Green buildings based on the premise of increased efficiency and minimal wastage are eco-friendly and more cost-efficient.

Many end-users and investors shy away from green building technologies due to misplaced notions of cost overruns and impracticability of construction. The notion that green buildings are 'costlier' impacts the profit motive that lies behind real estate, prompting both builder and investor to stick to conventional methods of construction. To dispel this myth and promote sustainability, the concept of green buildings and its cost effectiveness during its lifecycle needs to be understood.

GREEN BUILDING

A green building is based on the premise of increased efficiency and minimal wastage during its lifecycle. It addresses aspects such as health, environment and resource conservation, while maintaining economy. Thus, it focuses on reduced energy consumption, reduction and recycling of produced waste, reduced emission of pollutants into the environment, minimizing construction impacts, and healthier and more productive indoor environment.

COST FACTOR

While the initial cost of a green building may be slightly higher as compared to a conventional building, the operational cost is lower because of their reduced energy consumption feature. For instance, the energy requirement of a green building can be just 15 percent of a conventional building in some cases. This makes them very cost-effective in the long run as the initial higher cost is more than recovered within a short span of it being operational.

RETURNS

In terms of rentals as well as capital gains, green buildings have an advantage because of reduced operational cost and higher productivity of employees. All modern techniques, building design and usability of space can be incorporated into a green building. In the demolition phase too, these buildings are suitable for recycling, minimizing waste. Some of these are built to adapt to different uses, eliminating the need to demolish.

Studies have shown that the average construction cost premium for green buildings is less than two percent while the reduction in annual operational cost is 30-40 percent as compared to a conventional building. Add to this the quantifiable and nonquantifiable benefits and the fact that they are feasible anywhere in the world, green buildings then become extremely attractive economically.

SUSTAINABILITY

Green buildings can be simple and down to earth, or modern and ultra elite. Simple techniques like incorporating a green roof which substantially insulates and cools interiors, besides cutting down on urban heat island effect, designing to take advantage of wind and sun in terms of energy, light and ventilation, going in for indoor plants such as the Areca Palm which releases sufficient amounts of moisture into the air and flushes out toxins, go a long way in making buildings sustainable.

As for residential complexes, large savings on energy and operational cost can prove extremely attractive in terms of both rentals and investment.

Green buildings essentially evolve based on specific local conditions, working them to their advantage and sustainability. In a city like Bangalore, green buildings could address aspects such as ventilation, heat and light by adopting a suitable facade and orientation.

For instance, usage of higher technology glass along with right orientation would keep the heat out while allowing sufficient light.

The IT developments could incorporate displacement ventilation for better quality air, which also saves energy. Large residential complexes could structure the building to take advantage of wind, allowing natural ventilation. The site too could be designed to be cooler with trees and water bodies. A clever design with glass and concrete would allow plenty of natural light while still maintaining privacy.

Courtesy: ET dated: 13th June 2008

A recent report has shown that UK investors are looking to India as the UK property market shows continuing signs of weakness. While the property market in India has been growing for some time, many investors feel that it is still at a very early age with vast areas of the country still relatively untouched by the increasing demand for quality property.
The growth in interest from UK based investors has been helped by the recent decision of the Indian government to relax the barriers for foreign investment into the housing sector. While the flow of funding is still very much controlled by the regulators, the walls are coming down and increased investment is flowing into the country. It appears that British citizens with connections to India are looking at areas such as Gujarat, Gurgaon, Bangalore, Chandigarh, Pune and Jaipur although when you consider the size of India a number of other destinations could well appear in the short term.
Financial powerhouse Merrill Lynch forecast that the Indian property market will increase by over 700% between 2008 and 2015, offering the potential for large property gains for those brave enough to take the plunge. It is also interesting to see the increase in Indian property road shows in the UK with London, Manchester, Birmingham and Leicester all hosting a number of investment briefings for those looking for alternative markets.
While the property market of India is not a new venue for many investors it seems that more and more in the UK are looking at this area as the domestic market continues to flounder. UK interest rates seem to have bottomed out, although some analysts expect them to rise by the end of the year, property transactions have all but dried up in some areas of the country and financing is still a major hurdle for many. All in all it is easy to see why so many are now turning their attention to the massive Indian property market, a market which is still very much in its infancy and set to show significant growth for some time to come.
Propertycafeteria.com supports your plans for buying and selling properties in Gurgaon. From gaining access to current property rates to sale and purchase of property, our real estate solutions apply to a whole host of situations across the economic value chain in commercial (retail and office space), industrial & residential/rental properties in Gurgaon. The initiative by the Government of Haryana in inviting investments to Gurgaon has brought about the active growth in knowledge based industries like IT Services. This has created demand for office space and consequently to residential properties in Gurgaon.
In commercial space reputed developers like DLF, Unitech, Vipul, Vatika, JMD, Omaxe Parsvnath, Sun city Projects Ltd. are pushing the concept of workspace, urban living and leisure time in all directions. The realty boom is unbridled but eminently sustainable.
Malls in Gurgaon have been instrumental in giving a pattern to mass affluent household spends as retail and commercial business is becoming specialized. There are a number of large format retail stores in Gurgaon and existing formats are changing radically according to size and category. Office spaces in corporate buildings as well as in commercial centers like IMT Manesar, Pace City, Info City and Udyog Vihar in Gurgaon have catapulted Gurgaon to become the Commercial hub of India.

