With the formation of a state chapter of Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) there seems to be awareness of the importance of green buildings in Goa. Government too is receptive to the concept of green housing and an initiative has already been taken up by a government corporation.
But members of industry and an architects’ body feel the government has to play a pro-active role and come out with incentives for a tangible impact.
“The state has to introduce green building concepts in regulations, provide incentives, and make them applicable to government agencies,” said architect Tulio de Souza, member, Council of Architecture, New Delhi, and former chairman, Indian Institute of Architects, Goa chapter.
President of IGBC, Goa, Amar Britto, added “Green buildings can do more than just address environmental concerns. They can have positive social and economic benefits if the industry and government work together.”
Goa chamber of commerce and industry president Manguirish Pai Raikar agreed, “The state has to come out with incentives and be a partner with industry to take the initiative forward.”
“If it doesn’t then stray incidents of green housing will have no meaning as the main objective is to decrease carbon footprints and reduce in energy consumption,” de Souza added.
Sanjit Rodrigues, MD, Goa state infrastructure development corporation, said the corporation has undertaken green buildings for certain projects. “We will also go in for certification and are in the process of appointing a consultant,” he told TOI.
Various issues will be discussed at Saturday’s day-long conference on ‘Green Buildings for Green Goa’, organized by the confederation of Indian industry and IGBC at BITS-Pilani, Zuarinagar.
