GRIHA Help Centre
General
Due Diligence
- (#7887) Criteria checked during Due Diligence I, II and III
- Where is the compliance report submitted in response to the due diligence report of GRIHA Council?
- How many site visits are done by GRIHA officials during the GRIHA LD certification process?
- What are the expenses involved during the site audit process?
- When is the site audit conducted?
- How does GRIHA Council help the project management team to ensure that the site work is in compliance with GRIHA criteria?
Incentives
- Are there any tax benefits if we opt for GRIHA EB?
- Are SVAGRIHA projects eligible for additional free FAR in Haryana?
- Is there any specific Incentive program for Mumbai, / Maharashtra, Goa and Gujarat or any other state?
- What are the incentives provided by Ministry of Urban Development, Government of India for GRIHA rated buildings?
- What are the incentives provided by Department of Housing and Urban Development, Government of Punjab for GRIHA rated buildings?
- Does SIDBI (Small Industries Development Bank of India) provide any financial assistance to GRIHA certified buildings?
Monthly Mailers
Online Panel
- (#8512) Revision of built-up area on online panel
- (#8511) Uploading documents on GRIHA panel
- (#811) Compliance report trigger mail
- (#8128) Multiple building appraisal mismatch
- Where is the compliance report submitted in response to the due diligence report of GRIHA Council?
- When I login for uploading project documentation, the following message is displayed: No buildings are available / active. No criteria are visible on the panel, so how can I start uploading the documents?
Orientation Workshop
- Can separate training session be arranged for client’s employees?
- Can a CD/soft copy of the presentation for workshop be obtained by the client?
- Is there any additional fee for conducting the workshop?
- Where is the orientation workshop conducted?
- Who all must participate in the orientation workshop?
- At what stage is the orientation workshop conducted?
Product Catalogue
- (#8618) Procedure for renewal of Product Catalogue certificate
- (#8522) Registration of BMS products in GRIHA product catalogue
- (#8231) Can usage of products expired in the GRIHA product catalogue also help in earning points?
- (#8163)Registering computer workstation in product catalogue
- (#691) Accredited labs for product testing
- Will a 3rd party certificate be required if the project uses products from the GRIHA product catalogue?
Rating/Documentation Process
- (#8631) Building typology for GRIHA v 2019 project with multiple buildings
- (#8585) Size of GRIHA logo to be displayed on site.
- (#8554) Which typology to be considered for a project with canteen building.
- (#8543) Variant and typology for transit terminal project.
- (#8549) Multiple queries for EPC project.
- (#8536) Registration for fruit and vegetable market project.
Rating Process
Rated Projects
Reference Material
- (#642) Building emission standards in India
- (#8166) Demonstrating compliance with NBC 2016
- What is the definition of Green Buildings?
- Is there any reference manual specifically for GRIHA - LD which defines the stages of certification in a more detailed and elaborate manner?
- Where can the GRIHA manual Version 2 be purchased and what is the cost?
- When GRIHA V 2015 did came into effect and where on the website is the manual located?
Registration & Fees
- (#8612) Refund of registration fee after project design has changed.
- (#8486) Rating for a transit terminal project
- (#8245) GRIHA certification for aircraft hangar
- (#8220) Queries on SVAGRIHA certification fees clause
- Sunset period for GRIHA v2015
- (#650) Registration for industrial buildings
Training
- (#8553) Process for becoming a GRIHA certified professional/ evaluator.
- (#8542) Appearing for GRIHA v2019 exams
- (#8298) Updated validity guidelines for CP exam
- (#8290) Documents required for attempting Evaluator Exam
- (#8268) v.2019 Training programme
- (#877) Sample papers for CP exam
GRIHA Learning Centre
- What are the courses available in GRIHA Learning Centre (GLC)?
- Is it mandatory to attend the E-course on version 2019 for CP and Evaluator examinations?
- How do I register for a course available in GLC?
