An average person has seen numerous buildings, offices, and homes in their lifetime. Green building was first introduced in the 1960s in response to the environmental impact and high fuel costs that were prevalent at the time.
LEED: Green building
Green building is defined as a building design that focuses on three key characteristics: energy efficiency, reduced waste production, and a healthier indoor environment. It seeks to reduce pollution, waste, energy use and water consumption. There are various rating systems and certifications that inform about the sustainability of a building. LEED, BREEAM, DGNB, Green Star, GSAS, and GBI3.
See also: India ranks third among top 10 countries, for LEED green buildings
What is LEED certification?
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a green building certification program created by the US Green Building Council. It is widely regarded as a standard for sustainable building design, construction, and operation. While LEED was developed in the United States, it has gained global recognition, including in India.The Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) serves as the USGBC’s local arm in India. It oversees the LEED certification process for projects across the country. LEED certification denotes leadership in energy and environmental design certification. To put it simply, the full form states that no building design should have a negative impact on the environment. This was first introduced in 2000. It aims to promote four major basic ideas:
Water saving
The primary goal is to maximise water efficiency, with a focus on both indoor and outdoor water usage in buildings. Building projects and offices are encouraged to adopt strategies such as installing water-saving fixtures and irrigation systems. LEED also recognises projects that have implemented innovative and effective solutions. It also focuses and aligns with broader goals such as drought resilience and environmental stewardship.Â
Energy efficiency
This project strives for low power consumption. The program also focuses on continuous improvement through energy monitoring and metering, as well as raising awareness and education about energy-efficient practices in LEED-certified buildings.
Material selection
Material selection is critical to promoting sustainability and minimising environmental impact. There are numerous factors that contribute to a more conscientious approach to material selection. It considers factors like life cycle impact and resource efficiency. LEED-certified building materials include recycled steel, low-VOC paints, ESCS, and bioplastics, among others.
Indoor environment quality
This consists of increasing indoor energy efficiency through the utilisation of energy-efficient lighting, HVAC systems and renewable energy sources such as solar panels.Â
Design of LEED certification
LEED certification is based on a point system that assesses the environmental performance of a structure or project. The selection is based on the nature of the project. It has four levels of certifications. It is based on a total score of 110. Going from left to right, the higher the point, the more likely a project will meet the criteria.Â
- LEED certified level: Between 40-45 points.
- LEED silver level: Between 50-59 points.
- LEED goal level: Between 60-79 points.
- LEED platinum level: Between 80-110 points.
Points required for LEED certification
Within each LEED credit category, the project must meet the prerequisites and earn points for doing so. The number of points earned determines the level of LEED certification. This table shows the categories; if satisfied, points will be awarded.
| S.no | Category | Points | Percentage |
| 1 | Energy and Atmosphere | 35 | 31% |
| 2 | Sustainable Sites | 26 | 24% |
| 3 | Indoor Environmental Qualities | 15 | 14% |
| 4 | Material and Resources | 14 | 13% |
| 5 | Water Efficiency | 10 | 9% |
| 6 | Innovation and Design Process | 6 | 5% |
| 7 | Regional Priority | 4 | 4% |
How are LEED-certified buildings designed?
- The design focuses primarily on lowering operating costs while increasing asset value. It helps to preserve resources for a longer period of time.
- The design aims to reduce waste sent to landfills while also increasing space efficiency.Â
- It aims to conserve energy and water.
- It aims to provide a healthier and safer environment for occupants by improving indoor air quality and contributes to better employee health in offices. For example, if an employee works longer hours, this design can help them avoid problems like headaches. It also focuses on increasing the amount of oxygen in space while decreasing the amount of CO2. To provide more fresh air while eliminating all harmful bacteria from the environment.Â
- It reduces harmful greenhouse gas emissions
LEED specifications to be included in the HVAC
LEED certification for HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems prioritises energy efficiency, indoor environmental quality, and sustainable practices. Here are some key LEED specifications and recommendations regarding HVAC systems:
All HVAC and R systems should use chlorofluorocarbon refrigerants. For example, R32 and R410 types of refrigeration make an excellent choice.
