Green Building Assessment & Certification

Building life cycle assessment

Life cycle assessment (LCA) is a systematic analysis of potential impact of a product or service during its entire life span from raw material extraction and acquisition to energy and material production and manufacturing, consumption, end-of-life treatment, and final disposal. Here we will discuss about the four phases of LCA that are Goal and scope definition which defines the purpose of the study, Life Cycle inventory (LCI) which is quantification of resources consumed and substances emitted into environment, Life Cycle Impact Assessment (LCIA) which is the evaluation of potential impacts and Interpretation of results. Next, we will discuss how LCA for a whole building is being done and its life cycle energy analysis with an example.

Green project management

Green project management is a holistic approach that encompasses the utilization of methods and practices to generate a net positive impact on the environment, society, and the economy. In this module, we will explore the various stages of green project management. The initial phase involves defining the project and setting goals, encompassing activities such as information gathering, preliminary assessments, and the formulation of a certification plan. The second phase focuses on integrating design, encompassing processes like schematic design, design development, and the creation of construction documents. The third phase, construction implementation, entails the actual application of green construction practices on-site, along with documenting construction credits for the final Green Building Certification Construction Review. The ultimate stage in green project management is the commissioning phase, which is a systematic process ensuring that a building's intricate systems are constructed and tested to operate in line with the design intent and operational requirements.

Sustainable Rating systems

Buildings exert substantial direct and indirect influences on the environment throughout their life cycle, from construction and occupancy to renovation, repurposing, and eventual demolition. These structures consume energy, water, and raw materials, produce waste, and release potentially harmful atmospheric emissions. To address these environmental challenges, the incorporation of green concepts and techniques in the building sector has become essential. Consequently, various green building rating systems have been established globally, aiming to mitigate the environmental impact of buildings through sustainable design practices. In the upcoming modules, we will delve into the discussion of these international green rating systems and a detailed examination will be conducted on the green rating systems implemented in India, such as GRIHA (Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment) and IGBC (Indian Green Building Council).