Authored by: Harsh Gupta, CEO, Sundream Group
Real estate sector now tends to move towards a greener future by including sustainability in their building methods. As per the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) or IGBC (Indian Green Building Council) green building certificate systems, a platinum rating is considered of the highest orders as it typifies the apex of environmental responsibility and efficiency. Green homes have gained immense popularity among buyers lately, and sustainable design lies at the core of such homes, that aim at improving water, energy, and material efficiency while minimizing adverse effects on human health and the environment throughout a building’s life cycle.
Platinum rating is considered the highest rating for many green building certification systems and reflects a building’s commitment towards sustainability. The LEED system, under the auspices of the U.S. Green Building Council, grants points in several categories. Similarly, the Indian Green Building Council operates a rating system that awards exceptional performance through its set of stringent criteria.
This also emphasises that the concern of platinum-rated buildings includes an environmentally friendly selection of the site and its development. Its objective is to enhance site sustainability and reduce the ecological footprint of the building. Ensuring drastic reduction in water usage in such projects also leaves a huge impact on the environment. Advanced water-conserving fixtures, rainwater harvesting, and greywater recycling, all form a part of the platinum-rated buildings that are aimed at ultimate efficiency in utilizing and conserving the water resource.
Energy efficiency is one of the major cornerstones of platinum certification in green buildings. A building should always achieve superior performance in energy conservation through the use of advanced insulation, energy-efficient windows, and renewable sources of energy such as solar panels or wind turbines.
The idea is to decrease reliance on non-renewable sources of energy and reduce the rate at which gases that are contributing massively to global warming are released into the atmosphere. The Indian Green Building Council, 2023, estimates that 45% of the commercial projects in India have started incorporating green building standards. Many leading reports also indicate that 30% of new office spaces in India will achieve LEED certification by the year 2025.
Platinum-rated buildings use sustainable materials that have a lower environmental impact, while efficient waste management practices during construction and operations also play a crucial role in making green buildings. Platinum status often requires innovative design solutions and technologies that go beyond traditional practices.
This could involve the integration of smart building technologies, advanced energy management systems, or technology approaches to integrate sustainability. Recent reports indicate that green buildings help lower operational expenses over time. LEED-certified buildings have shown nearly 20 per cent of reduction in maintenance costs compared to conventional commercial properties. Additionally, retrofitting existing buildings with green technologies often leads to nearly 10 per cent of decrease in operational costs within the first year.
Platinum-rated buildings reduce environmental impact as they incorporate renewable energy sources and efficient technologies that contribute to minimizing climate change and maintaining ecological balance. While the initial investment in a platinum-rated building may be higher, there are a number of financial benefits that come with it in the long run.
Lower energy and water bills, along with very low maintenance costs, often offset the initial cost of building due to tax incentives or rebates. In addition, such buildings also appreciate in value more and can hold better-paying tenants or buyers due to the higher values attached to their sustainability features. In essence, the platinum-rated buildings ensure a healthy and comfortable living and working environment. For instance, it improves indoor air quality, produces better natural lighting, and noise reduction that relates to improved health and productivity among occupants.
Achieving a platinum rating in green building certification is a step towards a greener and more sustainable future. The criteria ensure that these buildings not only meet but exceed standards for environmental stewardship. The resulting environmental, economic, and social benefits show the importance of pursuing such high standards in the pursuit of a more responsibly built environment.