Sustainable development incorporates a variety of strategies to be adopted at the time of design, construction and operation of building projects. Building and construction activities worldwide consume 3 billion tonnes of raw material.
What is a Green Building Product?
Green building materials are composed of renewable rather than non-renewable resources. Green materials are "environmentally responsible" as their impact is considered over the life of the product. Its assessment usually involves an evaluation of one or more criteria, depending upon project-specific goals. Green building products leave a light footprint on the environment over the full life cycle - from production to transportation, installation, use and renewal.
Criteria for selection of green building material depends on:
• Resource Efficiency
• Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)
• Energy Efficiency
• Water Conservation
• Affordability
To ensure resource efficiency, materials utilized should be of recycled content, and natural - harvested from sustainably managed resources. Products should be manufactured with resource efficient processes that reduce energy consumption and minimize waste and greenhouse gases. Moreover, the products should be locally available, thereby reducing transportation cost and energy. Products that are non-toxic, have minimal chemical emissions, are simple to clean and are moisture resistant enhance the IAQ of the building materials. The materials should be such that they help reduce energy and water consumption in the building and facilities. A plethora of green building materials are now being used in construction, like air and water purification devices; natural and non-toxic flooring like bamboo, cork, wood,non-toxic natural paints that are biodegradable; solar hotwater system, tankless-water heaters, water filters, water saving toilets and urinals, etc. Reuse is being done by salvaging floors, rooftops, etc, from deconstructed buildings, waterways and urban areas.
Green and eco-friendly projects in India:
Indian real estate is fast catching up with the idea of green buildings. A number of big developers have started eco-friendly projects. One of such projects is Supertech's Eco-City in Noida. Spread over an area of 12.6 acres, it consists of 2, 3, 3+1 and 4+1 BHK apartments with their areas in the range of 890 sq ft to 2,275 sq ft. There are 1,700 units in the complex, priced between Rs 19.79 lakh and Rs 1 crore.
This project incorporates ecologically responsive urbanism in which environment behind and between buildings is given equal importance as the building itself. Its main aim is to build zero-carbon emission by using special generators, machineries and ecological sanitation. The project's Master Plan emphasizes the maximum use of eco-label products, energy-efficient landscaping, rain garden, design clubhouse ecodome and biomass for energy and steam. Moreover, use of low voltage LED lights, paper bottles, plastic recycling bins, self electricity generation by using solar panels and wind-mills and irrigation system to recycle grey water are some of its salient features. 3C Company's Green Boulevard in Noida is listed among the ten green buildings in the world and one of the few commercial projects with a green status. The company was also awarded LEED Platinum rating by US Green Building Council for this project. It houses, among others, MNCs like Accenture and Sapient. It is a multi-tenant project with orientation of buildings, insulated walls, roof and use of high performance glass to minimise energy loads, water conservation and construction and waste management as some of its environment-friendly features.
According to building simulation results, its ecofriendly features help in saving 40% energy, compared to other office buildings in India. The orientation helps in harnessing natural diffused light from the North while pre-cooled air, heat-recovery wheel and free cooling in fair weather help in energy conservation. These are some of the unique features that set the project apart.
3C leads the way in development of green buildings. Lotus Panache is another of its project in the same league.
Located in Sector 110, Noida and spread over 41 acres, it showcases a mix of 2, 3 and 4BHK apartments. It has Asia's first Net Zero Energy and geothermal school building and Asia's first geothermal club building. Carbon credit sharing, virtual landscaping, natural lighting are some of its other features.
To take this concept a step further, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) aims to build billion square feet in the next two years, covered with green buildings and then turn to the corresponding reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. It aims for India to become self-sufficient in energy use and sustainable development and make green buildings only. It has also developed the Indian Green Building Council, India's first rating programme exclusively for the residential sector.
Individual Green Quotient in India
An individuals' effort in helping environment are equally essential. In India, awareness regarding green practices has increased manifold, with a number of individuals switching to green practices. According to a survey conducted by Brix Research, 75% of respondents admitted to using energy-efficient fixtures while 70% were using BEE certified energy saving electrical appliances. A whopping 90% were using light-colored walls to reduce heat intake. But, yet, there needs to be a greater awareness and promotion of green practices. As per the survey, only 37% practiced rainwater harvesting while just 13% used solar devices. Even though India and its real estate are moving towards sustainable development, more tangible steps need to be taken. Developers need to be informed how green buildings not only reduce maintenance and replacement costs and provide design flexibility but also help in energy conservation leading to a greener and healthier future. Awareness and promotion of green practices on an individual level also needs to be taken to a higher level.
