POWER point
The need for energy-efficient construction has been fuelled by the rising power consumption of the fast expanding realty sector, writes C.M. Dhall
The building and construction industry is expanding rapidly at over 49 per cent per year, with more than 40 million sq m of commercial and residential space is being added annually. This is resulting in an additional burden of nearly 5.5 billion units of electricity. This energy consumption is not only dependent on the type of buildings being designed and constructed, but also on the kinds of interiors and gadgets which are being used therein. In view of this power load, it may become mandatory for developers to design and construct buildings that consume not more than 500 kw of electricity, according to the energy conservation building code, Bureau of Energy Efficiency.

Green house
Fiscal benefits for eco-friendly buildings mooted
The Maharashtra Government would look at the recent proposal made by the Mumbai Mahanagar Palika for extending fiscal benefits for the construction of green buildings, minister of state for urban development, Rajesh Tope, has said.

Deed indeed
Q. My father-in-law booked a flat in Gurgaon through a reputed builder on February 13, 2004, by paying a booking amount worth Rs 1,37,000 and the allotment letter which had the flat no and building number area mentioned in it was issued on the same date. The flat buyer agreement was signed on February 28, 2004. This flat was booked under the installment plan and the possession was to be handed over in three years. The possession was taken by my father-in-law on July 12, 2007, the conveyance deed of the flat was registered on November 14, 2007. Its total cost of this flat came out to be Rs 32,80,000. He sold this flat on February 1, 2008, for Rs76,00,000. The proceeds from the sale of this flat (Rs.55,00,000) were reinvested in March in another residential flat.

REAL TALK
Consolidation drive
Zirakpur village-turned-township is all set to emerge as Chandigarh's Gurgaon. Its proximity to Chandigarh and strategic location on the tri-junction of three major highways are proving to be boon for the town, with big realtors taking a fancy for the township, says Sital Singh Bains, chairman of the Silver City group of companies.

GROUND REALTY
Ceramic Magic
Ceramic tiles were the unanimous choice of people as a quick finish flooring material till the time vitrified tiles invaded the market. Thereafter, the floor area of buildings got divided between these two types of tiles. While the main areas such as the living room, bedrooms and circulation areas were provided with vitrified tiles, ceramic tiles were restricted to the bathrooms and the kitchen. However, many people still prefer to provide ceramic tiles in these areas as these tiles are cheaper than vitrified tiles.

Room Recession
The demand for office space from IT firms set to decline in Gurgaon, Noida
The demand for office space from IT and ITeS companies is likely to fall in Gurgaon and Noida during the second half of 2008 on account of the economic slowdown in the USA, a global realty consultant has said in its report.

Thrust on PPPs to augment infrastructure
Putting the thrust on public private partnerships (PPP) to overcome resource gaps in urban infrastructure, urban development minister Jaipal Reddy has said the PPPs are the only option to raise money required for various projects.