“Building Green Will Satisfy Many Of Goa's Needs And Protect The Ecosystem”

Bharat Kamat, Chairman of the India Green Building Council (Goa Chapter) speaks about green building in Goa and its potential in satisfying the sensitivities of the local population.

When did the IGBC Goa Chapter begin? 

Indian Green Building Council (Goa Chapter) was launched in March 2011. Amar Britto of Acron Group was the Founding Chairman, and I served as Co-chair. I took over as Chairman of IGBC (Goa Chapter) in December 2016.

What is the Mission of the local Chapters of the IGBC? 

Local Chapters are the voice of Green Building movement and IGBC; and chapter leaders and members are the heart of IGBC’s grassroots efforts. The IGBC local Chapter network opens doors for members to promote sustainable buildings, advocate for environment-friendly policies, and build networks of allies where it matters most – in the local community. The local chapter interacts with the local Government to promote and bring in awareness on Green Buildings.

The IGBC (Goa Chapter) is also involved with educational institutions and we have three IGBC student chapters in Goa namely Goa Engineering College – Farmagudi, Don Bosco College of Engineering and NICMAR Goa. Through these colleges, we conduct workshops and guest lectures on Green Buildings and environmental issues. The local chapter also promotes IGBC training programmes and Accredited Professional (IGBC AP) Examination.

What are some of the programmes and initiatives that the IGBC (Goa Chapter) has taken up over the last year?