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BEE- Bureau of Energy Efficiency was established on March 1st 2002 by the Government of India. It was setup as result the Energy conservation Act of 2001.
Bureau of Energy Efficiency’s main focus relies on the reduction of the energy consumption in India and to promote energy efficiency through policies and strategies. It develops various services in order to achieve the energy efficiency in the country.

The main function of the BEE is to develop minimum energy performance standards and labeling design for various products. The other function include – developing the Energy conservation building codes, develop energy consumption norms and to develop reporting formats on energy consumption and action taken on the recommendations of the energy auditors. It certifies the energy manager and energy auditors.

The BEE takes up various promotional actions in order to achieve the energy efficiency in the country such as promoting research and development, encouraging and financing of new energy efficiency projects. It financially aids to institutions to promote efficient use of energy and conserve it. It trains people and specialists about the techniques involved in conserving and using energy efficiently.

It also formulates and facilitates the implementation of the pilot and demo project which related to energy efficiency. It organizes a international co-operation programs that are related to energy efficiency and conservation.

Energy Star

The BEE labels the consumer products and buildings with the Star Label. This star in the label indicates energy efficiency of the product. The more the star the product has, less the energy in consumes.

The Bureau of Energy Efficiency India or BEE was established on 1st March 2002 by the government of India. The organization was established on the provisions set by the Energy conservation Act of 2001. Prime aim of BEE is to reduce the energy consumption in the country and to promote energy efficiency through various strategies and policies. The Bureau of Energy Efficiency India also aims at organizing the energy efficiency services in the country and to develop the mechanisms to offer these services. There are a number of organizations that are involved in the movement of energy conservation in the country and providing leadership to these movements is also under the agenda of BEE.

Energy conservation is an important issue for every country of the world. In India, a number of energy conservation programs and energy efficiency programs are run by different organizations. These programs need a definite guideline and policy framework to achieve their objectives. The BEE is doing the same and trying to promote these programs. At the same time, maintaining proper cooperation between different programs is also very important factor and this is also taken care by the Bureau. It also has the responsibility of briefing all these programs to the stakeholders to make them interested in all these.

The Bureau of Energy Efficiency India has the responsibility monitoring the effects of the energy efficiency programs on different sectors of the country. It is also involved in the process of implementing the Energy Conservation Act and to design programs according to this Act. For the purpose, BEE encourages the private sector to work jointly with the public sector. It also ensures the delivery of different programs related to energy efficiency. For implementing all these programs, the Bureau of Energy Efficiency India can take help from different public as well as private organizations of the country. It can also ask the research institutes and other technical services organizations for their support in implementing the energy conservation programs.

BEE has its own website that is used for the purpose of providing information on energy conservation programs. This website is also used to offer various details about the framework designed for the purpose of implementing the EC Act of 2001.

The glass has been a part of human for centuries; it was used for various purposes by us. The glass is has been manufactured by various method since then. The following are the various method of how the glass has been manufactured from earliest to today.

Disc Process
During 100 – 600 AD this process was used to produce glass. The molten glass was poured on to a circular shaped disc which is fitted will a long rod which allowed spinning the disc with molten glass. The Spinning process was continued until the glass was cooled naturally. Then the glass is taken out of the disc, then marked and cut for the required size and shape as shown in the picture.

Blowing Method
Later during in 1300 AD, the blowing method of glass making came into existence, this method has two variations – one direct free blowing and other one mold blowing.

Free Blowing
This method uses a long pipe usually made from clay, the glass is collected at one end and from other end it air is blow by a person.

Mold Blowing
This method was a enhanced version of the above as it produces various shapes required. The molten glass is blown into the wooden or steel mold with a required shape and size.

Fourcault Process
In the early 1902, a Belgian engineer named Emile Fourcault came up new idea for manufacturing the flat glass. This process involved drawing the glass directly from the tank upwards. The thickness of the glass was depended of speed of glass being pulled between the rollers. Once the glass is pulled over the roller was cut at regular size. Later it was further enhanced by stretching the glass vertically. This process was further enhanced by Pittsburgh Plate Glass Company that used rapid cooling system

Float Glass Method
This method was originally invented by Sir Alastair Pilkington, who lived in Britain. This named after him as Pilkington Process and most of the flat glass producers use this method. This process involves pouring of molten glass into a molten tin bath and it is allowed to flow freely, the gravity does the rest of the job making the surface flat due to surface tension. Then the glass is annealed by cooling.

