The Pune model involves a eco-housing certification and stresses environment architecture, energy-efficient lighting, solar water heating, eco-friendly building material, water management, waste management and other innovative technologies. Besides, the civic body grants up to 50 per cent concession on the premium on proposals, and 10 per cent concession on house tax.

Builders across the state want to reap the benefits and the minister is ready to extend the incentives, provided they follow the rules. In a meeting convened recently, Tope proposed to grant property tax rebate and development charges besides amending development control rules, provided the civic body keeps a check on the builders. “The government is keen to come out with a housing policy itself and have the rules in place,” said Tope.

The minister said that it is a win-win situation for the government, civic bodies, consumers and the environment.

The PMC model was launched with the technical assistance of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and calls for compliance with parameters developed by the Science and Technology Park, International Institute for Energy Conservation and the Energy Resources Institute.

Each area has been assigned points depending on the impact on the environment. The developer too is given a rating.

Kumar Builders and Nyati Builders have already taken up the model. Promoters and Builders Association of Pune (PBAP) president Lalitkumar Jain said they have six projects in the offing.