Why Are Green Certified (ecolabel 1) Products Important for buildings and interiors?

As the world grapples with environmental challenges like climate change, pollution, and resource depletion, the importance of sustainable practices is becoming increasingly clear. In India, a country with a rich natural heritage and a rapidly growing economy, striving towards net zero buildings is not just a trend—it’s a necessity. Low embodied carbon footprint in the materials for building and interior industry  can be a good strategy for net zero buildings and will enable us to grow in a responsible manner towards a bright and secure future with much lower energy and resources challenges in future.

Usage of Ecolabel 1 certified products, also called green certified, are essential part of this mission.  In India they are certified as Greenpro,  by Green products and services Council, a CII body. Green certified products are those that have been certified by accredited bodies for meeting specific environmental standards, in alignment with SDGs – Sustainable Development Goals, espoused by the United Nations and endorsed by World Green Building Council. These products are designed to have minimal impact on the environment, from their production to their disposal.

By integrating greenpro-certified products into projects, one not only enhances the environmental performance of the project but also aligns with global standards for green building practices

 

Understanding Green Certification

Green certification is a process through which products are evaluated and recognized for their environmental performance and sustainability. These certifications are granted by recognized and accredited bodies that assess various aspects of a product’s lifecycle, from raw material sourcing and production to usage and disposal. The goal is to ensure that the products have minimal negative impact on the environment and contribute positively to sustainability. With accredited authorities evaluating products in a stringent manner against globally accepted environmental parameters, end users can save a lot of time and energy in product selection for their projects under sustainability certification.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Importance of Green Certified Products

Green certified products are crucial for reducing environmental impact, enhancing health and safety, and achieving economic benefits. They foster consumer trust, ensure regulatory compliance, and contribute to sustainability goals, making them essential for a greener, healthier future.

Economic Advantages

Many a time, green certified products might initially cost more, but they often provide significant long-term economic benefits. For example, energy-efficient appliances, though pricier upfront, lead to reduced utility bills over their lifespan due to lower energy consumption. However companies like IQUBX have consciously designed products which are not only unique and innovative and sustainable but are also competitively priced, due to their unique approach towards this subject.  This is exemplary for the industry and may set the trend for economically sustainable products in future. 

Additionally, as consumer demand for sustainable products rises, businesses offering green certified items can differentiate themselves and attract eco-conscious customers, thereby gaining a competitive edge. This trend towards sustainability also fosters innovation and opens doors for new ventures in the green sector, driving growth and profitability while contributing positively to the environment.

For the building and interior projects going in for green certification,  the government also offers many benefits in form of subsidies and relaxation in building bylaw norms.

Environmental Impact Reduction

Green certified products are specifically engineered to minimise their environmental impact through several key strategies. They often incorporate recycled materials, which reduces the demand for virgin resources and lowers waste. Additionally, these products are designed to be energy-efficient, consuming less power and thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions. They also tend to have lower emissions of pollutants, improving air and water quality. In India, where pollution is a critical issue, green certified products are essential. They help counteract the negative effects of industrial activities, contributing to better environmental health and supporting efforts to reduce pollution and conserve natural resources.

IQUBX products are manufactured out of recycled aluminium. Due to use of minimum components, energy used in manufacturing and logistics is minimised and even at the end of product life cycle,  the recycling becomes easier.

Health and Safety Benefits

Many green certified products, especially in building materials, are free from harmful chemicals and toxins that can pose significant health risks. For instance, green certification often ensures that products are low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are known to contribute to indoor air pollution. In urban areas of India, where outdoor air pollution is severe, indoor air quality can be further compromised by these VOCs. By choosing green certified materials, individuals can improve indoor air quality, reducing health issues such as respiratory problems and allergies, and creating healthier living and working environments. This is particularly crucial in densely populated Indian cities.

Iqubx products are made of inert material- recycled aluminium. The finishing of powder coating further ensures environment friendly surfaces with no VOCs.

Consumer Trust and Brand Loyalty

In today’s market, environmental considerations are significantly influencing consumer purchasing decisions. Green certifications are more than just labels—they represent a commitment to sustainability, enhancing a brand’s credibility and trustworthiness. As environmental awareness grows in India, consumers are actively seeking out products that align with their eco-friendly values. Businesses that prioritise green certifications not only demonstrate their dedication to sustainable practices but also build stronger customer loyalty. By differentiating themselves through these certifications, companies can attract a growing segment of environmentally-conscious consumers, gaining a competitive edge and establishing themselves as leaders in the green market.

Iqubx has consciously pioneered sustainability in the interior building materials sector and has already got a very good traction amongst top architectural and interior firms and end-user brand’s in India and abroad.

Compliance with Regulations

Governments and regulatory bodies globally are tightening environmental regulations to combat climate change and promote sustainability. In India, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) and other agencies are spearheading efforts to establish more rigorous environmental standards. Businesses operating in this evolving regulatory landscape face increasing pressure to comply with these standards. Green certifications provide a proactive approach to meeting regulatory requirements, helping companies demonstrate their commitment to environmental responsibility. By obtaining green certifications, businesses can avoid potential fines, legal issues, and reputational damage, positioning themselves as leaders in sustainable practices and ensuring long-term compliance with evolving regulations.

