LEED and its relevance in Indian context

[SANDEEP KUMAR]

Traditionally Indian architecture has inherently been energy efficient (thru proper shading, ventilation, orientation, use of local materials, embodied energy and energy used in operation & maintenance and more…,) when compared to western architecture. It is also a fact that LEED has been designed keeping the western architecture in mind and may seem irrelevant for generic Indian architecture at first glance. But the fact that in recent times, the trend in Indian architecture has been following western traits (particularly use of air conditioned glass boxes and environmental degradation) makes it somewhat relevant at present and may be more in future; if the trend continues unchecked. 

 

Even if LEED criteria are not relevant totally; before rejecting it out rightly I believe there is a definite scope of learning from its approach to assess a complex matter in quantitative terms. There are vital aspects covered in LEED criteria which remains ignored or overlooked here which and needs attention and introspection. We can praise about our architecture and not accept LEED but it is also a fact that we in India do not yet have a comparable system which can be a widely accepted system at least within the entire country, and perform the important role to generate awareness and inspire a trend in today’s young architects to practice greener (or rather sensible) architecture. We should surely pause to take relevant clues from it to develop an indigenous system relevant to our architecture.

 

sandeep kumar

architect

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specifically in response to sandeep kumar's posting. we have recently
applied for LEED certification for a project. i agree with you when you
say that a lot of it doesnt even apply to indian building standards,
but two things are very useful at this time: the documentation we are
putting together makes us aware of HOW we are really different from the
west, also of many possibilities we had not considered, basically going
through this rigourous excercise threw up many things we had taken for
granted. sencondly, and perhaps importantly, the client will stand to
gain substantially in terms of overseas funding if we do get the
certification :-) being an environmental research organisation
themselves also helps.
also, there is now an indian rating system that is comparable, if not
more appropriate. TERI has recently introduced the GRIHA ratings based
on the national building code. for more details, and i think it will be
well worth it, check their website www.teriin.org

snehal gada