Commerce ministry has proposed mandatory norms for making special economic zones (SEZs) green, a move that could raise initial capital expenditure by promoters and developers although it could lower operating costs in the medium to long term.

So what are those Green Rules? 

• Building envelope according to energy conservation building code.
• External and internal lightning (minimum of 25% for internal) to be BEE star rated and solar lit.
• Common space lighting to use LEDs.
• Solar power to generate 50KW of power per ha.
• 50% hot water requirement to be solar.
• In situation water-generated power.
• 100% water harvesting.
• Zero waste generation.
• Internal transportation via electric buses and rickshaws.
• Exclusive pedestrian and bicycle lanes

Source: Ministry of Commerce & Industry.