India would achieve 10 billion sq. ft of green space by the year 2022, Dr. Prem C. Jain, Chairman, Indian Green Building Council, said in his keynote address at the conference on ‘Green Interiors’ jointly organised by Confederation of Indian Industry, IGBC and Institute of Indian Interior Designers in Mumbai recently.
“India is already having a green space of 2.1 billion sq. ft and our aim is to scale it up to 10 billion sq. ft by 2022. In this journey, it is important that we create this space in the most sustainable manner,” Dr. Jain observed. “India will add another 75 billion sq. ft. by 2030 and we are shouldering a huge responsibility to make it green.”
Dr. Jain underlined the importance of local materials rather than imported products, as India was blessed with abundant natural resources, especially in the northeast, and also recycle and reuse as a solution for waste management.
“We can recycle cement, plumbing materials, wood etc. instead of dumping it and creating waste. It is our duty to create a green environment for the new generation to grow up. Green interior means cost effective, interiors with fresh air, sunshine and a healthy lifestyle,” he added.
“India has emerged as one of the top countries pursuing the path of green buildings. The challenges before us are to save resources, preserve and create a healthy environment. Cradle to cradle is the design philosophy today, not cradle to grave,” said Nitin Saolapurkar, National President, Institute of Indian Interior Designers.
