By C. Shekar Reddy, Chairman, IGBC, Hyderabad Chapter
The need of the hour is to rediscover our rich architectural ethos and promote homes and habitats that breathe freely. Building on this imperative, in 2008, IGBC, a part of CII, launched an exclusive rating system with a focus on the design of green homes. The rating system addresses national priorities and encourages designing homes that are a blend of India’s ancient architectural practices and modern technological innovations.

IGBC will continue to inspire everyone to adopt the green way of living. Small but significant steps will make a big difference to us and to the people around us, and eventually to the global community. In fact, growing awareness across stakeholders is accelerating adoption and promotion of green homes in the country

C. Shekar Reddy

A green home has tremendous benefits, both tangible and intangible. It has energy savings of 30 to 40% and water savings of 20 to 30% over a conventional home. The intangible benefit is better health of occupants through abundant daylighting in every part of home and enhanced ventilation. Providing fresh air ventilation removes stale air, and thereby ensures occupant’s health and comfort and enhances productivity.

Some of the distinct measures adopted in a green home, which one may not normally find in conventional designs, include thermally insulated walls, reflective roof to prevent heat island effect, daylighting, use of sun pipes, shading devices, use of salvaged materials, low VOC paints, low-flow fixtures, energy-efficient (CFL or LED) lamps, on-site waste water treatment, vermin-composting, energy and water sub-metering, and installation of energy-efficient (BEE 3 / 4 star-rated) appliances.

From 2008 to 2018: An inspiring green journey
Looking back, IGBC’s green journey has been inspiring and fulfilling. Over 1,800 green homes are adopting IGBC green homes rating system.


Some of the IGBC rated green homes in Hyderabad include the following:

• Avani Residence
• RBI Senior Officers Quarters
• Maalaxmi Courtyard
• Quiescent Heights
• Raheja Vistas
• Aparna Sarovar Grande

IGBC aspires to facilitate 10 billion sq.ft of green building footprint by 2022 (when India turns 75), and green homes and residential spaces will play a catalytic role in realizing this. IGBC aspires that the place we live in, work, study, play, and commute to, will go the green way and in the process facilitate in building a greener and healthier India.

Benefits of IGBC rated Green Homes
Factors	Benefits
Soil Erosion Control	Preservation and reuse of topsoil to ensure survival of plants and vegetation in the landscape
Water Fixture (Reflecting UPC of Indian Standards)	Taps - Fit aerators to save 20% Water Closet - Dual Flush to save 30% Showers - Aerator to save 20% Kitchen Sink - Aerator to save 20% Health Faucet-Aerator to save 20% Monthly Water Bill Savings-Rs.300-500 per dwelling unit
Daylighting	Less usage of artificial lighting Natural ventilation & cross-ventilation
Lighting	Use of efficient lights and LEDs will save 30-40% light energy Bettering ECBC code compliance
Energy Efficient Appliances	BEE 3 star and above rated appliances like AC, Water Cooler, LED TV, Refrigerator, Water Heater will save 15-20% energy Monthly Energy Cost Savings-Rs.200-500 per dwelling unit
Rainwater Harvesting	Helps in increasing groundwater level Reduces dependency on potable water for landscape Less number of water tankers
Prevention of Heat Islands on Roof & Non-roof	Tree cover, grass-pavers, grid-pavers, china-mosaic tiles, high albedo material etc address heat-island effect and enable microclimate and less load on A/C
Landscape Design	Maintaining vegetation without depending on water is the intent Plants which are native, adaptive, drought tolerant species and green corner will consume less water and need less maintenance
Waste Water Treatment & Reuse	Sewage Treatment Plant: On-site waste water treatment ensures less dependence on potable water Treated water reuse for landscaping and flushing
Energy Saving equipment	Savings in electrical bill & maintenance during operation of the facility
Renewable Energy (solar electricity)	Promoting clean energy and reduced dependence on electricity department
Separation of Household Waste	Segregated waste like paper, plastic & metal can be sold to recyclers to generate revenue for the resident’s welfare society
Organic Waste Management	Generate compost out of food waste and use it as natural fertilizer for the landscape
Sustainable Material	Procure construction materials within 400km and source material with recycled content to enable less dependence on virgin materials & less transportation
Low Volatile Organic Compound Materials:	Almost no carcinogenic chemicals, especially in indoor paints

Green Building Congress 2018
The Green Building Congress is playing a catalytic role in spearheading the green building movement in India. This year, Hyderabad is hosting the Green Building Congress from 1- 3 November at HICC, duirng which, there will be an exclusive session on green homes. All the stakeholders including building product manufacturers, architects and interior designers, who aim to design and build green homes or refurbish existing buildings to make them green, will benefit greatly by this informative session.

GBC offers an excellent opportunity to learn and share the latest and emerging trends and technologies in green homes and in the green built environment.