Vijayawada Railway Station was awarded the ‘Green Railway Station’ certification with the highest rating of Platinum by the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) for its efforts in improving the environmental standards and providing eco-friendly services to passengers.
Details:
> Some of these measures include use of starrated electrical appliances, LED lights, installation of a sewage treatment plant to recycle wastewater, periodic testing to check smoke emission, increasing green coverage, improvement in amenities for passengers, provision of medical facilities, proximity to bus stops, avoidance of single-use plastic, use of comprehensive mechanised cleaning for effective waste segregation and its disposal, among others.> The IGBC, with the support of Environment Directorate of Indian Railways, developed the Green Railway Stations rating system to facilitate adoption of green concepts and enhance the overall commuter experience.> The rating is based on six environmental categories as defined by IGBC which include sustainable station facility, health, hygiene and sanitation, energy efficiency, water efficiency, smart and green initiatives and innovation and development.What is IGBC:
IGBC is India's Premier certification body, headquartered at Hyderabad. IGBC is the founding member of World Green Building Council discussing global issues at COP and similar global platforms.
* IGBC is a part of the Confederation of Indian Industry(CII). It was formed in the year 2001.
* The vision of IGBC is to facilitate India emerge as a global leader in green buildings and green built environment by 2025.In a span of last 2 decades, CII-IGBC through its multi-pronged approach could facilitate in bringing about a paradigm shift in the way buildings are conceived and designed across various forms of built environment. CII-IGBC has launched 31 Green Rating Systems for Buildings and Built Environment which are designed to address various building typologies.
* IGBC is representing India at global forum – ‘World Green Building Council’ among 70+ country councils and is the founding member of World GBC since 2004. IGBC is leading the Asia Pacific Network in green building related discussions.
Terms related to Green buildings:
Green Building Congress: This annual flagship event organized by IGBC serves as a platform for discussions and knowledge sharing on green building trends and practices. It brings together industry leaders, experts, and stakeholders to advance sustainability
World Green Building Council: IGBC is one of the five countries represented on the board of the World Green Building Council. This global organization focuses on addressing environmental challenges through sustainable building and construction practices
Environmental Categories: The certification rating is based on six environmental categories, which include Sustainable Station Facility, Health, Hygiene, Energy Efficiency, Water Efficiency, and Smart and Green Initiatives. These categories assess a railway station’s commitment to eco-friendly operations and sustainability.
Advantages:
Energy Efficiency: Green buildings prioritize energy conservation by incorporating certain features. These features include proper insulation, energyefficient appliances, LED lighting, and renewable energy systems like solar panels. These measures significantly reduce energy consumption and lower utility bills.
Water Conservation: Green Buildings employ innovative techniques for water conservation, including rainwater harvesting, greywater recycling, and low-flow fixtures. These practices help reduce water wastage and promote responsible water usage.
Sustainable Materials: Green buildings utilize eco-friendly materials with minimal environmental impact. These materials are often sourced locally, reducing transportation emissions, and are chosen for their durability and recyclability.
Indoor Air Quality: Green buildings prioritize occupants' health and well-being by ensuring good indoor air quality. This involves using low-VOC (volatile organic compound) paints, and proper ventilation systems. You must also avoid the use of harmful chemicals that can negatively affect air quality.
Waste Management: Green buildings implement efficient waste management systems, including waste segregation, recycling programs, and composting facilities. This helps minimize landfill waste and promotes a circular economy.
Green Building Certification: Green building certification in India, such as the certification provided by the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC), verifies that a building meets rigorous sustainability standards. IGBC-certified buildings in India, including IGBC-certified green homes, adhere to specific criteria and undergo audits to ensure compliance.
Government Incentives to IGBC-Certified Buildings:
Financial Incentives: The government offers financial incentives such as tax rebates, subsidies, and reduced interest rates on loans. These benefits are available for developers and individuals investing in IGBC-certified green building projects. These incentives help offset the initial costs and encourage more sustainable construction practices.
Faster Approvals and Clearances: To facilitate the development of IGBCcertified buildings, state governments often provide various services. This includes expedited approvals and clearances for projects that meet IGBC certification standards. This streamlined process accelerates the project timeline and reduces administrative burdens.
Grant Programs: Various government departments and agencies provide grants and funding opportunities to support IGBC-certified green building projects. These grants can be used for research, development, and implementation of innovative sustainability measures within the project.
Green Building Certifications as Eligibility Criteria: In some cases, the government mandates IGBC certification as a prerequisite for eligibility for certain benefits or incentives. This requirement ensures that sustainable practices are promoted and adopted across the construction industry.
Recognition and Awards: The government acknowledges and rewards outstanding IGBC-rated green building projects through recognition and awards. These accolades not only provide public recognition to the developers but also inspire others to follow suit and adopt sustainable building practices.
Green building rating brings together a host of sustainable practices and solutions to reduce the environmental impacts. Green building design provides an integrated approach considering life cycle impacts of the resources used.