GRIHA Rating

Introduction

 
 

The GRIHA rating system stands for Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment. It was developed as a tool to facilitate design, construction, operation of a green building, and, in turn measure “greenness” of a building as per the applicable climate zone.

The GRIHA rating system covers different sustainability measures that shall be implemented during design, construction, post-construction and during operations measures. As a combination of these measures, a building shall achieve the rating adhering to the compliance measures.

Intent

 
 

The GRIHA rating system promotes the built environment and sustainable habitat of green buildings for Indian climate zones.  

Salients Features

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Indigenous rating system

The system acknowledges the diverse climatic conditions of the country which become the underlying factor for the formulation of GRIHA rating. The rating system aims at providing inherent solutions for thermal comfort within each region.

Adoption of holistic approach towards sustainability

The rating system was developed with the intent to promote sustainability by not just underlining the environmental aspects but also focusing on the social and economic aspects as well.

Process driven and performance oriented

Every stage of construction, starting from design conception to execution, is vital to achieve sustainability. GRIHA takes into account all the stages, including design, procurement, and implementation to avoid disruption to the ecological system and construct high-performing sustainable structures.

Integrated team approach

With the aim to interact with the project team and guide them through the rating process, an orientation workshop is conducted by GRIHA Council where representatives from different divisions handling the project are present to understand their role in making the project GRIHA compliant.

Benefits/Advantages of adopting GRIHA Rating

Reduced Energy Consumption

Encourages passive design strategies, energy-efficient systems, and renewable energy integration to reduce operational energy use.

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Water Conservation

Promotes rainwater harvesting, wastewater treatment, and water-efficient fixtures to reduce water consumption.

♻️

Waste Reduction

Incorporates solid waste management, construction waste minimization, and waste reuse and recycling to convert waste to resource.

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Lower Carbon Footprint

Encourages low-embodied energy materials and operational efficiency to reduce GHG emissions.

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Lower Operating Costs

Reduced energy and water use directly translating into long-term savings for occupants and owners.

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Enhanced Asset Value

Sustainable buildings offer higher marketability and occupancy rates.

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Eligibility for Incentives

Governments offer fast-track approvals, extra FAR, and tax rebates for GRIHA-rated projects.

Eligibility & Virtual Boundary

Project Boundary
Virtual Boundary
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REQUIRED CRITERION

All new construction projects with built-up area more than 2,500 sq.m are eligible for rating.

The following areas are excluded from the built-up area:

  • Parking area (Stilt/Basement)
  • Non-habitable basement spaces
  • Typical buildings: These are with same orientation, height, floor plan, plinth level and are constructed within a defined site boundary.
  • Service rooms: These are spaces that are dedicated to building services, such as electrical room, server room, meter room, etc., with no occupancy.

GRIHA Rating Process

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GRIHA Rating Thresholds

Percentile Threshold
Achievable Star Rating
25-40
41-55
56-70
71-85
86 and more

Fast-Track Registration Process

The fast-track process is intended to provide handholding support to projects that need a faster clearance for various business and government approvals. It reduces the time required for rating while maintaining the integrity and accuracy of the GRIHA rating system.

Review StageReview ProcessFast Track
Review of First SubmissionWithin 30-45 working daysWithin 12-14 working days
Final Site VisitDone within 20-30 working days after sending review commentsWill be done within 5-7 working days after sending review
Due Diligence ReportSent within 15 working days after site visitWill be sent within 2 working days after site visit
Final ReportDone within 18-20 working days after receipt of second documentationWill be done within 5-7 working days after receipt of second documentation

Fast Track Fees: Rs. 10 lakhs (Exclusive of GST). 