- How can I register for the E-course on version 2019 if I am an existing user of GRIHA Community?
- How can I pay for a course?
- Do I have to start my E-course on version 2019 at a certain time? And how long do I have to complete it?
GRIHA
Criterion 1: Site Selection
- (#8432) Calculation of ground coverage area
- (#7927) Documentation to demonstrate compliance with UDPFI guidelines
- (#7842) Will PMSSY approved plans be acceptable to GRIHA
- (#542)Density interpretation on FSI increase
- Can Canteen be considered as a service in criterion 1, Appraisal 1.1.2?
- Can 1 point be earned if only 3 services are available near the project site?
Criterion 2: Low-impact design
- (#8576) Porus asphalt for roadways and pathways as a SUDS strategy.
- (#8416) Passive design strategies
- (#8415) How to conduct insolation analysis.
- (#8167) Source of insolation values
- (#8093) Sketch-up software for insolation analysis
- (#8073) Insolation analysis
Criterion 3: Design to mitigate UHIE
- (#8535) High SRI tiles on walkways as a UHIE mitigation strategy.
- (#8276) SRI values for coatings
- (#8262) Exclusions for areas treated with high SRI finishes
- (#604)SRI compliance in cold climates
- SRI value for external pavement
- How should an open water body or swimming pool be considered for Criterion 5 Calculation under GRIHA V3
Criterion 4: Site imperviousness factor
Criterion 5: Air and water pollution control
Criterion 6: Preserve & protect landscape during construction
- (#8301) Compensatory tree plantation
- (#8271) Enhancing soil fertility
- (#8212) Plantation requirement and plant factor for native grass
- (#817) Mature trees
- (#802) Top soil preservation for developed site
- (#732) Top- soil preservation in redevelopment site
Criterion 7: Construction management practices
Criterion 8: Energy efficiency
- (#8519) EPI benchmark for mixed use building
- Building Envelope Peak Heat Gain Factor for partly conditioned building
- (#8624) ECBC compliance for project registered under GRIHA v3
- (#8614) Does domestic hot water consumption have to be considered in EPI calculation?
- (#8587) How can EPI for multiple buildings be calculated?
- (#8583) Basement area loads in EPI calculation.
Criterion 9: Renewable energy utilization
- (#8635) Solar water heating system for renewable energy offset
- (#8631) Percentage of renewable energy offset for a mixed use project
- (#8540) Renewable energy compliance using solar farm within project complex
- (#8452) Renewable-energy Based Hot Water System- non applicability
- (#8447) Sodium oxide fuel cell as a renewable energy source.
- (#8540) Renewable energy compliance using solar farm within project complex
Criterion 10: Zero ODP materials
Criterion 11: Achieving indoor comfort requirements (visual/ thermal/ acoustic)
- (#8630) RGB LED lights for exterior lighting not meeting luminous efficacy requirements.
- (#8597) Thermal comfort compliance as per NBC 2005
- (#8594) Is daylight simulation required for enclosed connecting corridors?
- (#8581) Calibration of newly purchase noise monitor
- (#8544) Roof area calculation for domed roof.
- (#8547) Glass specifications for residential projects in composite climate.
Criterion 12: Maintaining good IAQ
- (#8556) CO2 sensors in AHU return air ducts to demonstrate compliance.
- (#8449) Installation of CO2, Temperature and RH sensors in residential projects
- (#7969) PM10 and PM2.5 levels less than prescribed levels
- How can a naturally ventilated residential building achieve points in Criterion 12 – Maintaining good IAQ?
- What are the fresh air requirements for compliance with GRIHA?
Criterion 13: Use of low VOC paints and other compounds in building interiors
- (#8613) VOC content for melamine acoustic panels.
- (#8075) 3rd party certificate for low VOC content
- What is the percentage of VOC in paints to be considered a low VOC paint?
- Is there any norm of VOC for Carpets?
- Are there any norms of VOC for the Vinyl print (multi-color graphics) to be pasted on partition?
