Introduction
Today, the building sector in India is growing at a rapid pace and contributing immensely to the growth of the national economy. The sector has embraced sustainable
design and construction practices in the past decade, and has brought India on the International map of green buildings and built environment. While the concept of green was initially adopted in commercial buildings, it is now extending to practically all types of buildings and applications. This augurs well for our country, where the building sector is expected to grow fourfold in the next three decades. Incorporating green concepts and techniques in the building sector can help address national concerns, namely water efficiency, energy efficiency, reduction in fossil fuel use, handling of consumer waste and conserving natural resources. Most importantly, these concepts can enhance occupant health and well-being, which is assuming greater importance. Indoor aesthetics, air quality and comfort are of paramount importance to occupants; the world over, designers are exploring opportunities to construct buildings considering these key elements.
 

IGBC Technical Committee
Against this background, Indian Green Building Council (IGBC), in partnership with Institute of Indian Interior Designers (IIID), has formed an IGBC Technical Committee to establish green interior standards for buildings. The Committee has come out with a pilot rating to establish standards in designing sustainable interiors. The pilot rating has been developed considering the Indian context and national priorities. It will be operational for one year. Based on the learning, the rating system will be further streamlined.

Benefits of Green Interiors

Sustainable Interior design can result in multi-fold benefits including the following:
• 30 to 40% reduction in energy costs
• 20 to 30% reduction in water requirements
• Enhanced indoor air quality
• Use of materials that are non-toxic
• Better acoustics and ergonomics
• Improved health and well-being of occupants
 

Modules of the Rating System
The following modules are addressed in IGBC Green Interiors rating system:
• Eco design approach
• Water conservation
• Energy efficiency
• Green interior materials
• Indoor environment quality
• Innovation in interior design
The guidelines, detailed under each mandatory requirement and credit, enable the design and construction of green interiors of all sizes and types. Different levels of
green building certification are awarded based on the total credits earned. The rating takes into consideration all possible aspects of the interior in each of its phase - pre-construction, construction, post occupancy and maintenance; product specifications; transportation costs, labour inputs; and adherence to labour safety in the execution of the interiors. The rating recognises and rewards good practices that contribute to sustainability, human health and welfare.
 

Scope
The rating is ideally suited, but not limited to office interior fit-outs, malls, retail spaces, hotels, restaurants, resorts, IT spaces, banks, hospitals and other commercial/
industrial buildings. The rating is applicable for both new and existing interior fi t-outs. 

Case Study: ICICI Bank, Madhapur Branch, Hyderabad 

India’s First IGBC Green Interiors (Platinum) Project Some of the green features include the following:
• Fresh air as per International Standards
• CO2 monitoring for occupant well-being
• Indoor plants to enhance IAQ
• Ergonomic design
• Usage of recycled paper
• Energy efficient LED lights
• No smoking policy
• Ample outdoor view
• Use of low VOC material
• Eco friendly furniture
 

Conclusion
IGBC Green Interiors rating system is evoking excellent response. In days to come, this rating will go a long way in building a greener and healthier India. This, in turn, will also offer new growth opportunities to designers, manufacturers and vendors.