A STUDY INTO THE ADVENT AND GROWTH OF GREEN BUILDING PRACTICES IN INDIA

Abstract

This research aims to address few of the key factors related to green building rating programs with focus on India. India is known to be the seventh largest country in the world and is estimated that in a global construction perspective, “India would overtake Japan by 2020 to become the third largest construction market” (Global Perspective report by Global construction perspective). Hence by understanding the key factors influencing the growth and spread of green buildings in India, we can understand the impact of factors such as certification programs, rating systems, local policies, investor/developer trend, customer awareness etc. - on the advent and growth of green buildings in general at a global level. One of the pivotal factors in this seems to be the role of certification authorities and the rating system they use. The two prominent certification authorities in India are the GRIHA and LEED-India. They both play critical roles in the implementation of green buildings in their own unique ways. LEED-India, which is based on the global LEED Council, has been embraced due to its global recognition and increased access to professional services. LEEDIndia has dominated the certification scene in India. GRIHA on the other hand is designed to cater to the specific needs of the local customer with impetus to use locally available resources. GRIHA hence focuses on the implementation with standards focused for the Indian conditions. GRIHA has developed the rating system suitable for all regions with different climatic zones of the country.

This study seeks to understand the reasons for the popularity of the two green rating systems in India - LEED or GRIHA – and in the process understands the reasons that seem to influence the advent and growth of green buildings in India. The report also provides an overview into the size of the green industry in India. To promote large scale GRIHA rated projects for design and construction of green buildings, the MNRE provide incentives by giving back the registration fees and cash awards who adopts GRIHA rating system. Government of India has now proposed that all new development must be 4 stars compliant subject to site conditions. GRIHA is also looking beyond buildings - such as habitats - making all new projects to adhere to these principles (Businesswise India, 2010) Questionnaire were prepared and sent to the Developers, Architects (Non LEED Accredited professional), LEED Professionals (Architects and Engineers) and GRIHA professionals. The findings in the survey reveal that Indian construction has been slowly moving towards the green construction. Responses from LEEDcertified professionals and Non-LEED professionals show that there is a huge lack of awareness about the GRIHA certification programme. Some interesting responses were also received such as - an architect who commented that the LEED consultants are benefited in certifying a green buildings compared to GRIHA consultants. Such comments provide us some of the little known facts that may be influencing the green building initiatives in India. One fact that came out of the study is that both systems irrespective of their differences clearly understand the importance of sustainable construction and are continually striving to achieve it.The two systems have achieved considerable popularity and are treated as the de-facto green certification systems in India.