Only 35 out of the approximate 10,000 buildings constructed in the city in the last five years have received the status of an eco-friendly structure. Compared to the speed of building permissions, the speed of allotment of the green building status is very less. Only around seven buildings have received the certificates
A number of aspects are checked to declare a building eco-friendly. Facilities that are looked at include rainwater harvesting storage or ground water recharge, non-energy intensive water treatment system or recycling of gray water/sewage water, segregated garbage collection system, WCs with dual flush system, water meters and use of solar water heaters. Most of the above mentioned criteria are mandatory (required to receive the minimum points) for getting an eco-housing certificate in the municipal limits of Mumbai and Pune. Solar water heating and solar photovoltaic system using energy lighting systems such as sensor based lighting for common areas or energy efficient lighting system are non-mandatory items.
The civic body adopted the eco-housing policy in 2008 to promote environmental, economic, health and safety benefits that come with such buildings. The policy plans to educate developers, architects as well as buyers to change the city’s scenario and to create awareness about such homes. At present, the science and technology park, also known as the Scitech Park, is the only agency that issues such certificates. civic body has decided to rope in one more agency for allocation of eco-housing certificates.
