IIFL HOME FINANCE CREATES KUTUMB

by Shrutee K/DNS

KUTUMB is an extension of social and environmental initiatives taken by IIFL Home Finance Limited— such as affordable housing loans, Swachh Bharat and Women Education and Empowerment. One of India’s largest HFCs, IIFL Home Finance Limited recently created ‘KUTUMB’, a platform to promote benefits of green architecture in the affordable housing segment in India. The platform is created in partnership with National Housing Bank (NHB), Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI), CDC UK, and Ashok B Lall Architects. The aim of KUTUMB is to promote sustainable and energy efficient real estate development in the country.

Mr. Monu Ratra, CEO, IIFL Home Finance Limited said “Affordable housing is a major component of mission ‘Housing for All by 2022’.  A significant portion of Indian population will live in these homes, yet this sector is devoid of the benefits of incorporating green and sustainable development. It is a myth that green architecture costs more and does not blend with the idea of affordable housing. Through KUTUMB, we want to create a platform where individuals and organizations can pool their knowledge and resources towards creating a sustainable future and greener society which aligns with the vision of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Housing for All by 2022”

Mr. P. Gopalakrishnan (MD, GBCI) shared the importance of green buildings for everyone within this generation and also stated that Surat will become the 1st ‘LEED for Cities’ in India. Pioneer in sustainable architecture, Mr. Ashok B Lall, emphasized on the impact that urbanization has on global climate change, with increased fuel and energy consumption, thus need for green architecture is of utmost priority. Also present at the occasion was Ms. Ritu Kumar (Director, CDC UK) who highlighted efficient and purposeful use of water and resources for benefit of society.

National Housing Bank (NHB) represented the government participation at the event supporting the green building initiatives in the country. Mr. Subhash, Regional Manager, National Housing Bank, highlighted the role NHB is playing as a catalyst in promoting green housing in India. He further added that NHB has signed an agreement with Agence Française de Développement (AFD), France to implement the project called “Sustainable Use of Natural Resources and Energy Finance (SUNREF) Housing India”. Under Promoting Green Housing Refinance Scheme (PGHRS), NHB will also provide refinancing support to eligible PLIs for their individual housing loans on green homes located in residential areas.

Besides making this announcement, Mr. Subhash also handed over the CLSS subsidy cheque to IIFL Home Loan customer Mr. Darahil Kapdne who was present with his family.

“KUTUMB is an extension of social and environmental initiatives taken by our company such as affordable housing loans, Swachh Bharat, and Women Education & Empowerment.” further added Mr. Monu Ratra.