Nidhi Handa
Section-C
th
Sem-5
ASSIGNMENT
SPACE
PLANNING
AND
SUSTAINABILITY
Question -Discuss the following in the context of
Green Building: Concept, Features and limitations
of Green rating system in national and
international organisations.
Green Rating Systems: A Framework for Sustainable Buildings
Green rating systems are a set of standards and guidelines used to evaluate
the sustainability performance of buildings. These systems assess various
aspects of a building’s design, construction, and operation, including energy
efficiency, water conservation, material selection, indoor environmental
quality, and site sustainability. By adhering to these standards, buildings can
significantly reduce their environmental impact and enhance occupant well-
being.
Concept
The fundamental concept behind green rating systems is to promote
sustainable building practices that minimize the negative environmental
impact of buildings while maximizing their positive impact on human health
and well-being. These systems encourage the use of renewable energy
sources, efficient resource utilization, and the creation of healthy indoor
environments.
Features
Green rating systems typically include the following features:
Point-Based System: Most systems assign points to various sustainable
features and practices. Buildings earn points for meeting specific criteria,
and the total number of points determines the overall rating.
Performance-Based Standards: These standards focus on the actual
performance of a building rather than just its design. They often require
ongoing monitoring and verification of energy and water use, indoor air
quality, and other performance metrics.
Third-Party Certification: Green building certification is typically provided
by independent third-party organizations. These organizations assess the
building against the rating system’s criteria and verify compliance.
Multiple Categories: Green rating systems usually cover a wide range of
sustainability categories, including:
Site Sustainability: Land use, transportation, and site development
practices.
Water Efficiency: Water conservation measures, water reuse, and water
quality.
Energy Efficiency: Energy-efficient design, renewable energy sources, and
energy performance.
Materials and Resources: Sustainable material selection, waste reduction,
and construction waste management.
Indoor Environmental Quality: Indoor air quality, lighting, thermal
comfort, and acoustics.
Innovation and Design: Innovative strategies and technologies that
promote sustainability.
Limitations
While green rating systems are valuable tools for promoting sustainable
building practices, they also have some limitations:
Cost: Implementing green building strategies can often be more expensive
upfront, although long-term cost savings are possible through reduced
energy and water consumption.
Complexity: Some rating systems can be complex and time-consuming to
navigate, requiring specialized knowledge and expertise.
Regional Variations: Different regions have varying climate conditions,
resource availability, and building codes, which can make it challenging to
apply universal green building standards.
Focus on New Construction: Many rating systems are primarily designed
for new construction projects, with limited guidance for existing buildi
Potential for Greenwashing: Some projects may use green building
certifications as a marketing tool without genuinely implementing
sustainable practices.
National and International Green
Rating Systems
Several national and international organizations have developed green
building rating systems to promote sustainable building practices. Some of
the most prominent ones include:
National Green Rating Systems
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) – Developed
by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), LEED is one of the most widely
recognized green building rating systems globally. It covers a wide range of
building types, including commercial, residential, and institutional buildings.
Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) – The IGBC has developed several
green building rating systems for different building types in India, such as
IGBC Green Homes, IGBC Green Offices, and IGBC Green Factories.
Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment (GRIHA) – Developed
by the GRIHA Council, GRIHA is a comprehensive green building rating
system that focuses on both environmental and social sustainability.
Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method
(BREEAM) – Developed by the Building Research Establishment (BRE) in the
UK, BREEAM is a comprehensive sustainability assessment method. It covers
a wide range of building types, including new construction, refurbishment,
and existing buildings.
Green Star – Developed by the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA),
Green Star is a suite of rating tools for buildings, communities, and fitouts.
Comprehensive Assessment System for Building Environmental
Efficiency (CASBEE) –
Developed by the Institute for Building Environment and Energy
Conservation (IBEC) in Japan, CASBEE is a comprehensive assessment
system that evaluates the environmental performance of buildings.
Haute Qualite Environnementale (HQE) – Developed by Certivéa in
France, HQE is a French certification for sustainable construction. It focuses
on the environmental quality of buildings, taking into account factors such as
energy consumption, water use, and indoor air quality.
Deutsche Gesellschaft für Nachhaltiges Bauen (DGNB) – Developed by
the German Sustainable Building Council, DGNB is a German certification
system for sustainable buildings. It covers a wide range of sustainability
criteria, including ecological, economic, and sociocultural aspects.
Pearl Rating System – Developed by Estidama, the sustainability initiative
of the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council, the Pearl Rating System is a
sustainability rating system for buildings in the United Arab Emirates.
Singapore Green Building Council (SGBC) – The SGBC has developed a
green building
rating system for buildings in Singapore. It focuses on energy efficiency,
water conservation, and indoor environmental quality.
International Green Rating Systems
Passivhaus – Developed by the Passive House Institute in Germany,
Passivhaus is a rigorous standard for energy-efficient buildings. Passivhaus
buildings require very little energy for heating and cooling, and they are
designed to maintain a comfortable indoor climate year-round.
WELL Building Standard – Developed by the International WELL Building
Institute (IWBI), the WELL Building Standard focuses on the health and well-
being of building occupants. It addresses factors such as air quality, lighting,
and acoustics.
Net Zero Energy Building Certification – Developed by the International
Living Future Institute (ILFI), the Net Zero Energy Building Certification
recognizes buildings that produce as much energy as they consume.
Green Globes – Developed by Green Globes, Green Globes is a green
building certification program that recognizes sustainable building practices.
It covers a wide range of sustainability criteria, including energy efficiency,
water conservation, and materials selection.
Sustainable Building Alliance (SBA) – Developed by the International
Organization for Standardization (ISO), the SBA is a global initiative that
promotes sustainable building practices. It provides a framework for
developing and implementing sustainable building standards.
Benefits of Green Rating Systems:
1. Recognizes sustainable design and construction
2. Enhances building value and marketability
3. Improves occupant health and productivity
4. Reduces environmental impact
5. Encourages innovation and best practices
6. Supports regulatory compliance
7. Enhances corporate social responsibility
Challenges and Future Directions:
1. Standardization and harmonization of rating systems
2. Addressing climate change and resilience
3. Integrating green building into urban planning
4. Increasing affordability and accessibility
5. Developing metrics for social and economic sustainability
Conclusion
Green building is a critical aspect of sustainable development, and green
rating systems play a crucial role in promoting and evaluating sustainable
building practices. By understanding the concepts, features, and limitations
of green rating systems, building professionals can make informed decisions
to design and construct more sustainable buildings that contribute to a
healthier planet. As technology advances and our understanding of
sustainability deepens, we can expect to see continued innovation and
improvement in green building practices and rating systems.
