The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : ‘Time to build a green State'

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Aug 10, 2010
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Karnataka

Karnataka - Bangalore

‘Time to build a green State'

Staff Reporter

Green technology can save up to
40 per cent energy
Green buildings occupy 23 million sq. ft area today

Welcome:ASSOCHAM president Swati Piramal greeting Governor H.R. Bhardwaj at a conference on green buildings in Bangalore on Monday. Minister for Large and Medium Industries Murugesh Nirani looks on.

Bangalore: With its expertise in technology and its access to natural resources, Karnataka is well placed to adopt the philosophy of “green” buildings — buildings designed to use less water and optimise energy efficiency — said Swati Piramal, president of the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM).

The green architecture movement is slowly but surely striking root in India, she said. “Certified green buildings occupied 20,000 sq ft in 2004, while they cover 23 million sq feet today. This trend is expected to reach 45 million square feet by 2012.”

Ms. Piramal was speaking on Monday at a conference on green buildings organised by ASSOCHAM, which also launched its regional office in Bangalore. “Several corporate outfits have either developed or are planning to develop green office spaces. And it is not only the information technology sector but also manufacturing firms, educational institutes, hospitals and hotels that are demanding green spaces because of the financial and environmental benefits they offer,” she said.

Green technology can save 40 per cent of energy consumption (by reducing the need for lighting, air-conditioning through design and material) and 30 per cent of water, Ms. Piramal added. Minister for Large and Medium Industries, Murugesh R. Nirani, said: “More than 70 per cent of the infrastructure needed for a developed India is yet to be built and that gives great opportunity to build green.” However to achieve this target, the country needs a cadre of professionals who are equipped to handle the task, he added.

Governor Hans Raj Bhardwaj said that those in the real estate business must ensure a commitment to standards as they are “building the future of the country”.

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