What is a Green Building?
A Green Building is a structure designed and operated to minimize environmental impact while maximizing resource efficiency, occupant health, and long‑term sustainability.
It integrates eco‑friendly practices across its entire life cycle from planning and construction to operation and eventual demolition. By combining innovation with accountability, Green Buildings deliver measurable benefits for the environment, the economy, and society.
“Sustainability Made Measurable.”
Key Features of Green Buildings
Green buildings are designed to balance ecological health with structural high performance.
Energy Efficiency
Optimized insulation, natural lighting, and renewable energy adoption.
Water Conservation
Rainwater harvesting, low-flow fixtures, and greywater recycling.
Resource Management
Sustainable materials, waste reduction, and circular economy practices.
Healthy Indoor Environments
Superior air quality, thermal comfort, and non-toxic materials.
Why Build Green?
Every decision we make in design and construction shapes the world we live in. Building green means creating spaces that are resilient, efficient, and inspiring assets that deliver value for people, profit, and the planet.
“Green is not an option; it is the future of building.”
Reduce Environmental Impact
Green buildings conserve energy, save water, and minimize waste. By reducing environmental impact, they protect ecosystems and contribute to a healthier planet.
Enhance Health & Comfort
From clean indoor air to natural lighting, green buildings are designed to improve well-being, productivity, and comfort for every occupant.
Optimize Operational Costs
Smart design and sustainable technologies lower energy, water, and maintenance costs, delivering long-term savings across the building lifecycle.
Increase Market Value
Certified green buildings stand out in the marketplace, attracting investors, tenants, and buyers who value responsibility and innovation.
“To build green is to build trust; every certified space is a promise of resilience, responsibility, and a better tomorrow.”
Why Get GREENSL® Certification for your Building?
At the Green Building Council of Sri Lanka (GBCSL), our Green Certification Division empowers owners, developers, and facility managers to create efficient, healthy, and future-ready spaces. Whether it’s new construction or an existing building, certification ensures your property meets internationally recognized standards.
Credibility & Recognition
Show your commitment to sustainability with nationally and internationally recognized certification.
Operational Excellence
Identify opportunities to reduce energy, water, and emissions.
Future-Proofing
Stay ahead of evolving regulations and sustainability demands.
Market Advantage
Certified buildings command higher value and attract premium stakeholders.
Certification Tiers – GREENSL® Rating System
Buildings earn official GREENSL® Certification based on their achievement in the Final Evaluation, reflecting compliance with all sustainability benchmarks and performance standards:
“Your achievement, our recognition.”
Platinum Rating
Exceptional environmental leadership across sustainable site planning, renewable energy, zero water discharge, and indoor air quality.
Gold Rating
High environmental standards, high-performance building envelope, VRF HVAC systems, and low-embodied carbon material usage.
Silver Rating
Demonstrated green building performance, natural daylighting integration, rainwater harvesting, and smart energy metering.
Certified Rating
Verified environmental compliance meeting all foundational GREENSL green building prerequisites and audit benchmarks.
GREENSL® Rating Systems adaptable to every Project type
Tailored systems for diverse project types across Sri Lanka:
“One framework, many pathways to sustainability.”
New Construction
For the design and construction of whole buildings, and major renovations, across diverse use types.
Existing Buildings
For operational performance, retrofits, and recertification of existing facilities to enhance sustainability. (O&M, Recertification, Retrofitting)
Institutional Sustainability
For institutions operating in rented or owned spaces, focusing on workplace sustainability and resource efficiency.
Homes
For residential projects, emphasizing energy efficiency, water conservation, and healthy indoor environments.
Cities
For neighborhoods and urban developments, promoting holistic approaches to sustainable living and infrastructure.
Schools
For educational facilities, fostering healthy learning environments and embedding sustainability culture.
GREENSL® Certification Process
Follow our structured certification process from initial registration through independent evaluation to final award.
“From registration to recognition, every step proves sustainability.”
Select the Rating System
Determine the appropriate GREENSL® Rating System for your project type (New Construction, Existing Buildings, Green Homes, Green Cities, etc.). Review the minimum requirements and prerequisites for credit categories relevant to your chosen system.
Register Your Project
Initiate the process by registering your project with the Green Building Council of Sri Lanka (GBCSL) to obtain a unique project ID.
Engage an Accredited Professional
Appoint a GREENSL® Accredited Professional (AccP) to guide your project through certification requirements and ensure compliance.
Implement & Document
Work with your project team to implement sustainability strategies. Assign responsibilities, collect evidence, and document the achievement of prerequisites and credits.
Verification & Final Evaluation
The GBCSL technical team conducts site visits and verification. An independent evaluation confirms compliance and awards points based on performance.
Certification Award
Upon successful evaluation, your project earns its official GREENSL®Rating Building Certification (Certified, Silver, Gold, or Platinum). “Certification is proof of your achievement, our recognition.” Registration is the first step toward recognition; every certified building begins with a commitment to sustainability.
Public Comments – Developing Rating Tools
As part of the development of new rating tools, the Green Building Council of Sri Lanka (GBCSL) invites public comments to ensure inclusivity, credibility, and accountability. This process allows stakeholders, industry experts, and the wider community to contribute insights that strengthen the framework.
“Transparency you can trust.”
“Your voice shapes sustainability; every comment builds trust and strengthens the path to a greener future.”
Resources and tools
Access official standards, rating guidelines, and project templates for the GREENSL® Certification system.
GREENSL® Rating System for New Construction
Version 3.0
GREENSL®Rating System for Existing Buildings (O&M, Recertification and Retrofitting)
Version 2.0
Looking for Verified Projects?
Explore the official, searchable registry of all certified green building projects across Sri Lanka. Verify rating levels, review sustainability features, and download official certificates.