The original concept of the Nature-Man-Spirit complex was given by L.P. Vidyarthi to describe the culture of virgin human society, untouched by civilization, industrialization and urbanization. Humanity, where the whole culture was divided into three parts – Nature, Man, Spirit. These parts were closely interrelated, inter-dependent and interacting. Which helped this society find the perfect balance between man and his ecosystem. Truly sustainable!

Similarly, Green Buildings offer us the green way to relate, depend, and interact with nature in a much more peaceful manner. A ‘green’ building is a building that, in its design, construction or operation, reduces or eliminates negative impacts and can create positive effects on our climate and natural environment. Green buildings preserve precious natural resources and improve our quality of life (World Green Building Council).

WHAT MAKES THEM GREEN?

●        Efficiency – of energy, water and other resources

●        Renewable energy – such as solar energy

●        The ‘R’s Re-use & Recycling – reducing waste and pollution

●        Ethical materials –   non-toxic and sustainable

●        Environment centric – in design, construction and operation

●        Quality of life for occupants – in design, construction and operation

●        Good indoor environmental air quality

●        Innovative design – adaptive to changing environment

WHERE DOES INDIA STAND?

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) announced that India has ranked third globally on its annual list of the top 10 countries and regions for LEED in 2021. India certified a total of 146 buildings and spaces to LEED, representing nearly 2.8 million gross area square meters (GSM) of space. This marks an about 10% increase in LEED-certified space in India from 2020. 

IGBC (Indian Green Building Council) is very closely working with several Central and State Government agencies to promote the green building movement in the country. 

The central government offers incentives. The Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate change offers fast track environment clearances for green building projects certified by IGBC. The state government of Maharashtra has drafted a Green Building policy that provides property tax rebates to buyers for five years. The local government of Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) offers an additional Floor Area Ratio of 3%, 5% and 7% for Green Buildings rated as Silver, Gold and Platinum, respectively, by IGBC.

THE GREEN OPPORTUNITIES 

The pandemic has transformed the home culture. It is more than just a family space. The Work from Home has moulded it into a contemporary workspace. Online schooling turned it into e-schools, and the uncertainty of pandemics impelled us to find a recreational place within the home space.

Against such a backdrop, Green Buildings offer us a chance to correct our mistakes and lean towards a sustainable, self sufficient lifestyle.