Real-Estate Blog

For long, many Indians, especially dwellers in big cities have been suffering from sick building syndrome – “a combination of ailments associated with place of work or residence.” But it seems finally developers have woken up and are looking for ways to go green with buildings designs- be in commercial or residential sector. Green buildings – by design try to make the environment inside healthier and better utilization of resources thus making it less stressful on human.

This trend is keeping with what is going on at the global level where scientists and environmentalists are concerned about “invironment” – a new terminology that refers to the quality of air indoor and its effects on health. According to American Society of Heating Refrigeration and Airconditioning Engineers (ashrae)– indoor air quality should provide up to 80% comfort level to people who are exposed to it. According to study figures – American business looses $60 billion every year due to less productivity caused by sick building syndrome. A green building can be termed so only if it meets certain strict parameters set by international leaders in the field like Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED). LEED-India along with the directorate of energy efficiency of the Indian central government are the authorities in India who can certify a green building. According to their criteria – a green building must perform well in the field of sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, material selection and indoor environment quality.

And no surprise who is leading this silent revolution in India– it’s the all powerful and cash rich IT industry. With exponential growth of the IT sector and IT enabled services; there is huge demand for ultra modern, sophisticated and eco-friendly office spaces through out the country.

“Green buildings will be a way of life. The sick building syndrome is a common ailment that affects productivity. IT companies around which bulk of the real estate development is going to take place in the city are willing to pay Rs. 5 to Rs.10 a sqft to ensure optimal environment for their employees to enhance productivity.”

said Pradeep Chopra, managing director of PS Group in Kolkata (Calcutta).

With Calcutta set to add 2 million sqft in infotech infrastructure alone, Chopra is right on target as his company is developing the PS Regent IT Park- a 16 storey building that would be a green building once approved by the authorities concerned.