Have you noticed how people today care more about the environment? From using cloth bags to driving electric cars, everyone wants to go green. And this green wave is also hitting real estate. In India, people are looking for homes and buildings that are not only beautiful but also environment-friendly. This is where the concept of sustainable real estate comes in. Builders are now focusing on eco-friendly materials, energy-saving systems, and clean surroundings. Not just because it’s good for the Earth, but also because buyers want it, and governments are pushing for it. One of the major tools helping this change is a rating system called GRIHA. This blog talks about GRIHA certification, rating system, and its association with Indian real estate and comparison with IGBC and LEED systems.
What is GRIHA?
GRIHA stands for Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment. It sounds complicated, but don’t worry – it’s simple. GRIHA is India’s very own rating system to check how green a building is. It was developed by TERI (The Energy and Resources Institute) and is backed by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
Think of GRIHA like a report card. It gives stars to buildings based on how eco-friendly they are. Just like movies get star ratings, your building can get a green star rating!
It is specially made for Indian weather, building materials, and lifestyle. That makes it more suitable than some foreign green rating systems.
What is the Purpose of GRIHA?
GRIHA helps buildings become smarter and greener. Here are its main goals:
- Better air inside: So, people living or working there stay healthy.
- Lower costs: You save money on electricity and water in the long run.
- Manage waste: Separate your waste and reuse what you can.
- Save electricity: Use less energy by using solar lights or better cooling systems.
- Save water: With rainwater harvesting and smart taps.
- Use local stuff: Use bricks, tiles, and other materials that are made nearby.
How GRIHA Rates a Building?
GRIHA gives a rating based on 100 points. Based on the score, you can get a GRIHA rating scale between 1 star to 5 stars. The more points your building gets, the better the rating. Here’s what GRIHA looks at:
- Air Quality: Is the air inside healthy?
- Energy Use: How much electricity will it use? Can it generate its own (like with solar panels)?
- Material Use: Are the materials eco-friendly and not causing harm?
- Site Planning: Is the building made in a way that saves nature?
- Waste Handling: Is garbage being managed well?
- Water Use: Is rainwater being collected? Are the taps and toilets saving water?
Who Can Apply for GRIHA?
GRIHA is for every sort of construction projects, it is not just for luxury homes. Any type of building can apply:
- Apartments and housing societies
- Government buildings
- Office buildings and malls
- Schools and hospitals
If it’s a new building or an existing one getting updated, it can go for GRIHA.
Why Should Builders and Buyers Care?
If you are a builder, getting GRIHA certification means:
- Easier government approvals
- More trust from buyers
- Better chances to sell at a good price
- Some states give extra FAR (more area to build)
If you are a homebuyer, a GRIHA-rated home means:
- Lower power and water bills
- A cleaner, healthier place to live
- A better resale value in the future
It’s a win-win for both!
GRIHA vs IGBC vs LEED
You might have heard of IGBC certification and LEED certification too. They are also green rating systems. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Feature | GRIHA (India-based) | IGBC (India) | LEED (US-based) |
| Developer | TERI + MNRE | CII | USGBC |
| Focus Area | Indian climate | Commercial + Residential | International |
| Rating Levels | 1-5 Stars | Certified to Platinum | Certified to Platinum |
GRIHA is made for India’s unique needs, which makes it more practical for local projects.
Latest Trends in GRIHA Projects
Many big names in real estate are now turning green. Companies like Mahindra Lifespaces and Tata Housing have taken the lead. Also, the Smart Cities Mission is promoting GRIHA-certified buildings.
In Delhi, the CPWD (Central Public Works Department) made it mandatory for government buildings to have at least a 3-star GRIHA rating.
More cities and builders are jumping in every year.
How to Get GRIHA Certification?
Getting certified is simple if planned right. Here’s how the process works:
- Register your project on the GRIHA website.
- Share documents and designs to show how the building will be green.
- Experts will review your designs.
- They will visit the site during and after construction.
- Based on this, your building gets a star rating.
That’s it! If you plan well from the beginning, the process is smooth.
Incentives for GRIHA-Certified Buildings
The Indian government and many state governments offer rewards for going green:
- Extra FAR (Floor Area Ratio) in Delhi, Noida, Pune, etc.
