RESPONSIBLE GROWTH INDEX
Rating for Existing Buildings
Covers:
- Building Retrofitting for Energy Efficiency
- Façade Modernization and Renovation Projects
- Structural Strengthening and Seismic Retrofitting
- Upgrading Building Infrastructure (HVAC, electrical systems)
- Green Building Certification for Existing Structures
- Fire Safety System Installation
- Interior Redesign for Existing Commercial Buildings
- Roof Insulation and Solar Panel Installation
- Accessibility and Universal Design Upgrades
- Net-Zero Existing Buildings
- Building Automation System (BAS) Integration
Relevance and Impact
Existing buildings represent a significant portion of the urban infrastructure but often fall behind in terms of sustainability, energy efficiency, and modern safety standards. As operational costs rise, and environmental and social expectations become stricter, building owners and developers face the challenge of upgrading aging infrastructure while ensuring long-term value. The Existing Buildings Rating System offers a comprehensive framework to tackle these issues through sustainable retrofitting and modernization.
Rising Energy Costs and Inefficiency: Existing buildings are often energy-inefficient due to outdated HVAC systems, poor insulation, and suboptimal energy management. Building retrofitting, such as upgrading HVAC systems, adding insulation, and installing solar panels, can significantly reduce energy consumption and operating costs, addressing both financial concerns and environmental impact.
Aging Infrastructure and Compliance Issues: Many building owners struggle to keep aging infrastructure compliant with current safety, accessibility, and environmental regulations. By focusing on structural strengthening, seismic retrofitting, and upgrading systems like electrical and fire safety, buildings can meet new compliance requirements, reducing liability and improving occupant safety.
Increased Demand for Sustainable Practices: As green building certifications become more valuable in the market, owners of older structures face pressure to align their properties with sustainability standards. Pursuing green building certifications for existing buildings—through improvements like energy-efficient systems, water conservation measures, and waste reduction strategies—can enhance a building’s marketability, tenant appeal, and overall value.
Maintaining Competitive Appeal in Modern Markets: Older commercial buildings often struggle to compete with newer developments in terms of design, functionality, and tenant attraction. Interior redesign, façade modernization, and the integration of Building Automation Systems (BAS) help existing buildings remain relevant in a competitive real estate market by improving user experience, operational efficiency, and aesthetic appeal.
Fire Safety and Emergency Preparedness: Ensuring fire safety and emergency preparedness in older buildings is critical to protecting tenants and reducing risk. Modern fire safety system installations can mitigate these risks and bring buildings up to code, providing peace of mind to both owners and occupants.
Accessibility and Inclusivity Challenges: Many existing buildings do not meet current accessibility standards, limiting their usability for all individuals. Accessibility upgrades, including the implementation of universal design principles, ensure that these buildings are inclusive and welcoming, while also increasing their potential user base and overall functionality.
By addressing these problems, the rating system for existing buildings provides a pathway to make aging structures more sustainable, energy-efficient, safe, and marketable. Through targeted upgrades and retrofits, building owners can extend the life of their properties, reduce environmental impact, and align with growing social and economic expectations for responsible building management.
What Will I Be Able To Do?
Tangible Benefits:
- Identification and mitigation of environmental risks lead to cost savings.
- Reduced energy consumption lowers utility bills.
- Cost savings from sustainable sourcing practices.
- Decreased water costs through efficient usage and waste reduction.
- Reduced disposal costs and improved recycling efforts.
- Lower material and labour costs through optimized operations.
- Enhanced budgeting accuracy improves financial performance.
- Better project finance leads to increased investment opportunities.
Intangible Benefits:
- Improved public perception as an environmentally responsible building.
- Healthier work environments increase staff morale and productivity.
- Building strong relationships with stakeholders enhances community engagement.
- Lower likelihood of regulatory fines and legal issues through compliance.
- Distinctive branding as a certified green building attracts eco-conscious tenants.
- Strengthened relationships through engagement with local communities.
- Enhanced workplace culture promotes inclusivity and attracts diverse talent.
What Will I Get?
This certification guides urban projects developer by incorporating the following scopes:
Environmental Scope:
1. Adoption of sustainable practices like energy efficiency, water conservation, and waste management.
2. Implementation of green technologies and reduction of carbon footprints.
3. Promotion of resource optimization to minimize environmental impact.
Social Scope:
1. Ensuring fair labor practices, safe working conditions, and employee well-being.
2. Promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the workplace.
3. Enhancing community engagement and fostering positive social impacts.
Governance Scope:
1. Strengthening compliance with regulations, data privacy, and intellectual property protection.
2. Establishing transparent and ethical business practices.
3. Implementing robust governance structures to mitigate legal and operational risks.
Economic and Geopolitical Scope:
1. Encouraging market diversification and strategic partnerships.
2. Developing risk management strategies to address economic and geopolitical uncertainties.
3. Fostering innovation to create new market opportunities and drive economic resilience.
Innovation and Market Leadership Scope:
1. Promoting responsible and ethical software development practices.
2. Differentiating companies through sustainable product offerings and innovative solutions.
3. Enhancing brand reputation and market positioning as leaders in responsible technology.
Certification Levels
REGI Responsible Projects Certification Levels
Certification Level
Points Range
Description
1-STAR
Certified Level
40-49
Ideal for those initiating sustainable practices. A step towards a more responsible and eco-friendly approach.
2-STAR
Bronze Level
50-59
For entities committed to advancing sustainability initiatives. Recognizes efforts in resource efficiency and waste reduction.
3-STAR
Silver Level
60-69
Suitable for organizations with a substantial commitment to sustainability. Acknowledges achievements in various aspects of responsible practices.
4-STAR
Gold Level
70-79
Honors entities showcasing a high level of dedication to sustainable practices. Acknowledges excellence in resource efficiency, carbon footprint reduction, and waste management.
5-STAR
Platinum Level
80+
Represents the pinnacle of REGI certification. Signifies profound dedication to holistic sustainability, innovation, and continuous improvement.
Fee Structure
Registration Fee (Rs)
REGI Founding Member
₹25,000
REGI Annual Member
₹25,000
Non-Member
₹30,000
Certification Fee(Rs)
REGI Founding Member
₹1,25,000
REGI Annual Member
₹1,80,000
Non-Member
₹2,25,000
NOTES:
- Registration fee is a one-time fee paid at the beginning of the certification process.
- Fee is exclusive of Goods and Services Tax (GST)
- Certification fee is the main fee for assessing and certifying your product, service, or project.
- Registration, Precertification and Certification fee are non-refundable
Payment Details:
Payment can be conveniently done through a Debit Card, Credit Card or Net Banking.
Resources
Abridged List of References:
