The Rashtrapati Bhavan, the official residence of the President of India, will get an ISO: 14001 certification as the international auditors from Bureau Veritas (BVQI) have wrapped up their auditing. They will be awarding the certificate by the end of this week. A film on the entire process of implementation of the benchmarks of ISO: 14001 is also underway.
“The BVQI is through with the auditing process. They were satisfied with the entire progress of the project. The certificate is likely to be given by the end of this week,” a Rashtrapati Bhavan official said.
The President’s Estate had applied for ISO: 14001: 2004 mark certification in view of the environmental management initiative — Roshni — which encompasses recycling of water, rain water harvesting, use of natural gas and biogas, making the estate a plastic free zone and zero waste management. It will be the first estate of the world to get such a recognition.
In her recommendation of the project, President Pratibha Patil said, “Roshni is an innovative idea that can teach the nation to build sustainable habitats through the changes in the attitude and lifestyle of all stakeholders and dwells a kind of environmental consciousness.”
ISO: 14001: 2004 mark is a part of a series of international standards applicable to any organisation, anywhere relating to environmental management.
A film is also being shot to cover the entire process for ISO 14001 certification. “Teaching the ground level workers was a difficult process. We have carried out several changes in the whole system like using both the sides of the pages, using automatic lights that switch off when no one is in the room etc. We have filmed all these aspects that need to be covered for the certification of ISO 14001,” the official said.
The President’s Estate is a living heritage located on the Raisina Hills in the heart of capital over an area of 340 acres comprising of offices, residential buildings and green areas, of rich areas, of rich diversity. The officials had planned the certification to coincide with the third anniversary of President Pratibha Patil’s assuming the office.
The President’s Estate houses over 2,000 households and security personnel who guard the estate. Solar and CFL lamps have been put in place.