The National-level ECBC Awareness Program & Workshop organised by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency, India has spearheaded the 'go green' revolution amongst the architecture & design fraternity in the country.

The high power workshop sessions have successfully concluded across New Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata and pune as over 600 participants including practicing architects, design professionals and students of architecture have pledged to go green.

All the presentations made at the workshop are now available here:

Bangalore Workshop

National ECBC Awareness Programme
ECBC BEE-hotel capitol
Developing Energy Efficient Building Envelope
SGGI ECBC awareness workshop

Chennai Workshop

National ECBC Awareness Programme
BEE KPS
Developing Energy Efficient Building Envelope
SGGI ECBC awareness workshop

CRN
CA- Energy
Energy Conservation
Energy Efficient Building Case Study
Infosys Jaipur

Mumbai Workshop

National ECBC Awareness Programm
Designing Energy Efficient Office Building

Pune Workshop
National ECBC Awareness Programm
Developing Energy Efficient Building Envelope
SGGI ECBC awareness workshop
Case Study - Suzlon One Earth

Source: Glassisgreen.com

Design Showcase 2010 - What a Great Way to start 2010!

Welcome to Glazette’s first ever Design Showcase 2010. We have had some good responses, although small in number, but the attitude and submission have been encouraging.

We present the select few from our entries. The others who have emailed us and are not showing up here, please note that the Showcase required there be photographs or at least artist impressions of the final concept, and not plans or line diagrams.We however thank you for the submissions, and will look forward to hearing from you in our next Showcase.

THE FINALISTS

1. Nitin M. Ghule & Associates – Elite Anmol, Indore
2. Ar. R. Nagalingam (EDRC, ECC Division - L&T) - Cognizant Technology Solutions, Chennai
3. Architect Vistasp & Associates  - GM, New Delhi
4. ArcOn Design Consultants, Kolkata - IVIZ Technosolutions
5. Span Design Organisation - Raj Vaibhav Residence , Surat
6. Kabra Associates - Residential Bungalow, Bangalore
7. Raksha Sethi - Kalindi Midtown Residential, Indore
8. Aditya Wallabh, SPA – Concept Office Complex
9. Le’Morf Architects – Concepts
10. Roshni Shaheen – Concept - Corporate Tower
11. Sandeep Damania – Concepts
12. Anuj Rathi – Concept – Winner IGBC, Hyderabad
13. Sateesh Magal – Commissioned – Farm House
14. DLF SBPL Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd – Concept – Cruise Mall
    
     

Click on the images above to download the wallpapers. All wallpapers are 1024x768 px. All images open in a new window. Once loaded, right click on an image and choose “Set as Wallpaper” or “Set as Desktop Background”.

Please note that we will start to showcase these entries every month, and will be individualy getting in touch witih each of the finalists to showcase and feature them on our portal.

Congratulations to the finalists. And for all participants, we have more in store - so you can participate and win in the future. Wishing everyone a Happy New Year.

Implementation of Secondary Glazing can be the ideal path towards attainment of Niravana for Listed Buildings. Well not really, actually just the attainment of energy-efficiency. Secondary Glazing is also recommended for buildings in conservation areas where replacing existing windows is not a practical option.  In implementing this option, there is no planning consent required; there are also no maintenance problems. And of course, the biggest benefit is the monetary one; where power and water bills dip significantly. Secondary Glazing also helps create a thermal barrier and controls the penetration of noise from the outside.

Secondary Glazing is unobtrusive, can be flexible or fixed, and can be installed quickly and without the need for building works or redecoration.

Energy efficient Secondary Glazing involves adding an extra slim-line window in addition to existing windows. Secondary Glazing is often made from slim-line, durable aluminium. It is virtually maintenance-free and gives several years of trouble-free service. Secondary Glazing comes in many styles and colours to match existing windows. Curtains and blinds remain almost unaffected. Secondary Double Glazing is perfect for listed buildings and rented accommodation where altering or replacing the prime window is not possible.
 
Secondary Glazing can be implemented using a range of glass depending on the key objective. By fitting standard 4mm "float" or "toughened" glazing, a significant reduction in noise and draughts can be attained. For reduction in heat loss, a 4mm glass with a low energy coating on one side can be used. This coating reflects heat back into the room.

