INTERIOR ENVIRONMENT ASSESSMENT OF GREEN BUILDINGS ? AN EXPLORATORY STUDY

Green building is one which uses less water, optimizes energy efficiency, conserves natural resources generate less waste and provides healthier spaces for occupants as compared to conventional buildings (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 2008).The present study was designed with an effort to rediscover the Indian ethos by studying the green building rating system of India i.e. GRIHA. The present study was conducted in Haryana state. Secondary data regarding the number and ratings of green buildings were collected and compiled. Four green buildings were selected purposively from the secondary data collected. A sample of 100 occupants of the four selected green buildings was drawn randomly to assess occupant’s satisfaction level regarding IEQ of building.Study found that green buildings are better than that of conventional buildings on all the parameters except in case of humidity. The satisfaction level of the respondents regarding the IEQ aspects i.e. air contaminants, temperature, humidity, noise and light of green buildings were found to be highly satisfactory.