The 12th edition of Green Building Congress, held on September 4 to 6 at Hyderabad, evoked an excellent response. This Congress is held in different cities every year with the aim to educate, inform, network and unite all the stakeholders to advance the green building movement in India. The event has grown steadily over the years in terms of content, participation and involvement of stakeholders. The Green Building Congress provided a valuable opportunity to stakeholders to\ update themselves on the latest trends in green building practices across the globe. Leading national and international experts shared their thoughts and perspectives at the event.

K. T. Rama Rao, Minister for Panchayat Raj and IT, Telangana described the newly formed state as a land of opportunities for investors. The state is economically forward looking and an ideal investment destination, he added. To ensure sustainable development, cities should not only be smart but also green and safe.

Anita Agnihotri, Secretary, Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation called upon IGBC, CREDAI and other stakeholders to work on developing green standards for affordable housing. The housing sector has a multiplier effect in terms of providing employment, security, etc. To make this happen, it is imperative to work closely with all the stakeholders.

The inaugural session was marked by the launch of following green building rating systems:

1. IGBC Green Schools

2. IGBC Green New Buildings

3. IGBC Green Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS)

All the IGBC Rating Systems are based on the five elements of nature (panchabhutas) and are a blend of ancient architectural practices and modern technological innovations.

This rating program is a tool to facilitate schools go the green way, and aims to facilitate the development of green schools with the support of industry. IGBC Green New Buildings Rating System The objective of this rating system is to facilitate a holistic approach to create environment friendly buildings through architectural design, water efficiency, effective handling of waste, energy efficiency, sustainable buildings and focus on occupant comfort and well-being.

This rating system is a tool to enable MRTS projects apply green concepts holistically during design and construction, and to enhance commuter comfort and overall experience.

A coffee table book highlighting 101 IGBC rated green building projects was released at the event. This is a compilation of some of the finest green buildings of India. Each project showcases the water and energy savings and reduction in CO2 emissions. This publication was prepared under the guidance of Sameer Sinha and Jayesh Hariyani.

In its efforts to enable speedy certification of projects and to make the overall process easier, IGBC has launched its online portal.

Jane Henley, CEO, World Green Building Council, while speaking at the Master Speaker Session on September 5, underlined the growing need to expand our vision and look at various facets like quality of life, green cities, vertical landscaping, etc. She explained the importance of coexistence between environment, society and economy. Award Distribution Green Building Projects Dr. Ajay Mathur, Director General, Bureau of Energy Efficiency felicitated 85 green building projects rated during 2013-14. Green-I Contest Students of Smt. Ramkuwar Devi Fomra Vivekananda Vidyalaya of Chennai received the first prize. This contest aims to create awareness and encourage students to think about conservation and sustainability measures for a better tomorrow. IGBC Green Design Competition Vishus Narayanan and Siva Sankar of\ SPA, Vijayawada were awarded the first prize. The objective of this contest is to seed green ideas in the minds of young budding professionals and encourage new thoughts and innovation in green design. MoUs Inked Three MoUs were inked during the Green Building Congress 2014:

1. Indian Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ISHRAE)

2. Energy Efficiency Services Limited

3. European Solar Shading Organisation A new chapter was scripted in the green building movement in India when IGBC and ISHRAE signed an MoU on September 5. The areas of cooperation would include information exchange, participation in events, joint programs, promotion of educational programs, membership promotion and networking. IGBC is already working closely with ISHRAE, and the MoU will add impetus to the green building agenda.

The last day of the event, September 6, was marked by sessions on homes, existing buildings, hospitals, schools, green products and renewable energy. The event provided the right impetus to the green building movement in India to take it to the next level.

New Manufacturing Policy will Provide Major Impetus to the Green Movement

Dr. Prem C Jain, Chairman, IGBC has thanked the Prime Minister for according priority in promoting Green movement in general and Green Buildings in particular in the country. The New Manufacturing Policy encourages the rapid adoption and promotion of Green Buildings. This would facilitate creation of a healthier and sustainable built environment for all, and significantly enhance the quality of life. India, with over 2 billion sq ft, has the second largest Green Building footprint in the world. The New Manufacturing Policy will consolidate India’s leadership in Green Buildings. Dr Jain underlined that IGBC will work more closely with the Government in facilitating a greener and healthier India.