Green building certification is a third-party verification method used to verify a building’s environmental sustainability and performance. Certification programs assess buildings using a variety of criteria, including energy efficiency, water conservation, indoor air quality, and sustainable construction materials. Likewise, by obtaining certification, building owners and developers demonstrate their dedication to sustainability and environmental responsibility.

Several organisations all over the world provide green building certification schemes. In addition, some of the more noteworthy green building certification bodies are:

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)
LEED green building certification, developed by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC), is one of the world’s most widely recognised green building certification schemes. The green building LEED certification in India is based on a points system in which buildings receive credits for achieving specific sustainability requirements.

BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method)
BREEAM is a UK-based certification program that evaluates a building’s sustainability performance. The BREEAM accreditation is based on a thorough assessment of a building’s environmental effect, which includes: energy efficiency, water conservation, and waste management.

WELL Certification
The WELL Building Standard is a certification scheme that promotes building occupant health and wellness. Moreover, The International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) developed WELL certification, which is based on a set of standards that promotes indoor air quality, natural light, and physical activity.

EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies)
EDGE is a certification program created by the International Finance Corporation. The EDGE accreditation recognises buildings that use at least 20% less energy, water, and materials than a typical building.

Green Globes
Green Globes is a certification scheme that assesses the environmental sustainability and energy efficiency of buildings. Also, Green Globes accreditation, created by the Green Building Initiative (GBI), is based on a thorough evaluation of a building’s environmental effect.

India has made huge progress in encouraging green construction standards, with several certification schemes accessible to developers and builders. Some of the green building certification comparison​ in India are:

Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) Certification
The Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) is a non-profit organisation that promotes environmentally friendly construction methods in India. IGBC green building certification​ is based on a points system, with buildings receiving credit for achieving different sustainability requirements.

GRIHA (Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment)
GRIHA is India’s national green building certification​ ranking system. In addition, The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) developed GRIHA certification, which assesses buildings based on their environmental sustainability and energy efficiency.

BEE (Bureau of Energy Efficiency) Ratings
The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) is the government body in charge of promoting energy efficiency in India. BEE ratings assess buildings’ energy efficiency, with higher ratings signifying greater performance.

EPI (Energy Performance Index)
The Energy Performance Index (EPI) is a certification method that assesses the energy efficiency of Indian buildings. EPI certification is based on a thorough evaluation of a building’s energy use and efficiency measures.

Eco-Housing Certification
The Eco-Housing Certification program aims to encourage sustainable housing standards in India. Specifically, Eco-Housing Certification, created by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), assesses buildings based on their environmental sustainability, energy efficiency, and social responsibility.

The requirements are unique for each green building certification program. For instance, to explain the requirements of green building: there are a few general criteria that structures must satisfy in order to be certified. Some of the major needs are:

Energy Efficiency Standards
Energy efficiency is a key component of green building certification. Buildings must fulfil minimal energy-saving and efficiency criteria. This involves using energy-efficient lighting (such as LED lights), high-performance heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, and designing the building envelope optimally. These steps assist to minimise the building’s overall energy usage, which lowers both operational expenses and its carbon impact. Efficient energy usage is critical for lessening the building’s environmental impact by reducing dependency on nonrenewable energy sources and greenhouse gas emissions.

Sustainable Building Materials
Green building certifications mandate the use of sustainable materials with a lower environmental effect than traditional alternatives. This includes materials acquired locally to decrease transportation emissions, as well as items recycled or created from renewable resources. Sustainably sourced resources, such as certified timber from responsible forestry techniques, are also promoted. The use of such materials slows the depletion of natural resources, eliminates waste, and promotes a circular economy. Buildings that use sustainable materials serve to reduce the construction industry’s environmental imprint while also supporting long-term sustainability.

Water Management Systems
Water efficiency is an important aspect of green building certification. Buildings must include water management systems to conserve water and decrease waste. This involves installing low-flow faucets, showers, and toilets to reduce water use. Rainwater harvesting systems and greywater reuse are other typical practices in sustainable buildings, allowing water to be recovered for non-potable purposes such as irrigation or flushing toilets. These technologies assist to minimise the building’s dependency on municipal water supplies, save a valuable resource, and cut water-related expenditures. Efficient water management is especially crucial in areas with water scarcity or drought conditions.

Indoor Environmental Quality
A green building practice must prioritise its residents’ health and well-being by maintaining excellent indoor environmental quality (IEQ). This includes enough ventilation to guarantee a steady flow of fresh air, which is critical for maintaining high indoor air quality and lowering indoor pollutant concentrations. Maximising natural light is another important part of enhancing indoor environmental quality, since it has been found to improve mental health and productivity. Air quality monitoring is also necessary to keep dangerous contaminants (such as VOCs, radon, and carbon dioxide) at acceptable levels. Together, these qualities contribute to a healthier, more pleasant environment for individuals who live or work in the building.

Site Sustainability
Site sustainability aims to reduce the environmental effect of the building’s location and surrounding region. This involves maintaining existing natural habitats, minimising harm to the surrounding ecology, and safeguarding biodiversity throughout building. Sustainable site practices also aim to reduce stormwater runoff, which can cause flooding and water contamination. Stormwater may be properly managed using techniques such as permeable pavement, green roofs, and rain gardens. Green buildings minimise their influence on the earth by selecting sites that do not harm sensitive areas and constructing structures that mix with the natural surroundings. In certain situations, this may be restorative.

Site Sustainability
Site sustainability aims to reduce the environmental effect of the building’s location and surrounding region. This involves maintaining existing natural habitats, minimising harm to the surrounding ecology, and safeguarding biodiversity throughout building. Sustainable site practices also aim to reduce stormwater runoff, which can cause flooding and water contamination. Stormwater may be properly managed using techniques such as permeable pavement, green roofs, and rain gardens. Green buildings minimise their influence on the earth by selecting sites that do not harm sensitive areas and constructing structures that mix with the natural surroundings. In certain situations, this may be restorative.