Advantages

•    Eliminates draughts and offers thermal insulation
•    Provides sound insulation
•    Retains the character of existing windows
•    It is unobtrusive – slender frames do not detract from the look of the rooms
•    Offers a choice of fixed, hinged, lift-out plus vertical and horizontal sliding units
•    Can be opened, slid aside or removed completely
•    Is significantly cheaper than replacement double glazed windows
•    Is quick to install and does not require redecoration after fitting
•    No planning consent required
•    Is easy to maintain and clean
•    Increases home security

Applications

Secondary glazing is applicable mainly in the following areas:
•    Single glass conservatories and outhouses
•    Home offices such as garden cabins where heat loss is high
•    Offices, schools, place of worship, pubs and other business premises

Secondary Double Glazing

“Secondary Double Glazing” is the term used to refer to the process of insulation that involves fixing a window or a door on the inside of another window or door. A space is left between the panes so that the air inside can act as an insulator.

Secondary Double Glazing is actually an inexpensive way of insulating a room against external noise. Installation of Secondary Double Glazing on the doors and windows reduces 50 percent of the total heat loss. This implies a redundancy in the purchase of room heaters - All that has to be done is close the windows and doors for the interiors to get warm within no time. Thus, Secondary Double Glazing is a definite step towards attaining energy-efficiency.

Another benefit of Secondary Double Glazing is enhancement in security. The double glaze will deter burglars who will find it rather hard to break into the premises! The double glaze makes doors and windows strong and durable. This type of security glazing is common in safe rooms, banks, computer facilities and vulnerable laboratories. Most conventional wooden doors and windows are likely to get damaged by extreme weather conditions; secondary double glazed doors and windows have no chance of getting affected by adverse weather conditions.

Other benefits of Secondary Double Glazing include draft proofing and reduction in the entry of dust, obstruction of UV light, and so on. Secondary Double Glazing is a common feature in many buildings that require high levels of noise reduction. For efficient noise reduction, the material that is normally used for Secondary Double Glazing is acoustic glass. Asymmetric secondary double glazing is the best method for effective acoustic noise reduction.

There is a wide array of materials that can be used for Secondary Double Glazing. The most commonly used is the UPVC double glazing. UPVC is available in many colors including white, light shades of blue, brown and cream. They are also available in different styles and sizes.

Other materials that can be used for Secondary Double Glazing are aluminum, preferred for its strength and durability, and hardwood.

Plans are afoot in the Union Government to include Kerala in the priority list of States granted relaxation in their areas for setting up Special Economic Zones (SEZs). In its efforts to generate exports and employment in the area, the State Government has reportedly requested the Union Commerce and Industry Ministry for such a status.

Of late, the State is currently going all out to create more and more multi-product category of Special Economic Zones as they open up umpteen employment opportunities to majority of masses. In this connection, the State Government had sent a letter to the Commerce Ministry and had cited the prevailing global financial crisis as one of the reasons behind seeking the coveted status. In the absence of relaxation available under the SEZ category more and more developers were finding it tough and economically unviable to develop SEZ projects over huge tracks of land available in the State.

Kerala currently has received 24 formal approvals of which 15 are notified SEZs while five are operational spread across 618.31 hectares. After initial indifference the Left ruled State faced huge criticism over the developments of tax free zones and has finally introduced the SEZ Policy in 2008 stipulating that 70 per cent of the SEZ land should be utilized for industrial purposes.

Currently, States including Himachal Pradesh, Goa, Jammu and Kashmir and all the Union Territories enjoy this coveted status. As per the SEZ norms in Kerala the minimum area needed for a multi-product SEZ is 200 hectares, as against 1,000 hectares required by other States. In the case of service SEZs, 50 hectares of land is needed by special category States as against 100 hectares by others. But for all other types of SEZs including IT/gems and jewelry, the minimum requirement of 10 hectares remains mandatory.

Source: NBM Media

How to retain the pristine glow of the Taj Mahal? From application of mud pack to planting herbal hedge, authorities have in past, tried all tricks in the beauty book to arrest aging of the 350-year-old Mughal mausoleum.

Now comes another attempt from the ASI. The agency has ambitious plans up its sleeves — to cover with glass casing the famous intricate lapidary inlay work of the inner chamber, housing false sarcophagi of the emperor Shah Jehan and his consort Mumtaz Mahal, to ensure its beauty and longevity.

Superintending archeologist ASI AR Siddiqui told TOI on Monday the ‘‘operation initially will be limited to a small scale and would be expanded if successful’’. The plan has already been approved by director general ASI K N Shrivastava during a visit in October, he said.

