The Indian government must set stricter norms and push for the development of energy-efficient buildings so that the country can minimise power shortages and curb burgeoning petroleum import bills, say experts.
‘Power bills can be cut by almost 30 percent just by upgrading the buildings to energy efficient standards,’ Frances Beinecke, president, New York-based Natural Resources Defense Council, told IANS.
She said green buildings were not only good for environment but also made a sensible business proposition. ‘It’s a good profitable investment. Our study shows that payback period for investment in energy-efficient technology is nearly five years. After that, it’s all your saving,’ Beinecke said.
As India continues to urbanize, its building-occupied area is estimated to climb sharply, from eight billion square metres in 2005 to a projected 41 billion square metres in 2030, according to a McKinsey & Company study.
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