Indian Architecture & Construction Network

Source : http://www.constructionweekonline.in/article-5890-govt_to_lead_by_example_for_green_buildings/

The government has recently taken a decision to lead by example by having all new central government and PSU buildings to meet requirements of at least three star rating under GRIHA, though efforts would be made to achieve four star requirements wherever site conditions permit.
The information was shared by Dr. Farooq Abdullah, Union Minister for New & Renewable Energy, at the National Conference for GRIHA (Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment). Inaugurating the event in New Delhi, he said that the new buildings should be functional, aesthetically beautiful as well as energy efficient. Emphasizing the need to
consider regional conditions while planning, the Minister said that it is time to work towards a world free of fossil fuels. He said, “Either we wake up now or sleep forever.”
Deepak Gupta, Secretary, Ministry for New & Renewable Energy who was present on the occasion said that India is already witnessing a process of rapid urbanization leading to tremendous energy demand in urban areas.

GRIHA, he said, has been developed keeping in mind our climatic conditions, a National Rating System that is suitable for all
types of buildings in different climatic zones of the country.
Mr Gupta also informed that the Ministry has incentivised GRIHA to promote large scale design and construction of green buildings that includes re-imbursement of registration fee, cash awards, etc. He said that CPWD has recently taken a decision that all its constructions would meet requirements of green buildings, and they are also revising contracting and costing procedures to accommodate the special services required for buildings to be green.
With an aim to expedite implementation of the rating system, MNRE has recently modified provisions of the scheme to exempt first 100 Govt. / Public Sector Buildings from paying registration-cum-rating fee in advance at the time of registration, Mr Gupta added. He said, “We now have to go beyond buildings and develop green habitats so that all new urban complexes or cities adhere to these principles. The Ministry, along with The Energy & Resources Institute (TERI) and other stakeholder institutions, is preparing a comprehensive capacity building programme.”