Significantly, sullying of the marble surface by constant human touch and even attempts to deface the exquisite inlay work of precious and semi-precious stones — jade, jasper, turquoise, lapis lazuli, sapphires — have been a source of concern. Though with CSIF men on guard there has been a perceptible drop in numbers, imposing a constant ‘hands off’ on thousand of tourists daily is a near impossibility, officials frankly admit.

SOURCE : TIMESOFINDIA

The National Building Code is a single document in which, like a network, the information contained in various Indian Standards is woven into a pattern of continuity and cogency with the interdependent requirement of sections carefully analyzed and fitted in to make the whole document a cogent continuous volume. A continuous thread of preplanning is woven which, in itself, contributes considerably to the economies in construction particularly in building and plumbing services.

Building codes exist to protect the public’s health, safety and welfare. National Building Codes (NBC) regulate building construction & building use in order to protect the health, safety & welfare of the occupant. You must always take the correct precautionary measures to assure the safety of your family members.

Beginning and history of National Building Code

A Planning Commission was entrusted with the preparation of the National Building Code. For fulfilling this task a Guiding Committee for the preparation of the Code was set up by the Civil Engineering Division Council in 1967. This Committee, in turn, set up 18 specialist panels to prepare the various parts of the Code. The Guiding Committee and its panels comprised of architects, town planners, materials experts, structural, construction, and electrical illumination, air conditioning, acoustics and public health engineers. These experts were drawn from the Central and State Governments, local bodies, professional institutions and private agencies.

First Version - 1970

The first version of the Code was published in 1970. After the National Building Code was published in 1970, a vigorous implementation drive was launched by the ISI to propagate the content and use of the Code among all concerned in the field of planning, designing and construction activities. For this, State-wise implementation conferences were organized with the participation of the leading engineers, architects, town planners, administrators, building material manufacturers, building and plumbing services installation agencies, contractors, etc.

Second version - 1983

The Code, published in 1970 at the instance of planning commission was then revised in 1983. Thereafter three major amendments were issued, two in 1987 and the third in 1997. The 1970 and 1983 versions of the code were recommendatory in nature.

List of Standards along with National Building Code of India 1983

The following list records those standards, which are acceptable as `good practice`, and `accepted standards` in the fulfillment of the requirements of the Code. The latest version of a standard shall be adopted at the time of enforcement of the Code. The standards listed may be used by the Authority as a guide in conformance with the requirements of the referred clauses in the Code.

In the following list the number appearing in the first column within parentheses indicates the number of the reference in this Part.

1. IS: 8888-1978 Guide for requirements of low income housing
2. IS: 6313 Code of practice for anti-termite measures in buildings: IS: 6313 (Part I)-1971 Part I Constructional measures IS: 6313 (Part II)-1971 Part II Pre-constructional chemical treatment measures IS: 6313 (Part III)-1971 Part III Treatment for existing buildings
3. IS: 3792-1978 Guide for heat insulation of non-industrial buildings (first revision)
4. IS: 1634-1973 Code of practice for design and construction of wood stairs in houses (first version)
5. IS: 4838 Anthropometrics dimensions for school children: IS: 4838 (Part I) - 1969 Part I Age group 5 to 11 years IS: 4838 (Part II) - 1969 Part II Age group 12 to 16 years
6. IS: 4963-1968 Recommendations for buildings and facilities for the physically handicapped.

Third version -2005

Considering a series of further developments in the field of building construction including the lessons learnt in the aftermath of number of natural calamities. As a culmination of the Project, the revised NBC has now been brought out as National Building Code of India 2005 (NBC 2005)on 16th September 2005.

It is the third revision compiled under the aegis of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). It provides guidelines for regulating building construction activities across the country. The NBC 2005, formulated by the Bureau of Indian Standards, spells out new regulations for adoption by infrastructure departments, municipal administrators, public bodies and private agencies. It contains mainly administrative regulations, development control rules and general building requirements, fire safety requirements, stipulations on use of materials, structural design and construction and building and plumbing services.

It has the basic codes for construction materials, services, systems and processes. The NBC lays down the minimum provisions buildings need in order to ensure public safety with regard to structural sufficiency, fire hazard and health aspects. It contains administrative provisions, development control rules and general building requirements.

NBC 2005, in addition to the technical specifications for buildings, has for the first time, focussed on the techno-legal requirements, including the scope of participation of professionals in providing the built environment and also pinning responsibility on professionals for the structures that they create.

What’s new in NBC 2005?

It allows architects and engineers to sanction building plans for smaller plots and less complicated structures. It makes it mandatory for architects and structural engineers to take responsibility for the safety of their structure in case of a natural disaster. It provides for a periodic renewal of certificate for occupied buildings from a structural, fire and electrical safety point of view.

