Chandigarh, January 8
The Chandigarh Housing Board (CHB) enclave in Sector 51-A is set to become the city’s first model housing unit conforming to international standards in environment management.
This is the first of its kind exercise in the region after the one undertaken by a housing society in Hoshiarpur. It will ensure an international certification for effective management and auditing of its environment aspects.
CHB officials today confirmed that the documentation required to be completed before applying for ISO 14001 certification was complete and the application would be sent soon.
ISO 14001 certification specifies requirements for environmental management system to enable an organisation to develop and implement a policy that takes into account legal requirements concerning environmental aspects.
J.K. Anand, ISO certification expert handling the project for the CHB, said, “We have finished our gap analysis, framed our environmental policy and defined its aspects, nature and scale. The policy includes commitment to continual improvement and prevention of pollution. Also, we will comply with all applicable legal requirements related to the environment. Among other things, we will conserve natural resources and achieve energy efficiency within the enclave.”
Among the targets set in the document are reduction in consumption of electricity by 2 per cent, reduction in consumption of paper by 2 per cent and reduction in wastage of municipal water by 2 per cent. June 2008 has been set as the deadline. “We have formed seven committees to look after different aspects of the environment. All environment related Acts will be followed inside the enclave and levels of noise and air pollution will be controlled. Battery disposal system is also being worked out,” he said.
The Targets * Reduction in consumption of electricity by 2 pc * Cutting down on consumption of paper by 2 pc * Noise, air pollution will be controlled | The CHB is planning a similar scheme for all of its housing colonies, provided the colonies comply with building bylaws. Board will bear 70 per cent of the cost
— CHB chairman |