Letter From The CEO
Ever since I was a young boy I loved nature and wanted to protect the Earth and I have spent my entire life promoting a healthy environment and creating the means to achieve it.
India is poised on the edge of huge growth in its economy, which, as in the case of China, will result in serious environmental challenges. Already, India's double digit energy growth rate gives rise to the challenges of meeting growing energy demands while at the same time preserving the integrity of the environment, as well as protecting national security.
Because the construction and operation of buildings is the most resource intensive and environmentally-damaging of all human activities—approximately 50 percent of global energy and material resources are consumed by the construction and operation of buildings—over a decade ago I founded the LEED green building rating system through the U.S. Green Building Council. Buildings certified by LEED use 30 to 70% less energy and water, are healthier for occupants and honor the land on which they are built. In the words of S. Raghupathy, Senior Advisor to the Confederation of Indian Industries, "LEED has helped us rediscover traditional Indian building design."
Crucial to transforming India's market is the ability to develop organically grown building and design solutions that address sustainable energy and resource needs. After 20 years developing and implementing environmental market transformation policies and programs, I have founded a company—American INDOTECH (AIT)—to bring cutting-edge sustainability technology and design services for buildings, urban areas and government programs to India. AIT has a unique market transformation strategy that integrates a regulatory push with a market pull. This integration leads to dramatic success compared with implementing either approach by itself.
AIT's strategy is to localize green design expertise and advanced technology production as rapidly as possible, with first priority to the Indian market.
Respectfully,
Robert Watson
President & CEO, American INDOTECH
Founding Chairman, LEED Green Building Rating System