The code has detailed town planning norms for amenities such as educational and medical facilities, fire services, etc. It has revised parking requirements for metro and mega cities. Provisions for buildings and facilities for the physically challenged have been revised.

Contents of NBC 2005

Part – 0: Integrated Approach – Prerequisite for Applying Provision of the Code

This part covers guidelines to be followed for judicious implementation of the provisions of various parts/sections of the Code.

Part – 1: Definitions

It lists the terms appearing in all the parts/sections of the National Building Code of India.  However, some common definitions are reproduced in this part also.

Part – 2: Administration

It covers the administrative aspects of the Code, such as applicability of the Code, organization of building department for enforcement of the Code, procedure for obtaining development and building permits, and responsibility of the owner and all professionals involved in the planning, design and construction of the building.

Part – 3: Development Control Rules and General Building Requirements

It covers the development control rules and general building requirements for proper planning and design at the layout and building level to ensure health safety, public safety and desired quality of life. It provides provisions for covered area, plinth area, FAR, amenities, land use classification, height/ size of rooms, kitchens etc.

Part – 4: Fire and Life Safety

It covers the requirements for fire prevention, life safety in relation to fire, and fire protection of buildings.  The code specifies planning and construction features and fire protection features for all occupancies that are necessary to minimize danger to life and property.

The code cagorises the buildings as follows:

Group A - Residential
Group B - Educational
Group C - Institutional     
Group D - Assembly
Group E - Business            
Group F - Mercantile
Group G - Industrial         
Group H - Storage
Group J - Hazardous

Part -5: Building Material

It covers the requirements of building materials and components, and criteria for accepting new or alternative building materials and components.

29 Materials/ components which have been covered in this part are:

Aluminum & other light materials & their alloys, Bitumen & Tar products, Builders hardware, Building chemicals, Building lime and products, Burnt clay products, Cement & concrete (i/c reinforcement), Composite matrix products, Conductors & cables, Doors / windows & ventilators, Electrical wiring & accessories, Fillers, stoppers & putties, Floor coverings, roofing’s & other finishes, Glass, Gypsum based materials, Lignocellulosic building materials (timber bamboos etc.), Paints & allied products, Polymers, plastics, Sanitary appliances & water fittings, Soil based blocks, Steel & its alloys, Stones, Structural sections, Thermal insulation material, Threaded fasteners & rivets, Unit weight of building materials, Water proofing & damp proofing materials, Welding electrodes & wires, Wire ropes & wire products

Part – 6: Structural Design

This part through its seven sections provides for structural adequacy of buildings to deal with both internal and external environment, and provide guidance to engineers/ structural engineers for varied usage of material / technology types for building design.

Section 1: Loads, Forces and Effects    

It covers basic design loads to be assumed in the design of buildings.  The live loads, wind loads, seismic loads, snow loads and other loads, which are specified herein, are minimum working loads which should be taken into consideration for purposes of design.

Section 2: Soils and Foundations

It covers structural design (principles) of all building foundations such as raft, pile and other foundation systems to ensure safety and serviceability without exceeding the permissible stresses of the materials of foundations and the bearing capacity of the supporting soil.

Section 3A: Timber

It covers the use of structural timber in structures or elements of structures connected together by fasteners/ fastening techniques.

Section 3B: Bamboo  

It covers the use of bamboo for constructional purposes in structures or elements of the structure, ensuring quality and effectiveness of design and construction using bamboo.  It covers minimum strength data, dimensional and grading requirements, seasoning, preservative treatment, design and jointing techniques with bamboo which would facilitate scientific application and long-term performance of structures. It also covers guidelines so as to ensure proper procurement, storage, precautions and design limitations on bamboo.

Section 4:  Masonry

It covers the structural design aspects of unreinforced load bearing and non-load bearing walls, constructed using various bricks, stones and blocks permitted in accordance with this section.  This, however, also covers provisions for design of reinforced brick and reinforced brick concrete floors and roofs.

Section 5A: Plain and Reinforced Concrete

It covers the general structural use of plain and reinforced concrete.

Section 5B:  Prestressed Concrete

It covers the general structural use of prestressed concrete.  It covers both work carried out on site and the manufacture of precast prestressed concrete units.

Section 6: Steel

It covers the use of structural steel in general building construction including the use of hot rolled steel sections and steel tubes.

