By M. Anand                                    and                   Dr. Prem C. Jain
Principal Counsellor,                                                  Chairman
Indian Green Building Council                                     Indian Green Building Council

The past decades have seen phenomenal growth in urban population in India. During the fi rst ten years of this century, the percentage of urban population in India has increased from 27.81% in 2001 to 31.16% in 2011. Consequently, India is experiencing a similar growth pattern in the transportation sector. The share of personalized modes of transport such as two-wheelers and four-wheelers is increasing exponentially. Cities across the country are currently developing metro rail systems to increase the share of public transport. This indeed is a step in the right direction. Metro rails, being a much greener mode of mass transit, will go a long way in addressing ecological issues and concerns. 

IGBC Green Mass Rapid Transit System Rating 

IGBC has developed a wide range of green rating systems to suit every type of building application, all based on local codes and standards like NBC, ECBC, MoEF Guidelines for EIA Approval and others. Therefore, in order to address the environmental performance of Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) holistically, IGBC, with the support of the stakeholders, has launched IGBC Green Mass Rapid Transit System rating – the world’s first comprehensive rating for rail based MRTS. Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) is a premier public sector undertaking. It has successfully developed rail based MRTS for the nation’s capital. Its projects have been completed well within the budgets and time schedules. They have adhered to stringent specifications, and are now operating with clockwork precision to flawless safety standards. DMRC has agreed to be the advisor to a majority of rail based MRTS across the country. IGBC worked very closely with DMRC team in developing draft guidelines for rail based MRTS rating. The guidelines were then discussed in an open forum and were finalized with the support of key stakeholders from the ministry of urban development, metro rail authorities across the country, general consultants, contractors, technology providers, metro rail operators and green building consultants. The IGBC MRTS rating was launched by Dr. Mangu Singh, Managing Director, DMRC on September 4, 2014 at the 12th edition of CII-IGBC Green Building Congress, at Hyderabad. This rating system is a tool to enable new rail based MRTS to apply green concepts during design, construction, operation and maintenance, so as to minimize the measurable environmental impact. The overarching principle of IGBC Green MRTS Rating is to enhance commuter experience. Providing a major impetus to greening of Metro Rails in India, Janpath and Mandi House underground metro stations of DMRC gained the unique distinction of being the first ever metro stations to earn IGBC Green MRTS Platinum rating.

The key green building features incorporated in these stations will result in the following: 

• 15% savings through energy efficient air conditioning
• 100% rain water harvesting
• 50% of station energy requirements will be met through renewable energy sources
• Superior indoor air quality through UVGI lamps 

IGBC – DMRC National Conference on Green Metro Systems
IGBC, in partnership with DMRC, organized the first edition of National Conference on Green Rail-based Metro Systems on June 12 at Metro Bhawan, New Delhi. The objective of the Conference was to deliberate, discuss and share ideas and experiences of metro stakeholders in developing world-class green metro systems, and help India to emerge as a global leader in green metro systems.The Conference focused on knowledge sharing about the latest trends in green technologies and products, operations and maintenance of green metro systems, Informative case studies and success stories from field experts.

The Way Forward
As India moves towards rapid urbanization, all upcoming metro rail transit systems must develop the green way. They should be a perfect blend
of ancient architectural practices and modern technological innovations. Energy efficient and green practices will go a long way in optimizing the resources, bringing down the operational costs right from day one, and making the transit and journey more economical. They will also enhance
passenger and occupant comfort and well being, leaving them more refreshed and energetic during and after their travel.