Green Buildings in India need to strike a chord
In New Delhi at a conference on green buildings, Dr Farooq Abdullah, the Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy declared that the Ministry of new and renewable energy will ensure that all upcoming buildings of the central government and PSUs (Public sector undertakings) meet requirements of at least three-star rating under the Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment (GRIHA). The minister also stressed the need to provide essential training for converting previously built structures into green buildings. At a time when climate change and high energy prices pose some of the greatest challenges, it is critical that construction of buildings be done taking into account a systems-based approach to meet the goal of energy efficiency and a healthy environment. India, too, has risen to the challenge and this movement has gained momentum in recent times. In a bid to encourage the green building sector in the country, the ministry has adopted the GRIHA as the national rating system of India and offers incentives for developments by the public and private sector.