Maharashtra has topped one of the leading green building certification programs used globally LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). The state ranked first in India leaving behind Karnataka, Haryana, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh, This LEED certification is authorized by the United States Green Building Council or USGBC.
Maharashtra reportedly has over one crore gross square meters of green space as per LEED norms, giving it the top spot in the country. Key factors like conservation of water and energy are considered to be prerequisites to attain LEED certification. Other factors like the wellbeing of the inhabitants, reduced carbon footprint, proper waste management and so on are also considered important aspects of LEED-certified spaces.
In total, India is said to have 1,400 buildings approved by LEED. This includes hospitals, schools, office spaces as well as residential complexes. The rankings were officially published by Green Business Certification Inc India (GBCI).
This is excellent news for inhabitants of Mumbai, while also serving as an inspiration to future developers of the city. However, while the buildings remain green, civic and public health authorities will have to consider reducing emissions and pollution on the whole across the city as well as the state.
Many have recommended the implementation of a congestion tax, similar to the one used in London, which charges motorists a fee to travel with their private vehicles on assigned roads and streets. This move will ultimately encourage the citizens to use public transport more often, thus reducing the flow of private vehicles on the roads.
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