Section 7: Prefabrication and Systems Building

Section 7A: Prefabricated Concrete

Though desirable for large scale building activities, has yet to take a firm hold in the country. It includes a few recommendations on the need to avoid ‘progressive collapse’ of the structures.

Section 7B:  Systems Building and mixed/ Composite Construction

It covers recommendations regarding modular planning, component sizes, joints, manufacture, storage, transport and erection of prefabricated elements for use in buildings and such related requirements for mixed/composite construction.

Part – 7:  Constructional Practices and safety

It covers the constructional practices in buildings; storage, stacking and handling of materials and safety of personnel during construction operations for all elements of a building and demolition of buildings.  The objective can be best achieved through proper coordination and working by the project management and construction management teams.

Part – 8: Building Services

This part through its five elaborate sections on utilities provides detailed guidance to concerned professionals/ utility engineers for meeting necessary functional requirements in buildings.

Section 1:   Lighting and Ventilation

It covers requirements and methods for lighting and ventilation of buildings.

Section 2:   Electrical and Allied Installations          

It covers the essential requirements for electrical installations in buildings to ensure efficient use of electricity including safety from fire and shock.  This section also includes general requirements relating to lightning protection of buildings.

Section 3:   Air conditioning, heating and Mechanical Ventilation

This section covers the design, construction and installation of air conditioning and heating systems and equipment installed in buildings for the purpose of providing and maintaining conditions of air temperature, humidity, purity and distribution suitable for the use and occupancy of the space.

Section 4: Acoustics, Sound Insulation and Noise Control

It covers requirements and guidelines regarding planning against noise, acceptable noise levels and the requirements for sound insulation in buildings with different occupancies. 

Section 5:   Installation of Lifts and Escalators   

It covers the essential requirements for the installation, operation, maintenance and also inspection of lifts (passenger lifts, goods lifts, hospital lifts, service lifts  and dumb-waiter lifts) and escalators so as to ensure safe and satisfactory performance.   

Part – 9: Plumbing Services

This part through its two sections gives detailed guidance to concerned professionals/ plumbing engineers with regard to plumbing and other related requirements in buildings.

Section 1:  Water Supply, Drainage and Sanitation (including Solid Waste Management)

It covers the basic requirements of water supply for residential, business and other types of buildings, including traffic terminal stations.  This section also deals with general requirements of plumbing connected to public water supply and design of water supply systems. Provisions on Rain Water Harvesting have also been included

Section 2: Gas Supply

It covers the requirements regarding the safety of persons and property for all piping uses and for all types of gases used for fuel or lighting purposes in buildings.

Part – 10: Landscaping, Signs and Outdoor Display Structures

Section 1:  Landscape Planning and Design

It covers requirements of landscape planning and design with the view to promoting quality of outdoor built environment and protection of land and its resources.

Section 2: Signs and Outdoor Display Structures

It covers the requirements with regard to public safety, structural safety and fire safety of all signs (advertisements) and outdoor display structures including the overall aesthetical aspects of imposition of signs and outdoor display structures in the outdoor built environment. Few more terminologies related to signage and explanatory figures have been added.

Join us for a Webinar on March 9
Learn more about Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment (GRIHA), and the core concept of this design evaluation system. This webinar is designed to bring you great insights and knowledge on the 34 different criteria that GRIHA envisages, and how Glass is an integral and quintessential component.

About Ms. Mili Majumdar
Ms. Majumdar is an Architect-Building Technology professional with specialization in energy efficiency and development of sustainable habitats. She has over 17 years of experience in the field of energy and environment with core expertise in sustainable development of habitat and buildings. She has been involved in several policy initiatives to mainstream sustainable buildings in India. She has led the initiative on development of GRIHA .

Teleconferencing numbers For Participants:

•         Bangalore: 2532 6215/2532 6216
•         Chennai: 2370 2370
•         Delhi/NCR: 2685 2727/2644 8899/2653 4544
•         Hyderabad: 2799 2211
•         Mumbai: 2821 3311/2821 8855/2823 3311/2823 8855
•         Any phone in India: 044 2370 2370

Audio PIN number (to be dialed subsequently, when prompted): 694683#

Space is limited.
Reserve your Webinar seat now at:
https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/537012577
After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Webinar.

System Requirements
PC-based attendees
Required: Windows® 2000, XP Home, XP Pro, 2003 Server, Vista

Macintosh®-based attendees
Required: Mac OS® X 10.4 (Tiger®) or newer

As the name suggests, the Confederation of Real Estate Developers' Associations of India (CREDAI) is the apex body of real estate developers in the country. CREDAI's primary objective is to disseminate information on the real estate industry, which is a prominent driver of the Indian economy today. CREDAI works towards creating a more organized, forward- looking and progressive real estate industry.

