Want to construct a house or commercial complex? Plan it properly to ensure that it will be environment-friendly. If you do so, you can avail an array of benefit including rebate in property tax, concession in electricity and water charges.

In a bid to promote eco-friendly buildings, the Ministry for New and Renewable Energy has decided to identify green constructions by giving them its own rating. If a building receives highest rating, it will enjoy the maximum benefits from the government.

According to V Subramanian, Secretary, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, the Ministry has assigned to The Energy and Research Institute (TERI) the task of developing and operationalising rare National Rating System for upcoming structures in the country.

Modifying GRIHA

Speaking to Deccan Herald, he said though TERI had already developed a building rating system called “GRIHA” (Green Rating Integrated Habitat Assessment), the Ministry wanted to adopt it with some modifications.

To encourage green structures, the Ministry will soon come out with a new policy to give incentives in association with various other ministries including the Urban Development Ministry.

Rating is based on environmental features adopted the building. The building can get one star to maximum five stars depending on its eco friendly nature.

As per the existing system developed by the TERI, points are being given based on 32 parameters divided into six sub groups-energy, environment, water, user friendliness, air and water quality, image and marketability. For eg: If building constructed in fly ash or hollow blocks, and it installed waste water recycle plant it may get maximum rating, he said. 

He said this mechanism is based on inputs from the upcoming voluntary building codes being developed by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), Ministries of Non-conventional Energy Sources and Environment and Forests and Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).

The Ministry also discussed this issue with several states and builders and it had received favourable response from them. Initially the rating would be for upcoming buildings and later it might be extended to the existing structures too, he said.