Buildings, be they hotels, hospitals, IT parks, offices or residential spaces, are usually termed as energy guzzlers. From lighting up the structure to operating elevators, every single operational activity in a building requires energy. As a result, the impact of buildings on the environment can no longer be ignored. In fact, an IEA report shows that buildings are the largest energy consuming sector in the world. They account for over one-third of total final energy consumption and are an equally important source of carbon dioxide emissions.

The first step towards making a building sustainable is making it energy-efficient. Various standards and certifications have been developed to identify sustainable constructions. They not only help you create and recognize environment-friendly buildings but also act as reference points for buildings aspiring to become sustainable. Some of the popular national and international green building certifications are:

GRIHA (Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment) is an independent platform for the interaction on scientific and administrative issues related to sustainable habitats in India. It was founded by TERI (The Energy and Resources Institute) with support from MNRE (Ministry of New and Renewable Energy).