LEED India Green Building Rating System: An In-depth Analysis

This report provides a comprehensive overview of the LEED India Green Building Rating System, a voluntary, consensus-based, and market-driven certification program based on professional reference standards like NBC, ASHRAE, and ECBC. It details the rating levels (Certified, Silver, Gold, and Platinum) and the point allocation across various categories, including Sustainable Sites, Water Efficiency, Energy and Atmosphere, Materials and Resources, Indoor Environmental Quality, and Innovation. The report explains the intent, impacts, and requirements for each criterion, such as erosion and sedimentation control, water-efficient landscaping, optimized energy performance, resource reuse, and low-emitting materials. It also highlights the importance of green design strategies like optimized raw material utilization, green manufacturing processes, and product carbon footprint reduction. The document emphasizes how the company can contribute to public health and the environment by producing better, safer products, ensuring sustainable practices and future growth. This assignment is a valuable resource for understanding the principles and practices of green building design within the context of the LEED India framework. This assignment is available on Desklib, a platform offering AI-based study tools and resources for students.

LEED INDIA
 Effective in India from 1st Jan 2007
 Based on professional reference standards like NBC, ASHRAE, and ECBC etc.
 Assessment by 3rd party assessors & USGBC
 Voluntary, Consensus- based, Market driven
LEED India Green building Rating System
Certification levels
Rating Points
LEED Certified 26-32
LEED Certified Silver
level
33-38
LEED Certified Gold level 39-51
LEED Certified Platinum
level
52-69
Few LEED rated buildings in India
 Platinum rated : CII –Godrej GBC ,Hyderabad
ITC Green Center, Gurgaon
Wipro Technologies, Gurgaon
 Gold Rated : IGP Office, Gulbarga
NEG Micon, Chennai
Grundfos Pumps, Chennai
 Silver Rated : L&T EDRC , Chennai

World Bank, Chennai
Important to note, that there are about 650 LEED certified projects in
India and 4500 more have registered for certification.
LEED India New Construction Overview
Leed India Green Building Rating System
Important criterions and Point allocation
Sr.no: Criterions Points
Prerequisites 8
1 Sustainable Sites 13
2 Water efficiency 6
3 Energy and atmosphere 17
4 Materials and Resources 13
5 Indoor Environmental quality 15
6 Innovations and Accredited
Prof. Points
5
Total 69
1. Sustainable site
The Sustainable sites section of LEED NC Program outlines various “ green “
opportunities for reducing the negative impact the building has on the
environment. The opportunities range from preventing erosion of top soil,

water contamination & creation of heat islands, effective use of a barrenor
waste lands etc.
The basic principle to be followed
TIME and NATURE have sculpted your land
Importantly, use what nature has given you by working with existing
topography, plants and views. Touch the earth lightly, rather than cutting deep
and covering it with concrete.
Credits under sustainable site
Credit Title Points
Prereq
1
Erosion and
Sedimentation
Control
1
Credit
1
Site Selection 1
Credit
2
Development
density and
Community
connectivity
1
Credit
3
Brownfield
redevelopment
1
Credit
4
Alternative
transportation
1-3
Credit
5
Site development 1-2
Credit Storm water design 1-2

6
Credit
7
Heat Islands Effect 1-2
Credit
8
Light pollution
reduction
1
Total 13
Format adopted to explain Credit requirements
Prerequisite : Erosion and Sedimentation control
 Intent :
Control erosion and sedimentation of soil to reduce negative impact on
A) Water quality
B) Air quality – dust generation
 Impacts :
Erosion from construction sites
A) Can carry toxicants & nutrients
B) Polluting storm water run –off
 Requirements :
Design to a site sedimentation and erosion control plan that conformsto the best
management practices. (Should address both during construction & post
occupancy)
Advocates process like temporary or Permanent vegetation, Mulching, earth
dikes, silt fencing etc

2. Water Efficiency
Water efficiency can be defined as
 The accomplishment of a function, task, process, or result with the minimal
amount of water feasible.
 An indicator of the relationship between the amount of water required for
a particular purpose and the amount of water used or delivered.
Water efficiency differs from water conservation in that it focuses on reducing
waste. A proposition is that the key for efficiency is reducing waste not restricting
use.
It also emphasizes the influence consumers can have in water efficiency by
making small behavioral changes to reduce water wastage and by choosing more
water efficient products. Examples of water efficient steps include simple
measures like, fixing leaking taps.
Credits under water efficiency
Credit Title Points
Credit 1 Water Efficient
Landscaping
1-2
Credit 2 Water efficiency in
A/C systems
1
Credit 3 Innovative
wastewater
technologies
1
Credit 4 Water use
reduction
1-2
Total 6

Sr.no: Criterions Points
Prerequisites 8
1 Sustainable Sites 13
2 Water efficiency 6
3 Energy and atmosphere 17
4 Materials and Resources 13
5 Indoor Environmental quality 15

