The third annual EcoBuilding Conference, scheduled for 15 - 16 March 2012,

is perfectly timed to provide the property and construction sectors in

Mauritius with the latest developments in relation to projects, regulations,

initiatives and their implications, as well as to deliver another world class panel of

experts who will speak under the theme: Urban Planning and Building Design in a

Tropical climate.

Wood has many attributes that make it an obvious choice for green building. It grows naturally, using energy from the sun, and is the only major building material that’s renewable and sustainable over the long term. It also outperforms steel and concrete when compared using life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology. LCA is an internationally recognized approach to evaluating materials, assemblies and even whole structures, over the course of their entire lives, based on measurable indicators of environmental impact. Using this method, study after study has shown that wood is better for the environment than steel or concrete in terms of:

The `Green Building' concept is gaining importance in various countries, including India. These are buildings that ensure that waste is minimized at every stage during the construction and operation of the building, resulting in low costs, according to experts in the technology. The techniques associated with the `Green Building' include measures to prevent erosion of soil, rainwater harvesting, preparation of landscapes to reduce heat, reduction in usage of potable water, recycling of waste water and use of world class energy efficient practices.