Green Building Ratings (IGBC, GRIHA): Landscape and Tree Credits
Both IGBC and GRIHA reward projects that protect existing trees and plant well. In the GRIHA Manual Volume 5, Criterion 2 asks projects to preserve or transplant mature trees. Trees removed are replanted with native species at 1:3, and planting 25% more earns a point. IGBC Green Homes includes a Site Selection and Planning category; check the current IGBC reference guide for exact credits.
Why landscape credits matter
Green ratings help sell homes and lease offices. Trees and landscape are among the most visible features buyers see.
Landscape credits also overlap with legal duties, such as tree-felling permits and environmental clearance conditions. Planning them together saves effort.
GRIHA: what Criterion 2 says
We opened the GRIHA Manual Volume 5, "Introduction to National Rating System", hosted by TERI. Its Criterion 2 is "Preserve and protect landscape during construction".
| Commitment or appraisal | What it asks | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 2.1.5 Preserve mature trees | Preserve existing mature trees on site, by preserving and transplanting them | Part of mandatory appraisal |
| 2.1.6 / 2.3.7 Compensatory planting | Replant native and/or non-invasive species at 1:3 for trees removed | 1 point, mandatory |
| 2.3.6 Preserve vegetation | Protect existing vegetation from disturbance or damage | Mandatory alternative to 2.3.7 |
| 2.1.7 / 2.3.8 Extra planting | Plant more than 25% above the minimum, within the site | 1 point |
| Non-applicability | Sites with no trees: tree appraisals do not apply | Not applicable |
The criterion has a maximum of 5 points in that manual, covering construction timing, spill control, erosion and topsoil too. If mandatory points are missed, other points in the criterion are not considered.
Documents GRIHA asks for
- A tree survey and a landscape plan colour-coding protected, preserved, transplanted and removed trees.
- A certificate from the landscape architect on tree protection during construction.
- A plan showing trees removed and replanted at 1:3, with species lists.
- A plan showing planting in excess of 25% above the minimum.
GRIHA has released newer versions since this manual. Check the current GRIHA version for your project before you rely on these clauses.
IGBC: what we could confirm
IGBC's Green Homes page says it was the first rating programme in India developed exclusively for the residential sector. It is voluntary and consensus-based.
It evaluates mandatory requirements and credit points. Its categories are Site Selection and Planning, Water Conservation, Energy Efficiency, Materials and Resources, Indoor Environmental Quality, and Innovation and Design Process.
We could not open IGBC's detailed reference guides, so we do not list specific landscape credits here. Ask your IGBC accredited professional for the current guide.
How to plan trees for a rating
- Survey first. A full tree survey supports GRIHA documents and any felling permit.
- Retain where you can. Saved mature trees count and avoid replacement costs.
- Choose native species. GRIHA asks for native and/or non-invasive species in replanting.
- Plant above the minimum. GRIHA gives a point for 25% more planting.
- Keep records. Geo-tagged photos and species lists make documentation easy.
- Plan maintenance. Dead trees at assessment cost points and credibility.
Ratings, rules and reporting
| Framework | Type | Tree angle |
|---|---|---|
| Tree-felling permits | Legal | Replacement planting set by the local authority; see our tree-felling guide |
| GRIHA | Voluntary rating | Preserve, transplant and replant at 1:3 (Manual Vol. 5) |
| IGBC Green Homes | Voluntary rating | Site Selection and Planning category; check current guide |
| BRSR | Disclosure (listed companies) | Report planting and survival; see Principle 6 |
When to do what
| Project stage | Tree and landscape task |
|---|---|
| Land due diligence | Tree survey; flag large and heritage-age trees |
| Concept design | Place buildings and basements to save the best trees |
| Approvals | Felling and transplant permits; replacement land |
| Construction | Fence retained trees; protect topsoil; transplant aftercare |
| Landscape works | Replant at the required ratio with native species; extra planting |
| Rating submission | Landscape plans, species lists, photos and certificates |
| Handover | Maintenance plan and budget for residents or facility manager |
GRIHA's Criterion 2 also covers topsoil, erosion control and construction timing. Plan these with the landscape work, not after it.
Common mistakes in rating submissions
- Tree survey done after site clearing, so the baseline is lost.
- Landscape plan that does not match the tree survey table.
- Replanted species that are neither native nor non-invasive.
- Retained trees damaged by construction traffic or soil dumping.
- Planted trees dead by the time of the assessment visit.
Each of these is avoidable with a survey at the start, fencing during works and a maintenance contract after planting.
How Grow Billion Trees helps
We survey, plant and maintain on-site landscapes, Miyawaki forests and off-site planting for developers, with geo-tagged records on GreenTrack that support rating documents. Work is priced per project after a site survey. See our real estate page or plan a programme.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does GRIHA give points for keeping existing trees?
Yes. In the GRIHA Manual Volume 5, preserving existing vegetation is one route to a mandatory point under Criterion 2.
What replanting ratio does GRIHA ask for?
The manual asks for replanting native and/or non-invasive species at 1:3 for trees removed, with an extra point for planting 25% more.
What if our site has no trees?
The manual says tree preservation and replanting appraisals do not apply to sites devoid of trees.
Which IGBC credits relate to landscape?
IGBC Green Homes has a Site Selection and Planning category. Check the current IGBC reference guide for exact credits and points.
Do ratings replace tree-felling permits?
No. A rating is voluntary. Felling permits and their replacement conditions are legal duties set by your state or city.
Can rating-driven planting be CSR?
Generally no. Planting on your own project site for a rating is a business activity, not Schedule VII CSR.
Sources: GRIHA Manual Volume 5 (TERI), Criterion 2 · IGBC Green Homes rating system. Last updated: October 2026. Rules change; check the latest notification before you rely on any detail.
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