Green Building Scenario in India: IGBC Chairman V Suresh talks to us. Transparency in Ratings & more
Channel: The Built
Date: 26/06/2021

Er. Vasudevan Suresh is a Civil Engineer from Anna University (College of Engineering, Guindy, Chennai) with over 53 years of professional experience in the Housing, Infrastructure, Rural and Urban Development and Built Environment sectors.
Sir is currently the Chairman of the Indian Green Building Council. 
Sir, made a great start at the Tamil Nadu Public Works Department where he worked for 1.5 years, 
He then led work at the Bureau of Indian Standards for 12 1/2 years where he spearheaded the formulation of leading National Standards and Codes and National Building Code which is a work of National importance. 
Sir also served HUDCO in various capacities for 23 ½ years and was CMD, till June 2002, during which period HUDCO registered all-round growth in housing and infrastructure finance, among other innovative initiatives. 
Sir has also represented India and worked closely with UNCHS, UNIDO, UNDP, SAARC, ADB, JBIC, KfW, USAID and ADPC on various facets of Sustainable and Safe Human Settlements for different global context initiatives.
Sir, has received more than 15 awards for his contribution to the nation, the world and the profession. 

He answers the following questions today: 
1. How is the current Green Building Scenario in India? Is there a rise in trend, a fall or a plateau?
 2. Sir i am a fan of SP 41 and the National Building Code. Do we actually need a package Green rating system? If yes, can you tell us why?
 3. Initially USGBC-LEED was in collaboration with IGBC in India. Why did they eventually enter the business on their own?
 4. In day before yesterday’s Editorial column, the Housing and urban Affair minister Hardeep Singh Puri called GRIHA as India’s own rating system. He went short of saying that it is India’s National Rating system. Don’t you think India needs a National Rating System which is made by the government itself? (https://www.hindustantimes.com/opinion/as-india-flies-it-will-be-environmentally-responsible-101623151424538.html)
 5. Public benefits are given based on pirvate If Green Ratings in India were to be regulated, will it come under Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change OR ministry of Housing and Urban Development OR Ministry of Power?
 6. As people derive FAR and Ground Coverage benefits from Green Ratings by IGBC in some states, How does IGBC maintain the transparency and integrity in rating projects? Is their work a Gold Standard in the industry?
 7. IGBC is backed by Confederation of Indian Industries and GEM is backed by ASSOCHAM. Are we on the right track when the Codes run by the trade bodies rate the buildings owned by the companies that run these trade bodies?
 8. CPWD has developed their in house Green Rating System and the NBC 2016 had a chapter on sustainability. The basic principles of Green Buildings are now becoming widespread. Does that mean loss of business for Green Rating agencies or is this fulfilling the aim of percolation of green buildings at a wider level?
 9. Bonus Question regarding Energy Efficiency and Indoor Air Quality.
 10. What is your message to the viewers?