CREDAI is an autonomous body of over 3500 organized builders and developers from 18 states in the country. The CREDAI was formed not only to organize the real estate industry, but also to provide an ethical code of conduct that is mandatory for all the member builders and developers to follow.

CREDAI’s current vision is to provide affordable housing to the urban population and a ‘slum free India’ as desired by the current President, Mrs. Pratibha Patil.

Roles of CREDAI

• CREDAI’s foremost responsibility is to bring real estate developers on a common platform for interaction with other stakeholders in the industry, like government bodies, professionals and consultants. To this end, CREDAI organizes workshops, seminars, round tables and a large annual real estate conference, NATCON. For consultation, expert opinions and comments on various related subjects, CREDAI engages lawyers, accountants and analysts from time to time. CREDAI also commissions studies when needed.

• CREDAI supports its members in establishing reputations as professional organizations. CREDAI’s Code of Conduct provides clear guidelines for developers to serve customers in an ethical and transparent manner. Members strictly and voluntarily follow the CREDAI Code of Conduct, giving the community credibility and professionalism.Through events, workshops and grievance redressal cells for consumers, CREDAI promotes best practices and efficient construction practices among developers. Through these support functions and through active public relations, CREDAI is dedicated to the cause of improving the image of the real estate developer in the eyes of the consumer, the government and the media.

• CREDAI builds relationships between developers and the government through representations, debates and active participation in all meetings called by the government. CREDAI believes in strength through partnership and has developed a strong relationship with the government through sustained interactions with the Ministry of Urban Development, Ministry of Housing and Poverty Alleviation, the Planning Commission, Ministry of Environment and Forests, and others. CREDAI partners with the government to work on areas of common interest and specifically provides a balanced and integrated industry viewpoint on critical aspects like policy and regulation.

• CREDAI provides important services like raising issues relevant to developers in government and non-government forums, suggesting policy changes, making representations, and giving the developers a unified front. CREDAI also helps members connect with experts who can offer specific advice

In order to maintain integrity and transparency in the realty sector, CREDAI lays down certain rules that need to be followed. CREDAI also voices and represents any proactive policies of the real estate industry in India before the government and other concerned authorities.

Other functions of CREDAI include introduction of new techniques of construction, dissemination of statistical information, promotion of the interests of construction workers and their education, and so on. CREDAI also encourages research in the construction and property development arena. It also facilitates easy financing as it is closely associated with many housing finance institutions and banks.

CREDAI holds a national convention once a year besides several city, state & regional level conferences and technical seminars. Several exhibitions are also organized in major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Kolkata along with major world trade centres like Dubai (UAE), Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, London (UK), USA and other places.

Achievements

Environmental Impact Assessment

Over the past few years, CREDAI has worked constantly to reduce the adverse effects of notifications on real estate projects.  CREDAI’s efforts have gone a long way in changing things for the better. The government proposed an amendment to the notification in January 2009 and the draft for the same has been placed in the official gazette.

Service Tax on Commercial Rentals

In April 2009, the Delhi High Court struck down the levy on commercial rentals as unconstitutional as the renting of immovable property involved the rendering of no service. The levy had come into force in 2007 and saw massive protests across the country, with CREDAI relentlessly pushing for a rational decision.

The judgment has brought great relief to corporate organizations at this time, when several are facing problems of lowered profits and liquidity.

Special Residential Zones

CREDAI has proposed the concept of Special Residential Zones or SRZs (along the lines of SEZs) as a solution to the housing crisis.

Urban Land Ceiling

CREDAI worked for the abolishment of urban land ceiling and even the last remaining bastions of ULCRA have now abolished it.

Stamp Duty Rationalisation

CREDAI suggested that stamp duty be brought down and several state governments have complied.

Real Estate Financing

CREDAI has submitted a proposal addressing several issues, including the track record of developers, their fiscal practices and loan repaying capacity. CREDAI is pushing for provisions that allow term loans to be rescheduled as well as rollover of existing loans for construction loans. Also, CREDAI has requested for margin money contribution by home loan buyers to be brought down to 15% instead of the present 30%.

CREDAI is also in talks with the government to accord priority status to the housing sector and to help remove the disparity in risk weights so that real estate gets easier access to bank loans.

Other Policy Reforms

CREDAI has also suggested that the states be given incentives to adopt the Urban Reforms Incentives Fund (URIF).

