In the face of the global imperative to limit the rise in temperatures to 1.5 °C (above pre-industrial level), as outlined in the Paris Agreement, nations have been striving to transition towards a net-zero economy. This challenge is particularly pronounced for India, where the dual goals of fulfilling developmental aspirations …
MUMBAI: Cracking the whip on alleged financial malpractices by civic contractors, the BMC has for the first time decided to come up with a uniform schedule rate of raw materials for construction purposes. Till date, the cost of the same construction materials used to differ between departments, allowing contractors to …
California added new energy-efficiency requirements to the state's building code this week, a move expected to reduce energy consumption but also add to the cost of construction of houses and commercial buildings. The revisions, which take effect in 2014, are the biggest change in the energy-efficiency portion of the California …
A green economy is necessary if sustainable development is to be realized. However, as this report emphasizes, a green economy can also, if accompanied by the right policy mix, create more and better jobs, lift people out of poverty and promote social inclusion. In fact, the growth model of the …
This publication aims to formulate a broader framework of integration which is required for cities to transition to sustainable, resource efficient development and to realise green urban economic growth trajectories that are equitable and sustainable. It frames the question of urban sustainability in a conceptual foundation and language that places …
Rapidly growing cities in the developing world face a complex and challenging task to keep pace with their expanding populations; investment, planning and meeting the labour aspirations of their new inhabitants, says this report from the McKinsey Global Institute. Cities have long been the world’s economic dynamos, but today the …
Half of humanity – 3.5 billion people – currently live in cities and by 2055 an estimated 75% of the world's population will live in urban areas. Cities occupy just 2% of the Earth's land, but account for over 70% of both energy consumption and carbon emissions. However, cities present …
The 2012 global Energy Efficiency Indicator (EEI) survey highlights trends and provides new insights into the attitudes and practices of global executives and building owners responsible for energy management and investment decisions in industrial, commercial and public-sector buildings. This sixth annual survey tracks their priorities, investment plans, and financial evaluation …
Dhaka Wasa is considering a plan to recharge the underground aquifers with rain water in eight areas across the capital this year to top up the rapidly depleting groundwater table. As the city's water table is falling by 2.5 to 3.5 metres per year due to excessive extraction of groundwater …
MUMBAI: In his budget speech two months ago, the then municipal commissioner Subodh Kumar laid the grounds for additional water supply in the city. The completion of the Middle Vaitarna dam has spelled good news, with the BMC's hydraulic department preparing a circular to increase per capita water supply to …
With a view to address the issue of unsafe buildings, the Delhi Development Authority on Tuesday decided to set up a separate unit to work out systems for retrofitting or rebuilding buildings considered vulnerable during earthquakes. At the Authority meeting held on Tuesday, Delhi Lt Governor and DDA chairman Tejendra …
KOLKATA, 16 MAY: The future of Indian cities ~ and Kolkata ~ lies in urban densification in the form of high-rise buildings and “virtual land”, said Mr Debashish Sen, principal secretary of West Bengal Housing Infrastructure Development Corporation (HIDCO) today. “Let the developers come,” said Mr Sen in a reference …
Two major residential projects being planned under the slum rehabilitation scheme, with a combined value of over Rs330crore, were recently granted clearance by the State Expert Appraisal Committee (SEAC) on environment. Located in the western suburbs, both projects have been cleared with several conditions attached. The costlier of the two, …
The Town and Country Planning Department, Haryana, has clarified that the land acquired by it is not transferred to builders or developers for development of colonies. Instead, it is always retained by the Haryana Urban Development Authority (HUDA) and utilised for the public purpose defined in the notification after development, …
The Technology Roadmap Bioenergy for Heat and Power highlights the importance of bioenergy in providing heat in the buildings sector and in industry, and shows what contribution it could make to meeting steadlily growing world electricity demand. The critical role of sustainability as well as the importance of international trade …
Sustainable Low-Carbon City Development in China, summarizes the lessons of the World Bank’s activities related to sustainable urban development in China. The report presents overall policy recommendations in low-carbon city development and highlights specific experiences across key sectors, including energy, transport, solid waste, and water. The report also explores cities’ …
New Delhi: A new multi-level automated parking lot might reduce parking woes in Connaught Place considerably. It will have a parking space for 2,000-2,500 vehicles and will come up at Baba Kharak Singh (BKS) Marg. It will be right under Coffee Home, facing NDMC’s soon-to-be started multi-level parking, which will …
A Bill to provide for the development of solar power generation and mandatory use of solar power in the Government and Semi-Government buildings, corporate and business establishments in the Country with a view to saving conventional energy and protecting the environment and for matters connected therewith.
Reviving its pet Lohia Gram Yojana, Samajwadi Party Government has sanctioned Rs 250 crore for building infrastructure in over 1000 villages having population over 250. The decision to revive this Yojana was taken in the meeting of the Mandi Parishad, chaired by Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav here on Tuesday. Yadav …
Tracking Clean Energy Progress is an early except of the forthcoming Energy Technology Perspectives 2012 (ETP2012). The report tracks progress in the development and deployment of clean energy and energy efficiency technologies in the power generation, industry, buildings, and transport sectors. Progress is assessed against rates required to achieve a …
