G

reen buildings have hit the mainstream in the West. The use of solar panels and sustainable materials is already common, as people aim to minimize pollution and create a healthy indoor environment.

Going east, people are now campaigning for the importance of sustainable living. In Southeast Asia, many developers are promoting '€œgreen homes'€.

With eco-friendly features, these homes feature green building concepts. So what makes a building green?

The trend is taking off in Indonesia. '€œThe demand for green buildings is increasing. Building owners have begun to realize that green buildings help to save on operational costs,'€ said Naning S. Adiningsih Adiwoso, Green Building Council Indonesia (GBCI) founding member and chairperson.

GBCI issues certification for green buildings through its rating tools. This year, the council recorded over 100 building managements as being interested in the certification, most of them located in Jakarta.

People start to understand that resources aren'€™t going to be available forever, so they want to use them efficiently.

'€œWhat makes people interested in green buildings is how they can measure the performance of a building. You can evaluate your energy, water, waste, air quality and the products being used,'€ Naning further explained.

Green buildings also mean taking human health and environment into consideration. In green offices, for example, the concept creates a healthy environment, which reduces absence and increases employee productivity.

As for residential developments, living in a green condo is definitely healthier due to its better air and water quality, and also due to better management of waste.

'€œGBCI will soon launch the TAG, a rating for green homes. It will be available for download by residential owners to do a self-assessment on green residences.

The creation of TAG is based on the fact that today'€™s younger generation, especially in cities, is fully aware of the benefits gained from living in green and healthy homes,'€ Naning said.

Thailand is also setting trends in green buildings. A developer - Fragrant Group - is building several new eco-friendly luxury condos under the Circle brand.

The Circle Living Prototype is the first condo project in Thailand that uses solar cells to power its common areas. James Duan, CEO of the Fragrant Group said
as quoted by The Nation that foreigners dominate the green condo and apartment market in
the country.

'€œFor its last project, the company was able to sell out its foreign quota. Sales are averaging eight to 10 units a week.'€

Living in a green property

While from outside a green residence may look the same as an ordinary home, there are several things to be noted when a customer decides to go for a more sustainable home.

'€œThe main features of green buildings are a sustainable site, energy efficiency, waste management and water conservation features. Green buildings use green materials to create healthy indoor air quality,'€ Naning explained, adding that even though the concept sounded complicated, it could be easily applied through simple designs and choices upon construction.

For example, when designing a residential property, one can note the building'€™s orientation. By simply noticing the east and west sides of the house, the amount of natural daylight can be measured and the heat from the sun can be anticipated.

This will reduce the amount of electricity used by homeowners, especially when it comes to air conditioner usage, as this damages the ozone layer.

At night, using LED light bulbs can save energy. Socially, green buildings enhance the comfort and health of their occupants and thus should have good landscaping and trash management.

Another important feature in a green residence is its location.

'€œWhen people buy a space that is considered a green building, they should know what facilities are available within the area. Green buildings need to create a micro climate, which means they should have at least 10 public facilities, such as a church, post office, school, bank and others, available within 1.5 kilometers of their location. There should also be space for pedestrians and the disabled,'€ Naning explained.

One fitting example of this concept is the increasingly popular mixed-use development. Ciputra World Jakarta 1 places many public facilities within walking distance of its condominium and serviced apartment complex.

Two are an art museum and gallery and a world-class theater with 1,200 seats.

'€œCiputra World Jakarta will consist of 3 parts. Currently we are completing Ciputra World 1 and building Ciputra World 2. In total - with Ciputra World 3 - there will be about 15 towers. We will adopt green buildings as much as possible, as they make sense. In the longer term it is financially justifiable and gradually the market will appreciate it,'€ said Artadinata Djangkar, PT Ciputra Property director.