Comparative Studies of Certified and Non-Certified Green Residential Buildings in India

The increasing urgency of sustainable urban development has amplified interest in green building certification systems such as IGBC, GRIHA, and SVA-GRIHA. This review paper provides a comprehensive comparative analysis of certified and non-certified residential green buildings, with a special focus on the Indian context. Drawing from a wide range of national and international studies, the paper evaluates key performance parameters including climate responsiveness, water efficiency, economic sustainability, post-construction performance, and policy evolution. Findings consistently reveal that certified buildings outperform conventional structures in terms of energy and water conservation, indoor environmental quality, occupant satisfaction, and long-term cost-effectiveness. Despite higher initial investments, certified green buildings offer significant environmental and economic returns over their lifecycle. The review emphasizes the critical role of policy support, public awareness, and stakeholder collaboration in driving the adoption of green certification frameworks. Overall, the paper underscores the transformative potential of green buildings in achieving sustainable urban growth and climate resilience.