University Institute of Architecture is registered as a Silver category GRIHA CATALYST member. Under the ambit of this membership, a 2-day training programme on 3 GRIHA Variants were conducted on 25th & 26th August, 2022 at the UIA Campus in Chandigarh.

The programme was designed to facilitate the students to introduce them to green buildings and GRIHA to develop an understanding and create awareness on general concepts and processes under 3 GRIHA variants. The session commenced with a presentation on the major environmental challenges faced due to today’s building sector and the need to create green buildings. This was followed by an overview of GRIHA rating system and its variants. During this 2-day training, the GRIHA certification Decarbonizing Habitat Program and the GRIHA rating variants SVA GRIHA (Simple Versatile Affordable GRIHA) and GRIHA EB (GRIHA for Existing Buildings) were presented and discussed in detail.

Concepts of carbon emission reductions were discussed under the Decarbonizing Habitat Programme. SVA GRIHA session focused on a brief introduction of the rating, along with detailed presentation on various aspects such as landscape, architecture, energy, waste, water, materials. The training programme on GRIHA EB focused on site parameters, maintenance, housekeeping, energy, water, occupant health & comfort and social aspects with respect to existing buildings. Each criterion of the two rating variants were explained. Dedicated sessions on hands-on exercises and calculations on the associated concepts were also carried out.

The programme received an overwhelming response and was attended by approximately 60 students. Certificates jointly signed by GRIHA Council and the Institute were awarded to the participants.