3. Energy And Atmosphere
Using energy wisely is a cornerstone of sustainable design. LEED recognizes the
importance of optimizing energy performance by allocating the greatest
number of potential points within this category.
In general points can be earned through efficient design, use of renewable
energy, deliberate mechanical and electrical system selection, and proper
commissioning and monitoring.
Credits under Energy and Atmosphere
Credit Title Points
Prereq 1 Fundamental building
systems commissioning R
Prereq 2 Minimum Energy
Performance R
Prereq 3 CFC reduction in HVAC &
R equipment R
Credit 1 Optimized Energy
Performance 1-10
Credit 2 Renewable Energy 1-3
Credit 3 Additional commissioning 1
Credit 4 Ozone depletion 1
6 Innovations and Accredited Prof. Points 5
Total 69

Credit 5 Measurement and
Verification 1
Credit 6 Green Power 1
Total 17
4. Material and Resources
When we think of greenhouse gas emissions, most of us envision a Tailpipe spewing exhaust out
of the back of a car.
But 40% of the carbon dioxide that contributes to our warming planet comes from buildings.
While some of it is a secondary effect of operational needs such as electricity, A/C, and heating,
many GHG’s arise from resource extraction, manufacturing and Production of the building
materials themselves.
Of all the criteria covered by LEED , MATERIALS and RESOURCES has perhaps the broadest
application and relevance. They are the ingredients, and choosing them wisely makes all the
difference in terms of the overall impact of the building throughout its life. This is where
‘environmental footprint’ or ‘life cycle assessment’ comes into play.
The materials are in the picture from the first round of planning to the final stages of demolition
or renovation of a building or product.
Credits under Material and resource
Credit Title Points
Prereq 1 Storage & collection of recyclables R
Credit 1 Construction waste management 3
Credit 2 Resource Reuse 2

Credit 3 Recycled content 2
Credit 4 Local / Regional Materials 2
Credit 5 Rapidly Renewable material 1
Credit 6 Certified Wood 1
Total 13
Credit : Resource Reuse
 Intent :
Reuse building materials and products in order to reduce demand for virgin material and reduce
waste, thereby reducing impacts associated with the extraction and processing of virgin resources.
 Requirements :
- Use salvaged or refurbished materials for 5-10% of building materials (by value)
- Methods suggested like, reuse of partition panels, broken tiles, Used carpets.(Note : Movable
furniture like chairs are not accounted for calculation)
Format adopted to explain Credit requirements …
Pre-requisite : Erosion and Sedimentation control
 Intent :
Control erosion and sedimentation of soil to reduce negative impact on
A) Water quality
B) Air quality – dust generation
 Impacts :

Erosion from construction sites
A) Can carry toxicants & nutrients
B) Polluting storm water run –off
 Requirements :
Credit: Resource Reuse
 Intent :
Reuse building materials and products in order to reduce demand for virgin material and
reduce waste, thereby reducing impacts associated with the extraction and processing of virgin
resources.
 Requirements :
- Use salvaged or refurbished materials for 5-10% of building materials (by value)
- Methods suggested like, reuse of partition panels,broken tiles,Used carpets.(Note :
Movable furniture like chairs are not accounted for calculation)
Credit: Recycled content
 Intent :
Increase demand for building products that incorporated recycled content materials,
therefore reducing impacts resulting from extraction and processing of new virgin materials
 Requirements :
- Use materials with recycled content such that the sum of post –consumer recycled
content plus one-half of the post-industrial constitutes at least 5% of the total value of
the materials in the project.
- The value of the recycled content portion of a material or furnishing shall be determined
by dividing the weight of recycled content in the item by the total weight of all material
in the item, then multiplying the resulting percentage by the total value of the item.

Credit : Recycled Content
Typical Materials with High Recycled Contents
Materials % Recycled contents
Fly ash
blocks
30-40
Glass 10-15
Ceramic tiles 20-30
MDF wood 15
Steel 20-25
False roof 25-30
Credit local/ regional Materials
 Intent :
Increase demand for building materials and products that are extracted and
manufactured within the region, thereby supporting the regional economy and reducing
environmental impact resulting from transportation
 Requirements :
Use a minimum of 20 %( extra points for going up to to 50 %) of building materials and
products that are manufactured regionally within a radius of 800 kms (manufacturing refers to
the final assembly of components)
Credit : Rapidly Renewable Material
 Intent :
Reduce the use and depletion of finite raw and long cycle renewable materials by
replacing them with rapidly renewable materials

