IGBC
Certification
Indian Green Building Council’s Varied Certifications
The IGBC Certification is a globally 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.
IGBC CERTIFICATION FEATURES
What Is IGBC Certification
Introduction of IGBC Certification
The Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) stands as a prominent green building certification authority in India, being the nation’s first-ever developed green building rating system. As a part of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), a non-profit and non-government organization with over 9000 members from diverse sectors, IGBC aims to address India’s unique climatic challenges and evolving lifestyles in the context of sustainability.
IGBC’s vision extends beyond national boundaries, aspiring to position India as a global leader in green building practices. The organization collaborates with both public and private sectors, emphasizing a sustainable built environment for all citizens. With the global construction sector expanding rapidly, the imperative to adopt environmentally conscious alternatives is clear. IGBC serves as a catalyst for this transformation, providing essential guidance and certification processes to convert conventional structures into green buildings.
Acknowledging the pivotal role of knowledge and awareness in promoting green building practices, IGBC actively engages with professionals and stakeholders. The organization’s involvement extends throughout the various stages of construction, ensuring the correct implementation of green building principles. This commitment underscores IGBC’s dedication to certifying successful green building projects.
IGBC collaborates closely with Central and State Government authorities and regulatory bodies, demonstrating a concerted effort to translate its vision into reality. By fostering partnerships and spreading awareness, IGBC seeks to establish a future where green building practices become the collective approach in the global architecture and construction landscape. The organization’s multifaceted efforts contribute to creating a safe, sustainable built environment and promoting the myriad benefits of investing in green building initiatives.
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IGBC is the national leader in green building certification.
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Third-Party Certificate
Talk to a Green Building Specialist for a 10-minute free consultation. Explore if IGBC Certification is the right fit for your project.
IGBC Certification Levels
A project can earn the following levels of green building certification spread across the many rating systems in the certification spectrum:
Certified: Best Practices
Silver: Outstanding Performance
Gold: National Excellence
Platinum: Global Leadership
Any of these certification levels can be achieved by attempting points for desired credits divided categorically under various sections such as Sustainable Architecture and Design (SA), Site Selection and Planning (SSP), Water Conservation (WC), Energy Efficiency (EE), Building Materials and Resources (BMR), Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) and Innovation and Development (ID).
Some of these sections contain certain Mandatory Requirements which need to be compulsorily attempted and fulfilled in order to stand eligible for the minimum certification level, that is ‘Certified’. Different levels of green building certification are awarded by IGBC on the basis of total number of points earned under various credits.
To prove that the project is complying with the requirement of a certain credit, various documentary support is required to be submitted such as drawings, construction details, photographs, narratives, purchase invoices, bills, declarations, calculations, analysis, simulations etc. And for this level of comprehensive work, a green building consultant is advised to be appointed who necessarily needs to be an IGBC accredited professional as well.
We, at Ecoinch Services Private Limited, as green building consultants are committed to achieving goals for our clients in terms of comfort, efficiency, performance and profits by providing them the right guidance and support at the right stages of a green building project. Right from the initial consultation stage to the final documentation stage, we keep ourselves involved in the project by constantly coordinating with the client’s team as well as various other project consultants.
The World of Green Building Certifications:
Different IGBC Certifications
IGBC’s vast range of green building rating systems specific to building typologies allows the teams of client, architect and designers to explore, innovate and implement interesting green building features and concepts in the building, not only to help mitigate the various environment related challenges but also to enhance building’s performance and efficiency.
Following are the various rating systems offered by IGBC to it’s clients:
- IGBC Green New Buildings
- IGBC Green Existing Buildings O&M
- IGBC Green Homes
- IGBC Green Residential Societies
- IGBC Green Affordable Housing
- IGBC Green Healthcare Facilities
- IGBC Health and Well-being
- IGBC Green Schools
- IGBC Green Resorts
- IGBC Green Factory Buildings
- IGBC Green Data Center
- IGBC Green Interiors
- IGBC Green Railway Stations
- IGBC Green Place of Worship
- IGBC Green Place of Worship
- IGBC Net Zero Energy Building
- IGBC Net Zero Water Building
- IGBC Net Zero Waste Rating System
- IGBC Green Service Buildings
- IGBC Green Logistics Parks and Warehouses Rating System
- IGBC Green Campus
- IGBC Green Cities
- IGBC Green Existing Cities
- IGBC Green Hill Habitat
- IGBC Green Townships
- IGBC Green SEZs
- IGBC Green Villages
- IGBC Green Landscapes
- IGBC Green Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS)
- IGBC Green High Speed Rail (HSR)
When To Start With Project Registration
Initiating the registration of a green building project within the desired category marks the crucial first step in establishing contact between the client and the IGBC team. The decision on when to register for IGBC certification is aided by a green building consultant, who conducts a thorough initial analysis, verifies data, and compiles a scorecard detailing attempted credits and achievable points.
The optimal time to commence registration is during the concept development stage of the project. Establishing an early connection with IGBC and a green building consultant proves highly effective in implementing various essential aspects and features of a green building.
A key question often arises at the project’s outset: “When to start with registration?” The answer lies in initiating the process during the project’s concept development stage. This early engagement allows seamless collaboration between the architect, green building consultant, and IGBC, streamlining the incorporation of numerous green building features.
