A senior government official announced that the development of green buildings should be promoted throughout the country, and that campaign should be launched to raise awareness of the fact that the difference in construction costs between such properties and conventional ones is marginal. 

Government Initiates Green Buildings in India 

Surendra Kumar Bagde, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, stated during a webinar that the campaign should be launched to raise awareness about the marginal cost difference between green and conventional buildings. He highlighted that the concept of green buildings should be promoted in tier II and tier III cities as well. Also, all of the necessary laws and regulations are in place to assist developers in the construction of green buildings. 

The National Real Estate Development Council (NAREDCO), the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII), and the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) held a webinar titled "India's Leadership Role in Advancing Green Buildings." 

Even though the cost of green buildings is slightly higher, these organizations believe that it is in the best interests of the environment to go green. India, which is currently ranked third globally in terms of green buildings after China and Canada, may well overtake China by 2022, according to the statement. 

Rajeev Talwar, President of Naredco, proposed greenery in cities more and more. It may not be possible in many urban agglomerations, but the vertical developers are, the greater is the chance of environmental sustainability. City forests are now a part of life, and the government is able to do that. 

With regard to energy savings and the greener actions of the entire industry, he stated water recycling should also take place rapidly and not simply rainwater harvesting. And its time is shifting to electricity by mass transport. Other experts have expressed confidence that India will help shift gears from green buildings to green built-environment on its journey into a leader in the green building movement.  

All stakeholders, including governments, developers, and builders, contributed tremendously to the green journey.

By: Shailaja K