Highlighting the role of green buildings in reducing energy consumption as well as awareness among architects, Ajay Mathur, director general of Bureau of Energy Efficiency, Ministry of Power said that regulations alone will not boost the concept.
Talking about green buildings at 'Nirman 2009', a construction confluence organised by Gujarat Institute of Civil Engineers and Architects (GICEA), Mathur said, "It has become extremely important today to look at building through the prism of energy. Energy consumption and its reduction needs to be seen as the key to sustainable future. As far as green buildings are concerned, regulations alone are not sufficient to promote green buildings. Awareness and discretion among architects will also play a pivotal role."
The four-day confluence began with a symposium on 'Green Sustainable Architecture', apart from an exhibition.
According to Mathur, the commercial space in India has grown by nine per cent in this decade whereas the commercial sector energy consumption increased by 13 per cent reflecting the fact that newer buildings consume more energy. The symposium also saw presentations on traditional methods of green building constructions and usage of latest technologies in construction industry for environment sustainability, among others.
"As architects, we are persuading state governments to go as much green as possible. Gujarat, in that sense, has taken a lead by setting up a separate department for climate change. If we can make the most of the climate and environment, it will make much better sense. Air circulation of building, narrower building construction, and green roofs, are some of the most viable means of green buildings. We don’t necessarily have to invest in high-end techniques," said Vadodara-based architect, Karan Grover.
Meanwhile, Varun Kohli, associate - Skidmore, Owings and Merrill LLP talked about usage of latest technology in buildings. "There are latest technology available for sustainable development of buildings. For instance, there have been latest eco-tech simulation software that have been used in Hyderabad. Since, green buildings consume 40 per cent less energy than conventional ones, such technology would make them more efficient," said Kohli.