The idea behind a green building is simple � energy conservation, creation and environment protection.

The demand for environment-friendly green buildings is on the rise in India, buoyed by the same factors which have made them popular internationally � money and morality.

One of the most prominent green buildings in the country is the CII-Sohrabji Godrej [Get Quote] Green Business Centre in Hyderabad which was one of the first to be awarded the Leadership in Energy and Environment Design by the US Green Business Council in 2003.

The ITC Green Centre at Gurgaon near Delhi, the new IIT Kanpur building and the Hiranandani Gardens in Powai, Mumbai, are some of the prominent green landmarks on the country's landscape.

Prima facie, green buildings cost more.  So why throw money on green when normal is cheaper? "Give it anywhere between three and five years, and unlike a normal construction, a green building actually starts giving you returns," explains Naveen Krishen, managing director of Kanwar Krishen Associates, a real estate consultancy firm.

Since a green building conserves energy � and also makes the most of sunlight � energy costs are slashed by 40 to 50 per cent. 

The design, material and technology used in a green building is such that not only does it conserve energy, it recycles the used energy wherever possible and also creates energy out of the waste. Be it a water treatment plant, a sewage plant, green lighting or using FSC certified wood that comes from sustainable forests, a green building is constantly in search of new methods of environmental conservation.

Sustainable building design, green material and green technology are often more expensive than normal building blocks, and are often not easily available, but the upside � monetary and otherwise � more than compensates for that.

From builders and contractors to companies, hotels and architects, it's a trend that is taking deep roots. What used to be uncharted territory until last year, is now taking the face of a movement in India too.

Interestingly, though this idea is appealing to private companies, what attracts contractors and builders is the growing consciousness among people of the benefits of going green. Multinationals � who wear their green conscience on their sleeve - are demanding and often choosing green commercial office complexes over normal ones.

The idea behind a green building is simple - energy conservation, environment protection and energy creation. The buildings are rated by the likes of United States Green Building Council and the Tata Energy Research Institute.

"Occupants now recognize the value that a green building adds to the entire establishment," says architect Hafeez Contractor who has even designed some green housing complexes. 

These buildings are also eligible for carbon credits, since they save the environment from carbon-dioxide emissions. That opens up another revenue stream for the developer. It is therefore no surprise that the projected growth potential for green buildings in India is Rs 2,000 crores by end-2008.