COP stands for “Coefficient of Performance.” It is a ratio used to assess the efficiency of heat pumps and other HVAC systems. The Efficiency Coefficient of Performance is calculated by dividing a system’s desired output by its required inputs. The higher the COP, the lower the power consumption. There are minimum COP standards that have been established:
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- Air-cooled VRF: above 3.2
- Air cooled chiller: above 2.95
- Water Cooled Chiller: above 5.9
VFD stands for “variable frequency drive.” VFDs, also known as adjustable frequency drives, variable speed drives, or inverters, are devices for controlling electric motors. They are designed to change the frequency and voltage supplied to an electric motor, allowing for variable speed and precise control over the motor’s performance. VFD drives will be more widely available for pumps and air handling units. This capability allows for energy savings, smoother operation, and more control over processes that use electric motors, such as those found in industrial machinery, pumps, fans, and HVAC systems. To put it simply, if a room is designed for 8000 cfm but only requires 4000 cfm, the VFD will reduce the air quantity by reducing the motor speed. Â
VAV stands for “variable air volume.” It is a type of HVAC system that manages the amount of air entering a space based on the desired temperature. The airflow in a VAV system is variable rather than constant. VAV boxes for the interior HVAC air distribution system will also be provided. Consider a system; if a centralised system is used, there should be separate control for each room, so that air flows as required. Assume there is no occupancy; the air supply will be wasted. This is why we need VAV.
Heat recovery units, also called heat recovery ventilators (HRVs) or energy recovery ventilators (ERVs), are devices that improve energy efficiency in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. These units capture and transfer heat energy between the outgoing and incoming air streams, reducing energy waste while improving overall system performance. Heat recovery units will be provided to achieve energy savings by precooling fresh air. This is a box that allows air to pass through it. It prevented air from mixing, but heat was exchanged. So, as the air enters the building’s room, the temperature is reduced to keep it from rising. It creates more efficiency.
If there is a closed room, then it will create for the fresh air to pass. The same air will circulate over and over again. Even after maintaining room temperature, the air will lose its freshness, that is the level of CO2 will increase. The HVAC system to be designed with a minimum fresh air requirements as per ASHRAE 62.1 Standard. Providing 30% more fresh air for all areas than the minimum indicated as per ASHRAE 62.1.
MERV, which stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, is a rating system that assesses the effectiveness of air filters in removing airborne particles from the air. MERV ratings range from one to sixteen, with higher numbers indicating greater filtration efficiency. MERV 13 is the particular rating on this scale. Provide MERV 13 filters in all regularly occupied areas. Basically, it will remove dust particles.
Minimum of 2 week building flush out has to be carried out to remove particulates/VOCs etc. before occupancy as per LEED requirement.
Provide independent exhaust for each space where hazardous gases or chemicals may be present or used.
For areas with more than 40 sq ft per person density: Air flow monitors to be installed to provide feedback on the ventilation system performance to ensure that the ventilation systems maintained design minimum ventilation requirements. Each fresh air duct to each AHU-to be fitted with an air flow monitor to continuously measure the fresh air and in case the same goes +/- 10%of the designed fresh air quantity to generate an alarm in the IBMS system.
For areas with less than 40 sq ft per person occupancy: such as conference rooms, meeting rooms, cafeteria, some workstation areas etc. we need to include CO2 sensors and monitoring in the IBMS system. CO2 monitor locations shall be between 3 ft and 6 feet and 1 CO2 sensor for every 1000 sq ft area shall be provided and all the fresh air dampers shall also be motorised to ensure we bring in more fresh air when the CO2 levels inside are 500 ppm greater than the Co2 level outside. For this we will also need to install a CO2 sensor outside to measure the outside CO2 levels at all times.
Benefits of LEED certification
Green building design offers numerous advantages over conventional buildings, including lower operating costs, increased building value, reduced environmental impact, improved occupant health, and increased employee productivity. Using resources more efficiently saves significant money over the life of the building. While the initial costs of design and construction may be higher when pursuing LEED certification, these buildings are more desirable to tenants or residents, resulting in higher rents or sales prices and longer lease terms. In addition to lowering operating costs and increasing building value, state and local governments provide incentives for green building projects that shorten waste by recycling construction materials and converting demolition debris into a cost-effective resource.Â
Myths related to LEED certification
There are many misconceptions about LEED certifications that need to be addressed:Â
Expense
This is one of the most common misconceptions about lead certification, but the truth is that lead certified buildings often have lower operating costs due to their energy efficiency and water-saving features, which can result in significant cost savings for businesses and organisations. Furthermore, LEED certified buildings frequently have higher occupancy rates and rental prices, making them more appealing to tenants and potential buyers, so in the long run, lead certification can actually save you money.