CHENNAI: As part of expanding its services, Information Technology service provider Satyam Computer Services Ltd on Saturday said it has leased 400,000 sq ft of office space in Shriram- the Gateway, the special economic zone, being developed by Shriram Properties at Perungalathur near here.

"We are pleased to establish Satyam's presence in The Gateway, which accommodates Satyam's needs for high-quality infrastructure" Satyam Computer Services Managing Director B Rama Raju said.

The facility is scheduled for completion in November 2008 and is expected to accommodate 4,000 Satyam consultants, who work on technology applications, industries and regions.

Satyam development and delivery centres are in the US, Canada, UK, Brazil, Hungary, Egypt, UAE, India and China. It serves 654 clients, including more than one third of the Fortune 500 companies, the release added.

TOI 31 May 2008

“NOIDA, with its urban mix of educated middle and upper class clientele, presents the right environment for any retail outlet location,” says Deo Datta Sharma, chairman and CEO of NOIDA Authority. “The market is a wholesome place, which not only gives us a complete shopping experience but also the most sought after eateries for an enjoyable evening out,” adds Lalit Mehta, advertising professional and a resident of NOIDA for several years. “The easy traffic and peace - far from the madding crowd of the capital - is alluring,” says corporate lawyer Anurag Chawla, a resident of Sector 15A. Having developed as a retail hub ahead of other suburbs of Delhi, the Sector 18 market of NOIDA is all set to soon sport further landmarks on its sprawling premises. “The recent addition of the Centrestage Mall, spread over approximately 8,900 sq. mts., and situated next door to the Radisson MBD Hotel, promoted and owned by the MBD Group, has further fuelled the retail activity in the area,” says realty specialist Pradeep Bhatia of Bhatia Brothers and Company, Delhi. Prophesies Datta, “NOIDA will soon be a tourist destination with hordes of Asian tourists making a beeline for the city. We have an amusement park as well as a mall from Unitech planned across more than a million sq. ft. of space, which is all set to take the city by storm. We want this place to be a destination where everybody in the family has something to look forward to.”

Courtesy Realty Plus

But what explains the scramble for this area in particular? "There is a great market potential for such centers as people do not have outlets where they can shop and enjoy and entertain themselves all at one place. Such centers provide them with a relaxed and enjoyable environment,” explains Bhatia. Says another real estate consultant, “Both rentals and selling prices have definitely increased; however there is tremendous competition from the malls in terms of available retail space for the purpose of lease and purchase. Rented prime retail space will always command a high premium.’’

The Success Story

“The success of the market has definitely jacked up real estate rates and not long ago, a 60-metre constructed land for showroom space was sold for Rs. 12,000 per sq. ft.,” says Bhatia. While the prices for buying office space range between Rs. 12,000 and Rs. 18,000 per sq. ft., rents are Rs. 190 to Rs. 90 per sq. ft. for showrooms and offices respectively, he adds. “Basking in the glory of the first toll bridge and, more recently, the NOIDA-Greater NOIDA Expressway, the Sector 18 commercial complex has seen sales as well as rates increase by nearly 20 per cent,” says Shyama Chugh of YD Properties. She is convinced that once the market hosts more commercial complexes like the Unitech multiplex as well as amusement and water parks, retail will definitely soar further in Sector 18 as space is a scarce commodity there. Adds Anand, “The strategic location of the trade sector has ensured and will continue to ensure the upward trend of this area. But those at the helm of affairs of NOIDA need to keep in mind that infrastructure is a serious issue in most retail markets and should be addressed at the earliest in order to maintain the attractiveness of the market for consumers. Only this will help the market grow.” Sanjay Verma, executive director of Cushman & Wakefield says that retail in NOIDA has certainly seen a flux of large brands in the past 24 to 36 months. “A large number of retail outlets and restaurants are located in sector 18. The development of malls will further fill in the need for organized retailing.” Adds a spokesperson for Radisson MBD Hotel, NOIDA: “These are significant advancements compared to an area like Gurgaon and NOIDA will soon bypass the developments that have taken place in Gurgaon. Additionally, location-wise, NOIDA is close to the South Delhi areas that have major purchasing power and may help in the development of the city particularly the retail hubs like sector 18.”

Courtesy Realty Plus