- Is there any VOC limit to be followed for Grout?
Criterion 14: Use of low flow fixtures and systems
- (#8622) Can bib-cocks with aerators be used as a low-flow fixture?
- (#8070) Flow rates of plumbing fixture with aerators
- (#795)Building occupancy calculation
- (#713)Online calculator is not equipped to handle the project complexities
- What is the number of uses to be considered in criterion 14 ( Use of low flow fixtures and systems) of GRIHA Version 2015?
- What are the baseline flow rates for water fixtures and flush fixtures for GRIHA Version 2015?
Criterion 15: Reducing landscape water demand
- (#8212) Plant factor for native grass
- (#8149) How to get evapotranspiration data?
- (#8076) Plant factor of barren land
- (#7992) Irrigation system timer control
- (#7958) List of native trees
- (#7923) Water demand for existing trees in undisturbed areas
Criterion 16: Water quality
- (#8500) Water test report for municipal water supply
- (#843) Water quality for irrigation
- Can the average annual quantity of water from on-site water bodies used to capture rainwater be considered to meet per-capita water demand?
- Is providing a Sewage Treatment Plant a mandatory requirement to achieve 3 star rating?
- Does the wastewater treated with a Septic System comply with GRIHA requirements?
- A project is divided into two different phases, out of which only one phase is going for GRIHA rating. A combined STP is proposed for both the phases. So how can the project apply for points in Criterion 21 (GRIHA Version 03)?
Criterion 17: On-site water reuse
- (#8616) Can MBBR STPs which use UV lamps instead of hypochlorite for disinfection be considered chemical free STPs?
- (#8604) Is STP located in an adjacent plot owned by the same client accepted in GRIHA?
- (#8604) Is STP located in an adjacent plot owned by the same client accepted in GRIHA?
- (#8576) On-site water reuse for part of a township project.
- (#8180) Laundry water consumption for reuse calculations
- (#8179) STP treated water discharge during monsoon
Criterion 18: Rainwater recharge
- (#8526) Groundwater level testing on contoured site
- (#8479) Non-applicability for ground water recharge
- (#8462) Demonstrating non-applicability for ground water recharge
- (#8364) Rain water recharge using peak hourly rainfall.
- (#8135) Sizing of RWH system
- (#8206) Multiple queries for project with large rocky site area
Criterion 19: Utilization of BIS recommended waste materials in building structure
- (#8567) Replacement of OPC with fly-ash in Grade slab and definition of structural work.
- (#8566) Documents required if AAC blocks are being used in a project.
- (#8241) Low energy materials in differnt categories
- (#8233) Procedure to calculate the total percentage of cement replaced with fly ash
- (#485) Solar PV for Hot water generation
- (#588)Is recycled Aggregate considered BIS recommended waste?
Criterion 20: Reduction in embodied energy of building structure
- (#8627) Can a project score points under Criterion 20 by using PPS and AAC blocks for construction
- (#8546) Documentation for embodied energy calculations
- (#8482) Embodied energy calculation
- (#8487) Testing of walling block for recycled content
- (#7850) Low energy walling material
- (#8035) Embodied energy reduction
Criterion 21: Use of low-environmental impact materials in building interiors
- (#8596) Submission requirements for Low impact materials in building interiors.
- (#8499) Finishes to be considered in low energy material calculation?
- (#8082) Documentation requirement for rapidly renewable wood.
- (#580)Are UPVC frames considered as low energy material
- (#574)Is quarry dust considered an industrial waste in GRIHA
- (#574)Are cement tiles considered as low environmental impact flooring
Criterion 22: Avoided post construction landfill
- (#576) Visitor population for water and waste calculations
- What category of waste generation norm should be considered in case of medical consultation rooms, labs or minor OT?
- Will a project which is part of an existing campus get points in Criterion 24 (GRIHA Version 03) if the waste is being sent to a centralized facility?
