The Government of Maharashtra organised a conference and exhibition on Eco Housing* at Nehru Centre, Worli on 16th February, 2010. IIEC had a stall displaying Eco Housing posters, brochures and the Eco Housing Version II criteria. The stall also had information on the Mumbai Energy Alliance. The stall was visited by CM Ashok Chavan, other speakers and a large number of the audience.

Approximately 900 people attended the conference- the majority of the attendees were
representatives from local Government and municipal corporations from all over Maharashtra. In addition, there were builders associations, manufacturers of EE
products and civil society.

IIEC's Brinda Ayer made a presentation on the need for EcoHousing, as well as provided an overview of the Eco Housing criteria and rating system. 

Major policy announcements were made during the course of the conference by Chief Minister Chavan and Mr. T C Benjamin Secretary, Urban Development Department.

The Government of Maharashtra has pledged its support for Eco Housing, by implementing changes in the DC rules by April 1st to make eco-friendly practices  during building construction mandatory. Some elements expected to be made mandatory are:

• Rain water harvesting
• Grey water recycling & dual plumbing system
• Energy efficient (lighting) fixtures
• Solar Water Heaters
• Conservation of topsoil
• Implementation of recommendations in the Energy Conservation Building Code

Additionally, Ms. Marathe from the Rainwater Harvesting Cell of MCGM announced that MCGM was planning to amend its byelaws to make grey water recyling mandatory in new buildings. While the above applies to new buildings, Mr. Benjamin expressed interest in developing eco housing guidelines for existing buildings. The remaining speakers provided an overview of EE in buildings, Eco Housing and related topics.

News reports on the conference are available at DNA and Hindustan Times.

*Clarification: "Eco Housing" is the name of the sustainable homes ratings system developed by IIEC and its partners. Eco Housing is being implemented by the Pune Municipal Corporation and has been adopted by the Municipal Corporation for Greater Mumbai. The conference on 16th Feb on Eco Housing referred in general to green residential buildings, and included ratings systems such as IIEC's Eco Housing, TERI Griha, IGBC Green Homes and LEED rating systems.