GRIHA
Certification
Get nationally recognized credentials for your project.
The GRIHA Certification is a nationally recognized third-party endorsement of green building features in a project. Used by property buyers and tenants alike, the certification conveys an efficient and high performance building with lower running costs.
GRIHA CERTIFICATION FEATURES
What Is It
What is GRIHA and It's Objective
Over the years, there have been major changes in the field of green buildings in India. The local green building industry has evolved significantly and great inventions have been presented as a positive outcome. One such great invention is GRIHA.
GRIHA (Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment) is an Indian green building rating tool that provides detailed and comprehensive assessment of a building’s performance and savings as a result, upon integrating suggested green building strategies, techniques and innovations. GRIHA was developed by TERI, The Energy and Resources Institute, and was adopted as a green building rating system by the Government of India in 2007.
The buildings that we build, create a huge impact on the environment not just at surrounding micro level but at an urban level as well. This impact in today’s date is mostly negative and harmful. It is unethical and selfish of us as a part of building and construction community to exploit the usage of resources like materials, water, energy, manual human intervention etc. in order to create a building. Not to forget, waste generation in the form of Grey water/effluent, emissions from building materials and electricity generation, dry/wet/organic wastes etc. Is hardly ever properly catered in a project. It is safe to say that the general building construction practices adopted in India are not in harmony with our environment and nature.
This is where GRIHA intervenes with a goal to safeguard the pristine nature of our environment and also to project that goal to others as well in order to minimize the negative environmental impact by minimizing resource consumption, waste emission and generation and inappropriate material utilization by adopting ideal green building practices and smart technologies in a project.
The main aim of GRIHA is to simply invent and inspire others in minimizing the carbon footprint of any product, material or equipment by innovating alternatives that are renewable, recycled, reusable and eco-friendly. GRIHA, by virtue of its comprehensive qualitative and quantitative assessment process, is capable of rating a green building accurately and this is the reason behind it being adopted by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.
Get National Brand Recognition
GRIHA is India's indigenous green building certification.
§ National recognition
§ Credibility for Sales & Leasing
§ Third Party Certificate
Talk to a Green Building Specialist for a 10-minute free consultation. Explore if GRIHA Certification is the right fit for your project.
GRIHA Criteria and Certification Levels
GRIHA has set different criteria under various environmental sections for its vast range of rating systems, which one needs to comply with in order to achieve the desired rating. These criteria contain various appraisals whose detailed design guidance is provided within the concerned manuals. Every rating system has its own guidance manual which comprises of green building measures, sustainable suggestions, calculations and analysis, types of different documents to be prepared to prove compliance and a lot more. Basically, it contains everything that one might possibly need while practical implementation. Taking the rating ‘GRIHA v.2019’ as an example, various criteria are divided into the following ten environmental sections and one bonus section:
- Sustainable Site Planning (SSP) – 12%
- Construction Management (CM) – 4%
- Energy Optimization (EO) – 18%
- Occupant Comfort (OC) – 12%
- Water Management (WM) – 16%
- Solid Waste Management (SWM) – 6%
- Sustainable Building Materials (SBM) – 12%
- Life Cycle Costing (LCC) – 5%
- Socio-Economic Strategies (SES) – 8%
- Performance Metering and Monitoring (PMM) – 7%
- Innovation (For extra 5 points)
A total of thirty criteria are divided into the above eleven sections. To achieve points under these criteria, it is required for the project team to comply with all necessary requirements as stated in the guidance manual which is available online on the GRIHA website. Certain codes and standards as locally applicable need to be mandatorily followed. Certain benchmarks set by GRIHA or governing authorities need to be met and exceeded accordingly. Along with precise practical implementation of suggested green building measures on site, the project team needs to ensure that enough documentary proof is also compiled as per GRIHA. Upon fulfilling all the compliance, a project is awarded rating on the basis of percentile threshold as mentioned below:
- 25-40: 1 star
- 41-55: 2 stars
- 56-70: 3 stars
- 71-85: 4 stars
- 86 and more: 5 stars
The World of Green Building Certifications:
Different GRIHA Certifications
- SVAGRIHA (Simple Versatile Affordable GRIHA): This rating was developed to spread the idea of green buildings among the general public and inspire people with aspirations for small-scale development to register for this green building rating system and eventually avail the design guidance that comes along with it. Any construction project with built up area 100 m2 ≤ x ≤ 2500 m2 is eligible for certification under SVAGRIHA V. 3. The building typology includes residential plots, residential flats, bungalows, commercial shops, offices etc.