- Does the builder need to supply following things for attaining 3 star pre certification : 1) solar thermal system 2) garbage chute 3) rain water harvesting
Criterion 23: Treat organic waste on site
- (#8608) Waste generation as per NBC 2005 in a GRIHA v3 project.
- (#8337) Organic waste calculation for large mixed-use development
- (#8221) Organic waste calculation for a hotel project.
- (#8201) Organic waste treatment using crusher
- (#8031) Quantification of wet waste generation
- Can vermi composting be done off-site or should it only be done on site for meeting the requirements of Criterion 25 (GRIHA Version 03)?
Criterion 24: Labor safety and sanitation
Criterion 25: Design for universal accessibility
Criterion 26: Dedicated facilities for service staff
- Area of service staff restrooms
- (#8219) Calculation of number of service staff for providing dedicated resting room
- (#8158) Dedicated facilities for service staff on campus outside GRIHA virtual boundary
- (#814) Facilities for service staff as innovation point
- (#8126) Can service toilets and disabled toilets be the same?
Criterion 28: Smart metering and monitoring
- (#8456) Metering requirement
- (#8448) Installation of smart meters at building level
- (#8206) Connecting to GRIHA online benchmarking platform
- (#7987) GRIHA Online Benchmarking Platform
- (#7980) BTU meter requirement for each chiller
- (#611)Joint sub meter for lighting and ceiling fan load
Criterion 29: Operation, maintenance protocols
- Who conducts the energy audit for demonstrating compliance with Criterion 32 (GRIHA Version 03)?
- When is the energy audit conducted for demonstrating compliance with Criterion 32 (GRIHA Version 03)?
- Is it necessary to install meters and sub-meters at individual dwelling unit level or they can be installed at common area level in an apartment?
Criterion 30: Performance assessment for final rating
- (#8558) Specifications for Electric Vehicle charging points.
- (#8537) Innovation points for parking management system
- (#8537) Innovation points for parking management system
- (#767) 2-way communication with GRIHA platform
- Documentation submission for audit and validation
- Audit for Energy, Thermal & Acoustic, Water and Visual parameters
Criterion 31: Innovation
- (#8122) Electrical vehicle charging points as an innovation strategy.
- (#876) Innovation point for E-charging slots
- (#846) Green walls
- (#648)Low smoke electrical cables as innovation point
- (#8129) THD Controller for innovation
- (#8080) Innovation points for organic waste management.
GRIHA version 2019
Criterion 1: Green Infrastructure
Criterion 3: Design to Mitigate UHIE
Criterion 7: Energy Optimization
Criterion 10: Visual Comfort
Criterion 11: Thermal and Acoustic Comfort
Criterion 12: Maintaining Good IAQ
Criterion 13: Water Demand Reduction
Criterion 14: Wastewater Treatment
Criterion 15: Rainwater Management
Criterion 16: Water Quality and Self-Sufficiency
Criterion 19: Utilization of Alternative Materials in Building
Criterion 20: Reduction in GWP through Life Cycle Assessment
Criterion 22: Life Cycle Cost Analysis
Criterion 23: Safety and Sanitation for Construction Workers
Criterion 26: Positive Social Impact
GRIHA LD
Resource impact : Site Planning
Energy (Developmental Quality)
Energy (Self Sufficiency)
- (#8152) Compliance for GRIHA LD
- What method/ thumb rule can be used to calculate the annual building energy consumption for the Phase 2 buildings of a project as energy simulation for the proposed phase 2 is not possible in the absence of architectural and energy data.
- What are the types of simulation required during GRIHA LD certification process?
Site planning (Developmental Quality)
Solid Waste Management (Developmental Quality)
- The following commitment “On-site incinerators to be provided for treatment of medical / hospital waste or provision for the same to be sent to a treatment facility (If Applicable)" is not applicable for our project, so will we lose this point?
- How can the contractual tie-up with e-waste recyclers for purchase and safe recycling of e-waste be documented?
