbc.org/
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13. WGBC
● Key Initiatives
○ Advancing Net Zero
○ Better Places for People
○ Sustainable Reconstruction
○ Circular Built Environment
○ World Green Building Week
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14. WGBC
● Major Impacts
○ Environmental Impact:
■ Climate action, biodiversity conservation and resource conservation
○ Economic Impact
■ Energy savings and job creation
○ Social Impact
■ Health and well-being of occupants and global collaboration
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15. Activity
- Visit worldgbc.org
- Go to Global Directory of Green Building Councils
- Enlist the green building councils in Asia affiliated to WGBC

16. GRIHA
● GRIHA - Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment
● India’s national green building rating system
● Launched in: 2007
● Launched by: The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI)
● Purpose: To evaluate the environmental performance of buildings over their entire life cycle, focusing on
reducing resource consumption, minimizing waste, and lowering overall ecological impact.
● Reach: limited to India
● Website: grihaindia.org
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17. GRIHA
● GRIHA evaluates buildings based on specific criteria across multiple sustainability categories.
Points are awarded for meeting or exceeding standards, and certification levels are achieved
based on total points scored.
● Categories Assessed:
○ Site Planning: Minimizing environmental disruption and managing site development sustainably.
○ Building Envelope Design: Optimizing building design for energy efficiency and thermal comfort.
○ Water and Waste Management: Efficient use of water resources, rainwater harvesting, and
effective waste management strategies.
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18. GRIHA
○ Energy Efficiency: Reducing energy consumption through passive design,
renewable energy integration, and energy-efficient systems.
○ Materials Selection: Use of locally sourced, low-energy, and
environmentally friendly materials.
● Certification Levels:
○ 1-star, 2-star , 3-star, 4-star and 5-star
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19. Activity
- Visit grihaindia.org
- Enlist all the green building rating systems under GRIHA

20. IGBC
● IGBC - Indian Green Building Council
● India’s national green building rating system
● Launched in: 2001
● Launched by: Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)
● Purpose: To enable sustainable building design and practices in India, reducing environmental
impact and improving quality of life through green infrastructure.
● Reach: limited to India
● Website: igbc.in
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21. IGBC
● Categories Assessed:
○ Site Selection & Planning: Environmental impact, site management, and development.
○ Water Efficiency: Conservation techniques and reducing water consumption.
○ Energy Efficiency: Reducing energy consumption and incorporating renewable energy.
○ Materials & Resources: Use of sustainable materials, recycling, and waste management.
○ Indoor Environmental Quality: Ensuring better air quality, ventilation, and occupant comfort.
● Certification Levels:
○ Certified, Silver, Gold, and Platinum
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22. IGBC
Certification
Process

23. IGBC
Fee
Structure

24. Activity
- Visit igbc.in
- Enlist all the green building rating systems under IGBC
- Read Government Incentives to IGBC Projects

25. Thank
you!
@DrRohanDasgupta
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