The housing sector in India is growing at a rapid pace and contributing immensely to the
growth of the economy. This augurs well for the country and now there is an imminent
need to introduce green concepts and techniques in this sector, which can aid growth in a
sustainable manner.
Green concepts and techniques in the residential sector can help address national issues
like handling of consumer waste, water efficiency, reduction in fossil fuel use in
commuting, energy efficiency and conserving natural resources. Most importantly, these
concepts can enhance occupant health, happiness and wellbeing.
Against this background, Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) has launched ‘IGBC
Green Homes Rating System’ to address the national priorities. By applying IGBC Green
Homes criteria, homes which are sustainable over the life cycle of the building can be
constructed. This rating programme is a tool which enables the designer to apply green
concepts and criteria, so as to reduce the environmental impacts, which are measurable.
The programme covers methodologies to cover diverse climatic zones and changing
lifestyles.
IGBC Green Homes is the first rating programme developed in India, exclusively for the
residential sector. It is based on accepted energy and environmental principles and strikes a
balance between known established practices and emerging concepts. The system is
designed to be comprehensive in scope, yet simple in operation.
IGBC has set up the Green Homes Core Committee to develop the rating programme. This
committee comprised of key stakeholders including architects, developers, home owners,
manufacturers, institutions and industry representatives. The committee, with a diverse
background and knowledge has enriched the rating system both in its content and process.