AGRA: In order to encourage eco-friendly buildings, the government of Uttar Pradesh has decided to reward developers for such construction by giving them 5% extra floor-area ratio (FAR) for free. The government will allow 5% extra vertical construction for green building development in areas more than 5,000 sq metre without any extra tax. The demand for extra FAR had been made by the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC), part of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).
Rupesh Singh, head of IGBC for UP said, “Development authorities charge a hefty sum from those builders who want to purchase an additional 5% FAR. After the new orders, if a building after construction is considered eco-friendly according to the Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment (GRIHA) and Indian Green Council building norms, then the 5% additional FAR will be given for free.”
Singh explained that a green building was not a product but a process that looks at site selection, right design, proper material use, energy and water efficiency and use of renewable resources. “A green building does not depend on electricity as it uses natural light. In construction, a green building does minimum damage to the environment as it does not exploit groundwater and uses prefabricated eco-friendly materials,” he added.
The IGBC head also remarked that municipal corporations and other authorities should incentivize green buildings because they use less resources, thereby reducing pressure on civic services like water supply and garbage disposal.
KC Jain, Radico president, said, “Government’s encouragement will surely pave the way for development of green buildings. Extra FAR will benefit real estate in Agra, developers and builders must transfer it to buyers to present a new smart concept to the latter. Citizens at present are less aware about green buildings. Initially, cost of green property will be more than usual but maintenance charges, water charges, electricity consumption are significantly low. In India operational cost savings, increased market value, increased asset value, green corporate image and reducing incremental cost are the factors backing the green concept.”
According to state government orders issued to development authorites, green buildings after every five years will have to present green norms fulfillment certificate to the development authority. The orders also permit extra FAR for ongoing construction on fulfillment of green norms.