Page 18 - GRIHA Manual Volume I - Introduction to National Rating System
P. 18
Introduction 5
1.1.2 Benefi ts of green buildings
A green building has lower resource consumption as compared to conventional buildings. The
following is the percentage reduction of various resources in a building and their respective reasons.
P Green buildings consume 40% to 60% (depending on the range of measures adopted) lesser
electricity as compared to conventional buildings. This is primarily because they rely on passive
architectural interventions in the building design, and high effi ciency materials and technologies
in the engineering design of the building.
P Green Buildings also attempt to work towards on-site energy generation through renewable
energy utilization to cater to its energy needs. For instance, solar thermal systems can help
generate hot-water and replace the conventional electrical geyser in buildings. Solar PV panels
can help generate electricity which can reduce the buildings dependence on grid power.
P Green buildings consume 40% to 80% (depending on the range of measures adopted) lesser
water as compared to conventional buildings. By utilizing ultra low-fl ow fi xtures, dual plumbing
systems, waste-water recycling systems and rain-water harvesting, green buildings not only
reduce their demand for water use but also look at on-site supply options to cater to its internal
and external (landscape) water demands.
P Green buildings generate lesser waste by employing waste management strategies on site. They
may also employ waste to energy or waste to resource (like manure, or compost) strategies on
site, to minimize their burden on municipal waste management facilities and land fi lls.
P Green buildings generate lesser pollution both during construction as well as while in use.
Through best-practices such as proper storage of construction materials, barricading of the site
to prevent air and noise pollution during construction, proper storage and disposal of waste
during construction and operation, and so on, ensures reduced impact on the surrounding
environment.
P Green buildings ensure proper safety, health and sanitation facilities for the labourers (during
construction) and the occupants (while in use).
P Green buildings restrict the use of high ODP (ozone depleting potential) substances in their
systems as well as in fi nishes.
P Green buildings off er higher image and marketability.
All of these can be achieved at a minimal incremental cost with an estimated payback period of
about 3–5 years (excepting renewable energy for power generation).
1.1.3 What is a green building rating system?
A green building rating system is an evaluation tool that measures environmental performance of
a building through its life cycle. It usually comprises of a set of criteria covering various parameters
related to design, construction and operation of a green building. Each criterion has pre-assigned
points and sets performance benchmarks and goals that are largely quantifi able. A project is awarded
points once it fulfi ls the rating criteria. The points are added up and the fi nal rating of a project
is decided. Rating systems call for independent third party evaluation of a project and diff erent
processes are put in place to ensure a fair evaluation. Globally, green building rating systems are
largely voluntary in nature and have been instrumental in raising awareness and popularizing green
building designs.
1.1.2 Benefi ts of green buildings
A green building has lower resource consumption as compared to conventional buildings. The
following is the percentage reduction of various resources in a building and their respective reasons.
P Green buildings consume 40% to 60% (depending on the range of measures adopted) lesser
electricity as compared to conventional buildings. This is primarily because they rely on passive
architectural interventions in the building design, and high effi ciency materials and technologies
in the engineering design of the building.
P Green Buildings also attempt to work towards on-site energy generation through renewable
energy utilization to cater to its energy needs. For instance, solar thermal systems can help
generate hot-water and replace the conventional electrical geyser in buildings. Solar PV panels
can help generate electricity which can reduce the buildings dependence on grid power.
P Green buildings consume 40% to 80% (depending on the range of measures adopted) lesser
water as compared to conventional buildings. By utilizing ultra low-fl ow fi xtures, dual plumbing
systems, waste-water recycling systems and rain-water harvesting, green buildings not only
reduce their demand for water use but also look at on-site supply options to cater to its internal
and external (landscape) water demands.
P Green buildings generate lesser waste by employing waste management strategies on site. They
may also employ waste to energy or waste to resource (like manure, or compost) strategies on
site, to minimize their burden on municipal waste management facilities and land fi lls.
P Green buildings generate lesser pollution both during construction as well as while in use.
Through best-practices such as proper storage of construction materials, barricading of the site
to prevent air and noise pollution during construction, proper storage and disposal of waste
during construction and operation, and so on, ensures reduced impact on the surrounding
environment.
P Green buildings ensure proper safety, health and sanitation facilities for the labourers (during
construction) and the occupants (while in use).
P Green buildings restrict the use of high ODP (ozone depleting potential) substances in their
systems as well as in fi nishes.
P Green buildings off er higher image and marketability.
All of these can be achieved at a minimal incremental cost with an estimated payback period of
about 3–5 years (excepting renewable energy for power generation).
1.1.3 What is a green building rating system?
A green building rating system is an evaluation tool that measures environmental performance of
a building through its life cycle. It usually comprises of a set of criteria covering various parameters
related to design, construction and operation of a green building. Each criterion has pre-assigned
points and sets performance benchmarks and goals that are largely quantifi able. A project is awarded
points once it fulfi ls the rating criteria. The points are added up and the fi nal rating of a project
is decided. Rating systems call for independent third party evaluation of a project and diff erent
processes are put in place to ensure a fair evaluation. Globally, green building rating systems are
largely voluntary in nature and have been instrumental in raising awareness and popularizing green
building designs.
