Green Buildings in India: The GRIHA Approach Published on 12 Feb 2013

Over the last century, as buildings reached higher into the sky, they not only housed growing populations—they became symbols of modernity and progress. But somewhere along the way, buildings also became detrimental for the earth's climate. Today, 40% of energy-related global emissions are attributed to buildings. 60% of waste comes from buildings or related activities. But on a smarter planet, buildings can be designed differently- buildings that harness gifts of nature, buildings that need less energy, buildings that breathe. This was the vision that created GRIHA or Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment. GRIHA is a tool that measures a building's environmental performance, and it works in all climatic zones of the country. Developed by TERI, GRIHA has been adopted by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy as India's National Rating System. It is a green building 'design evaluation system', and is suitable for all kinds of buildings in different climatic zones of the country.

Read more