In an attempt to promote green buildings and reduce carbon emission, the West Bengal government has issued a notification granting 10 per cent additional floor area ratio to the buildings that have green ratings.

A recent notification issued by the Department of Municipal Affairs, Government of West Bengal, states 10 per cent additional floor area ratio (FAR) for green buildings shall be allowed which have been granted ‘Gold’ rating or higher under Indian Council of Green Buildings or at least ‘Four Star’ rating or higher under ‘GRIHA’ Rating System.

The notification states that grant of additional FAR shall be allowed on the basis of pre-certification by the agencies. In case of non-compliance of the guidelines and failure to obtain the ratings, penalty equivalent to 150 per cent of value of floor area sanctioned shall be imposed, the order says.

Commenting on the new notification issued by the State Government Shakuntala Ghosh, chairperson of Indian Green Building Council, Kolkata Chapter, said that initiative is going to be a major impetus to upcoming constructions going green.