by aartiGreen Certifications for Homes — What Buyers Should Know.
Introduction:
More and more homebuyers are looking for a sustainable house in today’s world. That is why green building certifications are becoming increasingly popular with homebuyers, as they provide assurance that a home is environmentally responsible and energy efficient. Of all the green building certifications available in India, IGBC certification. offered through the Indian Green Building Council, is one of the most widely recognized green building certifications. In this blog, we will describe the meaning behind green building certifications and provide you with an explanation of why they are essential to Homebuyers.
What Is the Definition of Green Building Certification?
A green building certification is an accredited recognition for the construction of buildings that meet an approved set of environmental and sustainability standards. These standards cover various focus areas, including Energy Efficiency, Water Utilisation, Waste Minimisation, Sustainable Material Utilisation, Indoor Environmental Quality, and other similar considerations. Therefore, by purchasing a green-certified home, you are purchasing a home that will allow you to live in a way that is less damaging to the planet, in addition to being more cost-effective in the long term.
The Indian Green Building Council is a leading certification system in India which sets out criteria and awards Green points to eligible buildings as a basis for Rating based on these Green points also it awards certifications such as Silver, Gold, and Platinum.
What is the significance of IGBC Certification for Home Buyers?
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Lower Utility Expenses:
The main advantage of an IGBC Certified Home is that they will have reduced Electricity Expenses. Typically these types of homes are equipped with High Efficiency Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Systems (HVAC systems), Insulation, Low Energy Lighting, and often Solar Panels which will save you money in the long run.
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Virtual Water Savings:
An IGBC Certification (or any Green Certification) encourages homes to install Water Saving Devices (WSDs), Rain Water Harvesting Systems (RWHS), and water efficient fixtures to create less waste in addition to saving one of our most precious resources.
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Improved Indoor Air Quality:
Green Homes built to IGBC standards are designed to improve Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) by using low VOC Building Materials and providing Natural Daylight and Ventilation through the appropriate design of the building itself.
Living in a home that has been certified by an accredited green building rating system can provide added comfort during everyday activities for those who suffer from allergies or have respiratory problems.
The long-term valuation of a home with a green building certification usually retains or increases its value greater than a non-certified home due to future buyers’ increased concern for sustainability. If resold, a home with a green building certification offers a greater potential return on investment.
By selecting a home that is IGBC-certified, you are also helping to reduce your carbon footprint. Homes that have been constructed using a green building rating system are designed to conserve resources, minimize waste, and decrease greenhouse gas emissions.
Lead Green Certification by Oree Reality
By providing IGBC certification for their building practices, companies like Oree Reality are paving the way for environmentally friendly building practices. Oree Reality, in the section of their website where they talk about themselves, makes clear that they aim to create homes that are built to the IGBC Gold standard.
A prime example of Oree Reality’s commitment to building environmentally conscious homes is Cloud 51 Bavdhan, one of the company’s premier projects that is currently “Gold Rated,” meaning it has achieved a significant level of IGBC certification.
The IGBC Gold standard is one of the green housing standards set by the IGBC and indicates that the home will have significant sustainable features in its design and construction.
Oree Reality also operates a blog where they expound upon why it’s important to choose a home built to IGBC certification standards. Oree Reality mentions many of the advantages of homes built to these standards including rainwater capture systems, solar panel installation, energy-efficient systems and recycling facilities, all designed to provide IGBC points.
What to Look Out For When Purchasing a Green-Certified Home
For those in the market for a green certified home, here are some practical suggestions to consider:
Confirm IGBC Rating: Request documentation or other proof from the builder.
Identify which Green Amenities Are Included: Are there any green features such as rainwater harvesting, recyclable material, solar energy and energy efficient lighting?
Determine Maintenance Requirements: Some green features require regular maintenance (i.e., solar panels and water reuse systems). Be sure to inquire about what type of upkeep will be necessary.
Location is Important: A certified green building’s energy efficiency may also be improved by its location and passive design elements (e.g., shade and wind).
Talk to other residents in the community now to get an idea of their utility costs, i.e., energy and water costs. Do you think this is a good way to assess actual savings?
Conclusion:
Having a green certificate is no longer a privilege. It is now one of the main reasons that homebuyers look for when considering a purchase. It plays a large part in determining overall cost (ownership), quality of life and the amount of impact (footprint) an owner has on the environment. The ability to evaluate green certification in a home purchase, especially IGBC certification, gives the homebuyer the tools to make educated choices before purchasing a home.
Several builders, including Oree Reality, have created homes that follow the green-building standard. New developments such as Cloud 51 in Bavdhan are already being built to these standards and represent a method of incorporating sustainable practices with design.
When looking for a home, you should strive to find one that not only looks good and is in a great location, but also will stand up to future environmental conditions. Green certification measures the long-term viability of homes.
