When going green is not just an option, but a necessity

There has also been a significant increase in ‘green’ growth in the residential segment. Today, many more Indian developers have understood that green certification can attract more customers and investors, and are aligning themselves with green concepts. However, the supply gap is still quite significant, and there is still a  definite need to create a broader spectrum of awareness among end-users. 

Another lacuna is on the banking front - unless bankers and lending agencies are trained on the benefits and importance of green real estate and insist on such features, we will not see awareness and traction of sustainable properties increase much. 

In commercial properties, there needs to be more clarity on who reaps the benefits - the owner or the tenant. In view of this, codes have to be made mandatory. The Energy Conservation 

Building Code has to be simplified, and the State Governments have to ensure that it is made mandatory by all concerned local bodies. 

Indisputable Benefits: Green building concepts, when implemented to the required extent and intent, will help save water through rainwater harvesting and recycling of waste water, and in reaping benefits from the water energy nexus. Whether it is water or energy, one can easily achieve benefits to the tune of 25% or more. Green buildings also address the major concern area of waste disposal in most of Indian cities. Green buildings with their integrated waste disposal and recycling systems can contribute significantly towards decreasing dependence on them. 

The Time Is Now: In a massively populated country like India, the Government is already challenged in making basic resources like water and electricity available and managing waste. Sustainable real estate can make a significant dent in this resource deficit if it is deployed in the required magnitude, so we as a country need to ‘go green’ sooner rather than later.