Other Suggestions to the Government

Some other areas where CREDAI is actively engaged in dialogue with the government are:

1. Encourage affordable housing
2. Increase investment in housing construction, maybe through changed ECB and FDI
3. Facilitate land availability
4. Stimulate housing demand by permitting foreign ownership, and giving incentives to buy homes

Two of the coherent members of CREDAI are:

• CREDAI Bengal (formerly City Developers' Forum -- CDF): CREDAI Bengal was founded in 1989.
• CREDAI NCR: CREDAI NCR includes over 80% of the organized real estate builders and developers of Delhi and NCR.

1. CREDAI Bengal

CREDAI Bengal is the apex body of the organised real estate developers/builders across West Bengal. It represents developers/builders across West Bengal by communicating with government authorities for the formulation of proactive policies for this profession. It also encourages developers/builders to increase their efficiency in development/construction activities by introducing the latest technologies.

Vision

Vision of CREDAI Bengal is to be the channel of change; to make the lives of new generations safe, healthy and enjoyable.

Principles behind the Ventures of CREDAI Bengal:

• Identification of the needs of the community in terms of quality housing, social activities, education, entertainment and healthcare where adequate facilities are not available.
• Planning and execution of projects which will be models of sustainable, environment-friendly technology.
• Extending the channel for upliftment of the neighbourhood by bringing affordable modern amenities through economic and green projects.

Purpose

Their purpose is to provide community facilities where there is a need for upgrading of amenities to help meet the aspirations of modern citizens in respect of their living environment.

Intent

The intent of CREDAI Bengal is to bring design and proficiency to upgrade and holistically enhance lifestyles.

2. CREDAI NCR

CREDAI NCR covers more than four-fifths of real estate development businesses in Delhi and other parts of the NCR. Its establishment over the past seven years has brought stability to the industry and its achievements in the local, state and national levels has helped the industry grow at a rate of about 30 percent over the last few years.

CREDAI NCR has emerged as a leading platform for addressing problems of the Real Estate Promoters and Developers of the NCR including those from Delhi and uniting them under one roof. ABL, Aerens Jai House, AEZ, Aeren RJ Group, Ansals, Alpha Buildtech, Ashiana, DLF, Clarion, Unitech, Uppal, Jaypee Greens, JMD, Aerens GoldSouk International, Kamal Enterprises, Majestic, Omaxe, Parsvnath, Raheja's, Shipra, Suncity, Unity Buildwell, Vatika, Vipul, JLLM, Ambit Corporate and Hines are some of the esteemed members of CREDAI NCR.

Main Objectives

• To encourage fraternity, feelings of co-operation and mutual help among the Members of CREDAI NCR.
• To encourage adoption and promotion of fair business practices.
• To promote and protect the general interest of the Members and to maintain liaison with the Government to formulate right policies relating to the trade, industry and profession of real estate development.
• To initiate organized action in the area of building construction and management for increasing efficiency, productivity and quality through modernization and technology advancement.
• To collect and disseminate data, statistics and information on building construction and related subjects of interest to members.
• To formulate expert opinions on matters related to government policies, and to organise meetings, seminars, conferences, exhibitions etc.
• To provide all possible expert advice, guidance and assistance to Members and to make all possible efforts to be a True Friend to the members of CREDAI NCR.
•  To provide a platform to interact and promote a concept / product directly to the major players/decision makers of the Real Estate Industry.
• To help an interested party become a part of the voice of the builders and developers industry.
• To provide entitlement to interested parties for discount programs and special benefits.

Scope & Vision

CREDAI NCR & CREDAI can gain mileage both in terms of business and publicity by pursuing pre-defined objectives. Government of India has stated that construction industry is pegged at 10% growth and is seriously considering the following for the benefit of Real Estate Industry

• Rationalization of Stamp duty at 2% and nil for development agreement
• Housing for 2 million in this plan period
• Making land available easily for developers from Govt. Agencies
• Speeding up of Housing Reforms at GOM level
• Interest Relaxation in Capital gains
• Encouragement of FDI up to 50% in this Sector
• IRDA permission to invest 15% of insurance company funds in this sector
• Bringing in "Escrow" a/c system for all HDFC lending like that of infrastructure sector
• Setting up of Equity Fund for Developers both for short & retail funding either through national lending institute or mutual funds
• Establishing Urban Reforms Incentive Fund, City Challenge Fund, Pooled Finance Development Fund - all from Govt. of India