- GRIHA Rating: GRIHA v.2019 can be attempted for any new construction project with built up area more than 2500 m2 (excluding parking, basement area, and typical buildings). The building typologies include offices, mixed-use development, hospitals, college and universities, institutions, hotels, museums etc.
- GRIHA for Affordable Housing: This rating system has been introduced for and intricately aligned with government schemes related to provision of affordable housing to every family like ‘Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana’ (PMAY). The projects being developed under ‘Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana’ (PMAY) need to submit a sanction letter, as a proof, issued by any central or state government authority.
- GRIHA EB (Existing Buildings): All existing operational buildings falling under building typologies like residential buildings, housing societies, offices, hotels, hospitals, institutional buildings etc. with built-up area more than 2500 m2 can apply for this rating system.
- GRIHA for Existing Day Schools: This rating system was introduced specially to involve students along with teachers at ground-level in order to contribute their bit towards adopting a sustainable lifestyle and understand the importance of green building features. All day schools which have been in operations for a minimum of 1 year can apply for this rating system.
- GRIHA LD (Large Development): Large development at urban level include mixed-use townships (residential, commercial and recreational), Campus planning (Healthcare, Educational and institutional) and SEZs (Special Economic Zones). Any large development project having total site area equal to or greater than 50 hectares can register for GRIHA LD rating.
- GRIHA for CITIES: GRIHA for CITIES is a one-of-a-kind rating in Indian market. This rating focuses and emphasizes on sustainable measures that can be adopted throughout the many stages of a city development. Performance benchmarks and efficiency in resource consumption are set for Water, Energy and Waste mainly. Inclusion of smart technologies, social well-being facilities and efficient & affordable transportation are also some of the features that need to be mandatorily included.
Each of the above ratings are detailed systems of credits and prerequisites. The certification process is equally complex. Consult a green building specialist to determine which rating system your project should adopt to reap the maximum benefit out of the certification without paying extra for the same brand.
OUR CLIENTS
GRIHA Registration and Rating Procedure
GRIHA’s rating procedure is very systematic and properly carried out during various stages of the project. The rating process is as follows:
- Online registration: After the decision is taken that a project is going to apply for GRIHA certification, the project team can initiate the process by filling out the online form provided on the GRIHA website. After that, the client will be required to pay the registration fees and as soon as the payment is successful, GRIHA will provide its online Portal’s login details to the client containing a username and password. The portal shall be further used to upload documents and other information related to the project.
- Orientation workshop: Soon after the successful registration of the project, GRIHA will approach the client’s team regarding an orientation workshop will be conducted by high-level council and team members of GRIHA. This workshop will be conducted through a detailed presentation explaining GRIHA’s work process, importance of rating systems, government incentives, various criteria and their appraisals and right after that, a green building scorecard specific to the project, is mutually prepared in the workshop itself.
- Due diligence I: In this stage, a site visit is conducted by GRIHA officials, once the plinth level stage is reached, in which it is checked whether the construction related, and mandatory green building measures have been adopted on site or not. After 15-20 working days of the visit, GRIHA team shall upload a due diligence I report containing their observations and as a response, the project team shall submit its compliance report within 15-20 working days of the day of issue of due diligence I report.
- Due diligence II: In this stage, a site visit is conducted by GRIHA officials, once the building’s structure is constructed, in which installation of mechanical, electrical and plumbing components, internal finishes, building materials etc. are checked for. After 15-20 working days of the visit, GRIHA team shall upload a due diligence II report containing their observations and as a response, the project team shall submit its compliance report within 15-20 working days of the day of issue of due diligence II report.
