KERC chief bats for green buildings

Stating that at present 35 per cent of Karnataka’s energy is generated through non-thermal sources – primarily hydro and wind energy – which is far above the world average, Murthy told a workshop on ‘GRIHA’ (Green Rating for Integrated Habitats Assessment), a national rating system for green buildings, organised by the Union Ministry for New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), that the State was well poised to go in for more of such buildings.

Bangalore, he said, should learn from New Delhi’s initiatives of adopting the Energy Conservation Building Code.

Endorsing his views, Advisor to Chief Minister A Ravindra said: “Endowed abundantly with solar and wind resources, Karnataka is very capable of promoting renewable energy and green building concepts.”

He said buildings should be designed to make the most of natural light and ventilation to reduce the need for power-guzzler like lighting systems and  air-conditioners.

Such buildings must concentrate not only on saving power but also on conserving water and intelligent treatment of waste, he said.

Although projects have been taken up to increase energy efficiency in large public buildings in Bangalore – including the Vikasa and Vidhana Soudhas and the Raj Bhavan – their success is yet to be measured, he said, adding that more awareness must be created awareness and encourage efficient consumption.

While most of the State’s renewable energy comes from wind, there is a need is to focus on biomass too, he said, adding that adopting green practices will go a long way in addressing the power crisis. GRIHA is a programme initiated by the MNRE to evaluate buildings for their sustainable use of energy and natural resources.