IGBC

Introduction

The Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) is a part of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and was established in the year 2001. It is dedicated to promoting sustainable building practices in India and driving the adoption of green building concepts and technologies.

Mission

IGBC's mission is to enable a sustainable built environment for all and transform India into one of the global leaders in sustainable built environments by 2025.

Objectives

The primary objectives of IGBC are:

• Promote green building concepts, technologies, and practices.
• Facilitate the adoption of green building rating systems.
• Improve environmental performance and reduce the carbon footprint of buildings.
• Enhance occupant health and well-being through better indoor environmental quality.
• Drive economic benefits through energy and resource efficiency.

Key Initiatives and Programs

1. Certification and Rating Systems

IGBC offers several rating systems and certification programs for different types of buildings and projects:

• IGBC Green Homes: Certification for residential buildings.
• IGBC Green New Buildings: Certification for new commercial, institutional, and industrial buildings.
• IGBC Green Existing Buildings: Certification for existing buildings aiming to improve sustainability.
• IGBC Green Interiors: Certification for interior spaces in commercial buildings.
• IGBC Green Townships: Certification for sustainable planning and development of townships.
• IGBC Green Cities: Certification for sustainable urban planning and development.

2. Training and Capacity Building

IGBC conducts various training programs, workshops, seminars, and conferences to build capacity and enhance knowledge among professionals in the green building industry. These initiatives cover green building design, construction, operation, and maintenance.

3. Advocacy and Policy Support

IGBC collaborates with government bodies, industry associations, and stakeholders to advocate for policies and regulations that promote green building practices. The council provides technical assistance and guidance for the development of green building codes and standards.

4. Research and Development

IGBC supports research and development activities aimed at advancing green building technologies and practices. This includes developing new methodologies, tools, and resources to improve the sustainability of the built environment.

5. Awareness and Outreach

IGBC organizes awareness campaigns, exhibitions, and outreach activities to educate the public, building professionals, and policymakers about the benefits and importance of green buildings. These efforts aim to increase awareness and promote the adoption of sustainable building practices.

Certification Process

The certification process for IGBC involves several steps:

1. Registration: Project registration with IGBC and selection of the appropriate rating system.
2. Documentation: Submission of detailed project documentation demonstrating compliance with IGBC criteria.
3. Review: Preliminary and final reviews by IGBC assessors.
4. Site Visits: On-site inspections to verify compliance with IGBC criteria and evaluate sustainable practices.
5. Certification: Awarding of IGBC certification based on points earned.

Benefits of IGBC Certification

• Environmental Benefits: Reduces environmental impact through resource-efficient design and operation.
• Economic Benefits: Lowers operational costs through energy and water efficiency.
• Health and Well-being: Improves indoor environmental quality, enhancing occupant health and productivity.
• Market Differentiation: Enhances marketability and competitiveness by demonstrating a commitment to sustainability.
• Regulatory Recognition: Qualifies for incentives and benefits under government policies.

Conclusion

The Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) plays a pivotal role in promoting sustainable building practices in India. Through its certification programs, training initiatives, advocacy efforts, and research activities, IGBC is driving the adoption of green building technologies and practices across the country. By achieving IGBC certification, projects contribute to environmental conservation, benefit economically, and improve the quality of life for building occupants.

• Scope of Certification Programs IGBC offers certification programs for various types of buildings and projects, each with specific criteria tailored to the unique requirements of different building types. The scope of these programs includes:Building Types Residential Buildings: Single-family homes, multi-family residential buildings, and townships. Commercial Buildings: Office buildings, retail spaces, hotels, and mixed-use developments. Institutional Buildings: Schools, universities, hospitals, and other institutional facilities. Industrial Buildings: Factories, warehouses, and industrial facilities. Interior Spaces: Office interiors, retail interiors, and other commercial interiors. Existing Buildings: Buildings seeking to improve their sustainability performance post-construction.

Certification Process

The certification process for IGBC involves the following steps:

1. Registration: The project team registers the project with IGBC and selects the appropriate rating system.

2. Documentation: Detailed documentation is submitted to demonstrate compliance with IGBC criteria. This includes architectural drawings, specifications, and calculations.

3. Preliminary Review: IGBC assessors conduct a preliminary review of the documentation to identify any deficiencies or areas needing clarification.

4. Final Documentation: After addressing preliminary comments, final documentation is submitted for review.

5. Site Visit: IGBC assessors conduct an on-site visit to verify compliance with IGBC criteria and evaluate the implementation of sustainable practices.