- Submission of documents: As the project reaches its final days of construction stage, all the green building related documents including calculations, drawings, narratives, purchase orders, photographs etc. compiled till date, shall be submitted on the GRIHA’s online portal, the login details of which would have been provided after the online registration process.
- Preliminary evaluation: Once the entire project documentation is uploaded online, GRIHA’s team shall commence with their detailed evaluation based on the documents provided. Each and every attempted criterion’s compliance shall be thoroughly checked by GRIHA. Some of the criteria have online calculators which need to be necessarily filled otherwise the possible points for the entire criterion shall not be awarded. GRIHA shall provide an initial evaluation report within 60 working days after the entire documentation is uploaded online.
- Final due diligence: A final site visit is organized by GRIHA officials, once the project’s construction is entirely completed, in which implementation and installation of required green building related features, technologies, materials and equipment is verified. It is required for all the building systems and equipment to be properly installed and in operations. After 15-20 working days of the visit, GRIHA team shall upload the final due diligence report containing their observations on the online portal.
- Final evaluation: Based on the final documentation and final site visit report , GRIHA shall prepare within 30 working days, the project’s final scorecard containing achievable points under attempted criteria and based on that final rating shall be decided.
- Award of letter and certificate: Right after the completion of final evaluation, GRIHA shall award the final certificate and letter to the client and that certificate shall remain valid for the coming 5 years.
- Additional due diligence Green awareness drive: GRIHA shall approach the project’s team for an additional workshop or seminar for all the building occupants and staff members in which everyone shall be educated regarding the green building features incorporated in the project and importance of sustainability as a whole.
- Rating renewal: Once the existing rating nears its expiration, the project team must apply for its renewal which can be achieved in two ways. First, by hiring a BEE-certified energy auditor for preparation of a detailed audit report regarding water, energy and waste. This report shall be submitted after 3 years of issue of certification. And second, by registering the project under GRIHA EB (Existing Building) rating on the compliance of which, the project shall achieve certification for another 5 years.
What is Green Buildings?
"Energy-efficient structures designed with sustainability in mind, creating a greener and healthier environment." "These eco-conscious buildings minimize environmental impact while maximizing occupant comfort and well-being."
"Embark on a journey into the world of sustainable architecture and discover the transformative power of green buildings on our comprehensive overview page."
GRIHA Professional Credentials
GRIHA Council manages the credential maintenance and accreditation process for people interested in acquiring such credentials. There are different types of credentials that one can earn, including:
- GRIHA Certified Professional (GRIHA CP)
In order to select a project team that works on your GRIHA Certification project, it is important to hire the technically qualified personnel, who can be GRIHA Credentialed. Which level of credentials are sufficient for your project team members and for your consultants can be explained better by a green building specialist so your team can function without having to wait for personnel to get trained (or not).
GRIHA Key Features
GRIHA is an extremely dedicated and passionate professional body who as a team is always ready to work diligently towards achieving their aim through their clients. It is well-known that as a certification body, sitting on top of the pyramid, it’s role is to supervise everything orderly but fortunately that’s not all. GRIHA’s rating system has been developed such that all the new buildings, including the ones that are still being conceptualized, can refer GRIHA’s manual including detailed guidance and strategies for design processes and necessary evaluation.
Unlike other rating systems adopted in India, GRIHA emphasizes greatly on life cycle cost analysis, a criterion that is still unknown to a huge percentage of people in our country.
This analysis is carried out to assess the payback period for the collective strategies adopted across various categories in the GRIHA rating system such as sustainable building materials, water management, energy efficiency etc.
GRIHA’s involvement for necessary green building related evaluations takes place in the following stages of a building’s life cycle:
- Pre-construction stage: In this stage, various site level issues are evaluated and addressed before the construction starts such as location, climatology, site surroundings, adjacent built environment, condition of property land, natural topographical conditions, proximity to public transport etc.
