Understanding Green Building Certifications
🌱 Comparing Major Green Building Certifications
Certification Origin Strengths Limitations LEED (USGBC) USA Global recognition, flexible rating systems, rigorous benchmarking High documentation cost; US-centric metrics IGBC (Indian Green Building Council) India Tailored to Indian climate & practices; lower cost Less global recognition than LEED GRIHA (Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment) India (TERI) Strong in passive design, energy efficiency; gov-supported Longer assessment period; less corporate adoption WELL Building Standard USA Focus on human wellness, air, water, light, nourishment Not focused on energy/water sustainability BREEAM (UK) UK Life-cycle assessment; detailed categories More popular in Europe; less adoption in Asia EDGE (IFC/World Bank) Global (emerging markets) Fast, cost-effective; focuses on measurable ROI Less comprehensive than LEED or GRIHA
| Certification | Origin | Strengths | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| LEED (USGBC) | USA | Global recognition, flexible rating systems, rigorous benchmarking | High documentation cost; US-centric metrics |
| IGBC (Indian Green Building Council) | India | Tailored to Indian climate & practices; lower cost | Less global recognition than LEED |
| GRIHA (Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment) | India (TERI) | Strong in passive design, energy efficiency; gov-supported | Longer assessment period; less corporate adoption |
| WELL Building Standard | USA | Focus on human wellness, air, water, light, nourishment | Not focused on energy/water sustainability |
| BREEAM (UK) | UK | Life-cycle assessment; detailed categories | More popular in Europe; less adoption in Asia |
| EDGE (IFC/World Bank) | Global (emerging markets) | Fast, cost-effective; focuses on measurable ROI | Less comprehensive than LEED or GRIHA |
What is LEED Platinum?
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a green building certification developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). It evaluates buildings based on:
Energy efficiency
Water usage
Indoor air quality
Material selection
Sustainable site development
To qualify for LEED Platinum, a project must score 80 points or more (out of 110). This level indicates best-in-class performance in sustainability and human wellness.
💧 Water Systems in LEED Platinum Buildings
LEED Platinum-certified facilities are designed to minimize water usage and reuse water efficiently:
Low-flow Fixtures: Advanced faucets, toilets, and urinals reduce water consumption by up to 50%.
Greywater Recycling: Water from sinks and showers is treated and reused for landscaping or toilet flushing.
Rainwater Harvesting: Rain is captured and filtered for non-potable use, reducing pressure on municipal water.
Smart Irrigation: Systems that use weather-based or soil moisture sensors to optimize outdoor water use.
âš¡ Energy Systems in LEED Platinum Buildings
LEED Platinum buildings prioritize energy conservation, renewable energy, and smart design:
Solar Photovoltaic Panels: Generate clean, renewable power on-site.
High-Efficiency HVAC Systems: Use heat recovery, variable-speed fans, and energy modeling to reduce consumption.
LED Lighting with Motion Sensors: Automatically adjust or switch off when areas are not in use.
Building Automation Systems (BAS): Manage lighting, temperature, and ventilation intelligently.
Insulation & Window Glazing: Reduce heat gain/loss and improve natural lighting.
Topic Participants
Rajesh Kishanpuriya