Green building concepts have come to the mainstream in commercial space development, but need to be encouraged more for wider market acceptance, according o Mr C. N. Raghavendran, Chairman, CII-IGBC Chennai chapter, and partner C. R. Narayana Rao Architects, a leading firm of architects. Speaking to Business Line in the context of the Green Building Congress 2011 being organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry in New Delhi, he said the Indian Green Building Council, which spearheads the concept of environment-friendly built-up space, that helps conservation and efficient use of natural resources, is a voluntary effort. This has catalysed more than 1,270 registered green building projects, accounting for approximately 900 million square feet of built-up space. But a ‘carrot-and-stick' model, with incentives and penalties, will help in greater compliance. While there need not be direct fiscal incentives or statutory rules, existing regulations could be tailored to provide benefits for builders and promoters who comply with green building norms. This could take the form of faster clearances and tax concessions.

Globally, the concept of urbanisation and built-up space, contributing to green house gas emissions and climate change, has been recognised. In India, leading developers of office space, particularly large IT companies, have recognised the need for green buildings, and have also benefitted from the cost conservation that it provides. But this has to be adopted by a wider segment of the market, he said.

The Green Building Congress, which is in its tenth year, is being organised between October 20 and 22 and will include a two-day Green Building Congress on October 20 and 21, and an exhibition of green building products, training programmes and a national-level school competition to encourage green concepts and ideas. Last year, the event attracted more than 6,500 visitors, 2,000 participants and showcased more than 200 products.

The Green Building Congress will focus on architectural perspectives, experiences, global patterns, rating systems, materials and public policies.

Amarprakash launches ‘The Royal Castle'

Amarprakash, a Chennai-based developer, will launch ‘The Royal Castle' a township in Chromepet, a suburb to the south of Chennai, according to a press release from the company.

The Royal Castle will be spread across 17 acres, and will have 1,249 apartments with modern amenities, besides a CBSE School, shopping plaza, clinic and a 3-star hotel, within the gated community.

With stilt plus four floors, the project is coming up with the concept of Studio Apartments that combine living room, bedroom and kitchen in one room, and 1, 2 and 3-bedroom apartments, penthouses and duplex apartments. Apartments start from Rs 12 lakh onwards, depending on amenities and features of each project.

The built-up area of apartments ranges from 360 square feet to 2,200 square feet. The property is approximately 10 km from the airport and 6 km off GST Road. Currently, Phase 1 of ‘The Royal Castle' has been opened as a pre-launch and the project is to be completed by 2013.

Navin Raheja is new head of NAREDCO

The National Real Estate Development Council (NAREDCO) has appointed a new panel of members at the annual general meeting held in New Delhi last week. The regulatory body, established in 1998 under the aegis of Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation, works for the development and promotion of the housing, real estate and allied sectors in India.

Mr Navin Raheja, CMD, Raheja Developers Ltd, has been elected as the president of NAREDCO. The other new members elected include vice-presidents, Mr Sunil Dahiya, MD, Vigneshwara Developers Pvt. Ltd, Mr Sunil Mantri, Chairman, Sunil Mantri Realty Ltd; and member, finance, Mr. Rajesh Arora, MD, Arora & Associates Infradevelopers Pvt. Ltd.

The release, quoting Mr Raheja, said that with the support of the Government and other members of the council, he would work to bring transparency in the sector and provide a roof to every common man in India.

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