- Building planning and construction stages: In this stage, various issues regarding conservation and efficient utilization of resources like site, energy, air, water and vegetation are evaluated. Reduction in resource demand and re-usage of resources used is also evaluated. Apart from resource efficiency, provisions for occupant health and well-being are also considered.
- Building operation and maintenance stage: All the evaluations carried out under this stage are of utmost importance. These include assessment of operation and maintenance of all the installed building systems and equipment, smart monitoring of energy and water consumption, waste segregation and safe disposal systems and surveying the occupants’ regarding their comfort and practices adopted by them to contribute towards smooth functioning of that green building.
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Pros and Cons of Implementation
The GRIHA Certification is a great way to communicate the green building quotient of a project to stakeholders such as prospective buyers, tenants, financers, etc. However, simply paying the fees or registration does not guarantee the success of the project. Meticulous planning from as early on as selecting the architect is required to be followed throughout the design and construction lifecycle of the project.
This may require extensive training of project personnel, and more importantly to conduct detailed technical analysis early on in the design process to make sure no costly mistakes are made later on. Energy simulations, daylight simulations, material lifecycle cost calculations, commissioning authority appointment, integration of landscape water and evapotranspiration rates, etc. – these are just examples of the complex computer-based analysis required in the design of a green building.
A project that ignores such analysis or does not pay heed to the codes and standards required for GRIHA Certification will not be able to secure any certification despite having paid the full fess to GRIHA Council. This is a major constraint that is to be kept in mind by the project controller at all times and support the design team with a green building specialist accordingly.
However, achieving the GRIHA Certification is a remarkable achievement and something that can get significant government incentives and market credibility for the project and its proponents. Proudly displaying the achievement through a plaque and certificate in the most prominent locations in the building boosts stakeholder confidence and increases the valuation of the project, while creating a technically superior building that is environmentally, socially and economically responsible in nature.
Get in touch with a green building specialist today to learn more about the pros and cons of implementing the GRIHA Certification for your project and how you too can benefit from its goodwill.
GRIHA CERTIFICATION PROCESS
How Does It Work
Registration
Just after the registration process, the project can also work towards Precertification. Though this step is optional, it can be used to avail certain government incentives such as FAR and for marketing to prospective buyers and tenants. A thorough submission is required, almost at par with the final documentation.
Documentation
During this phase of the project, the green building specialist plays a vital role in advising the project teams and preparing analysis reports, calculations and other forms of implementation documentation for submission to GRIHA Council. The project needs to not only specify as per GRIHA, but also submit proofs of implementation to the certifying body.
Certification
The Certification is awarded at the end of construction almost at the time of handover of the project to the end users. The certification body can visit the project and through third party evaluators carry out detailed checking of the documents submitted, and revert with a review requiring a response and submission of additional clarifications.
OUR SERVICE
What we offer
Green Building Consultancy
Specialists evaluate thermal, visual and acoustic Comfort + Performance including energy, water, materials, and similar
Certification Facilitation
Certification of any green building rating system is done as per choice and use + We can recommend as well
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Book a free 10-minute call.
FREQUENT QUESTIONS
Do you have any questions?
Making a green project is committing to making a better living environment for end users and creating assets that appreciate over time. The brand value of GRIHA Certification is a market catalyst that boosts sales and brings prestige to the project.
The registration and certification fee is payable in full right at the beginning of the project.
Yes, the certification body (GRIHA Council) does depute its officers multiple times to inspect the physical presence of the materials claimed in the documentation at the time of the final certification. The team can also check and validate other design and construction related parameters.
There are a number of courses available on the GRIHA website. We strongly advise candidates to do self study of the manuals and take mock tests to prepare for the GRIHA CP exams as these are sufficient.
No. GRIHA Council and all its related entities are private entities. As explained in the Introduction section, GRIHA certification is a voluntary rating that can taken by projects for various reasons including marketing, energy efficiency, better quality of built environment, or for availing any incentives whether given by government or non-government organizations.
CONTACT US
Get in Touch
We do outstanding work with GRIHA Certification, & we’re outstanding to work with.
+91.9910107355
info@ecoinch.com
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