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Going green is an imperative
Going green is no longer a fad but a survival imperative, believes Prem C Jain, chairman, Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) and an architect, as he explains the eco logic to Satya Naagesh Ayyyagary
Q. There seem to be a lot perceptional issues that going green is expensive especially in buildings. How true is that and how are you addressing that? A. What we have been able to do in the last five years __ our movement started in Hyderabad in 2003 and the first green building is our head office in head office in the city __ it was costly then because there was nothing available in the country. There was a stigma attached to anything recycled which we have been able to convert. Today, there are at least 100 products available like bamboo, paint, flooring materials, AAC blocks for the walls, roof insulation are now locally available near the sites. In the process the prices have come down.
Q. How are the prices of green materials now compared to earlier? A. Five years ago they were about 15 or 20 per cent more than conventional materials. Today, they are just about three percent more. My mission is in two to three years down the line convention and green materials should be of the same price. If you can get more people to use non-VOC (volatile organic compounds) paint, why would a paint company make VOC paints? They would only make non-VOC paint. It’s a demand-supply issue and it will also become affordable. My hope and mission is that a green building will cost the same as a conventional building by 2012. Why would anyone then go for a conventional building? Everyone would go for a green building. So our mission is to cross the boundary between green and non-green by 2012 and make green building affordable for everybody. Q. Again, there appears to be a perception that green buildings are only for offices and commercial buildings. So when do you think one can get to see green homes in large numbers? A. In fact, we started the move for green homes last year. And the first platinum green home is in Hyderabad. The green home movement is very strong and one that will sustain. The Indian way of life has always been green. They recycle everything. Now, it’s not only for bungalows and houses but also for flats. Go for good ventilation, orient them correctly. IGBC is a strong advocate of green homes not just green houses. An average person spends about 14 hours at home and eight hours in the office. So, one’s life is affected more as they spend more time at home. Also, offices are energy guzzlers as if there is no tomorrow. Houses need to be treated only five per cent to make them green.
Q. Now big players are following an eco logic __ both economic and ecological. How do you enthuse the small builders and developers in most of the cities who dominate the market? A. You’re right. The big players are turning green with our propagation combined with a heightened awareness among home buyers which is forcing them. The small, individual players are a challenge as they are numerous. So we are trying to educate the users - the prospective home buyers - which I’m sure will begin to put pressure on the developers. We are also inviting municipal officials to our Green Congress in September and will work on them to incorporate the green concepts into their bylaws as they are the ones who give permission to building and houses.
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