New Delhi: In a bid to encourage use of solar energy and its management, President A P J Abdul Kalam today (June 8, 2004) suggested reducing property tax on buildings, which have innovative solar passive features.

Speaking at the 10th annual convention and national seminar of Indian Buildings Congress on Energy Management in Buildings and Services, the President said, "There are codes, bylaws, standards and building development control regulations for design of buildings.

"The National Building Code has recently been revised which lays down a set of minimum design provisions to protect people with regard to architectural and structural efficiency," Kalam said, adding "however, there are no standard guidelines for energy efficiency designs."

While highlighting the importance of conserving solar energy, the President said, "If a building has an innovative solar passive feature, a reduction in the rates of property tax could be considered."

The buildings designed with Solar Passive Feature have large south-facing windows with material that absorbs and stores Sun's heat during the day and releases the same during night.