ACHIEVING A GREEN HOME CERTIFICATION IN INDIA: KEY REQUIREMENTS AND BENEFITS

• Publish on Mar 01, 2025
• Read Time 5mins

Sustainable living is on the rise in this segment, as an increasing number of developers and homeowners are opting for green buildings in recent times. Elsewhere in the world — the United States not least among them — a green home certification is a badge of a building’s commitment to sustainability, energy efficiency and low environmental impact. In this blog, we will discuss the basic requirements needed for obtaining a green building certification in India and the advantages of a green building certified owned or constructed home.

Key Requirements for Green Home Certification in India

1. Energy Efficiency and Conservation

Energy efficiency is one of the most basic requirements for green home certification. An internationally certified green home in India has to use energy-efficient lighting, cooling systems, and appliances. In addition, the home must also be energy efficient, which can be achieved with good insulation and ventilation. Green buildings should also include renewable energy generation facilities e.g. solar panels, to reduce non-renewable energy consumption.

2. Water Conservation

Water efficiency is another major need for green home certification in India. Green homes should use rainwater harvesting systems and low-flow water fixtures to limit water consumption We also promote sustainable practices related to wastewater management, for instance, recycling water for agricultural irrigation purposes.

3. Use of Sustainable Materials

Green building materials are essential in achieving the green home certification. You are more likely to be certified if you build with locally sourced, low-impact materials, such as recycled steel, bamboo and non-toxic paints. The certification process plays a  great value on the use of materials that lower carbon emissions during production.

4. Waste Management

One of the essential criteria for green certification is that businesses manage their waste efficiently. In green homes, there should be systems in place for separating waste at the source, promoting recycling, and disposing of hazardous materials safely. It is suggested to compost organic waste, which helps decrease reliance on landfills.

5. Indoor Environmental Quality

In addition, green homes are designed to provide their occupants with improved air quality. To this end, proper ventilation systems, natural lighting, as well as low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) paints and finishes are also employed. To foster a living atmosphere that gives due encouragement to the inhabitants, this sustains a pristine and cozy habitat, aware of the effectiveness of the dwellers.

6. Location and Site Development

A green building can be affected by its site location. Housing located in public transport, shops, and school-accessible locations promotes more sustainable living as it reduces the reliance on private transport. Great landscaping and protecting natural habitats and limiting construction impact on the local ecosystem also factor into green home certification.

Some of the popular green home certification systems in India.

India has a few certification systems that promote green building standards:

• India Green Building Council (IGBC) : This council offers a holistic set of guidelines for the residential, commercial and institutional buildings in India. They provide different levels of certification like IGBC Green Homes, IGBC Platinum, Gold, Silver, etc.
• LEED India : Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) India is an internationally recognized rating system for indicating the sustainable and environmental impact of the buildings. LEED-certified homes pass a rigorous process that lowers their carbon footprint.
• BREEAM India : The Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) is a sustainability assessment method that ranks the environmental performance of buildings during and after their construction. It is internationally known as a leader of green construction.

Advantages of Green Certified Homes

1. Savings on Energy and Water Bills

Government bodies have proposed multiple initiatives aimed at green-certified homes in India and you will find a plethora of reasons to invest in green-certified homes in India but' utility bill savings' is one such reason that compels many to look for them. These homes are built to be energy efficient, relying largely on renewable energy sources and water saving technology. Residents can also look forward to lower prices with respect to electricity, water, and maintenance over time.

2. Healthier Living Environment

Indoor air quality is a consideration for green homes. Improved ventilation, use of less-toxic products and natural light all make for a more healthful, more restful home. Consequently, residents are less prone to respiratory ailments, allergies and other health problems that can arise when indoor air quality is poor.

3. Higher Property Value

The market value of houses with green certifications is also typically on the rise, and solar rooftop loan options are available to support such investments. Numerous homebuyers are ready to shell out a premium for energy-efficient, environmentally friendly homes that provide a healthier lifestyle.

4. Environmental Impact

Perhaps the most meaningful benefit of a green-certified home is the way in which it helps to protect the environment. It's because green homes save energy, water, and reduce waste for generations to come that they are a key part of the solution to climate change and the conservation of natural resources. Moreover, sustainable material selection minimizes the overall carbon footprint involved in the construction process.

5. Government Incentives & Rebates

Green Energy credits, tax incentives, etc are provided by the Indian government to motivate builders and homeowners to adopt the green approach. Additionally, green finance companies in India offer specialized funding options. These are tax credits, subsidies, and rebates for using renewable energy, renewable materials, and energy-efficient technologies. Green home certification can unlock even more of these benefits for homeowners, making the switch to an environmentally friendly lifestyle a more financially attractive option.

Conclusion

A green home certification is not only a real estate investment in the future for others but for the homeowner itself. When combined with the principles of energy efficiency, water conservation, and sustainable construction methods, homeowners and builders alike can help create a greener, healthier world. Especially considering the myriad of benefits of green homes — from cost savings and improved health to high property value — it is no surprise that green-certified homes are a popular choice of the modern-day buyer.

Green home certification is here to stay and will continue to be an important factor in determining the future of residential construction in India, as sustainability gains traction in Indian construction practices. If you plan to build or buy a home, think green and look forward to the long-term benefits it provides.

 

FAQ’s

1. What is the Green Certification Impact On Real Estate?

Ans: Green certifications have a notable impact on the real estate sector: Increased Property Value, Market Differentiation, Tenant Attraction and Retention, and Risk Mitigation.
 

2. Why are green buildings becoming popular in India and How Is Ecofy Contributing?

With rapid urbanization, green buildings are gaining popularity due to long-term cost savings, reduced carbon footprint, and government incentives. Ecofy supports this transition by offering financing solutions for green-certified projects, making sustainability more accessible for developers, businesses, and individuals.

3. What Are the Criteria for a Green Building Certificate?

Efficient use of resources like energy and water
Use of renewable energy 
Pollution and waste reduction measures
Good indoor air quality 
Use of non-toxic materials 
Ecological consideration in design, construction and operation
Consideration of the living quality of occupants
Innovation

4. How will green certification impact the future of India with Ecofy’s Support?

Incentives such as tax benefits, subsidies, and faster approvals for green-certified buildings will encourage developers to adopt eco-friendly practices. Additionally, the integration of smart technologies, renewable energy, and sustainable materials will play a crucial role in shaping the future of green certification in India.
Ecofy is at the forefront of this transformation, empowering businesses and individuals to build a greener, more sustainable future through accessible green financing.