Page 16 - GRIHA Manual Volume I - Introduction to National Rating System
P. 16
Introduction 3
also a proven fact that it costs less to maintain a green building that has tremendous environmental
benefi ts and provides a better place for the occupants to live and work in. Thus, the challenge of a
green building is to achieve all its benefi ts at an aff ordable cost.
A green building depletes the natural resources to a minimum during its construction and
operation. The aim of a green building design is to minimize the demand on non-renewable
resources, maximize the utilization effi ciency of these resources when in use, and maximize the
reuse, recycling, and utilization of renewable resources. It maximizes the use of effi cient building
materials and construction practices; optimizes the use of on-site sources and sinks by bioclimatic
architectural practices; uses minimum energy to power itself; uses effi cient equipment to meet its
lighting, air conditioning, and other needs; maximizes the use of renewable sources of energy; uses
effi cient waste and water management practices; and provides comfortable and hygienic indoor
working conditions. It is evolved through a design process that requires input from all concerned
– the architect; landscape designer; and the air conditioning, electrical, plumbing, and energy
consultants – to work as a team to address all aspects of building and system planning, designing,
construction, and operation. They critically evaluate the impacts of each design decision and arrive
at viable design solutions to minimize the negative impacts and enhance the positive impacts on
Figure 1 Schematic diagram highlighting select green building features
also a proven fact that it costs less to maintain a green building that has tremendous environmental
benefi ts and provides a better place for the occupants to live and work in. Thus, the challenge of a
green building is to achieve all its benefi ts at an aff ordable cost.
A green building depletes the natural resources to a minimum during its construction and
operation. The aim of a green building design is to minimize the demand on non-renewable
resources, maximize the utilization effi ciency of these resources when in use, and maximize the
reuse, recycling, and utilization of renewable resources. It maximizes the use of effi cient building
materials and construction practices; optimizes the use of on-site sources and sinks by bioclimatic
architectural practices; uses minimum energy to power itself; uses effi cient equipment to meet its
lighting, air conditioning, and other needs; maximizes the use of renewable sources of energy; uses
effi cient waste and water management practices; and provides comfortable and hygienic indoor
working conditions. It is evolved through a design process that requires input from all concerned
– the architect; landscape designer; and the air conditioning, electrical, plumbing, and energy
consultants – to work as a team to address all aspects of building and system planning, designing,
construction, and operation. They critically evaluate the impacts of each design decision and arrive
at viable design solutions to minimize the negative impacts and enhance the positive impacts on
Figure 1 Schematic diagram highlighting select green building features
