The idea of green buildings and the implementation of the same has taken India up the rankings with the second largest area covered by green buildings in the world. America leads the way. But there are issues with the idea of green buildings.
There is more to a green building that just solar panels on the roof, green spaces and water harvesting systems. The ‘green’ has to figure in the building of it, right from the start. The labour involved in construction have to be housed appropriately, the usage of power has to be controlled, human waste generated at this time has to be managed well too. The waste and sewage management of the residents will come at a later stage.
But, as with many supposedly efficient systems in India, there has to be regulation. According to the Indian Green Building Council, there isn’t. There are no regulations and norms laid down that define a green building, so constructors and architects make it up as they go along. There’s no doubt that their efforts do result in a far more efficient building than it would have been if one were to take away the salient points that make up that particular green building, but there needs to be a proper benchmark.
The government has to get to the drawing board and put down parameters that clearly define a green building, from inception to reality. It’s only then that we can actually be proud of that second place spot.
