Green Building Codes are a set of rules and standards designed to minimize the environmental impact of buildings through efficient use of energy, water, and materials. In India, buildings account for approximately 35% of total energy consumption, making these codes vital for achieving India’s “Net Zero” target by 2070. These codes govern the entire lifecycle of a structure, from site selection and design to construction, operation, and eventual demolition.
The Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC)
Launched by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) under the Ministry of Power, the ECBC is the primary regulatory instrument for energy efficiency in commercial buildings.
- Legal Basis: Established under the Energy Conservation Act, 2001.
- Scope: Applies to new commercial buildings with a connected load of 100 kW or a contract demand of 120 kVA or more.
- Levels of Compliance:
- ECBC Building: Meets the minimum mandatory requirements.
- ECBC+ Building: Shows higher efficiency than the base code.
- Super ECBC Building: Represents the highest level of energy efficiency, targeting near zero energy consumption.
- Key Parameters: Focuses on the Building Envelope (walls, roofs, windows), Lighting systems, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems, and Electrical power systems.
Eco-Niwas Samhita (ENS)
While ECBC targets commercial spaces, the Eco-Niwas Samhita is the Energy Conservation Building Code for Residential Buildings.
- Objective: To limit heat gain (to keep houses cool in summer) and ensure adequate natural ventilation and daylighting.
- Impact: Implementation helps in reducing the “Urban Heat Island” effect and lowers electricity bills for residents through “Passive Design” strategies.
Major Green Building Rating Systems in India
Rating systems provide the framework for certifying a building as “Green” based on its performance across various environmental categories.
| Rating System | Developing Authority | Focus Area |
| GRIHA | TERI & MoEFCC | Holistic “Greenness” including site selection, waste, and health. |
| IGBC Ratings | Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) | Voluntary ratings based on LEED (USA) standards adapted for India. |
| BEE Star Rating | Bureau of Energy Efficiency | Specifically measures operational energy efficiency (1-5 Stars). |
| LEED India | US Green Building Council (USGBC) | International standard widely used by multinational corporations in India. |
GRIHA (Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment)
GRIHA is India’s National Rating System for Green Buildings. It was developed by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) and adopted by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
- Philosophy: “What gets measured, gets managed.”
- Criteria: It evaluates 34 criteria across various categories including site planning, water conservation, energy efficiency, and waste management.
- Scoring: Projects are awarded 1 to 5 stars based on the points earned. It is mandatory for several government building projects.
Key Features of Green Building Design
For UPSC Prelims, it is essential to understand the technical components that make a building “Green.”
- Passive Design: Using the building’s orientation, window placement, and insulation to manage temperature naturally without mechanical cooling.
- Cool Roofs: Using solar-reflective surfaces to reduce heat absorption.
- Net Zero Energy (NZEB): A building that produces as much energy through renewable sources (like rooftop solar) as it consumes annually.
- Greywater Recycling: Treating water from sinks and showers for use in flushing or landscaping.
- Sustainable Materials: Use of fly-ash bricks, bamboo, recycled steel, and low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) paints.
National Building Code (NBC) 2016
The National Building Code, published by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), contains a specific chapter (Part 11) titled “Approach to Sustainability.” This integrates green practices into the comprehensive building regulations used by municipal bodies across India.
Facts and Trivia for Aspirants
- First Green Building in India: The CII-Sohrabji Godrej Green Business Centre in Hyderabad was the first building in India to receive the LEED Platinum rating (2003).
- Model Building Bye-Laws: The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) has integrated green building norms into the Model Building Bye-Laws to encourage states to adopt them.
- Energy Conservation (Amendment) Act, 2022: This amendment expanded the scope of ECBC to include “Energy Conservation and Sustainable Building Code,” which now covers embodied carbon and natural resource depletion.
- World Green Building Council: India is a leading member, and the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) is among the most active global chapters.