'Going green is the only way forward'

Addressing a conference on ‘Green Buildings - The Way Forward’, he said professionals should combine the knowledge embedded in heritage building with modern day resources to create something new which is energy efficient.

He said the State had over 20 million square feet of green buildings. With the manifold increase in demand for energy, there is an urgent need to build energy-efficient buildings, he added.  

The minister said the green buildings are not only eco-friendly but also help in reducing operational costs, increase asset value and improve employee satisfaction through health benefits.

Assocham president Swati Piramal said constructing green buildings is the only alternative to balance growth and development.

On the Carlton Towers fire, which claimed nine lives, Karnataka State Council Assocham chairman J Crasta said buildings flouting bylaws and encroachments must be dealt with an iron hand.