Karnataka minister for large and medium industries minister Murugesh Nirani today called for creating a base of qualified professionals who can take the lead in coming up with green buildings which would be the way forward as far as urban infrastructure is concerned.

"We must create a base of qualified professionals who can take the lead in coming up with green buildings and are able to combine the intellect used in heritage buildings with modern day resources to create something which is energy efficient", he said addressing a conference on "Green Buildings- The way Forward" here.

Karnataka today has over 20 million square feet of green buildings. With a manifold increase expected in energy demand, there is an urgent need to create green buildings to help reduce energy consumption, use less water and optimise energy efficiency, Nirani said.

Green buildings will not only provide environment benefits, enhance the ecosystem, improve quality of air and water, but also help reduce operational costs, increase asset value and improve employee satifsfaction through health benefits,he said

Swati Piramal, president of ASSOCHAM which organised the conference, said the conference assumed significance in the light of India facing a formidable challenge in infrastructure development without disturbing the ecological balance.

Constructing green buildings is the only viable alternative to balance growth and development and would play a significant role in sustainable development in the construction sector.

This is the time when all-inclusive efforts from the public as well as private sector can promote green technology, she said.

Ravi Sanareddy, chairman, Southern Regional Council, ASSOCHAM described buildings as "major pollutants to affect urban air quality" and said the challenge was to create green buildings at "affordable cost".

Sanareddy, also promoter of Sricity, an SEZ about 55 km from Chennai said Sricity has 12.5 per cent green cover.

J Crasta, Chairman Karnataka State Council ASSOCHAM announcing the launch of its Southern Chapter, emphasised the need for green buildings which would minimise demand on non renewable sources and maximise recycling of available sources.

On Carlton Towers fire which claimed nine lives here,he said buildings flouting norms,including necessary prerequisite of safety rules should not be allowed. Illegal constructions and encroachments must be dealt with an iron hand.

He also urged realty sector to be committed towards the green concept and be quality conscious.