GREEN BUILDING CONGRESS 2011 [Dec 2011]

GREEN BUILDING CONGRESS 2011 pushes ‘Green Co-operation’
The 9th edition of Green Building Congress 2011 organised by Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), has been concluded successfully. This year the Green Building Congress was focused on Architectural perspectives in green buildings, National & International experiences in green building concepts, Green Building Movement – Global & National trends, Case studies on green buildings – National & International, Green building rating systems, Green building materials, equipment & technologies, and Public Policies etc.
Inaugurating the International Conference, Dr. Farooq Abdullah, Minister of New & Renewable Energy, called on the delegates to work together and develop new technologies and materials at lower prices so that green homes become accessible for the common man. Dr. Abdullah has also launched LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) 2011 for India – Core & Shell Green Building Rating System. The new rating comes into effect immediately, aiming to ensure enhanced energy efficiency and sustainable buildings.
The 3-day international exhibition was the major attraction of the event where over 120 stalls showcased latest and emerging green building products and technologies. The exhibition could attract more than 5,000 visitors.
The Minister has presented awards to the winners of Green-I Contest and IGBC Green Design Architectural Award. Students of Sardar Patel Vidayalaya, New Delhi were awarded with the first prize whereas the students of SPA, New Delhi received the Award for IGBC Green Design Architectural Competition. Dr. Ajay Mathur, Director General, Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) presented 75 projects with Green Building Rating.
Most significantly, IGBC inks 3 Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) during this 3-day event. The MoU with Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) has been signed to enhance cooperative efforts for promoting green campuses including next generation low energy neighbourhood development.
The second MoU with Indian Plumbing Association (IPA) & International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) to jointly work in the areas of codes, certifications and audits related to plumbing industry. Another MoU was inked with University of Salford, UK where both the institutions will seek to encourage direct contact and cooperation between their faculty and administrative staff, including those of relevant internet schools and the Universities’ Research Institutes. 

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