Criterion with Weightages

 
S.No.Section NameCriterion No.Criterion NameCriterion BriefMax. PointsSection Total
1Sustainable Site Planning1Green InfrastructurePromote site planning that integrates vegetation, permeable surfaces, and natural drainage to enhance ecological value and reduce environmental impact.512
2Low Impact DesignMinimize alterations to the site by retaining natural features, reducing earthwork, and limiting disruption to existing ecosystems. 5
3Design to Mitigate UHIEUse shading, reflective materials, and green cover to reduce surface and ambient temperatures, mitigating the Urban Heat Island Effect. 2
2Construction Management4Air and Soil Pollution ControlImplement dust suppression, soil erosion prevention, and pollution control measures during construction.14
5Topsoil PreservationConserve and reuse fertile topsoil for landscaping and site restoration after construction.1
6Construction Management PracticesAdopt sustainable construction practices, including waste minimization, material storage, and worker safety.2
3Energy Efficiency7Energy OptimizationOptimize building energy use through passive design, efficient systems, and performance simulation.1218
8Renewable Energy UtilizationIntegrate on-site or off-site renewable energy sources to meet part of the building’s energy demand.5
9Low ODP and GWP MaterialsUse insulation, refrigerants, and other materials with low ozone depletion and global warming potential.1
4Occupant Comfort10Visual ComfortEnsure adequate natural daylight, glare control, and quality views for building occupants.412
11Thermal and Acoustic ComfortMaintain comfortable indoor temperature and sound levels through effective design and systems1
2Maintaining Good IAQEnsure healthy indoor air quality through ventilation, pollutant control, and material selection.6
5Water Management13Water Demand ReductionReduce potable water demand through low-flow fixtures, water-efficient landscaping, and reuse.316
14Wastewater TreatmentTreat and reuse wastewater on-site to reduce discharge and freshwater demand.3
15Rainwater ManagementHarvest and manage rainwater for reuse and aquifer recharge, minimizing surface runoff.5
16Water Quality and Self-SufficiencyEnsure safe water quality and promote self-sufficiency through alternate sources like rainwater and treated wastewater.5
6Solid Waste Management17Waste Management – Post OccupancyProvide infrastructure for segregation, collection, and disposal of waste after occupancy.46
18Organic Waste Treatment On-SiteTreat biodegradable waste within the premises through composting or biogas systems.2
7Sustainable Building Materials19Utilization of Alternative Materials in BuildingUse recycled, rapidly renewable, or locally sourced materials to reduce environmental footprint.512
20Reduction in GWP through Life Cycle AssessmentAssess and lower the embodied carbon of materials through life cycle analysis.5
21Alternative Materials for External Site DevelopmentUse sustainable materials for pavements, landscaping, and site infrastructure.2
8Life Cycle Costing22Life Cycle Cost AnalysisEvaluate project costs over its life span to ensure economic sustainability and performance efficiency.55
9Safety and Sanitation for Construction Workers23Water Demand ReductionProvide safe working conditions, sanitation facilities, and welfare measures for workers.118
24Universal AccessibilityEnsure barrier-free access for persons with disabilities and the elderly.2
25Dedicated Facilities for Service StaffProvide appropriate facilities for maintenance and service staff within the project.2
26Positive Social ImpactImplement measures that benefit local communities, such as employment or shared infrastructure.3
10Performance Metering and Monitoring27Commissioning for Final RatingVerify and optimize building systems before occupancy to ensure design intent is met.77
28Smart Metering and MonitoringInstall smart systems to monitor and manage building energy and water usage.0
29Operation and Maintenance ProtocolDevelop protocols for effective operation, maintenance, and performance tracking.0
11Innovation27InnovationReward innovative strategies and technologies that enhance sustainability beyond core criteria.55
Grand Total (5 points of innovation are above 100 points)100+5100+5

Rating Fees

Fee Summary

A maximum fee of Rs 20,00,000/- (Exclusive of GST) to be charged from projects notwithstanding of built-up area.

Size of the Project (Total Built-Up Area)Fees
<= 5,000 m2Rs 3,74,000
> 5,000 m2Rs 3,74,000 (for the first 5,000 m2) Rs 9 per m2 (over and above first 5,000 m2)

View fee breakdown ↓ 

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Case Studies