Why GRIHA Certification Matters? Advantages of GRIHA Rating System

Sustainable architecture is a growing concern in today's world, and creating a greener future is more important than ever before. The Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment (GRIHA) rating system is an initiative aimed at promoting sustainable architecture. In this article, we'll look at why GRIHA Certification is essential and what benefits it offers to the construction industry.

What is GRIHA Certification?

GRIHA is a rating system used to rate the environmental performance of buildings. It was launched in 2007 and is a collaborative effort between the Government of India and The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI). GRIHA is designed to be a tool that guides and inspires sustainable construction practices, making it a critical aspect of the Indian construction industry.
Objective of GRIHA Certification

The primary objective of the GRIHA Certification is to minimize the utilization of resources in buildings. It also strives to decrease waste generation and the overall ecological effects within specific boundaries and rating standards. GRIHA promotes the reduction of resource consumption, waste generation, and overall environmental impact in buildings by comparing them against specific benchmarks and limits.

Five “R” of GRIHA

Refuse: Embrace global trends, materials, technologies, and products selectively, particularly in areas where local alternatives are readily accessible.
Reduce: Decrease reliance on energy-intensive systems, products, and processes.
Reuse: Incorporate materials, products, and traditional technologies in building design to minimize costs.
Recycle: Ensure all possible waste generated from the building site, operation, construction, and demolition is recycled.
Reinvent: Innovate engineering systems, designs, and practices to establish India as a source of global benchmarks, rather than solely imitating global examples.

Criteria of GRIHA Certification

The evaluation and rating process for GRIHA Certification follows a three-tiered system. An experienced team of professionals and experts will conduct an initial assessment and assign points based on specific criteria. These criteria are categorized into two major areas:

1. Conservation and Efficient Resource Utilization
2. Health and Well-being

Benefits of holding a GRIHA certified building

1. Energy Efficiency with Improved Comfort: GRIHA certification ensures reduced energy consumption while maintaining comfortable conditions within the building.
2. Preservation of Natural Areas and Biodiversity: GRIHA certified buildings contribute to the preservation of natural habitats and biodiversity by minimizing the destruction of natural areas and reducing soil loss caused by erosion and similar destructive incidents.
3. Pollution Reduction: GRIHA certification leads to a decrease in air and water pollution within and around the building.
4. Water Conservation: GRIHA certified buildings promote water conservation through efficient practices, resulting in reduced water consumption.
5. Waste Reduction through Recycling and Reuse: GRIHA guidelines encourage waste reduction through effective recycling and reuse methods.
6. Decreased Pollution Loads: GRIHA certification helps in reducing overall pollution loads, contributing to a cleaner and healthier environment.
7. Improved User Productivity: GRIHA certified buildings create a conducive environment that enhances user productivity and well-being.
8. Enhanced Image and Marketability: Holding a GRIHA certification adds value to the building, enhancing its reputation and marketability in the industry.

Some of The GRIHA Certified Projects in India
Asian Fedelis Hospital, Faridabad, India, GRIHA Certified
Indian Aviation Academy, Noida, India
Kartarpur Terminal, Punjab, India
District Treasury Office, Himachal Pradesh, India