After developing rating systems for homes, factories and SEZs, the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) ? which is a part of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) ?has launched a Green Townships Rating System. As part of the rating, at least 25% of the total built-up area in a township should be earmarked for residential use, for it to qualify for certification. The ratings will look at site selection, land use, transportation and infrastructure resource planning and total to 200 points.
?The rating system is designed to address large developments and it is mandatory to include residential development as part of the township. Large-scale developments include integrated townships, satellite cities, gated communities and campuses with multiple buildings,? said S Raghupathy, senior director and head, CII-Godrej Green Building Council. The rating system is not applicable for individual buildings and land parcels.
These green townships will encourage the use of water in a self sustainable manner by reducing, recycling and reusing strategies that will save potable water by 30-50%. The energy savings that can be realised by adopting this rating programme in infrastructural equipment can be to the tune of 20-30%. For developers, the energy savings range from 20-30% and water savings around 30-50%.
The certification of IGBC green township is divided into three stages . Stage I is after completion of 50% of the project infrastructure while stage II starts after completion of 75% of infrastructure and residential development. Stage III certification happens100% is completed. Currently, three projects ?Mahindra World Cit in Chennai, Ramky in Hyderabad and BCIL ZED Earth, Bangalore ?have registered for the rating.
?For example, in transportation, the strategies include increasing opportunities for bicycling, encouraging pedestrian friendly network, reduction in the number of automobile trips, promoting public transportation and use of alternative vehicles,? explained Prem C Jain, chairman, IGBC.