Green building is a concept fast-catching the fancy of people all over the world. Demand for green building materials and equipments are increasing day by day. A green building is one which is energy efficient, uses natural and renewable energy and causes the least amount of damage to the environment.
In India, Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) Green Homes is the first rating program developed exclusively for the residential sector. Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) is a part of CII-Godrej Green Business Centre, which is actively involved in promoting the GreenBuilding movement in India.
IGBC estimates the demand for green building materials and equipment will reach USD 4 billion per annum by 2010. In tune with the global trend to protect the environment, the number of green building projects in India may go up from the current 164 to over 2,000 by 2012.
Some of the features of green buildings are heat reduction insulated roofs and walls that substantially reduce heat ingress (up to 60 percent) thereby resulting in lower AC loads, cross ventilation with fresh breeze, low energy costs (up to 40 percent), and 100 percent natural light all across, thereby cutting down usage of artificial light by 50 percent. You can enjoy healthy living with innovative solid waste management, waste segregation system and nature-friendly infrastructure.
The biggest advantage is, the well designed green building may accrue life-long benefits at small make-up costs and reduction in water and operating energy costs. Generally, the cost difference while raising a green building is approximately between five and eight percent more than a conventional building, but the investor recovers costs within three years.
Green building not only offers healthy environment but also helps to save energy and water. If you are planning to buy an apartment or home, green building enables you to save cost of construction and you can enjoy healthy living with innovative solid waste management, waste segregation system and nature-friendly infrastructure.