- Requirements:
- Use rapidly renewable building materials and products (made from plants that are typically
harvested within a ten-year cycle or shorter)
for 5% of the total value of all building materials and products used in the project.
- Consider use of materials such as bamboo, wool, cotton insulation, agrifiber, linoleum,
wheat board, strawboard and cork.
Indoor Environmental Quality
Building green means considering not only the environmental impact of materials and
construction, but also the physical and psychological health of the occupants. Indoor
Environmental Quality (IEQ) addresses the subtle issues that influence, how we feel in a space.
Some can argue that it is not only desirable, but also a fundamental human right to live and
work in spaces with healthy indoor environments. Buildings enhance people’s lives when they
permit ample air circulation, maintain clean air and comfortable temperatures, and allow
individuals to have a sense of control over their own indoor experience.
Credits under IEQ section
Credit Title Points
Prereq
1
Minimum IAQ Performance R
Prereq
2
Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS)
control
R
Credit
1
Outdoor Air Delivery Monitoring 1
Credit
2
Increased Ventilation 1
Credit
3
Construction IAQ Management Plan 2
Credit
4
Low-emitting Material 4

Credit
5
Indoor Chemical & Pollutant Source Control 1
Credit
6
Controllability of system 2
Credit
7
Thermal Control 2
Credit
8
Daylight & Views 2
Total 15
Credit : Low Emitting Materials
 Intent :
Reduce the quantity of indoor air contaminants that are odorous or potentially irritating
and harmful to the comfort and well being of installer and building occupants.
 Requirements :
- All adhesives and sealants used on the interior of the building shall comply with the
requirements of the reference standard.
- VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) content of adhesive and sealants
to be monitored.
- Carpet systems must meet the requirements of the carpet and rug institute Green label
indoor Air quality test program
- Composite wood and agrifiber products used on the interior of the building must contain no
added urea – formaldehyde resins.
Innovation & Design Process
Credit Title Points
Credit 1 Innovation in Design 4
Credit 2 LEEDTM Accredited 1

Professional
Total 5
Where we can contribute
Our company can lead the way and demonstrate its commitment to public health and the environment
by producing better, safer products. At the same time, we strive to secure future sales growth by
tapping one of the fastest growing markets worldwide.
Green Design Strategy
1. Optimized utilization of raw material to conserve natural resources
 Maximize recycled content
 Reduction in product volume to reduce transportation cost
 Use of rapidly renewable wood & wood substitutes (planted & replenished in less than
15 years cycle) to reduce impact on eco system.
 Modular products make various options with the use of minimum basic standard
components
 Possibility of refurbishing for reuse (Ease of servicing – assembly and disassembly )
 Design for durability – adherence to performance standards to enhance product life.
Green Process for manufacturing
 Confirming to ISO 14001
 Energy conservation
 Use of natural lighting in the plant
 30 % increase in production over last year with the same consumption of electric
energy

 Converted to CNG for all high fuel consuming processes
 Recycling of water with reverse osmosis plant
 Effective utilization of in-process waste water, after effluent treatment is used for
watering gardens
 Influencing our vendors to follow green processes
 Sale of hazardous waste only to ‘Pollution Control Board’ authorized parties
 96% usage of powder in powder coating process leads to minimal wastage
 Hidden components are coated with left over powder mix
Product Carbon Footprint tracking
Tool used to track carbon footprints
A product’s life cycle consists of the activities that go into making, transporting,
using and disposing of that product
EXAMPLE OF LIFE-CYCLE ASSESSMENT
Spacio open plan office system
• 80 % steel for the paneling compared to conventional wood based partition
• Fabrics : 100% Cotton or PP based without any blend
• 100 % use of reconstituted wood: (PPB or MDF) for work surfaces
• Number of parts reduced to minimum

• Easy to disassemble reconfigure and refurbish for reuse
• Paper based packing material: 100 % Recyclable
Role of furniture in getting credits
 System furniture can contribute in garnering credits by methods like..
- Provision of energy efficient task lights, can help in reducing the overall lighting load of
the project.
- Leading to “Optimizing energy performance” – @ 3 Points
- Use of easily recyclable material (like corrugated cardboard, expanded polystyrene)
packing which can reduce landfill disposal.
- Aiding in “Construction waste management “– @ 2 points
- Manufacture products with longer life cycle, so that can be used in many sites. Tile –
frame construction making it easy for reconfiguration and reuse.
- Demonstrating “Resource reuse” - @ 1 points
- Identifying components which could be made from recycled materials like, recycled
plastics, worktop made of baggage boards etc.
- Thereby contributing to “Recycled content” - @ 2 points
- Can explore the option of using boards made of bamboo, fabrics made of agricultural
waste etc.
- Thereby demonstrate use of “Rapidly Renewable material” - @ 1 points
- Working towards usage of material which confirm to VOC level
- Requirements for GREENGUARD certification and also by evolving a NO WOOD offering
- Contributing to usage of “Low emitting materials” - @ 1 points
- Task lighting feature can ensure better control and proper optimization of electricity
Used for lighting.
- Help in demonstrating “Controllability of the system” - @ 1 points
- To the credit “Daylight and views” - @ 3 points

- Our furniture can contribute by usage of transparent material and low ht partitions
allowing daylight and outside view to the building occupants.