Complexity
The LEED certification process is intended to be straightforward and flexible, with a variety of resources and support available to assist us. Furthermore, it can be tailored to the needs of your specific project, which may require some effort and planning.
Limited applicability
Retrofitting, also known as renovation, is a process that can be used in both new and existing buildings. It entails making energy-efficient and sustainable upgrades to an existing building in order to improve its performance and reduce its environmental footprint.Â
Suited only for commercial buildings
There are certifications available for residential buildings, including apartments and single-family homes. LEED certification can help you improve your home’s energy efficiency and sustainability while saving money on your energy bills.Â
Suited only for large buildings
LEED certification can be achieved in buildings of all sizes from small and medium-sized buildings to large ones. Â
India’s top 5 globally LEED certified green buildings
According to available data, India ranks third among the top ten countries and regions for LEED green building in 2021. The number of LEED-certified buildings in India is reported to be 146. India trails Canada, which ranks second with 205 LEED-certified projects.Â
| S.no | Green Buildings | Location | Level | Features |
| 1 | Suzlon One Earth | Hyderabad | Platinum | The campus has 18 hybrid wind turbines that fulfil 7% of total energy consumption. |
| 2 | CII Sohrabji Godrej Green Business Centre | Hyderabad | Platinum | This building is made up of only recycled materials and have large array of solar panels installed generate around 100-120 units of electricity |
| 3 | ITC Maurya | New Delhi | Platinum | The building has been awarded the ‘Best Eco-Friendly Hotel’ and use parabolic solar concentrators. |
| 4 | Indira Paryavaran Bhawan | New Delhi | Platinum | A zero net energy building and geothermal heat exchange system. The annual electricity bill is zero or negative. |
| 5 | Infosys | Hyderabad | Platinum | It is a winner of green oscars and include high-performance glazing, ample shading, radiant cooling. |
FAQs
How is LEED certification achieved in India?
It's a multistep process. It begins with selecting the rating system that best aligns with the project's objectives. After selection, the project must register with Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI) India. Following the payment of the registration fee, a certification strategy must be developed that is in line with the project's goals. All required documents must be submitted before the project can be granted LEED certification. In addition, one must pass the LEED standards and the accreditation exam. After passing the exam, one can obtain the LEED Green Associate or LEED Accredited Professional (AP) credential.
Are there financial incentives for LEED-certified projects in India?
Yes, there are certain incentives. According to the Income Tax Act, property owners can reduce the cost of green features such as solar panels and rainwater harvesting mechanisms by up to 100%. The government also offers tax credits for green building, property tax, and income tax. Additionally, free technical assistance is available for loans. Some financial institutions such as banks provide lower interest rates, extended repayment periods, and larger loan amounts.
How long does it take to get LEED certified in India?
The time required to obtain LEED certification in India varies according to the project's size, complexity, and rating level. The average time for LEED certification in India is about six months. However, this could differ depending on the project paperwork, review process, and certification choice. Some projects may take more or less time than the average.
Can LEED certification be revoked?
Yes, LEED certification may be revoked in certain circumstances. The reasons include intentional misrepresentation of the project's sustainability performance, failure to provide ongoing energy and water use data after LEED certification, complete or substantial demolition of a LEED-certified project, and use of the LEED trademarks in a way that diminishes, tarnishes, or dilutes the marks' distinctive quality. As a serious matter of concern, GBCI provides guidance on how to proceed with initiating, reviewing and resolving LEED certification challenges. The policy also gives project owners the option to participate in the process and defend their certification status.
Can residential buildings in India achieve LEED certification?
Yes, residential buildings in India can become LEED certified. LEED for homes has a specific rating system that applies to residential projects. It considers several factors, such as how energy and water efficient a home is, its level of indoor environmental quality, and the extent to which it is cost-efficient.
Is LEED certification mandatory for new constructions in India?
LEED certification is generally not required in India, but some local governments or specific projects may require or incentivize it as part of sustainable building practices.
Can existing buildings with outdated systems achieve LEED certification?
Yes, existing buildings with outdated systems can earn LEED certification. Such projects can be rated using the LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations and Maintenance (LEED O+M) system. Some examples include The Park Hotel in Hyderabad and Godrej Bhawan in Mumbai.
How can I find LEED-certified buildings in my area in India?
Recommended way is to use GBIG's official website. Another way to find LEED-certified buildings in your area in India is to look for the LEED plaque, a symbol of sustainability and excellence that is displayed on the exterior or interior of the building.
| Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com |
