A green building, or a structure that has a minimal negative impact on the environment and consumes minimal resources (water, energy, power) during its construction, operation and demolition stages.
There are certain rating systems based on existing national and international “building codes” like regular codes as the Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) and the National Building Code. One such system is the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system. This system is developed by the United States Green Building Code (USGBC) and now adapted by Indian Green Building Council (IGBC). In India, TERI has developed its independent rating system called the Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment (GRIHA) rating system. GRIHA is now endorsed by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Government of India.
All such systems help compare the green quotient of buildings with nationally/ internationally acceptable standards. Usually there are ratings scales to determine whether you deserve a 5 star rating for your efforts to preserve the environment, or lesser such ratings.
Rain water harvesting system and solar water heater are mandatory for newly constructed building in some states. National Building Code will soon be updated with energy saving methods in construction methods. In order to learn which codes are being used and how they will affect you, contact developers and concerned Authorities in your locality for construction of building or apartment. Deviation from approved plan or violation of National Building Code (NBC) will lead to charge penalty, cancellation of approvals or demolition of property.
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