- Faster project approvals
- Lower property tax in some cities
- Subsidies for installing solar or rainwater systems
Check with your local development authority to know what benefits are available in your city.
Challenges Developers May Face
Of course, there are some speed bumps:
- Lack of awareness: Not all builders know about GRIHA.
- Cost worries: Some think green buildings are more expensive (they’re not, long-term).
- Documentation: It takes effort to keep all the paperwork ready.
- Need experts: Builders may need to hire green building consultants.
But these are small issues compared to the long-term benefits.
GRIHA-certified Projects in India
Here are some private-sector residential and commercial projects in India that are certified under GRIHA, showcasing sustainability in action:
Residential Projects
1. Godrej 106 – Group Housing, Haryana
Developed by Godrej Properties, this residential complex in Haryana has been awarded GRIHA certification, reflecting its commitment to green design standards.
2. ESENCIA, Haryana
An integrated residential‑cum‑mixed project by Ansal Properties & Infrastructure Ltd, ESENCIA holds GRIHA certification, demonstrating its eco‑friendly infrastructure approach.
3. Global Height 89, Haryana
Built by Breez Infra, this residential development is GRIHA‑certified, highlighting its adherence to green building norms.
Commercial & Mixed-Use Projects
1. FBN & Plexus Production House, Haryana
A commercial production facility certified under SVA‑GRIHA (sustainable & verified), by Rahul Kohli.
2. GAIL Administrative Building, Faridabad
This office building by GAIL in Haryana is GRIHA‑certified, showcasing robust environmental measures.
3. Commercial Tower, Gurugram
Developed by Aesthetic Pvt. Developers, this tower in Haryana has earned GRIHA certification.
4. Commercial Colony – Newtown Square, Gurugram
Led by Newzone Buildwell Pvt Ltd with GRIHA certification, this mixed-use colony integrates sustainability into a commercial-residential setting.
Other Notable Examples (across India)
From broader GRIHA case studies:
AIPL Joy Street, Gurugram – 4‑Star GRIHA Rated mixed development
IIM Kozhikode – 5‑Star GRIHA institution
Punjab National Bank Head Office, Dwarka – 5‑Star GRIHA commercial building
ITC Grand Chola Hotel, Chennai – 5‑Star GRIHA certified hotel
| Project | Type | Developer | GRIHA Rating |
| Godrej 106 | Residential | Godrej Properties | GRIHA |
| ESENCIA | Mixed-use | Ansal Properties | GRIHA |
| Global Height 89 | Residential | Breez Infra | GRIHA |
| FBN & Plexus Production House | Commercial | Rahul Kohli | SVA-GRIHA |
| GAIL Admin Building, Faridabad | Commercial | GAIL | GRIHA |
| Commercial Tower, Gurugram | Commercial | Aesthetic Pvt. Developers | GRIHA |
| Newtown Square Colony, Gurugram | Mixed-use | Newzone Buildwell Pvt Ltd | GRIHA |
| AIPL Joy Street, Gurugram | Mixed-use | AIPL & Design Forum Int’l | 4-Star GRIHA |
| IIM Kozhikode | Institutional | Indian Institute of Management | 5-Star GRIHA |
| Punjab National Bank Office, Delhi | Commercial | PNB | 5-Star GRIHA |
| ITC Grand Chola, Chennai | Commercial (Hotel) | ITC Hotels Ltd | 5-Star GRIHA |
These projects show how private developers in India are taking the lead in green real estate by earning GRIHA certifications. They span residential, commercial, institutional, and mixed-use developments—great examples to highlight when considering sustainable real estate projects.
Final Thoughts: GRIHA is the Future
Going green is not just a trend; it’s the future. With climate change becoming real and resources getting scarce, India needs buildings that are smart, efficient, and clean.
GRIHA makes it possible. It’s Indian, it’s reliable, and it gives you a clear roadmap for a better tomorrow.
So, whether you’re a builder, a buyer, or someone interested in real estate, keep GRIHA on your radar. It’s the smart choice for a greener India.
Sources and References:
Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE)
TERI
IGBC
CPWD Guidelines