Green building norms to help save electricity

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Chennai: Proper implementation of green building concepts and use of energy efficient electrical systems in multi-storey buildings will help save power, according to CMDA officials.
With the state reeling under acute power shortage, the adoption of green concepts in building projects is the need of the hour, they averred. “Chief minister J. Jaya­la­lithaa has envisaged use of green building concepts and solar power in large multi-storey buildings (MSBs) to make optimum use of electricity.
 
Today not all multi-storey complexes employ green building concepts so they consume more electricity but if the government prefers to make green building concept mandatory then all MSBs will save large amount of power,” a top CMDA official said.
 
In an informal chat with DC on Thursday, Suresh Jain, managing director, Vijayshanthi Builders, said that green building concept had several advantages as many buildings in the past had ample number of windows with high raised ceilings to allow air to circulate freely.
 
“If the government allows us to rise the height of ceiling from 10 feet to 12 feet we can have a 2 feet duct in the ceiling to allow air to circulate instead of using air conditioning system,” he said.
 
Prakash Chella, MD, Srinivasa Shiping and Property Develo­pment Limited (SSPDL), says, “Even as green building concept saves electricity it comes at a high cost. In the long run, it’s economical but the customer has to pay a hefty amount for it.”