- How can the strategies to recycle and reuse construction and demolition waste on site be documented?
Transport (Developmental Quality)
Water and waste water management (Developmental Quality)
- (#452)Rainwater Quantification
- Will installing low flow plumbing fixtures help a project under GRIHA LD earn points for water self-sufficiency?
- A project is in its inception stage with no water supply lines, rainwater storage and sewage treatment plant on site. How can it comply with BIS standards for water quality?
- Can an average LPCD value be considered for a project with mixed use?
SVAGRIHA
Criterion 1 : Reduce exposed, hard paved surface on site and maintain native vegetation cover on site
Criterion 2 : Passive architectural design and systems
- (#8266) Reduced solar access in buildings.
- Is there any mandatory fresh air requirement for the spaces? SVAGRIHA or GRIHA manuals do not specify any requirement for this. The client suggests that fresh-air will be available through regular door openings
- The developer will not be providing any kind of Desert coolers & Fans in the building. Please suggest how can points be achieved for installing low-energy cooling/heating system?
Criterion 3 : Good fenestration design for reducing direct heat gain and glare while maximizing daylight penetration
- (#7956) Insolation of building fenestration
- (#874) Insolation value
- Building design to be constructed in villages in hot and dry climate, where glass window is not a suitable option and client intends to use MS windows with iron grill and no glass. So how can we comply with the SHGC requirement?
- Building design proposed to be constructed in villages in hot and dry climate. As it’s a daytime use building, all windows and doors will be open during working days. Should we go ahead with 100% Visual Light Transmittance (VLT) for daylight calculation?
Criterion 4 : Efficient artificial lighting system
Criterion 5 : Thermal efficiency of building envelope
- (#8562) Blast-proof envelope without windows/ openings
- There are a specific set of external wall materials in the drop down menu of the calculator. What should be done if the project is using different materials / different combination?
- Energy efficiency threshold considerations.
- While considering ‘Sq.ft/TR’, which area, ‘conditioned space’ or ‘total space’, should be considered for calculation?
- If the developer is not providing any kind of air-conditioners, fans & geysers, then how can we achieve points ?
- Can you please suggest appropriate Air Conditioners which can help in achieving points in Criterion 6 (Use of Energy Efficient appliance) of SVAGRIHA?
Criterion 6 : Use of energy efficient appliances
- For office buildings, SVAGRIHA states "Non-applicability: Office buildings can opt out of installing Solar Water Heaters”. So will the project lose two points or will they be deducted from the denominator as well?
- Our project is a government school providing mid-day meals. What should be the hot water requirement for kitchen needs?
Criterion 7 : Use of renewable energy on site
Criterion 8 : Reduction in building and landscape water demand
Criterion 11 : Reduce embodied energy of building
Criterion 12 : Use of low-energy materials in interiors
Criterion 13 : Adoption of green Lifestyle
Criterion 14 : Innovation
PRECERTIFICATION
General
- (#8382) Peak hourly rainfall data from IMD
- (#8317) Benefits of Precertification
- (#778) Inconsistency in sanctioned plans and working drawings
- Is it mandatory to submit all test reports during pre-certification if the project is not going for Environmental Clearance?
- Would a project be eligible for precertification If it’s in a preliminary stage with no approval drawings?
- What are the benefits of GRIHA pre certification for an upcoming project?
GRIHA for Existing Buildings (EB)
Criterion 1: Accessibility to Basic Services
Criterion 2: Microclimatic Impact
Criterion 3: Maintenance, Green Procurement and Waste Management
Criterion 4: Metering & Monitoring
Criterion 5: Energy Efficiency
- (#8197) Equipment and meters under tenants scope in existing building
- (#8194) Submission requirement for energy consumption
- Please explani no cost EEMs, in apprasial 5.1.2
- Do we have to do calibrated energy simulations for the Energy credits? Or just implement the ECM's?
- Are points awarded for use of emission reduction from diesel generators by the use of emission control technologies?
- What is EEm's?