Green building extends beyond basic elements like rainwater harvesting and solar PV installation. It encompasses a complex set of features falling under seven main categories:
1. Sustainable Architecture and Design
2. Site Selection and Planning
3. Water Conservation
4. Energy Efficiency
5. Building Materials and Resources
6. Indoor Environmental Quality
7. Innovation and Development
These categories involve numerous credits, with practical implementation required in the initial building design. Registering a project early for green building certification facilitates collaborative efforts between the architect and green building consultant, ensuring the seamless inclusion of these features and preventing future complications.
IGBC Certification Professional Credentials
The IGBC Accredited Professional (AP) credential, offered by the Indian Green Building Council, is valuable for professionals with at least two years of experience. This credential is obtained through the “IGBC Accredited Professional Examination,” allowing professionals to participate in green building certification documentation for projects. An IGBC Accredited Professional in the core project team helps the project automatically qualify for one point under the “Innovation and Design” category.
The IGBC AP exam evaluates essential knowledge of green building design and construction, not limited to any specific IGBC rating system. The exam has four main sections:
Section I: Green Building Design & Construction
This section tests a professional’s understanding of core green building design concepts, construction criteria, and IGBC practices.
.Section II: Building Standards & Codes
Here, candidates demonstrate their knowledge of Indian building standards and codes that align with green building and environmental aspects.
Section III: IGBC Resources and Processes
This section focuses on a candidate’s awareness of IGBC’s certification processes, resources, and the important role of an IGBC AP in projects.
Section IV: Green Design Strategies & Impacts
In this section, candidates show their grasp of green building strategies and the positive impacts of these techniques on projects.
To apply, professionals can register for the IGBC AP exam. Achieving this credential brings multiple benefits and increases the project team’s capabilities in sustainable design and certification.
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IGBC Certification Standards Adopted
IGBC Certification is a collection of technical guidance that the rating systems provide in addition to the existing technical codes and standards that are prevalent in the market. Taking an example of the IGBC New Buildings rating system, the following categories of credits are to be attempted:
- Sustainable Sites
- Water Efficiency
- Energy and Atmosphere
- Materials and Resources
- Indoor Environmental Quality
- Innovation
As can be seen from the above, a wide variety of aspects related to a building’s design and construction are covered under these categories, each of which contain more specific credits with detailed technical requirements that ask a project to meet or exceed certain codes and standards available in the industry.
When working internationally, these codes and standards, and at times certain programs referred to in the IGBC Certification technical guidance can be restrictive to a geographic region. In these circumstances, equivalent technical standards available in a local geography are evaluated and if found technically equivalent, variances are allowed. If not, the original standards need to be followed.
This is crucial for the project technical teams that are working on various aspects of the project design such as HVAC, interior materials and finishes, plumbing codes, health and safety codes, etc. So, designing a IGBC Certified project cannot be done as an afterthought. It requires an in-depth understanding of national and international codes and standards and most importantly, to show compliance as per procedures laid down under the respective rating systems. A green building specialist can help the project team in navigating through the complex maze of compliances and to check the submitted documents, drawings and calculations for compliance as per IGBC Certification requirements.
IGBC Certification Pros and Cons of Implementation
Securing an IGBC Certification is a valuable means of conveying a project’s green building credentials to stakeholders like potential buyers, tenants, and financiers. However, success in obtaining certification extends beyond merely paying fees; it demands meticulous planning from the early stages, starting with the selection of an architect. This comprehensive approach must persist throughout the design and construction phases.
Critical elements of this planning include extensive training for project personnel and detailed technical analyses during the initial design process. Factors such as energy simulations, daylight simulations, material lifecycle cost calculations, and integration of landscape water and evapotranspiration rates necessitate complex computer-based analysis. Neglecting these aspects or failing to adhere to IGBC Certification codes and standards can jeopardize certification, even if fees have been paid in full.
It is imperative for project controllers to keep this constraint in mind, supporting the design team with a green building specialist to ensure adherence to certification requirements. Achieving IGBC Certification is a notable accomplishment, attracting government incentives and enhancing market credibility. Displaying the certification plaque and certificate prominently within the building instills stakeholder confidence, elevates project valuation, and results in a technically superior structure that aligns with environmental, social, and economic responsibilities.
For a more in-depth understanding of the benefits and challenges associated with IGBC Certification, reach out to a green building specialist today. Learn how your project can leverage this certification for goodwill and long-term success.
IGBC 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 IGBC. The project needs to not only specify as per IGBC, 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.
FREQUENT QUESTIONS
Do you have any questions related to IGBC Certification?
IGBC certification, by the Indian Green Building Council, promotes eco-friendly building practices in India. It offers guidelines for creating sustainable and resource-efficient structures. This certification is crucial for encouraging green building methods, minimizing environmental impact, and fostering a healthier and more sustainable built environment in the country.
To get IGBC certification, follow the Indian Green Building Council’s process. Register your project, prepare required documents, and meet prerequisites and credit requirements for your chosen IGBC rating system. Your project will undergo a detailed evaluation of design, construction, and operation to ensure compliance with certification criteria.
IGBC certification is applicable to both new and existing buildings. New construction projects have specific rating systems for different building types. Existing buildings can be certified using the Existing Building Operations and Maintenance (EBOM) rating system, allowing owners to enhance sustainability through operational changes and upgrades. IGBC encourages retrofitting existing buildings for improved environmental friendliness and efficiency.
IGBC provides various rating systems for different project types like residential, commercial, and institutional buildings. The choice of the right certification depends on factors such as the building’s purpose, size, location, and sustainability goals. Each system has specific prerequisites and credit requirements aligned with project objectives. It’s recommended to consult with IGBC-accredited professionals to select the most suitable rating system and guide you through the certification process.
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