To encourage green buildings, the state government has proposed to give incentive floor space index (FSI) of 3-7% on construction of buildings as per green building specifications. It will come into effect with the implementation of unified Development Control Regulations(DCR).
Ashok Mokha, chairman of Indian Green Building Council (IGBC), Vidarbha chapter and architect told the percentage of incentive FSI is based on the type of rating of green building. “It will encourage builders and individuals to opt for gree buildings as they help in conservation of water and power and helps in controlling of gas emissions. Water is depleting with each passing year. As such, there is a need for building all structures as per green building norms. IGBC was demanding for this since long. Finally, the government has taken a right step,” he said.
Mokha added there is also the need for giving incentive in property tax for green buildings. “The urban local bodies give incentive for encouraging solar power, rainwater harvesting etc. More and more people will go for green building if some relief is given regarding property tax,” he said.
Confederation of Real Estate Developers’ Associations of India (CREDAI) Nagpur also welcomed the government’s move. Secretary Gaurav Agarwala said incentive FSI will encourage builders and common man . “FSI is a notional thing so will not incur any burden on the government. Builders hesitate to go for green buildings as they cost more. Incentive FSI will help builders to bring the cost at par with regular ones. Also, it will help in conservation of natural resources,” he said.
Many states had already launched the incentive FSI for green buildings.
There are two organizations — IGBC and Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment (GRIHA) that give rating for green buildings. IGBC gives ranking of certified, silver, gold, platinum and super platinum. GRIHA gives a star rating.
Incentive FSI has been proposed as per rating of these two organizations. 3% incentive FSI will be given for buildings with rank of 3 stars/silver, 5% for 4 stars/gold and 7% for 5 stars/platinum. To avail the benefit, the concerned builder or individual will have to first register with IGBC or GRIHA and consumer incentive FSI. The authorities will check and approve it while giving the occupancy certificate.
The government has also made provisions of an action in case anyone avails incentive FSI and fails to construct the building as per green building specifications. In such case, penalty will be two times of cost of incentive FSI.
Also, the government has proposed to make green building with rating of 3 stars/silver mandatory for all government buildings. The government has completed the process of unified DCR. The notification for implementation of unified DCR is awaited.
