As the world comes to terms with global warming, green buildings seem to be the hot favourite. But despite their growing importance, Kolkata hasn’t been able to boast of one.
Though city architects are said to be working towards eco-friendly, energy-efficient structures, they find themselves in a bind over the lack of formal training in this particular field. With the aim of helping them tide over this problem, a three-day workshop by Association for Development and Research on Sustainable Habitats (Adarsh) in association with The Energy Research Institute (TERI) and West Bengal Green Energy Development Corporation (WBGEDC) has been planned next week.
Hoping to make architects aware of what goes into the making of a green building, WBGEDC managing director SP Gon Chaudhuri said, “Some 22 city architects will be attending the workshop, beginning September 15, to gain thorough knowledge about what it takes to construct a green building.”
Giving a lowdown, Gon Chaudhuri said, “Developers of green buildings must first remember to use low energy consuming construction material such as bamboo sticks and straw. Besides, the builder needs to construct it in such a way that rays of the sun don’t enter it. This will reduce the load on air-conditioners. The windows of such buildings should be double glazed and maximum use should be made of waste material.”
Asking developers to make provisions for use of LED, solar lights and hot water systems as far as possible to minimize the use of conventional energy, he added, “A building that meets these criteria could be certified as a green building.”
TERI introduced the green rating system in Kolkata in 2008 to certify large commercial and housing projects as environment-friendly. The concept of the green rating project is to make both developers and public aware of how green energy can be used to curb consumption of conventional energy. “Those complying with WBGEDC norms will be eligible for the certificate,” added Gon Chaudhuri.
