MUMBAI: The inaugural session of the 6th edition of India's flagship event on green buildings, 'Green Building Congress 2008' saw an impressive gathering of industry titans, government representatives, nodal agencies and stakeholders of national and international green building movement.

Organized under the aegis of the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) and Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), the vision of this seminar is to advance the Green Building movement in India and enable India to be recognized as one of the leaders in promoting this ecologically sustainable movement. While delivering the special address, Dr Ajay Mathur - Director General, Bureau of Energy Efficiency congratulated Mumbai for 'turning the corner' and setting a precedent for India in adhering to energy efficiency norms and green buildings.

He advised developers to innovate and introduce sustainable models for lighting, air conditioning and heating systems. He also highlighted the need to reach out to schools and colleges and introduce modules and training sessions on ecological sustainability.

The Guest of Honour, Niranjan Hiranandani - MD, Hiranandani Group highlighted the small and thoughtful initiatives that add value to the green buildings concept at all levels. He said that, "Well thought out lighting plans in building passages, planting and nurturing trees, implementation of small sewage recycling plants at corporate and individual society level, and smart water management projects will go a long way in conserving resources and will serve as a clever investment for the future."

Hiranandani further emphasized on the need for a more deliberate, macro and micro focus on water management and called on the BMC to take the leadership initiative and look at the viability of using recycled water for watering gardens in Mumbai.CII has been a key contributor towards popularizing the concept of Green Buildings in India.

It set up the CII-Sohrabji Godrej Green Business Centre (GBC) in order migrate best practices from across the world and to set benchmarks in systems and processes. Describing GBC as an all encompassing concept that covers green buildings, waste management, water management and recycling, energy efficiency, etc J.N Godrej, Chairman, CII-Sohrabji Godrej Green Business Centre stated that "GBC will now focus on Climate Change as a critical factor in this area. We also plan to set up a Water Institute soon in Jaipur in order to encourage newer techniques in water recycling and management.

"Dr. Prem C Jain - Chairman, Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) said, "Green Buildings is a concept towards encouraging responsibility to sustain development. Today IGBC has managed to convert more than 240 million sq ft under green buildings from merely 20,000 sq ft in 2003." Applauding Mumbai for the highest contribution towards this, Dr. Jain reiterated IGBC's mission of achieving 1 sq ft of green building for every Indian by 2012 - which would translate into more than 1 billion sq ft.

The Green Building Congress 2008 also witnessed the inaugural of the three-day mega exhibition by Niranjan Hiranandani, on Green Building Products, technologies and services. Over 100 green building products/services are displayed at the exhibition and are expected to attract over 10,000 business visitors.The focus of the third and last day of 'Green Building Congress 2008' was on Green Homes.

The Conference on Green Homes was designed exclusively for home makers, architects and residential developers."Real Estate offers a great opportunity for Green Homes in India, since ours is a growing economy", said, Dr. Prem C Jain, Chairman, Indian Green Building Council (IGBC).

Highlighting the enormous business potential of Green Homes, Dr Prem C Jain said, " India can garner 25-30% of the world wide Green Homes market, which is expected to see about 15 bn US $ investments by 2012". Highlighting the intangible benefits of Green Homes, Dr. Kath Williams, Past President, World Green Building Council, said, "Green Homes contribute to the community at large. They are affordable, sustainable, maintainable and healthy homes".

Talking about the traditional Indian homes, Dr. Kath Williams said, "Indian ancestors paid special attention to details like adequate sunlight and solar energy while designing their homes. India's priorities are water and waste management, energy conservation, alternative fuels and valuable resources, amongst others.

It is important that we learn from our traditions and build homes which will conserve the natural resources".In the wake of global warming and the increase in natural and man made disasters, the panelists underlined the need and importance to propagate Green Homes which will play a critical role towards averting major ecological crisis.

The session also witnessed the launch of the book "Green Homes", by Dr. Prem C Jain, Chairman, Indian Green Building Council (IGBC). Authored by renowned architect R.K. Gautham, the book elaborates upon the Design, construction and the use of Green Homes and involves the readers in environmental conservation.