Green Concept Slowly Sinking In

Published on The Nation dated 21 September 2009

Climate change has resulted in an urgent need for environmental changes in production and practices across the world. In recognition of this, over the past few years, the green concept has become a prevalent issue in the real-estate industry. Several organisations such as the US Green Building Council with its LEED rating system (US), Green Star (Australia), BREEAM (UK) and Greenmark (Singapore) have been established to provide kthe building industry with a credible rating system. These agencies grant certification to accredit those buildings that meet the criteria on green building standards based on the most efficient use of resources and low operating costs.

In Thailand, however, we do not have a similar rating system yet.

We have started to see some development of "green buildings" in Thailand but awareness is still quite limited. In general, people's perception of green buildings will be in terms of open space, more trees and green areas and the use of energy-saving materials such as insulated walls, double glazing door and windows, non-toxic paints and finishes, summer shading, etc. However, the green concept also comprises other major factors. For example, US LEED promotes a whole approach to sustainable buildings by recognising performance in five key areas, including a sustainable site, water saving, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality.

 In Thailand, several buildings have applied for LEED certification, including the Energy Complex on Vibhavadi-Ranhsit Road and Kasikorn Bank in Chaeng Wattana, while the Millennium Residence in Sukhumvit has obtained Greenmark certification from Singapore.

The benefits from green buildings are undeniable for the developer, end users and society as a whole. Apart from creating a healthy environment and a more productive workplace, anyone who pays energy bills will benefit. The questions which are of greatest concern today are to define the cost of investment and the long-term benefits. We are seeing a global trend towards the green concept becoming ever more significant and we expect it to influece the market here soon. At commercial buildings in future, operating costs will be higher land environmental and energy sustainability may become criteria for multinationa companies in choosing office premises. Individual house owners will also recognise the benefits of having a green property and are likely to consider it as a key factor when buying a home.

Getting certification will be costly and will consume time and resources from the initial design until completion of the property. It will therefore be a matter of how much a company wants to spend. Ultimately, whether it is judged worth getting certified or not, any building that is build with a green concept will be beneficial on its own merits. Which way will Thai society choose?    

Plant more trees everywhere in the city and add more park space for trees. Repair the sidewalks and run roof drains to the street curb and gutter rather than on top of pedestrian heads. Replace Central Busness District dirty Tuks Tuks with Hybrid or Electric Tuk Tuks and add a meter to them. Clear out the touts, child beggars and roaming hawkers. Open right of ways for pedestrian traffic in street vender zones. Regulate street cooking especially when done under tents capturing heat. Bike Lanes. Such improvements to get flow of people who walk or ride a bicycle. Use cool lighting rather than hot lamps. Common Sence.

Mespike--> Sounds good to me, I'd like to add, close down Sukhumvit to cars soi 1 to soi 33, make it a big walking street, plenty of room for everybody, more trees and picnic tables, could be very nice place. People should have a higher priority than cars.