6 Reasons Why Green Buildings Are Becoming More Popular

The United Nations Environment Program celebrates the World Environment Day on June 5 to raise environmental awareness. Environmental awareness has been growing every year in the past few decades. The popularity of green buildings are rising too across the world. In India, LEED ( Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) rated green buildings are in greater demand than ever now.

According to the Indian Green Building Council of CII, India has 1239 registered buildings and 187 certified buildings with 855.96 million sq ft. of green building footprint. The deepest penetration is among the most expensive projects. In 2010, the money spent on green commercial construction projects in the United States was about $54. But by 2015, the money spent on construction of green buildings in the commercial sector are expected to rise to $120-145 billion. Apartments in India are becoming greener too with a number of developers making sustainable living the centre stage of their projects.

Why are green buildings and eco friendly office designs becoming increasingly popular? Here are the six reasons we could think of:

• Many corporations that lease office spaces are willing to pay a higher premium to design an eco friendly office. Operating costs are low in green buildings because of greater energy efficiency. Green buildings also consume less water.
• People who live or work in green buildings receive abundant sunlight and cross ventilation. They live healthier lives. In green buildings, worker productivity is higher too.
• When societies become more prosperous, people are far more willing to spend more money on green buildings. This is true of home buyers in India too. Even today, green buildings are more of a luxury.
• Modern construction methods tend to be more energy efficient. Buildings have become greener over years because builders have been adopting better methods of construction. Buildings have become greener, but not always by intention. One reason, of course, is that buildings, which are more carefully designed with modern technology, are more energy efficient and bear better air quality.
• There is greater awareness today. As carbon emissions are rising, buildings tend to be designed to protect the environment.Working in green buildings also help private firms to strengthen their brand value and signal social commitment.
• Governments and local authorities give greater incentives to developers and home buyers for building green buildings. For instance, green buildings in Mumbai might soon get 20% discount on property tax. 

On PropGuide, read more on making your home a green home.