Many are not convinced about the certification or the manner in which it is promoted, writes K.S.Subramanian At home with nature:Essentially the concept is to be in harmony with nature with good use of cross ventilation, light and water. Chennai has the reputation of holding nearly 68 per cent of Green building space in the country. But not all are totally convinced in the manner green building concepts are promoted, verified and certified "It has become more of an elitist concept and builders go in for it with an eye on certification,' said M.G.Devasahayam, Managing Trustee of SUSTAIN (Citizens Alliance for Sustainable Living). Essentially the concept was to be in harmony with nature, with wholesome use of cross ventilation, light and water. It was not new to India as the old homes of our forefathers had all these elements and much more, he said. He referred to Chettinad palaces and Thanjavur temple as standing examples where one experienced the natural cooling effect while stepping inside. Back in yore, building materials consisted of mud, burnt brick and wood to produce natural cooling which was also conceptually green, he affirmed. "The present need is to universalise the concept and not make it symbolic', he said. "And LEED certified builders are not the answer.' He agreed that the setting up of the Bureau of Energy Efficiency and ECBC (Energy Conservation Building Code) had been a major departure because it drew up standards to be complied with. Funding is tied up with eco compatibility and approvals restricted to commercial/office complexes. But its scope must be widened to include residences, schools and colleges. "Without an overall Green perspective Green building cannot survive as a concept.' His emphasis was on an Indian version (of certification) which would stick to the basics of US LEED but in tune with Indian conditions. It would include recognition for any effort to recycle or save water (tax rebate as in Israel), installation of sewerage treatment plants, using recycled water in gardens, water cooled A/Cs. Buildings would have to account for saving energy in view of varied climatic zones in the country. Also new mixing or blending technology to make use of secondary materials, chemical admixtures (super plasticisers, air-entraining agents), adoption of soil erosion control techniques like temporary seeding, permanent seeding and mulching. Finally, establishment of a Green Construction Consortium. And its target groups in the Chennai Metropolitan Area would be manufacturers of building materials and eco-efficient products. Pilot projects However, Ms.Satyaram Deepa, Consultant for A/Cs and Green buildings, was optimistic. With awareness spreading on water and energy conservation the direct benefits of a Green home were tangible to many, she said. "Certification and rating are different issues. New standards are coming up, specifically for Green buildings, and there are 100 pilot projects in the pipeline, both for individual houses and apartments. Cost increase is marginal. Recyclable materials, for example from glass to wood, are available and there is no threat of scarcity. Eco friendly products from paints to carpet materials are there for use and once design and cost are worked out there are no hindrances.' Chitty Babu, of the Akshay Homes is equally enthusiastic to green building ideas. "It all boils down to awareness of the need for energy conservation, better health standards, productivity and appealing appearance. Though it might cost Rs. 400- Rs.500 a sq foot more the payback after three years will progressively close the gap. I can see 40 per cent energy saving in a green building immediately which will reflect on the power bills.' However choice of site is a major determinant. "It makes no sense to have a Green block beside a garbage dump yard. Also choice of materials matters too. There is growing awareness among the builders that the quality of construction is better in a green building by 60 to 70 per cent,' he said.