Green building numbers rise even higher across India

Green building numbers rise even higher across India

World Green Building Week is celebrated annually across the globe world to draw attention to the importance of creating healthier, more sustainable structures and communities. This year the theme was ‘Green Buildings for Great Communities.’
Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) of CII commemorated the event to underline the need and importance of green buildings for a sustainable tomorrow. The IGBC Mumbai Chapter organised a session on values of sustainability, where leading stakeholders of Indian construction industry participated.
Gurmit Singh Arora, vice chairman, IGBC Mumbai Chapter, shared that as on date, over 1,745 Green building projects amounting to over 1.21 billion sq ft of green building footprint are registered with IGBC. He added that IGBC Green Building Rating Systems on homes, factory buildings, SEZ, townships and LEED India 2011, are all based on the five elements of the nature (Panchabhutas).
They are a perfect blend of ancient architectural practices and modern technological innovations.
V Suresh, chairman, IGBC Advocacy Committee, said that, the construction costs of a Green building would be 5-8% higher for a Platinum building than a conventional building and the incremental cost gets paid back within 3-4 years with a substantial reduction in operational costs. This makes good business sense, he added. He also emphasised the need of more Green buildings in the city and revealed that IGBC is working closely with the Government of Maharashtra towards developing environmental guidelines for public buildings and area development projects.
Mala Singh, convenor Green Governance, IGBC Mumbai Chapter, shared the current environment policy and regulations applicable for construction projects. She also mentioned the current initiatives taken by MoEF, Govt. of India and CII – IGBC to promote the Green building moment. She also highlighted that pre-certified Green projects are also getting priority for fast track clearance by the State Environmental Appraisal Committee. Dismissing the rumours of Green Buildings being expensive and only affordable by the rich, she said they are very much applicable for middle and low income groups as well.
Architect Sandeep Shikre, member - IGBC Mumbai Chapter Core Committee, emphasised the need for a good building envelope and the role of energy efficient glass in a building.