Green Buildings in India: The Rise of IGBC and GRIHA Certifications in Sustainable Real Estate

Understanding IGBC and GRIHA Certifications

India has two prominent green building certification systems:

1. IGBC (Indian Green Building Council)

Established by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), IGBC offers certification for various types of buildings—residential, commercial, schools, hospitals, and more. It assesses parameters like:

• Site selection and planning

• Water and energy efficiency

• Indoor environmental quality

• Use of sustainable and recycled materials

IGBC-certified buildings are rated as Certified, Silver, Gold, or Platinum, depending on the level of green features incorporated.

2. GRIHA (Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment)

Developed by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) and endorsed by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), GRIHA is tailored to Indian climatic and construction conditions. It evaluates:

• Energy performance

• Water harvesting and reuse

• Waste management

• Use of local materials

• Construction practices

GRIHA scores buildings on a 100-point scale and assigns star ratings accordingly.

While both systems aim at promoting sustainability, GRIHA is more aligned with government initiatives, and IGBC enjoys stronger private sector traction.

Why Green Certifications Matter

Green-certified buildings offer a multitude of benefits for developers, occupants, and the environment:

• Reduced Energy Bills: Through efficient HVAC systems, insulation, and lighting solutions.

• Lower Water Usage: Through rainwater harvesting, dual plumbing, and low-flow fixtures.

• Better Health and Productivity: Cleaner air and natural lighting improve well-being.

• Higher Asset Value: Green-certified properties command better market value and resale potential.

• Incentives: Several state governments in India offer tax rebates, faster approvals, and extra FAR (Floor Area Ratio) to green-certified projects.

Moreover, corporate occupiers increasingly prefer green-certified office spaces as part of their ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) goals. Investors are also factoring in sustainability credentials before backing real estate developments.

Market Trends and Growth Drivers

India is among the top five countries in the world for LEED-certified green buildings, and the domestic market for IGBC and GRIHA certified structures is expanding fast. Cities like Pune, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Ahmedabad are witnessing a spike in eco-conscious residential and commercial developments.

A few key trends driving this growth include:

• Government Push: Through schemes like Smart Cities Mission and Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC).

• Corporate Sustainability Goals: Especially among IT and financial services firms.

• Urban Consumer Awareness: More homebuyers are asking about sustainability features and certifications.

• Financing Green Projects: Availability of green bonds and incentives from banks.

Even Tier 2 cities are now seeing developers integrate sustainable practices to differentiate their projects and appeal to environmentally conscious buyers.

The Role of Technology in Green Building Management

Certifying a building is only the beginning. Maintaining its green credentials over time requires monitoring, reporting, and optimization—which is where technology plays a pivotal role.

From automated HVAC controls to AI-powered energy analytics and smart irrigation systems, modern green buildings are deeply dependent on digital infrastructure. Property managers need real-time data on water usage, indoor air quality, and energy consumption to ensure compliance with IGBC and GRIHA standards.

HexaHome and Hexadecimal Software: Enabling the Green Shift

As India embraces sustainability in real estate, platforms like HexaHome are making a meaningful impact by listing and promoting green-certified properties. HexaHome helps property seekers filter listings based on IGBC or GRIHA certification, sustainability features, and energy ratings—empowering consumers to make informed, eco-friendly choices.

Behind HexaHome’s green focus is Hexadecimal Software, the technology backbone enabling smart property listings, energy tracking, and certification-based filtering. Their data-driven approach helps developers manage green compliance while improving transparency for buyers.

By bridging the gap between sustainable development and digital adoption, HexaHome and Hexadecimal Software are playing a crucial role in building a greener, more responsible future for Indian real estate.