GRIHA Rating for Ports

Introduction

Globally, ports are advancing toward carbon neutrality targets for 2040–2050, with green certifications becoming increasingly important for Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) compliance and international competitiveness. In this context, adopting a structured sustainability rating system will help India benchmark its performance, reduce Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions, and position its maritime sector to attract climate-aligned investments. GRIHA Rating for ports will help elevate environmental and operational standards across ports, aligning them with international green port protocols and enhancing India’s global trade competitiveness. The framework serves as a robust tool to attract green finance and ESG-linked investments, while also contributing to the reduction of lifecycle costs and environmental liabilities.

Intent

The GRIHA rating for ports system formulated guidelines for Green Ports in India while recognizing the pivotal role of Indian maritime sector in laying the foundation of net zero economy.

Salients Features

The following are the salient features of the new version of GRIHA rating for Ports:

Preservation of natural site features: Involves conserving existing vegetation, natural landforms, and water bodies to minimize ecological disturbance during construction and operation. This helps protect native ecosystems, prevent soil erosion, and maintain the site's natural character.
Enhancement of ecological assets: Focuses on increasing green cover, developing biodiversity zones, and restoring degraded areas to strengthen ecological resilience. These efforts support local flora and fauna, improve air quality, and enhance the visual appeal of the site.
Improving aquatic life: Focuses on protecting marine and freshwater ecosystems within and around port areas. This includes measures such as preventing water pollution through effective runoff management, controlling sedimentation, restricting wastewater drains and reducing hazardous spillages.
Passive design strategies: Incorporating elements like cross ventilation, courtyards, shaded open spaces, elevated structures, capture of prevailing winds in the building, permeable surfaces and vegetation, high thermal mass, improved daylighting, etc. reduces reliance on mechanical systems. These strategies enhance indoor comfort while significantly lowering energy consumption.
Integration of clean energy solutions: Incorporating renewable energy sources like solar, wind, or biogas reduces dependence on fossil fuels. Clean energy integration cuts greenhouse gas emissions and enhances energy resilience.
Energy and water use optimization: Using efficient fixtures, automation, and smart design minimizes energy and water consumption. This reduces operational costs and environmental impact, contributing to sustainability goals.
Efficient wastewater and solid waste management: Implementing on-site treatment of wastewater along with effective segregation, recycling, and disposal systems for solid waste enables reuse, reduces environmental pollution, and minimizes the burden on landfills. These integrated waste management practices support resource recovery and promote sustainable, responsible handling of both liquid and solid waste.
Reducing carbon footprint: Sustainable site planning, energy-efficient systems, low energy material selection, and low-emission construction practices all contribute to minimizing carbon emissions. This helps mitigate climate change and aligns with global sustainability goals.
Promoting the use of sustainable and low impact materials: Prioritizing the use of locally available, recycled, low-impact, and certified sustainable materials to reduce the environmental footprint of construction. This approach conserves natural resources, lowers embodied energy, and supports a circular economy in the built environment.
Ensuring occupant comfort: Designing for thermal comfort, indoor air quality, noise control, and natural lighting enhances the well-being and productivity of occupants.
Adoption of green operation and maintenance protocols: Implementing sustainable O&M practices with advanced monitoring tools ensures efficient resource use. Real-time data helps identify inefficiencies, reduce wastage, and maintain environmental compliance.

Benefits/Advantages of adopting GRIHA Rating for Ports

Environmental benefits: Reduces emissions of SOx, NOx, CO₂, and particulate matter, leading to cleaner air and healthier marine ecosystems. It promotes efficient waste and energy management and supports biodiversity by minimizing the impact on marine habitats. It also aligns with Paris agreement, focusing on reducing global greenhouse gas emissions to limit global warming.
Economic Benefits: Enables increased global trade and investment while reducing operational and energy costs. Different governments often provide incentives and financial support to promote such sustainable practices. Aligning with international standards like MARPOL Annex VI and Environmental Ship Index (ESI), helps meet regulatory goals and opens high end maritime market. It also strengthens national climate commitments and boosts ESG performance with improved global rankings. It also reduced the operational cost with the implementation of measures related to efficient fuel consumption, reduction in leakages, reduced energy and water consumption, improved maintenance, etc.
Social Benefits: A cleaner environment enhances public health and supports better infrastructure and urban development. It encourages positive engagement with local communities and stakeholders. It also supports marine community by providing international opportunities for local fisheries, trading, local markets, etc.

Eligibility & Virtual Boundary

Project Boundary

Virtual Boundary

All New or Existing ports under expansion with site area more than 10 hectare (Land area + Harbour area) are eligible for GRIHA rating for Ports.