Green buildings are structures that are designed and constructed in an environmentally responsible and resource-efficient manner. In India, green buildings are promoted and recognized through a rating system called the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system.
The LEED rating system is a voluntary, third-party certification program that evaluates the environmental performance of buildings and recognizes buildings that meet certain standards of sustainability. The rating system is administered by the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC), which is a part of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).
There are several categories of LEED certification in India, including:
- New Construction: This category is for new buildings that are being constructed from the ground up.
- Existing Buildings: This category is for existing buildings that are undergoing renovations or retrofits to improve their sustainability.
- Neighborhood Development: This category is for large-scale, mixed-use developments that include residential, commercial, and public spaces.
- Homes: This category is for single-family homes and multi-family residential buildings.
- Schools: This category is for educational institutions, including primary, secondary, and higher education facilities.
- Data Centers: This category is for data centers and other information and communication technology facilities.
In order to achieve LEED certification in India, buildings must earn a certain number of points in different categories, such as energy efficiency, water conservation, indoor environmental quality, and materials and resources. The number of points required for certification depends on the category of the building and the level of certification being sought.
By promoting the construction and operation of green buildings, the LEED rating system helps to reduce the environmental impact of the building or premises.