Developing a Green Building

The Process of Developing a Green Building in India

1. Project Planning & Team Formation

• Define sustainability goals (IGBC/GRIHA/LEED/ECBC compliance)
• Assemble a green team with architects, engineers, and sustainability experts

2. Site Selection & Analysis

• Choose sites with good public transport links and minimal ecological impact
• Assess site features for daylight, landscaping, rainwater harvesting

3. Pre-Design Studies

• Conduct baseline energy, water, and materials audits
• Set benchmarks using ECBC 2017 or IGBC norms

4. Sustainable Architectural & Engineering Design

• Passive design: optimize building orientation, daylight, and ventilation
• Choose regional, recycled, and ecolabelled materials (GreenPro certified)
• Design for water efficiency: low-flow fixtures, harvesting, recycling
• Energy efficiency: high-performance envelope, efficient lighting/HVAC, renewable energy
• Ensure indoor environmental quality: low-VOC materials, good ventilation, comfort

5. Documentation & Green Certification Registration

• Prepare documentation as per rating protocols
• Register project with IGBC/GRIHA/LEED (precertification)

6. Construction Implementation

• Follow best practices for waste minimization, segregation, and reuse
• Use local/certified materials, control dust/noise/pollution
• Regular sustainability audits and compliance checks

7. Commissioning & Performance Testing

• Test and verify all building systems
• Independent third-party commissioning and documentation audits

8. Occupancy, Operation & Maintenance

• Train occupants and managers for sustainable practices
• Monitor building performance (energy, water, IAQ)
• Pursue final certification post-occupancy

9. Post-Occupancy Evaluation & Continuous Improvement

• Conduct surveys and audits, act on feedback
• Implement retrofits/upgrades as needed to maintain green standards

Building green in India is a collaborative, holistic process that delivers long-term benefits for people, profit, and the planet!