Prominent players in environmental drive in India

Several organisations in India focus on different aspects of environmental sustainability. Key players include the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), Indian Green Building Council (IGBC), National Green Tribunal (NGT), The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), and Cradle to Cradle (C2C).

 

Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) offers the “Eco-mark” certification, a comprehensive program designed to promote environmental sustainability across various product categories. This certification applies to a diverse range of products, including electrical appliances, building materials like fly ash, ultra fine slag, silica fume, construction and demolition waste. It has also framed green standards for wood products other than obtained from natural sources. To obtain BIS Green Products certification, products must meet stringent environmental criteria, such as energy efficiency, reduced emissions, and the use of sustainable materials. The certification process involves rigorous testing and assessment to ensure that products not only comply with eco-friendly standards but also contribute positively to reducing environmental impact.By endorsing these products, BIS supports a shift towards more sustainable consumption practices.

 

Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) 

The Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) is the organisation that offers “Greenpro” (Ecolabel 1) certifications for green buildings and products as well for other industries, with its certification recognized in several other countries. This certification assesses environmental performance across energy efficiency, water conservation, and sustainable materials. By evaluating products throughout their lifecycle, IGBC-certified items reduce environmental impact and promote sustainable building practices, aligning with India’s goals for eco-friendly development.

IQUBX, a leader in the green building industry, has earned over 80+ Green Pro certifications from IGBC for its modular interior products. This achievement underscores IQUBX’s commitment to sustainability and highlights the importance of their products in promoting eco-friendly building practices in India.

 

 

National Green Tribunal (NGT) 

While the National Green Tribunal (NGT) primarily serves as a judicial body addressing environmental disputes and issues, its role extends to significantly influencing environmental regulations and standards in India. The Tribunal’s rulings and directives often set precedents that shape regulatory practices and the adoption of green certification standards. By adjudicating cases related to environmental violations and sustainability, the NGT helps enforce compliance with environmental laws. This, in turn, impacts how green certifications are developed and implemented, ensuring that they align with legal and environmental requirements, and promoting more stringent standards for sustainability and eco-friendly practices in various industries.

 

The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI)

The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) offers certification through its Green Rating Program, which is designed to evaluate and recognize products and services based on their environmental performance. This certification emphasises energy efficiency, water conservation, and sustainable resource utilisation. By assessing various environmental impacts, including the lifecycle of products, TERI’s Green Rating Program helps businesses align with India’s broader environmental objectives. It encourages the adoption of practices that reduce carbon footprints, optimise resource use, and support overall sustainability goals, thereby contributing to a greener and more sustainable future for the country.

Cradle to Cradle (C2C) Certification

Although not exclusive to India, Cradle to Cradle (C2C) certification is gaining significant traction in the country. This certification evaluates products comprehensively across their entire lifecycle, focusing on material health, recyclability, and potential for reuse. It encourages manufacturers to design products that can be fully reclaimed or reused, thus supporting a circular economy model. By aligning with global sustainability trends, C2C certification promotes environmental responsibility and resource efficiency. Its growing adoption in India highlights the increasing commitment to sustainability, as businesses and consumers seek to minimise waste and enhance the life cycle sustainability of products.

Innovation and sustainability go hand in hand

IQUBX is a pioneer in the field, setting a remarkable example with its range of modular interior products that are both innovative and sustainable. Their certified products meet and often exceed the stringent criteria set by green certification bodies such as the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC). 

IQUBX has designed and is marketing a wide range of innovative, IPR protected modular interior systems which can be configured and customised as per unique design and functional requirements of architects, interior designers and end clients. Not only this gives freedom to the designers to express their unique and creative designs but due to better fit for requirements, they ensure a longer life cycle. 

IQUBX modular systems include high sound insulation glass partitions,  aluminium stile glass doors and frames, customizable big size ceiling trap doors, workstation understructures, panelling,  customizable patent baffle ceilings, patent floor junction box, floor box, raceway, office and meeting pods and many other systems.

Due to their unique and innovative design philosophy of using minimum components which can be assembled in different ways and deliver diverse configurations and system solutions, these products have low environmental cost for product development and manufacturing. Further,  use of recycled aluminium ensures minimum embedded carbon. They are designed for ease of maintenance, modification and even relocation as per evolving future requirements of the end user. This ensures protection of Capex, lower opex and again, a very low carbon footprint. 

This unique philosophy of minimising embedded energy and maximising utility gives a sustainability edge at every stage of the product lifecycle and makes IQUBX a preferred choice for those who prioritise eco-friendly solutions. In fact, due to these factors, all the products designed and manufactured by IQUBX are certified green by IGBC. IQUBX has the largest number of green certified architectural products in India today.

 

IQUBX’s Green certified modular interior products play a crucial role for a sustainable future in the context of the interior industry. With over 80 GreenPro certifications by IGBC, IQUBX shows its long term commitment to the global sustainable development goals. By prioritising environmentally responsible products, IQUBX sets a standard for sustainability, aiding businesses in achieving energy efficiency and cost savings and meeting their sustainability goals. 

As sustainability awareness and regulations increase, green certifications, as demonstrated by IQUBX, are essential for a healthier, sustainable planet.