Colliers launches green real estate guide

Colliers International, a property consulting company, on Tuesday launched a green real estate guide. The 36-page 'r.e.Design' guide, said to be Asia's first green real estate guide, outlines the need for the real estate sector to address the challenges posed by climate change and sustainability. It provides tips to save energy, manage waste, reduce operational cost by using the right materials and introducing the right design.

Speaking at the launch, Simon Carter, Regional Head, Sustainability (Asia-Pacific), Colliers International said green buildings could effectively save up to 40-80 per cent of the energy costs. "Though some initial premium is attached to green buildings towards their construction as compared to conventional buildings, in the long run, they make good economic sense, apart from being environment-friendly," he said.

 

India presently has 26 green buildings with a total built-up area of 11 million sq ft. Of these five buildings have secured Platinum or Gold LEED ratings.

The number of buildings that are registering themselves for a green certification has risen from just one in 2002 to 218 in 2008. In Bangalore alone there are presently close to 12 buildings registered for green certification. In terms of registration, Mumbai now leads the pack with over 51 buildings registered for green certification followed by Chennai with 35.

"This is a phenomenal growth. Consciousness on green buildings in India picked up only recently. Race is already on to capture the global market," said Carter, adding that India is keeping pace with China in the green building segment and way ahead of Hong Kong and Philippines.

The r.e.Design guide presents many case studies including the Wipro Technologies Development Centre, Gurgaon, which is one of the greenest commercial buildings in India.

The building incorporates features like 100 per cent wastewater recycling, 75 per cent of the area being day lit, 95 per cent of the workplaces with direct outside view. The building has achieved a phenomenal 46 per cent saving in electricity charges by simply channelling natural light and air, according to the report.