Green buildings: Opportunities and challenges

Abstract

Infrastructure industry is experiencing a rapid growth in India. India is a country where infrastructure is the main hurdle for the growth of Indian businesses. In 2010 budget, the total allocation for infrastructure is 173,552 crores, which is 46 % of total allocation. In today's scenario, buildings which are present already are contributing 45 % of worldwide energy use. The greenhouse gas emissions from these buildings are contributing mainly for global warming, acid rain, etc. Our demand on natural and finite resources such as energy, water and building materials can be reduced, and our contribution to environmental quality can also be enhanced by incorporating green building principle into the design, construction and renovation. Green buildings are designed and constructed to maximise the whole life cycle performance, conserve resources and enhance the comfort of occupants. This is achieved by the use of technology such as fuel cells and solar-heated water tanks and by attention to natural elements such as maximising natural lights and building orientation. This research paper is going to analyse the market opportunities available for green buildings and barriers in accepting green buildings.