GRIHA NEWSLETTER
         
    Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment September 2023  
Sanjay Seth
Mr. Sanjay Seth, Vice President & CEO, GRIHA Council
 
The month of August 2023 holds a special significance in India's history, marked by the monumental achievement of the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 on August 23 as part of the Indian Lunar Space Mission. In recognition of this stellar accomplishment by ISRO scientists, the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India officially declared August 23 as National Space Day of India.

The month also commemorates two other significant days- World Biofuel Day and Akshay Urja Diwas (Renewable Energy Day) on 10th August and 20th August respectively. Both these dates are marked to raise awareness about the importance of non-fossil fuels as an alternative source of energy and disseminate vital information on the growth and utilization of renewable energy in India.

I am pleased to inform that GRIHA Council was invited to the 2nd International conference on ‘Sustainable and Inclusive Urban Development in Global South’ held from 10th -12th August 2023 in New Delhi. A paper titled “Innovating IT Toolkits for Effective Sustainability Implementation through GRIHA Rating Variants’ was presented during the conference highlighting GRIHA Council’s efforts in integrating Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to advance Sustainable Development Goals in India.

A series of intensive trainings and awareness programmes were conducted by GRIHA Council for various stakeholders in August. A student awareness programme was organized by GRIHA Council for students and teachers of Birla Vidya Niketan School, New Delhi for raising awareness on green buildings, sustainable habitats, and environment friendly lifestyles. As a part of knowledge sharing and capacity building awareness and training programmes were conducted for professionals from HAL Management Academy, Bengaluru and Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), New Delhi. I am also pleased to announce that GRIHA Council has commenced its much-awaited 8- Day Online Training Programme on Environment, Social, Governance (ESG) Compliance and Corporate Sustainability on 2nd September 2023.

The upcoming training programmes by GRIHA Council includes GRIHA for Large Development and Re-defining Thermal Comfort- The Way Forward scheduled on 22nd September 2023 and 27th October 2023 respectively. I encourage you all to actively participate and take this opportunity to learn, share and advance the development of sustainable habitats.

I am glad to share that GRIHA Council and NASA (National Association of Students of Architecture) India has renewed the MOU to jointly promote the development of green buildings, sustainable habitats and sensitize students towards sustainable design.

I am also pleased to announce that GRIHA Council will be awarding its 1st Valuable Contributor Award during the 5th Consultant Meet scheduled on 15th September 2023.

As we approach the 15th GRIHA Summit, GRIHA Council extends a warm invitation to prospective projects to submit their proposals for the "Exemplary Performance Awards." These awards will be presented during the Summit, offering an opportunity to reinforce our commitment to advancing sustainable development and showcase best practices that can serve as the driving force in this transformative journey.
 
  Upcoming Events
 
 
 
  Upcoming Trainings
 
 
 
  Updates
One-Day training programme on GRIHA V.2019 for Indian Oil Corporation Ltd

GRIHA Council conducted a training Programme on GRIHA V.2019 for Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL) members on 21st August 2023 in New Delhi. The intent of the training programme was to enhance knowledge of the participants on green buildings and GRIHA V.2029 rating system.

It focused on all the sections of the rating such as sustainable site planning, water, and wastewater management, building design optimization, energy performance optimization, renewable energy utilization, solid waste management, sustainable building materials, construction management practices, life cycle cost analysis etc. Each session was carried out with presentations of the respective criteria followed by discussions.

The training programme was attended by 25 professionals from IOCL including architects and engineers.
 
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between GRIHA Council and NASA India

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between GRIHA Council and NASA India on 25th August 2023 in the presence of Dr. Vibha Dhawan, Director General, TERI & President, GRIHA Council and Mr. Sanjay Seth, Chief Executive Officer & Vice President, GRIHA Council. The MoU was signed by Ms. Shabnam Bassi, Deputy CEO-Cum-Secretary & Treasurer, GRIHA Council and Mr. Syed Abdus Samad, National Secretary, NASA India.

Through this MoU both the organizations will jointly promote the concept of green buildings and sustainable habitat through the GRIHA platform and sensitize students towards sustainable design. As part of this MoU, GRIHA Council and NASA shall cooperate to execute the GRIHA trophy at NASA annual conventions. Students from NASA member colleges across the country participate to compete for the GRIHA Trophy, which is adjudged by a prominent jury. The winning entries get showcased during the annual GRIHA Summit, where students are invited to share their designs and schemes with participating delegates.
 
GRIHA Council at 2nd International Conference on 'Sustainable and Inclusive Urban Development in Global South’

GRIHA Council participated in the 2nd International Conference on 'Sustainable and Inclusive Urban Development in Global South', held from 10th to 12th August 2023 in New Delhi. Hosted by the Institute for Human Development (IHD), NITI Aayog, Government of India, and the University of Florida, in collaboration with the Centre for the Regional Development (CSRD), JNU, and the National Institute of Urban Affairs, this conference provided a platform for insightful discussions on pressing urban sustainability challenges.

Mr. Sanjay Seth, Vice President & CEO of GRIHA Council, along with Ms. Shabnam Bassi, Deputy CEO-cum-Secretary, Mr. Akash Deep, Area Convenor and Senior Programme Manager, and Mr. Yash Nayyar, Assistant Project Officer, presented a paper titled "Innovating IT Toolkits for Effective Sustainability Implementation through GRIHA Rating Variants.” The paper highlighted GRIHA Council's strategic integration of information and communications technology (ICT) to advance Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in India. By leveraging our advanced toolkit, we curate significant data, offering valuable insights into the current state of SDG accomplishments. Our aim is to elucidate the symbiotic relationship between ICT and SDGs through our assessment tools, fostering a more sustainable and resilient urban built environment.
 
Training Programme for HAL Management Academy, Bengaluru

Mr. Akash Deep, Area Convenor & Senior Programme Manager and Area Convenor conducted an awareness session titled 'Green Buildings- The GRIHA Way' during the Knowledge Sharing and Capacity Building Workshop on Energy Efficiency in Defence PSUs at HAL Management Academy, Bengaluru.

The session focused on concepts around green buildings, climate responsiveness in the built habitat; and exemplified strategies and approaches to sustainable site planning, water and wastewater management, building design optimization, energy performance optimization, renewable energy integration, municipal waste management, efficient material resource utilization, etc. through different case studies of GRIHA rated projects. The objective of this awareness program was to showcase a sustainable approach towards planning, development and management of various resources related to the habitat sector. The programme gave the participants an opportunity to explore green buildings and to understand the importance of going green.
 
Training Programme on GRIHA for Existing Buildings (GRIHA EB)

GRIHA Council conducted an online training programme on 18 August 2023 on the GRIHA rating variant for Existing Buildings (GRIHA EB). The training programme offered an in-depth understanding of the GRIHA EB rating system, which focuses on assessing and enhancing the sustainability performance of already constructed buildings.

The training was attended by over 50 participants and was well-received. Participants gained insights into the principles, criteria, and implementation strategies required to optimize energy efficiency, water conservation, waste management, indoor air quality, and occupant comfort in existing buildings.
 
  Rated Projects
 
 
  New Products added in the GRIHA Product Catalogue
 
Company Name: Prince Pipes & Fittings Ltd.

Typology: Low Flow Fixtures
Company Name:Roca Bathroom Products Private Ltd.

Typology: Low Flow Fixtures
Company Name: N. J. Eco-Build Private Ltd.

Typology: Fly ash Bricks/AAC Blocks
 
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