Sops for green measures

The Kerala government will consider incentives like subsidy to industrial units, which comply with the Green Factory rating of the Indian Green Buildings Council (IGBC).

Addressing an IGBC Kochi chapter meeting, TO Sooraj, director — industries & commerce, said the government was ready to go for promotional activities to create awareness about LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environment Design) among the industrial units.

Chairman of the Kochi chapter BR Ajith said they had decided to institute a Green Award for individuals who have taken up major initiatives and had done great work in the area of implementing green building technology. The awards will be presented in five categories – government, education, tourism, media and industry.

IGBC in association with the Energy Management Centre, Thiruvanathapuram, has also proposed an Energy Credit Card system. These cards will be issued to all electricity consumers in the state and evaluation will be made on a half-yearly basis. The Kerala State Electricity Board is likely to offer discount on tariffs to the consumers who bring down their electricity consumption by about 25 per cent. ‘Movement sensors’ in the electrical system will be fitted in order to regulate electricity consumption in offices. These sensors will ensure that the lights, fans or airconditioners come on automatically when somebody enters the room and go off a few minutes after the person leaves the room.

The Kerala government would save over Rs 5000 crore annually if the state is able to reduce electricity consumption by 25 per cent. In the process the state will also become power-surplus, he added.